2005 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,393 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 65 involved a crash and 45 involved a fire. 69 people were injured and 3 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
SteeringJul 21, 2014
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
Campaign 14E044000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 14, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Campaign 14V252000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 30, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the PARK position, the transmission may not be in PARK. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.
Campaign 14V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMar 31, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
Campaign 14V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpFeb 28, 2011
TI AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS, PART NUMBERS TU456 AND TU303, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AS AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.
A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.
TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON TO WWW.RECALLRESPONSE.COM.
Campaign 11E009000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
261 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Aug 17, 2009
2005 MALIBU MAXX, STARTER ASSEMBLY: SOMETIMES DIFFICULT TO START, ESPECIALLY AFTER RUNNING THE AIR CONDITIONER.PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO, OCCURRED SINCE THEN ABOUT 40 TO 50 TIMES. I RETIRED 18 MONTHS AGO AND DO NOT DRIVE AS MUCH NOW THAN I DI WHILE WORKING. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS DESPITE NEW BATTERY AND NOT RUNNING CONCURRENTLY THE FOLLOWING:AIR CONDITIONER DISK PLAYER, WINDSHIELD WIPERS,LIGHTS. ALL THE SYSTEMS ALWAYS CHECKED OUT OK, NO PROBLEM WAS DETECTED. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 6, 2009, fire
I STOPPED TO AIR UP A TIRE AND WASH MY CAR. I NOTICED SMOKE IN THE BACK PORTION OF MY CAR. I LOOKED IN THE TRUNK BUT COULDN'T TELL THE ORIGIN OF THE SMOKE. SMOKE CONTINUED TO FILL MY CAR FROM THE BACK AND I OPENED THE TRUNK AGAIN. I PLACED MY HAND ON THE LEFT FENDER AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED HOW HOT IT WAS. ANOTHER COSTUMER CAME OVER AND JERKED THE TRUNK LINER BACK TO REVEAL THAT THE FUSE PANEL WAS ON FIRE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 16, 2009
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE STARTER TURNING OVER EVEN WHEN THE CAR STARTS AND SOMETIMES IT STILL WONT START. THE DEALER SAYS IT NORMAL AND AFTER IT GETS MILES ON IT THEN IT WILL STOP... IT NOW HAS 52,000 MILES ON IT AND STILL DOES IT. I ALSO HAVE HAD TO HAVE IT IN THE SHOP EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS TO HAVE IT LUBED IN THE FRONT AXLE WHICH I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER MECHANICS AND THEY STATED THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE NEEDING IT EVER FEW MONTHS, IF I DON'T DO IT THEN EVERYTIME I TURN LEFT OR RIGHT THERE IS THIS HORRIBLE POPPING SOUND FROM THE FRONT END. I ALSO AM HAVING WIRING TROUBLE WITH THE CAR, THE FRONT BLINKER WONT WORK NO MATTER HOW MANY LIGHT BULBS I PUT IN IT, IT WONT WORK AND EVEN KEEPS MELTING THE PLASTIC ON THE BULB ITSELF. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 31, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER WINDOWS, LOCKS, LINKAGES, AND IGNITION SWITCH SPORADICALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AT THE COST OF $495. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED ITS MILEAGE. ALL REMEDIES AS OF MARCH 31, 2009 HAVE BEEN INSUFFICIENT IN CORRECTING THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Electrical system, Jan 26, 2009
I DRIVE A 2005 MALIBU CLASSIC AND IT STALLED AT 40MPH FOR NO REASON. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR NOTHING. I DRIVE 12 TO 15 MILES AND AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF IT WILL NOT START AGAIN FOR AT LEAST ONE TO FOUR HOURS. I HAVE SPENT $400 DOLLARS ON REPAIRS AND THE PROBLEMS STILL EXIST. I WANT TO LIVE. OTHER DRIVER ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I FOUND THIS INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET. WHAT CAN I DO. I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON T HES CAR AND I HAVE OWNED IT FOR ONE YEAR. PLEASE HELP. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 21, 2009
CAR WOULD NOT START. THOUGHT THE BATTERY WAS DEAD DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER, THOUGHT THE CARBURETOR WAS FLOODED. GOT A JUMP, CAR WOULDN'T START. WENT BACK OUT THE NEXT DAY, TRIED DE-ICER, TRIED TO JUMP IT, STILL WOULDN'T START. WENT BACK 2 DAYS LATER, TRIED TO JUMP IT, TRIED USING QUICKSTART, STILL WOULDN'T START. GOT IT TOWED THE NEXT DAY, THEY TOLD ME THE PASSLOCK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WAS ENABLED. PAID $453 FOR A NEW PASSLOCK SENSOR AND TOW. WENT ONLINE AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER PEOPLE W/ CHEVY MALIBUS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO APPARENTLY IS TURN THE KEY TO ON, HOLD IT THERE FOR 10 MINUTES OR UNTIL THEFT LIGHT GOES OFF, TURN THE KEY TO OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS. THEN THEY CAR WILL START. I HAD TO GET RIDES TO WORK, MISSED SEVERAL APPOINTMENTS THIS WEEKEND, ALL BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE A VEHICLE. PAID $453 FOR A PROBLEM THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED FOR FREE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED IN THE FIRST PLACE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 15, 2008
MY 2005 MALIBU MAXX LT HAS HAD A RECURRING PROBLEM BESIDES THE "ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE" WHICH HAS SO FAR NOT FAILED AGAIN (DID TWICE ONCE WHEN BRAND NEW, AND AGAIN AT ABOUT 20,000 KM. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 45,000 KM ON IT NOW! WE LIVE IN WINNIPEG WHERE WINTER TEMPERATURES OFTEN ARE BELOW FREEZING FROM MID NOVEMBER TO MID APRIL. TODAY IT IS -25 C WITH WINDCHILL OF -44 C. EVERY WINTER WE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.....THE IGNITION KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF ITS SLOT...TRY WIGGLING IT AND AT THE SAME TIME WIGGLING THE SHIFT LEVER IN PARK....SOMETIMES IT WORKS SOMETIMES NOT. THE GM DEALER (VICKARS COMMUNITY CHEVROLET) WHERE WE GO FOR SERVICE HAS TRIED TO FIX IT TWICE, BUT IT ALWAYS RECURS WHEN IT IS VERY COLD. WE HAVE HAD TO REMOVE THE "REMOTE DOOR UNLOCK AND LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AT TIMES. THIS IS NOT A GOOD THING IN THE CANADIAN CITY WITH THE HIGHEST CAR THEFT RATE! WE THINK IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE ANTI-THEFT PASS LOCK SYSTEM. BY THE WAY ALL CARS IN MANITOBA MUST HAVE AN APPROVED ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM TO BE INSURED OR REGISTERED. THE MANITOBA PUBLIC INSURANCE CORP. DOES APPROVE THE FACTORY SYSTEM ON THE MALIBU MAXX. IT IS JUST TOO FINICKY AND INCONVENIENT. BUT AT LEAST WE WERE NOT FORCED TO PUT IN A "THIRD PARTY" FOB WHICH MANY PEOPLE HAVE FOUND CAUSES ALL KINDS OF OTHER PROBLEMS ESPECIALLY WITH "COMMAND START" SYSTEMS (MALIBU HAS A FACTORY COMMAND START.) WONDER IF OTHERS HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEM?? *TR
Electrical system, Dec 12, 2008
TURN SIGNAL & 4-WAY FLASHER OPERATION, COMPLETE FAILURE, INTERMITTENT. HOT, COLD, KEY/ENGINE/HEADLAMPS ON/OFF. DRL REMAINS FUNCTIONAL. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 13, 2008
I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN MARCH 2005. AFTER A MONTH I STARTED HAVING DIFFICULTIES WITH STARTING IT. I WOULD TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN THERE WOULD BE NO POWER, I WOULD TURN THE KEY AGAIN AND THERE WOULD BE POWER BUT THE INFO STATION WOULD RESET. I HAVE A FRIEND WHO DROVE IT SOMETIMES AND THE SAME THING WOULD OCCUR FOR HIM. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS PURCHASED FROM THREE DIFFERENT TIMES, THEY COULDN'T LOCATE THE PROBLEM BUT WOULD RESET THE COMPUTERS TO FACTORY, ONE TIME THEY INSTALLED AN UPDATE. IT WOULD STOP FOR A FEW MONTHS AND THEN START BACK UP. A YEAR AFTER PURCHASE I FOUND A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP(2006), THEY SAID IT WAS THE HEADLIGHT AND REPLACED IT, THEY ALSO UPDATED AND RESET THE COMPUTER. IT STOPPED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND THEN RESTARTED. THEN ONE DAY THE CD PLAYER WOULDN'T QUIT WORKING, IT SHOWED I NEEDED TO EJECT CD BUT THERE WAS NO CD TO EJECT, IT WOULD WHIR CONSTANTLY. THEN ONE MORNING LAST FALL(2007) THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO POWER, WE GOT IT JUMP STARTED AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DISCOVERED SOMETHING WITH AN IGNITION CONNECTION BEING PLASTIC INSTEAD OF METAL. THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN UNDER A GOODWILL WARRANTY. NOW MY VEHICLE IS DOING THE SAME THING, YOU TURN THE KEY AND THERE IS NO POWER, THE SECOND TIME THERE IS POWER, BUT THE INFO STATION IS RESET. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WE ARE OVER THE 12000 WARRANTY MILES ON THE NEW PART, SO THERE IS NO GOODWILL WARRANTY ON THIS ONE AND IT WILL COST AROUND $600 AND THAT IT PROBABLY ISN'T THE SAME PART ANYWAY. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM I HAVE HAD FROM DAY ONE OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD IT IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIPS WHO COULDN'T TRULY DISCOVER THE PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO FIX SOMETHING THAT I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET FIXED FROM DAY ONE. I WOULD THINK THAT IF IT WAS SOMETHING DIFFERENT THERE WOULD BE DIFFERENT PROBLEMS THAN ALWAYS LOSING POWER. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 10, 2008
THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM IN MY 2005 CHEVY MALIBU LS KEEPS COMING ON WHILE I'M DRIVING. WHEN THAT HAPPENS EVERYTHING ON THE DASH STOPS WORKING. MPH, FUEL ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON . WHEN ANTI-THEFT LIGHT COMES ON THE CAR WILL NOT START. SO THAT LEAVES ME AND MY DAUGHTERS STUCK. NOW WHEN I STOP AND PARK THE CAR FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATES. I AM SO SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW IF IT'S GOING TO START. ME AND MY DAUGHTERS HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN DARK PARKING LOTS FOR UP TO 6 HOURS. ALSO THE BREAK LIGHT ARE A MESS. WHEN I'M DRIVING THE ARE ON AND WHEN I PUSH ON THE BREAK THE GO OFF. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP US WITH THIS HORRIBLE CAR. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER AMERICAN MADE CAR AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, Equipment, Aug 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE ANTI THEFT DEVICE HAS FAILED REPEATEDLY, THE ENGINE MAKES A TICKING SOUND, THE STEERING WHEEL IS SLIPPING OR LOOSE, AND OIL LEAKS FROM THE ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DASHBOARD . VIBRATES. THE CONTACT HEARS A NOISE IN THE RADIO WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON, THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED, THE REMOTE START WOULD NOT START THE VEHICLE, AND THE ENGINE SHAKES ROUGHLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,030 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. UPDATED 09/24/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENTIRE SUSPENSION. THE SHOCKS AND BEARINGS MADE A NOISY. THE HAZARD LIGHTS FAILED. UPDATED 09/30/08.*JB
Electrical system, Visibility, Aug 11, 2008
MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL WORK SOMETIMES AND NOT OTHERS, I REPLACED THE FUSE. IN THE RAIN WIPERS WILL BE WORKING FINE, THEN QUIT ALL OF A SUDDEN. MY MECHANIC COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. IF YOU DO NOT TAKE THE FUSE OUT NOW, THE WIPERS WILL STAY ON CONSTANTLY. IF YOU WANT TO USE THEM NOW YOU HAVE TO PUT THE FUSE BACK IN TO MAKE THEM WORK. YOU HAVE TO HOPE YOU CAN PULL OVER SAFELY ONCE THE RAIN STARTS. I AM CONSTANTLY USING RAIN X WHEN IT LOOKS LIKE RAIN. THIS IS THE 2ND ELECTRICAL PROBLEM I HAVE HAD WITH MY 2005 CHEVY MALIBU. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment, Jul 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND. THE FAILURE BEGAN SIX MONTHS AGO AND NOW IT IS CAUSING THE POWER STEERING TO FAIL. THE FAILURE WAS VERY SUBTLE AT FIRST, BUT NOW THE POWER STEERING FAILS FOR DAYS AT A TIME. THE AIR CONDITIONING WOULD ACTIVATE ON AND OFF, BUT NOW IT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE AND AIR CONDITIONING RESISTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CONTROL PANEL IS WARM TO THE TOUCH AFTER DRIVING FOR SOME TIME. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH THE DEALER AND THE REPAIR WILL COST OVER $900. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 09/10/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SHOCKS WENT BAD, THE TIE ROD ENDS HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE CD BECAME STUCK IN THE CD PLAYER. THE REAR CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE STARTER WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. UPDATED 09/12/08. *JB
Electrical system, May 22, 2008
1)IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. I WAS TOLD BY A SERVICE EMPLOYEE AT THE CHEVY DEALER TO MAKE SURE MY EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT COVERED ELECTRICAL PARTS BECAUSE THE SWITCH WOULD FAIL AND IT WOULD COST 500.00 TO FIX. SURE ENOUGH, 6 MONTHS LATER, IT DID. WARRANTY COVERED PART REPLACEMENT. 2) TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY HARD. THIS HAPPENED 4 DAYS IN A ROW. AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROX 2 HOURS, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING EXTREMELY HARD. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND THE PROBLEM WAS GONE. AFTER THE 4TH DAY, IT HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN FOR APPROX 5 MONTHS NOW. 3) ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WINDOW MOTOR WENT OUT. REPLACED PART. HIGH/LOW BEAM (COMBINATION SWITCH) WENT OUT, REPLACED PART. NOW HORN HONKS AT WILL. HAD TO PULL THE RELAY TO STOP IT. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 4, 2008
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU. THE LIGHT IN MY DASHBOARD STOPPED WORKING. I TOOK IT TO WESTERN AUTO, AUTO ZONE, AND BRIANS AUTO REPAIR THINKING IT WAS A FUSE THAT WENT OUT. I WAS TOLD THAT AT LEAST THREE OTHER PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE, BUT WAS TOLD BY GM THERE WAS NOT A RECALL CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. I THEN WENT BACK TO AUTO ZONE AND ASKED THEM TO CONTACT ME IF SOMEONE ELSE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANICS AT GM THE AUTO IS TO NEW TO HAVE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. OF COURSE I DIDN'T GET AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, SO THIS IS SOMETHING I HAVE TO PAY FOR OUT OF MY POCKET. I'M VERY UPSET ABOUT THIS, SO MY PLAN IS TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT, AND TO TAKE OUT NEWS PAPERS AIDS IN THE SURROUNDING CITIES TO SEE EXACTLY HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 7, 2008
DROVE CAR 2 BLOCKS TURNED OFF IGNITION. ATTEMPTED TO START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. UPON OPENING DOOR NO LIGHTS, INSERT KEY IN IGNITION, TURN ,NOTHING ON CONSOLE NO IGNITION. HAD MECHANIC CHECK CAR STATED IT HAS TO BE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR THIS PROBLEM BEFORE, IGNITION MODULE REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED,(2 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CURRENT SITUATION). ALSO HAVE HAD PROBLEMS RELATED TO TRANSMISSION, WOULD NOT START IN PARK. HAD TO PUT IN NEUTRAL AND PUSH UP TO PARK WHILE TURNING KEY. TAKEN TO PERSONAL MECHANIC CHANGED OUT LINKAGE IN TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND REPROGRAMMED. REMOTE DOES NOT DO ANYTHING. CHECKED FUSES AND BATTERY ALL GOOD. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 16, 2007
2005 CHEVY MALIBU WITH ODOMETER PROBLEM. CONSUMER STATES SHE TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY SAID THE ODOMETER WAS ABSOLUTELY ACCURATE. CONSUMER BELIEVES THE ODOMETER IS READING 3.4% HIGH, GIVING THE VEHICLE MORE MILEAGE. *KB
Electrical system, Oct 2, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE BOTH HANDS TO STEER THE VEHICLE WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY SIXTEEN HOURS TO RESET THE STEERING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 51,000.
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2007
2003 CHEVY MALIBU PASS LOCK SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE. CUSTOMER STATES WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM WILL ENGAGE SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE AND YOU HAVE TO WAIT AT LEAST 10 MINUTES TO RESTART IT. **NAR**KB
Electrical system, Aug 31, 2007
I JUST PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX LS AND IM HAVING INTERMITTENT STARTING PROBLEMS. IT APPEARS TO HAPPEN MORE WHEN I'VE BEEN DRIVING WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON AND I STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CAR WILL CRANK FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME LIKE ITS GOING TO START BUT WILL NOT START INITIALLY. AFTER A WHILE IT DOES START AND THEN APPEARS TO BE NORMAL. I'VE CHECKED THE STARTER, ALTERNATOR, AND THE BATTERY ALL CHECKS OUT GOOD. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 29, 2007
I BOUGHT MY CAR ABOUT 9 MONTHS AGO. IT HAS ABOUT 36,750 MILES ON IT NOW AND MY THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT STARTED STAYING ON AFTER I WOULD START MY CAR. THEN A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER IT WOULD NOT LET ME START THE CAR AT ALL. THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WOULD STEADILY BLINK. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED, THEY CHANGED OUT THE IGNITION IN IT AND REPROGRAMMED THE CAR AND RUNS FINE. THE GM PLACE I TOOK IT TO SAID THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS CERTAIN PART GOING OUT IN CARS. I DON'T THINK IT IS FAIR THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR THIS WHEN IT HAS BEEN OUT OF WARRANTY FOR ONLY 700 MILES. *JB
Electrical system, Jul 29, 2007
IN THE PAST WEEK, BOTH OF MY SONS' CARS DEVELOPED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM (GM PASSLOCK SYSTEM) FAILED WITH A RESULTING COST OF $500.00 EACH TO REPAIR. ON E WAS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO AND THE OTHER A 2005 CHEVROLET CLASSIC. THIS IS A BIT TOOOOO COINCIDENTAL FOR ME. I LOOKED AT FORUMS ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE WITH GM VEHICLES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME PART NUMBER.... THIS IS A RECALL ITEM, AND GM NEEDS TO MAKE IT RIGHT IF THEY WANT TO SELL CARS TO AMERICANS. THE CARS JUST REFUSE TO RECOGNIZE THE IGNITION KEY. THIS GOES FOR BACKUP IGNITION KEYS TOO. HELP US. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 17, 2007
I OWNED THE 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. DURING THAT TIME I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR TURN SIGNAL ONCE, AND THE FRONT TURN SIGNALS ABOUT 3 TIMES EACH. SOMETHINGWAS DEFINITELY WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL PART OF THIS VEHICLE. THE WARRANTY HAS NOW EXPIRED, SO I CAN GET NOTHING DONE ABOUT IT FROM GM OR CHEVROLET. *AK A SECOND COMPLAINT CONCERNS THE FAN FOR THE AIRCONDITIONER/HEATER. IT RATTLES CONSTANTLY. BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED I TOOK IT IN TWICE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD REPAIRS DONE ON THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE MOTOR WAS REPLACED . . . WAS TOLD THEIR WAS SOMETHING LODGED IN THE FAN. A WEEK LATER THE SAME NOISE. NOTHING HAS BEEN RESOLVED.
Electrical system, Apr 10, 2007
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK BROKE THAT IN TURN MADE THE IGNITION SWITCH GO OUT AND NOT RECOGNIZE THAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO TURN, CAUSING THE LOCK AND TUMBLER TO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEN, AFTER BEING REPLACED IT NEEDED TO BE TAKEN TO A DEALER TO HAVE A FLASH DONE TO IT, FOR THE CAR TO RECOGNIZE THE NEW IGNITION. YOU CAN'T GET OLD PARTS FOR THIS, AND THE PARTS HAVE TO BE PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 28, 2007
RE: 2005 CHEVY MALIBU SEDAN LS. (1). ON 2-11-07, CAR STARTED HARD; ACCELARATED POORLY & RAN ROUGH AT IDLE, W/'CHECK ENGINE LIGHT' FLASHING; IGNITION SWITCH MODULE WAS REPLACED (20,234 MILES). (2) ON 2-25-07, CHECK ENGINE LAMP WAS ON; A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS ORDERED (20,554 MILES). *NM