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
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE AND ALL OF THE ELECTRONICS IN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,600. UPDATED 4/4/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM CONTINUED BUT THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE PCM (POWER CONTROL MODULE) FAILED, PCM WAS REPLACED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jan 18, 2014
WHEN STARTING THE CAR IT WOULD HESITATE BEFORE TURNING OVER. LATER IT BEGAN TO STRUGGLE TO TURN OVER. NOW ITS STRUGGLING TO TURN OVER BUT WON'T. I PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY AT FIRESTONE LESS THAN A MONTH AGO AND THE CAR HAS PLENTY OF GAS. I ALSO TOOK THE CAR INTO FIRESTONE FOR A VEHICLE INSPECTION THE DAY BEFORE I BOUGHT THE BATTERY. IF THE CAUSE IS A DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP, THE 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. MANY CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS FOUND THAT THE ALARM OR ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM HAD THE FUEL SYSTEM LOCKED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND AT THE MOST INCONVENIENT TIMES. THE OWNER'S MANUAL SAID TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE ON POSITION LEAVE IT ON FOR 10 MINUTES, THEN TURN IT OFF FOR 5 SECONDS AND THEN IT STARTED UP. I HAVE NOT TRIED THIS YET BUT I WILL IN THE MORNING. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 31, 2013
POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING. HERE IN 2013, WITH 175000 MILES, GM WILL NOT HONOR THEIR "SERVICE POLICY" , DUE TO MILES! IT ONLY COVERED UP TO 150000 MILES! ABSURD! *TR
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Oct 15, 2013
THE FUEL GAUGE SUDDENLY STARTED TO JUMP UP AND DOWN AND VEHICLE ENGINE GETS OFF AND ON. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 16, 2013
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN I-680 IN NORTHERN CA'S BAY AREA. WHILE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY IN THE SLOW LANE AND MY POWER STEERING WARNING POPPED UP ON MY CAR STEREO DISPLAY AND A SPLIT SECOND LATER I LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER MY CAR. I SLOWED THE VEHICLE AS FAST AS I COULD WITHOUT SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES. ALL OF THE CARS BEHIND ME SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO CAUSE A PILE-UP. A NICE MAN BEHIND GOT OUT OF HIS TRUCK AND HELPED ME FORCE THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT SO I COULD PULL THE CAR OFF OF THE ROAD. I THEN CALLED MY BROTHER AND HE CAME AND TOWED THE CAR HOME. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A WARNING TO THIS ISSUE. IT NEVER ACTED UP AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN INSTRUCTED TO DO A SAFETY CHECK ON THE POWER STEERING. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 3, 2013
I PURCHASED MY CHEVY MALIBU MAXX JANUARY OF JUST LAST YEAR AND I HAD TO REPLACE MY FRONT LEFT HEAD LIGHT THINKING NOTHING OF JUST NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND THIS WAS RIGHT AROUND AUGUST OF LAST YEAR AND IT IS NOW MARCH OF 2013 AND I JUST HAD TO DO IT AGAIN BUT THIS GO ROUND IT SEEMED MORE LIKE A SHORT BECAUSE IT STOPPED WORKING ONE NIGHT DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHICH I DRIVE A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY AT NIGHT AND THAT NEXT MORNING IT WAS WORKING JUST FINE SO ME BEING THE NORMAL AMERICAN PERSON I THINK NOTHING OF IT BUT THE FOLLOWING DAY IT GOES OUT FULLY AND WHEN I WENT TO GO CHANGE THE LIGHT THIS TIME I NOTICED IT HAD ACTUALLY BURNED THROUGH THE AMBER COLOR COVER OF THE BULB AND ALSO BURNED THE SOCKET UP IN THE VEHICLE. BUT NOW GET THIS ABOUT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR MY AUX FUSE BEGAN TO BLOW OVER AND OVER NOT THINKING ANYTHING ABOUT IT BUT NOW AFTER READING ALL OF THESE DIFFERENT SITUATIONS I KINDA WONDER IF THE TWO SITUATIONS COULD HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH ONE ANOTHER. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 23, 2013
TURN SIGNALS BURNING SO HOT THEY EXPLODE, AND MELT NOT ONLY HOUSING FOR BULB, BUT ALSO THE SOCKET IN ORDER TO REPLACE BULB IS MELTED TOO. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS AS I HAVE FOUND OVER 200 OTHER COMPLAINTS OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE! *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 6, 2013
THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER WORK IN THE PARKING LOT. ARRANGED A RIDE HOME AND DID SOME RESEARCH. WENT BACK TO THE VEHICLE AND GOT IT STARTED WITH SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO RESET THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM (SECURITY LIGHT ON DASH WAS ON). THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE WON'T START EVEN AFTER GOING THROUGH THE RESET PROCEDURE SEVERAL TIMES. THIS PROBLEM CAN LEAVE ONE STRANDED ANYPLACE AT ANYTIME. WE LIVE IN MININESOTA AND THAT CAN BE A REAL PROBLEM AT -20 DEG. AFTER READING ABOUT MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE, I WAS MOTIVATED TO SHARE THIS IN HOPES OF INITIATING A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 19, 2012
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE VERY USED AT 143XXX MILES, FROM A "REPUTABLE" DEALER. I GOT A TUNE UP AS WELL AS AN OIL CHANGE, STANDARD USED CAR PURCHASE PROCEDURE. MY DAD INITIALLY BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT WHILE DRIVING MY FUEL GAUGE DROPPED DOWN TO E, THE LOW GAS LIGHT LIT UP AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. A LOCAL AUTO PARTS STORE SAID I SHOULD USE A FUEL INJECTION KIT FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. NOW I HAVE 146XXX MILES AND IT HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE TIME I GET GAS. IT'S NERVE RACKING BECAUSE I DO DRIVE FREQUENTLY AND MY MAIN CONCERN IS HOW MUCH GAS DO I HAVE? I CAME ACROSS A GUY THAT WORKS AT A DIFFERENT AUTO STORE AND HE SAID IT'S PROBABLY MY SENDER UNIT FOR MY GAS TANK, WHICH SHOULD COST ABOUT $300 TO FIX DEPENDING ON WHERE I TAKE IT. MY NEXT SET OF ISSUES IS MY HORN, I WAS UNAWARE THAT IT DIDN'T WORK UPON PURCHASING UNTIL I WENT TO HONK IT AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I TOOK IT TO MIDAS AND THEY REPLACED THE FUSE. AFTER DRIVING IT HOME THE HORN STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. I HEARD IT'S JUST SOME WIRES TOUCHING BUT NOBODY DOES ELECTRICAL WORK. TODAY, A FRIEND ASKED IF MY TURN SIGNALS WERE WORKING. I SAID THEY DID AND HE SAID THEY WERE BURNT UP, PLASTIC AND ALL. I LOOKED AND SURE ENOUGH THEY WERE MELTED AND THE LIGHT ITSELF WAS BLACK ON THE INSIDE AND IT LOOKED LIKE IT'S ON THE VERGE OF SHATTERING. HE ASKED IF THERE WERE RECALLS ON ANYTHING WITH THIS CAR, I TOLD HIM I CALLED A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER AND THE GUY INSISTED OTHERWISE. NOW, I CHECKED THIS WEBSITE AND BOTH THE GAS AND LIGHTS ARE ON A LIST OF RECALLS. APPARENTLY, NOT ALL DEALERS KNOW HALF THE INFORMATION THEY SHOULD FOR CONCERNED DRIVERS. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Nov 2, 2012
MY CARS HEADLIGHTS ARE DIM AT NIGHT AND TAKE A WHILE TO GET BRIGHTER EVEN THOUGH I HAVE HAD THE BULB REPLACED AND THE LIGHTING COMPONENTS CHECKED OUT. THE WINDOWS WON'T ROLL DOWN FROM ANY SIDE OF THE CAR, A RECURRENCE FROM TWO YEARS AGO. ALSO MY DOORS WON'T UNLOCK FROM THE AUTO-UNLOCK BUTTON THAT SITS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS OF MY CHEVROLET CAR OWNERSHIP. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER USING THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE HOLDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE LIGHTER HE NOTICED MORE SMOKE COMING FROM THE WIRES THAT WERE ATTACHED TO THE RADIO, AIR CONDITIONER, HEATER, WHICH WERE ALSO BURNED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 13, 2012
WE BOUGHT THIS CAR 4 YRS AGO IN AUG 2008 AT ONLY A FEW YRS OLD WE WERE VERY OPTIMISTIC THAT THE $ WE WERE SPENDING ON IT WOULD BE WORTH THE LESS UPKEEP THAN THAT OF THE 1994 CROWN VIC THAT WE TRADED IN (& MY HUSBANDS 78 OLDS THAT HAS ALWAYS REQUIRED MORE WORK THAN IT PUT OUT SINCE HE PURCHASED IT WHEN WE MET BACK IN 06). SINCE IT WAS A FEW YRS OLD WE THOUGHT THAT EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO WARRANTY ON OUR NEW "USED" CAR, WE WOULD BE OK. WE WERE WRONG. THE FIRST PROBLEM WE NOTICED WAS THE ALIGNMENT WHICH MAKES THE CAR SHAKE/VIBRATE AT SPEEDS 60+ & OUR FIRST VACATION WE TOOK IT ON WHICH WE ONLY DROVE 4-5 HRS THERE & WE ENDED UP WITH 2 FLAT TIRES ON THE WAY. THEN THE HEADLIGHTS & BLINKERS HAD TO BE REPLACED (FULL UNITS) BC BOTH OF THEM KEPT GIVING OUT & THE BULBS WEREN'T THE PROBLEMS & I KEPT GETTING TRAFFIC TICKETS BC I WASN'T ALWAYS AWARE WHEN ONE WOULD GO OUT. OUR 2 BIGGEST PROBLEMS TO DATE HAVE BEEN OUR FUEL SENSOR/ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH QUIT WORKING AFTER 1 YR & I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS 10 TIMES BC IT ISN'T EASY TO KEEP UP WITH MILES/DATES & I HAVE KIDS SO FILLING UP EVERY DAY ISN'T EASY EITHER AS WELL AS THE LOCKS/BUTTONS ON THE DRIVERS DOOR THAT DO NOT WORK & I HAVE TO OPEN MY TRUNK WITH A KEY & HAD TO PAY $ TO GET AUTO LOCK SO THAT I DON'T HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK THE DOORS W/ THE KEYS & THE TRANSMISSION/MOTOR WE HAD TO PAY $2750 TO REPLACE BC THE LAST ONE COMPLETELY GAVE OUT RESULTING IN THE CAR NOT BEING ABLE TO RUN WHATSOEVER & MY HUSBAND HAVING TO LITERALLY PUSH MY NEUTRAL CAR WITH HIS BC WE DIDN'T HAVE THE $ AT THE TIME TO FIX IT.. BESIDES THESE PROBLEMS THERE ARE THE SEATS (PLASTIC PANELS) FALLING/CRACKING APART, WE HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD BC ANYTIME IT RAINED OUR SEATS WOULD BE COMPLETELY SOAKED.. & MANY OTHER PROBLEMS I STILL DEAL WITH. KEEP IN MIND FOR THE 4 YRS I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR I HAVEN'T WRECKED IT & MY HUSBAND KEEPS IT UP (CHANGES OIL, BRAKES,ETC). *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 12, 2012
I WAS AT A STOP SIGN WENT TO PRESS GAS PEDAL TO TURN ONTO ROAD AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON NOR DID IT SHOW ANY CODES. GOT OUT OF CAR POPPED TRUNK PULLED RELAY FUSE OUT PUT IT BACK IN AND IT CRANKED UP,THEN ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK,GOING ABOUT 25 MPH AND IT JUST SHUT DOWN AGAIN,I REPEATED PULLING OUT RELAY FUSE AND PUT IT BACK IN THEN WAITED A MINUTE THEN IT CRANKED AND I DROVE STRAIGHT HOME. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 9, 2012
I HAVE OWNED MY 2005 MALIBU MAXX FOR JUST OVER A YEAR AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL SOCKETS, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES, THREE TIMES NOW DUE TO MELTED SOCKETS AND AMBER COVERS MELTING DOWN TO THE BULBS. EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE VENTED THEY DO NOT STAY COOL ENOUGH TO PREVENT SEVERE ELECTRICAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPONENTS. IN REPLACING THESE COMPONENTS I HAVE TO WAIT A WEEK UNTIL THE PARTS ARE SHIPPED OUT AND AM FORCED TO DRIVE WITH FAULTY EQUIPMENT. I AM UNABLE TO JUST REPLACE THE BULBS AND HAVE TO CONSTANTLY CHANGE THE BULBS OUT BEFORE THEY MELT TO THE SOCKETS. THIS IS A HUGE HAZARD AS THEY CAN GO OUT ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC PUTTING ME AT A GREATER RISK OF INJURY. PLEASE FORCE GM TO ISSUE AN ACTUAL RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND NOT JUST SKATE FREE ON THE SERVICE BULLETIN THAT HAS BEEN ISSUED. THANK YOU, *TR
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Mar 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED, FUEL WOULD NOT PUMP PROPERLY INTO THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED IMPROPER READINGS, AND THE SPEEDOMETER WAS INOPERATIVE. THE LOCAL MECHANIC REPAIRED THE FUEL SYSTEM. NEITHER THE DEALER, NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Feb 15, 2012
UPON ATTEMPTING TO START MY VEHICLE AS ALWAYS I WAS SURPRISED TO FIND MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. I HAD AN ANTI THEFT LIGHT COME ON AS WELL. I WAITED, TRIED AGAIN NO LUCK. TO HELP THINGS OUT MY CELL PHONE WAS DEAD AND I COULD NOT CALL ANYONE. I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO GET BACK INTO MY WORK WHICH HAS HIGH SECURITY, AND I WAS ABLE TO CONTACT MY HUSBAND WHO EVENTUALLY WAS ABLE TO TELL ME HOW TO BYPASS THIS ISSUE. SO I WENT BACK OUT AND TRIED IT AND AFTER 10 MIN OF SITTING IN MY COLD CAR IN A DARK PARKING LOT ALONE I WAS ABLE TO START MY VEHICLE. THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE FIXED. I FINALLY MADE IT HOME AN HOUR AND A HALF AFTER I WAS OFF WORK BUT WHAT A SCARY AND COULD HAVE BEEN EXPENSIVE ISSUE TO HAVE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Dec 31, 2011
CAR LOST POWER, STEERING INTACT & I STEERED IT TO THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. ANTI-THEFT LIGHT WAS FLASHING. ON JUN 4TH, ALL ATTEMPTS TO RESET THE THE SYSTEM FAILED (I WAS WAITING TEN MINUTES WITH KEY IN ON POSITION). THE CAR BEGAN TO FLASH ALL LIGHTS & A BUZZING ALARM SOUNDED. BY JULY, THE ANTI THEFT DEVICE WAS PREVENTING STARTING OR CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STOP ON A DAILY BASIS. A CODE INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SUPPLY TO THE INJECTORS & POSSIBLY THE FUEL PUMP. (THE ANTI THEFT DEVICE WORKS BY CUTTING OFF THE FUEL TO THE INJECTORS). REPLACED 2 FUEL PUMPS (ALL WORKING), HAD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CHECKED, REPLACED A DEFECTIVE FUSE BOX,BENT PLUG. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY, & WAS DOCUMENTED BY THE SHOP. TODAY CAR WAS DISABLED BY THE ANTI THEFT DEVICE AS I TURNED ONTO THE STATE HIGHWAY.. WHEN I PICKED MY HUSBAND UP FROM WORK AT NIGHT THE CAR DISPLAYED THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT AND BUZZED & QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF A FOUR LANE ROAD. WE MANAGED TO GET ALMOST HOME, & TURNED INTO OUR DRIVEWAY WHEN THE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING & THE BUZZER AGAIN WENT OFF. A CAR ALMOST HIT US, BUT THE GUY PULLED OVER & HELPED PUSH OUR CAR. THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER OFFERED TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC FOR $98, BUT SAYS THERE ARE NO BULLETINS OR RECALLS IT APPEARS THAT A GREAT MANY INCIDENTS OF THIS SORT HAVE OCCURRED WITHOUT ANY RESPONSE BY THE NHTSA TO INITIATE A RECALL OR HAVE CHEVROLET FIX OR DISABLE THE DEVICE ON AFFECTED VEHICLES, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A SPAN OF OVER SEVEN YEARS OR MORE DURING WHICH CHEVY CONTINUED TO MANUFACTURE VEHICLES WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE THAT THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE & CAUSING LIFE THREATENING EVENTS. PLEASE DIRECT CHEVROLET TO NOTIFY OWNERS & AMELIORATE THE DANGER CREATED BY THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AT THEIR EXPENSE. *KB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 1, 2011
ALL THE DOOR LOCKS UNLOCK AND LOCK WITH IN DRIVING POSITION FOLLOWED BY A BEEP IT DOES THIS CONSTANTLY. I BELIEVE IS VERY UNSAFE WITH CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT. ISSUE WITH THE GAS GAUGE GOING CRAZY, GOES FROM FULL TO EMPTY SO YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THE GAS IS GOING TO RUN OUT. ALSO ISSUES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS AND OTHER BULBS BEING BLOWN. ALL SEEMS LIKE SOME ELECTRICAL ISSUES BUT NOT SURE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Nov 16, 2011
VEHICLE HAS FAILED TO START AFTER DRIVING AND THEN PARKING. FIRST TIME HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO S REPAIR SHOP. THEY REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND INSTALLED A NEW FUEL FILTER. VEHICLE STILL DID NOT START. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE WEB. I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS . I FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE VEHICLE ANTI- THEFT DEVICE. IT MALFUNCTIONS AND SHUTS THE FUEL INJECTORS DOWN. I FOUND A FIX ON THE WEB, YOU HAVE TO TURN THE KEY ON FOR 10 TO 15 MINUTES UNTIL THE VEHICLE THEFT LIGHT QUITS BLINKING TURN KEY TO THE OFF POSITION REMOVE THE KEY WAIT 1 TO 2 MINUTES AND THEN START VEHICLE IT WORKS. THIS IS A TEMPORARY FIX IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME TWO MORE TIMES. I CALLED THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND INQUIRED TO SEE IF THEY HAD HEARD OR HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE 2002 AND THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RE-CALL FOR THE PROBLEM. I CALLED CHEVROLET AND INFORMED THEM OF THE PROBLEM. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP GM HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM FOR YEARS. AND THEY HAVE NOT DONE A THING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ACCORDING IT WILL COST $500.00 TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THIS IN MY OPINION IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD PUTTING PEOPLE IN DANGER. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 4, 2011
I PURCHASED THIS 2005 CHEVY MALIBU USED. SHORTLY AFTER HAD THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL BULB BLOW, THEN LEFT TURN AND BOTH HEADLIGHTS AT THE SAME TIME. WHILE REPLACING THE BULBS, I NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC SURROUNDING THE TURN SIGNAL BULB HAD A LARGE HOLE IN IT FROM MELTING. THE OTHER ASSEMBLY HAD THE SAME HOLE BURNT IN THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BULB COVER. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS AT LEAST 2 MORE TIMES THIS YEAR. THE PROBLEMS WITH BULBS FAILING SEEMS TO HAPPEN IN WET WEATHER MORE FREQUENTLY THAN DRY WEATHER. SO I BELIEVE WATER IS GETTING INTO THE HEADLAMPS THROUGH THESE HOLES. THE EXTREME HEAT IS CAUSING THE HEADLIGHT TO BECOME EXTREMELY CLOUDY. REPLACING THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE OTHERS HAVE SAID IT SOON STARTS TO MELT AGAIN. PLEASE NHTSA THESE LIGHTING SYSTEMS THAT ARE FAILING ARE VITAL FOR NIGHTTIME DRIVING, PLEASE GET CHEVY TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Seats, Oct 1, 2011
I HAD MY FIRST PROBLEM WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR. IT WOULD JERK & FELT IT WAS MOVING ON IT'S OWN. THEN THE LAMPS WOULD GO OUT AND I WAS REPLACING THE BULBS EVERY MONTH. THEN MY KEY STARTER HAS FAILED TWO TIMES AFTER REPLACING THEM. THE DRIVER SEAT HAS CALAPSED ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE. THE REAR SEAT HANDLE TO RAISE THE SEATS UP AND DOWN HAS BROKEN ON BOTH PASSENGER SIDE. MY LIGHTS HAVE BURNED OUT ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE YOU CAN SEE THE RESIDUE ON THE COVER. THE CHAIRS WAS NOT SCOTCH GUARD PROTECTED AS STATED THEY ARE VERY STAINED EVEN WHEN I TRIED TO WAS THEM. IN READY SOME OF THE OTHERS IT APPEAR AS THOUGH MU CARE HAD ALL THE DEFECTS OF MY COUNTER PARTS. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 28, 2011, fire
FRONT LEFT TURN SIGNAL REPEATEDLY BURNS OUT, AMBER CASING HAS MELTED HOLE, CHANGING BULBS DOES NOT FIX PROBLEM. *TT
Electrical system, Aug 21, 2011
WIRING HARNESS UNDER CARPET CORRODED AND BURNING. ONE WIRE BURNED ALL THE WAY BACK. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 8, 2011, crash
I HAVE A 2005 MALIBU MAXX. APPROXIMATELY 2 1/2 WEEKS AGO, I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE -VERY, VERY SLOWLY, THERE WERE A SERIES OF RED POLE ABOUT 3 FEET HIGH, I SAW THEM. I WAS TURNING RIGHT AND MY CAR JERKED TO THE LEFT ACCELERATED AND I HIT A POLE DAMAGING MY FRONT END. CAR WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED BY STATE FARM INSURANCE FOR ABOUT $2500.00. I GOT MY CAR BACK AND DROVE IT FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS, I WAS AGAIN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE ONLY I WAS COMPLETELY IN AND PARKED, I WAS BRAKING AND SHUTTING OFF MY CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE BRAKE WENT COMPLETELY LOOSE, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SPIN AND THE CAR SURGED, IT SURGED AND FLEW OVER THE CURB ABOUT 6 FEET INTO AN ICE MACHINE AT A SPEEDWAY GAS STATION ON 15 MILE AND DODGE PARK IN STERLING HEIGHTS. THIS WAS ABOUT 8:15 - 8:30 A..M. . THAT CAR SURGED AND FLEW AT ABOUT 60 MPH MY FOOT NEVER LEFT THE BRAKE. THIS CAR WAS TOWED TO BUFF WHELAN CHEVROLET ON 18 AND VAN DYKE IN STERLING HEIGHTS MICHIGAN AND THEY ARE FIXING THE BUMPER. I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO GENERAL MOTORS, TO THE PRESIDENT OF BUFF WHELAN AND TO KEITH ARMSTRONG IN THE UK WHO WROTE AN ARTICLE ABOUT CARS THAT SURGE IN 2010 FOR THE USA TODAY. I RECEIVED AFTER CONTACTING THE STERLING HEIGHTS POLICE A TICKET FOR RECKLESS DRIVING, WHICH I HAVE REQUESTED A HEARING OVER. I AM GOING TO BE PICKING UP MY CAR ON TUESDAY 8/9/2011 "FIXED" BUT I WILL HAVE IT TOWED SOMEWHERE, PROBABLY HOME. IT WILL NOT BE DRIVEN, THIS CAR SCARED ME TO DEATH. YOU WOULD HAVE TO EXPERIENCE A "SURGE" TO BE ABLE TO COMPREHEND WHAT COULD HAPPEN DURING ONE. THIS CAR MUST NEVER BE DRIVEN, I DON'T THINK GM KNOWS WHAT TO DO OR HOW TO IDENTIFY THIS, THEY HAVEN'T RESPONDED. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 4, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS OVER HEATED, WHICH CAUSED THE SOCKETS TO MELT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.