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, Jul 27, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BULB FOR THE DRIVER SIDE TURN SIGNAL BURNED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE FAILURE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING INDICATED POSSIBLE BAD WIRING IN THE DRIVER SIDE TURN SIGNAL AND THERE WAS HOLE BURNED INTO THE BULB. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO BRING VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER SO THEY COULD PERFORM A FAILURE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2011
I OWN A 2005 MALIBU WITH 160,000 MILES ON IT. ON JUNE 16, 2011 I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER'S SERVICE CENTER BECAUSE A WEEK PRIOR MY CAR DOORS UNLOCKED AND MY ENGINE SHUT DOWN AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. THIS HAPPENED TWICE ABOUT FOUR DAYS APART. THEY REPLACED THE OXYGEN SENSOR. AWEEK LATER IT STARTED DOING THE SAME THING BUT ABOUT EVERY TWO TO FOUR DAYS. I TOOK IT BACK ON JULY 16, 2011 AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK WHEN I COULD LEAVE THE CAR THERE. NOW THIS HAS BECOME A DAILY OCCURRENCE, EVEN HAPPENING TWO TO TEN TIMES A DAY DOING IT 6 TIMES WITHIN DRIVING LESS THAT A MILE AT TIMES. LUCKILY IT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP AND THAT I STILL HAVE CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND BRAKES. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THE HEADLIGHT WIRING HARNESS MELTED CAUSING THE LIGHT BULB PLASTIC COVERING TO MELT AND THE LIGHT BULB TO FAIL. A LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, BUT THE DRIVER HEADLIGHT ALSO FAILED. THE DRIVERS HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000. UPDATED 10/14/11 *BF UPDATED 10/28/11
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 8, 2011
COMPLETE AND TOTAL LOCK UP OF POWER STEERING; BATTERY LIGHT FLICKS ON AND THEN EVERYTHING LOCKS UP UNTIL YOU REPLACE THE GAS PEDDLE FOR ABOUT 3 SECONDS. MY LIGHTS RANDOMLY FLASH AND REAR BULBS ON THE DRIVER SIDE BLOW EVERY 3 DAYS. MY TURN SIGNALS WILL SPORADICALLY BLINK AND THE WIPER BLADES GO OFF WITH OUT WARNING OR BEING PROMPTED. EVEN WITH NO KEYS NEAR OR IN THE CAR IT WILL NOT TURN OVER TO START THE CAR UNTIL YOU FLOOR THE GAS PEDDLE AND HOLD IT THERE FOR 3-5 SECONDS. MY RADIO READS AT -19* ALL THE TIME AND THE CD PLAYER HAS NEVER WORKED CORRECTLY. WHEN GOING FROM 0 TO 50 GETTING ON THE PARKWAY (HIGHWAY) THE WHOLE CAR LOCKS UP AND LOSES POWER INCLUDING THE STEERING RADIO AND LIGHTS UNLESS YOU COMPLETELY RELEASE THE GAS THEN START TO GO AGAIN. IM SO HIGHLY FRUSTRATED AND CHEVY REFUSES TO FIX IT EVEN THOUGH THESE ARE ALL RECALLED PROBLEMS BUT MY VIN DOESN'T FALL IN THERE "BRACKET". *TR
Electrical system, May 16, 2011, fire
MY 21 YR OLD SON WAS DRIVING HIS CAR ON A CITY STREET WHEN HE STARTED TO SMELL A BAD ODOR, POSSIBLY MELTING PLASTIC. WITHIN 15 SECONDS, FLAMES SHOT UP THE FRONT SEAT CENTER CONSOLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. HE QUICKLY PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES. BURNING HIS HAND IN THE PROCESS AND REALIZING VERY QUICKLY THIS WOULDN'T WORK, HE QUICKLY AND URGENTLY LEFT THE VEHICLE AND CALLED 911. WITHIN 30 SECONDS OF LEAVING THE VEHICLE, THE FLAMES SPREAD AND COMPLETELY CONSUMED THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, NOTHING CHANGED/TAILORED FROM THE FACTORY (IE. STOCK PARTS INCLUDING THE RADIO), AND NO RECENT MAINTENANCE. IF THERE HAD BEEN A SMALL CHILD IN A CAR SEAT, ETC., THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURY, EVEN A DEATH. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 24, 2011
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU CLASSIC AND THE SIGNAL KEEPS FAILING YOU DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN YOU JUST SIGNAL AND NOTICE IT DOESN'T COME ON..VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING..IT STARTS BACK UP AGAIN WHEN IT FEEL LIKE IT..I FEEL LIKE THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND SCARY..IT HAS HAPPEN TO ME ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND IN FED UP WITH THIS PROBLEM..ITS HAS HAPPEN 3 TIMES IN A 3 WEEK PERIOD AND THAT DOESN'T SEEM NORMAL. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM CANT BE CHECKED UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN BUT HOW AM I TO KNOW WHEN IT WILL OCCUR IT JUST HAPPENS WHEN IT WANTS TO. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 2, 2011
2005 CHEVY MALIBU. EVERY FEW WEEKS THE CAR WILL NOT START UNTIL TEN MINUTES HAVE PASSED AFTER LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION. THE THEFT CONTROL MODULE IS FAULTY AND THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH GM CARS. DANGEROUS TO LEAVE A KEY IN AN UNLOCKED CAR. DEALERS OFFER NO HELP UNLESS YOU PAY $400. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 30, 2011
THE STEERING HAS A HEAVY CLUNK SOUND WHEN TURNING LEFT IN REVERSE, NO SOUND WHEN GOING TO THE RIGHT. THEN AT JUST OVER 50K MILES, THE STEERING ON THE VEHICLE STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH POWER WHILE TURNING TO THE RIGHT UNDER POWER, TO THE LEFT WAS JUST FINE. THE HEAD LAMPS ALSO HAVE GOTTEN SEVERELY CLOUDY WHICH LIMITS VISIBILITY DURING NIGHT TIME DRIVING. FRONT TURN INDICATOR LIGHTS ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH LOOSE SOCKETS, CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO SHORT OUT AND EVENTUALLY FAIL BECAUSE OF SPARKING RESIDUE ON THE CONTACTS. ALSO, FOR SOME REASON THE REAR WINDOW WIPER RANDOMLY TURNS ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS A STARTING PROBLEM WHERE AT TIMES, THE VEHICLE WILL CRANK AND NOT START. LOOKING AROUND, QUITE A FEW FOLKS HAVE THAT PROBLEM AS WELL, WHERE SOME PEOPLE HAVE HAD TO SHORT OUT THE HOOD SAFETY SWITCH TO MAKE THE CAR WORK... NOW THAT IS CRAZY TO HAVE TO SHORT OUT SOMETHING TO START YOUR CAR. APPARENTLY THOUGH, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS SEVERELY SENSITIVE TO VOLTAGE ISSUES IN GENERAL, MORE SO THEN MOST VEHICLES ON THE ROAD.
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2011
1.MY 2005 MAILBU HAS BEEN FAILING TO START WHEN I TURN OVER THE ENGINE. MY REMOTE CAR STARTER WENT OUT. 2.I BOUGHT IT IN NOV,2010 UNTIL NOW FEB, 2011 IT HAS HAD ABOUT 5 FAILURES TO START. 3.I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY AND SO FAR IT HAS WORKED BUT MY REMOTE CONTROL START DOES NOT WORK STILL OR ANY OF THE REMOTE CONTROL FEATURES. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 28, 2011
2005 MAILBU MAXX. CONSUMER STATES INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE LIGHTS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE WASN'T APPLIED AND WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE LAMP, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *JB
Electrical system, Equipment, Nov 22, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 MALIBU CLASSIC FIRST THE INTERIOR LIGHTS IN THE CONSOLE WENT OUT ABOUT MONTH I BOUGHT IT IN 2007. THEN A YEAR LATER THE THEFT SYSTEM STARTED TO ACT UP HAD TO WAIT FOR TEN MINUTES TO TURN THE LIGHT OFF, DID THAT AND KNOW THE LIGHT JUST STAYS ON THE DASH . TRIED EVERYTHING IT SAID TO DO IN THE MANUAL, BUT NOTHING HAPPEN. FOR MY OPINION I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ON ALL THE CHEVY MODELS BEFORE SOMEONE SERIOUSLY GET HURT WITH THESE FAULTY EQUIPMENT INSTALL IN MOST CARS. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 1, 2010
THE DRIVERS SIDE TURN SIGNAL (INSIDE THE HARNESS IN THE HEADLIGHT) KEEPS MELTING THE PLASTIC SNAP IN BASE OF THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BULB AND CAUSES IT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. ALMOST CAUSING OTHER VEHICLES TO CRASH IN TO ME AT 4 WAY STOP SIGNS. THE HARNESS ASSEMBLY GETS VERY HOT. MAY ONE DAY CAUSE A FIRE. I HAVE REPLACED LIGHT BULBS 4 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. WILL HAVE TO GET SERVICED. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 23, 2010
ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH MY 05 MALIBU MAXX.THE POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT-CHEVY IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE ENGINE HAS TROUBLE STARTING. THE REAR WIPER GOES BY ITSELF WITHOUT ANYONE TOUCHING THE CONTROL-MOST RECENT EVENT, HAPPENS EVERY FEW DAYS 1 OR 2 TIMES. I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE STARTING FROM THE BEGINNING OF OWNERSHIP. THE POWER STEERING ISSUE HAS BEEN OVER THE PAST MONTH. SOMETIMES THE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON FIRST, USUALLY NOT. I HAVE NOT PAID TO HAVE ANY WORK DONE, BUT HAVE CONTACTED CHEVY'S CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD, THAT THEY WOULD MAKE A RECORD OF IT. RESTARTING THE CAR USUALLY FIXES THE POWER STEERING TEMPORARILY. I HAVE TO CHANGE THE BRAKES ONCE A MONTH, SO THEY DON'T DESTROY MY ROTORS. POWER STEERING SEEMS TO GO OUT MORE OFTEN WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 18, 2010
POWER STEERING FAILURE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 13, 2010, fire
PURCHASED 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU IN MAY, 2009. ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS NOT WORKING. ATTEMPTED REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR BY MECHANIC. LIGHTS REMAINED INOPERABLE AS DID FUEL GAUGE BY 80,000 MILES. WHILE PARKED, CAR IGNITED FROM UNDER CENTER CONSOLE, DOOR LOCKS ENGAGED, AND INTERIOR BURNED. TOTAL LOSS OF AUTO AND CONTENTS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 1, 2010
MY FRIEND, MRS. X., A WIDOW AND MOTHER OF TWO CHILDREN ATTENDING COLLEGE, HAS BEEN PLAGUED BY A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH REPAIRS PERFORMED BY JOHNNY LONDOFF CHEVROLET. HER CAR, A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU WITH 68,000 MILES, HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS FOUR TIMES. . . LONDOFF HAS EXTRACTED OVER $1400.00 FROM THIS WIDOW WOMAN, CONTINUING TO REPLACE PART AFTER PART WHICH HAS DONE NOTHING TO ALLEVIATE THE COMPLAINT. THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS !!!! THE INTERNET REVEALS THOUSANDS OF IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS! ESSENTIALLY, MS. X'S CHEVY STOPS RUNNING, OR SLOWS TO 15 MPH WHILE IN THE FAST LANE OF THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 60 MPH WITH NO WARNING! THE LAST TIME THE CAR WAS TAKEN INTO LONDOFF, THE SERVICE MANAGER, MR. B W. ADVISED THAT AFTER TAKING $1400.00 FROM MY FRIEND FOR "REPAIRS" THAT DID NOT EFFECT A REPAIR, THAT LONDOFF WAS GOING TO REPLACE THE "POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE" UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY, TO COMPLETE THE REPAIRS WHICH THE PREVIOUS REPAIRS DID NOT FIX. TO MAKE THE STORY SHORT, LONDOFF REPLACED THE PCM AND THROTTLE BODY / PEDAL FOR MRS. X, AND NOW 30 DAYS LATER, THE CAR ONCE AGAIN STALLS IN THE FAST LANE - IN THE RAIN, AS HUGE TRACTOR TRAILERS CAME BARRELING DOWN ON HER AT HIGH SPEED AT NIGHT. I FEAR FOR BOTH MY FRIENDS LIFE AND HER SAFETY IN THIS ' 05 MALIBU. WE TOOK THE CAR IN AGAIN TODAY FOR THE 4TH REPAIR OPPORTUNITY FOR LONDOFF, AND "MR. W" REFUSED TO GUARANTEE TO MAKE GOOD ON THE 12 MONTH, 12000 REPAIR WARRANTY, AND REFUSED TO PROVIDE EITHER A LOANER OR A RENTAL AT GM'S COST SO MRS. X COULD MAKE IT TO WORK NEXT WEEK. ESSENTIALLY, THESE MEN CONTINUE TO "JACK UP" THIS POOR WIDOW WOMAN, TAKING MORE AND MORE OF HER MEAGER SUSTENANCE WITHOUT EFFECTING REPAIRS!!!! MRS.X'S LIFE, HER JOB, HER HOME, HER CREDIT, HER CHILDREN'S COLLEGE EDUCATION IS THREATENED BY GM / LONDOFF'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY REPAIR THIS VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, TIME AFTER TIME THIS CAR HAS BROKEN DOWN IN THE FAST LANE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC DURING A THUNDERSTORM. OBVIOUS RECALL !!! UPDATED IVOQ 12/01/10 *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Jul 27, 2010
I PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU CLASSIC. THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM COMES ON AS THE OPERATOR DRIVES THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING SEVERAL TIMES AND THE VEHICLE JUST LOST ALL ACCELERATION. EVERY WEEK I HAVE PROBLEMS GETTING THE VEHICLE TO START BECAUSE THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM COMES AS THE OPERATOR TURNS THE IGNITION ON. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT THIS CARS SHOULD AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 19, 2010
BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON BY THEMSELVES AND GO OUT WHEN PEDAL IS PUSHED. TRIED NEW SWITCH, CALIBRATION, AND TSB PROCEDURE. PROBLEM WILL GO AWAY FOR A MONTH OR TWO THEN RETURN. HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB. I HAVE SEEN OTHER CARS DRIVE BY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. MAY WORK FINE IN THE MORNING THEN ACT UP IN THE EVENING. ALSO IMPACTS THE SIFT INTERLOCK AND CRUISE CONTROL. THE OTHER DAY THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES. I HAD TO TURN IT OFF BY THE SWITCH ON THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, May 19, 2010
THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND SOMETIMES THE STEERING WHEEL WON'T TURN AT ALL. THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN I TURN. IT WAS FIXED ONLY TO START AGAIN A FEW WEEKS LATER. GM WON'T REPAIR CAUSE THEY SAY I'M OVER THE MILEAGE. THE GAS HAND JUMPS UP AN DOWN. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, May 5, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU, BOUGHT BRAND NEW, I'VE HAD PROBLEMS FROM THE START WITH THIS CAR. THE RACK & PINION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE HUB BEARINGS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE REAR STABILIZER BAR NEEDS REPLACING. I HAVE A GAS CAP ISSUE, NOW TO TOP IT ALL OFF, I'VE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WHERE I AM DRIVING AND I START TO ACCELERATE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP, I HAVE BEEN ON THE FREEWAY SEVERAL TIMES WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, GM WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT THIS. THEY KNOW THAT THE 2005 MALIBU IS A DANGEROUS CAR BUT WILL NOT RECALL AT ALL. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 14, 2010
I HAVE READ ALOT OF REVIEWS ON CUSTOMERS THAT ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THERE CHEVY MALIBU'S FROM 2004-2008. THE MAIN COMPLAINT IS THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKING UP WITH OUT WARNING. I EXPERIENCED THAT MYSELF AND LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED. MY STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES AFTER THE CAR HAS STOPPED AND THREATENS TO LOCK UP AGAIN. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON CARS FROM THOSE YEARS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 6, 2010
2005 CHEVY MALIBU. HAVE TOLD THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES ABOUT THE "BUMPING/THUMBING" WHILE THE CAR IS TURNING. AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS NO PLACE FOR POWERING STEERING FLUID...THANK GOD FOR PURCHASING EXTENDED WARRANTIES!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
Steering, Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Nov 17, 2009
I HAVE A 2005 MALIBU,AND HAVE HAD A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING SINCE APPROX. 40,000MILES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE GARAGE SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT CHEVROLET DID NOT MAKE A PLACE TO LUBRICATE THE JOINTS INSIDE THE COLUMN SO THAT THEY DRY OUT QUICKLY,AND ARE BANGING TOGETHER AND IT IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUTI DO NOT AGREE,ANYTHING CONSTANTLY CLANGING AGAINST ANOTHER OBJECT IS EVENTUALLY GOING TO WEAR OUT. I ALSO JUST HAD MY FUEL TANK,FUEL SENSOR REPLACED,AT THE COST OF 600. IT STARTED GIVING FALSE READINGS AND THEN GOT INCREASINGLY WORSE UNTIL IT DID NOT WORK ANYMORE. MY EXTERIOR LIGHTING IS ALSO MESSED UP. I HAVE TO REPLACE BULBS FREQUENTLY AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE BASE OF THE BULB IS MELTED WHEN THEY TAKE THEM OUT. I HAD CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER ON THESE ISSUES AND THEY STATED NO RECALLS . *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 1, 2009
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX (1) FRONT PARK/TURN/DRL LAMP INOPERATIVE AND OVERHEATING PROBLEMS. (2) REAR STOP/TURN/TAIL LAMP INOPERATIVE PROBLEMS. THIS CAR CURRENTLY HAS 41,000 MILES. THE LAMPS FOR THE LEFT FRONT (DRIVER SIDE)HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES AND RIGHT FRONT 3 TIMES. THE REAR LAMPS HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES EACH SIDE. MY MAJOR CONCERN AND CAUSE FOR THIS COMPLAINT IS THE OVERHEATING OF THE FRONT LAMPS (ITEM #1 ABOVE). THE UPPER SIDE AMBER PLASTIC HOUSING FOR THE LAMPS ON BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT HAS MELTED THROUGH AT THIS TIME. WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST DETECTED, THE AMBER HOUSING SHOWED SOME DISCOLORATION, BUBBLED PLASTIC. THIS SUGGESTED THE OVERHEATING PROBLEM EITHER HAS INTENSIFIED AND/OR THE PLASTIC HAS DEGRADATED OVER TIME. VISUAL INSPECTION SHOWED THE CHARRED/BURNT THROUGH AREAS ARE ADJACENT TO THE LAMP SOCKET. THIS INDICATES EXTREME SOCKET TEMPERATURE AND ALSO THE RISING HOT AIR AFFECT THE CEILING OF THE AMBER HOUSING. ALL THE BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS SHOWED VARIOUS DEGREES OF CHARRING/MELTING/DEFORMATION ON THE PLASTIC BASE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE EXTREME HIGH TEMPERATURE AND ELECTRICAL ARCING. THE REAR IS NOT AS SEVERE AS THE FRONT BUT NEVERTHELESS, SLIGHT ARCING CAN STILL BE OBSERVED ON THE BASE OF THE BURNT OUT BULBS. THE LEFT FRONT LAMP WAS SERVICED BY A LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER ONCE ON DEC. 16 2009 UNDER TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 06-08-42-004. DEALER DEEMED ONLY THE BULB NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BUT NOT THE SOCKET. PRIOR TO THIS, THE PROBLEM ALREADY EXISTED AND BOTH FRONT AND BACK BULBS REPLACED. THE FREQUENCY OF THE BULB REPLACEMENT AND SIGNS OF ARCING TRIGGERED THIS VISIT TO THE DEALER. THIS REPAIR BY THE DEALER HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. SIGNS OF OVERHEATING AS EVIDENCED BY THE MELTING PLASTIC SHOWED THE PROBLEM HAS WORSENED. FEARING THE EXTREME HIGH TEMP CAN CAUSE FIRE, I VISITED THE DEALER YESTERDAY FOR REPAIR UNDER GOOD WILL REPAIR WAS DENIED. THEY SIMPLY SAID THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THIS IS NOT A FIRE HAZARD. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 4, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS AS 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH; PROCEEDING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL SWITCH BEGAN BLINKING AT A RAPID PACE. AN AUTHORIZED TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE TURN SIGNAL BULB SOCKET OVERHEATING WHICH CAUSED THE PLASTIC TO MELT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.