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: engine
87 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jan 21, 2024
While driving on the interstate while using the cruise control, the vehicle started increasing speed and rpm’s. I could not turn off cruise by braking or using the off button on steering wheel. I had to put it in neutral which caused the engine to redline in rpm’s, so I could use brakes to safely stop on the side of the interstate highway. I turned off the engine and opened the hood to look inside. I turned ignition back on and immediately the engine revved to redline rpm’s again.
Steering, Air bags, Engine, Sep 4, 2023
driving the car it just shuts off which results in no power no steering and no brakes possibly an ignition switch problem.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 21, 2022
The car's anti-theft system (indicated on the dashboard lights) will randomly lock up the engine. Following a massive list of online suggestions from other Chevy owners who had the same problem, I learned to wait for 10-15 minutes with the key in the ignition (lights/radio on, no engine) before the anti-theft indicator disappears and the car can start again. Sometimes, I will have to repeat the process 2-3 times. This has been happening randomly for over 2 years despite taking it into a Chevy dealer for repairs twice. They claimed it was a battery issue and charged me over $500 to fix nothing; The engine would lock up again within a month. A cursory Google search shows that this has affected hundreds if not thousands of GM vehicles, some even claiming the anti-theft lock engaged while they were driving. Please put some serious investigation into the matter so people like me can stop getting price gouged and stuck in freezing weather for GM's incompetence.
Engine, Apr 15, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JOHN ELWAY CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 5200 S. BROADWAY, ENGLEWOOD, CO 80113, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAD FAILED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Engine, Jul 16, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND THE ENGINE COMPLETELY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, AN 18 WHEELER TRUCK TAPPED THE REAR OF HER VEHICLE. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT, NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED, NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED, AND THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING THE FAILURE SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER (CECIL ATKISSION MOTORS - KERRVILLE CHEVROLET, CADILLAC AND BUICK 550 BENSON DR, KERRVILLE, TX 78028 (866) 240-2964) WHERE THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE; THERE ARE NO RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Electrical system, Engine, May 20, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 223,000.
Power train, Air bags, Structure, Engine, Mar 19, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. IF THE VEHICLE WAS TOO HOT, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AND THE GEAR SHIFT DID NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE ALSO LEAKED ANTI-FREEZE. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE LEVER TO OPERATE. ALSO, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EAST PAT O'BRIEN CHEVROLET (2810 BISHOP RD, WILLOUGHBY HILLS, OH 44092, (440) 348-0553) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOOD RELEASE WAS FRACTURED AND THE EGL SENSOR WAS SEPARATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 2, 2019
WHEN I AM DRIVING, HIGHWAY OR LOCAL, MY ENGINE WILL STUTTER AND SHUT DOWN, OR JUST QUIETLY SHUT DOWN RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. IT IS HAPPENING A LOT. I HAVE FOUND MYSELF FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC DURING SOME OF THESE STALLS. SOMETIMES I CAN GET IT TO RESTART SND OTHER TIMES I CANNOT. ALSO. I AM HAVING TROUBLE GET GAS INTO THE TANK WHEN FUELING. I HEAR AIR ESCAPING AND THE PUMP WILL SHUT OFF. LOCAL MECHANICS DO NOT WANT TO TACKLE THAT ISSUE. THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM SAYS SINCE I BOUGHT IT USED, AS-IS, THAT THE PROBLEM IS ON ME. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. I DON'T WANT ME IRE ANYONE TO BECOME A FATALITY BECAUSE OF THIS. WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Engine, Nov 13, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,500.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Engine, Oct 5, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. ALSO, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FAILED TO OPERATE AND WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN AND THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. FURTHERMORE, THE IGNITION KEY COULD BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND, AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND SHUT OFF. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Engine, Jan 27, 2018
TAKATA RECALL ENGINE OIL KEEPS DISAPPEARING EVERY WEEK ! THERE ARE NO LEAKS ! THERE IS NO OIL IN THE WATER THAT I CAN SEE !
Power train, Engine, Dec 26, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLEMINGTON BUICK GMC CADILLAC AT (908) 751-4316 (211 US-202, FLEMINGTON, NJ 08822) WHERE NO DIAGNOSTIC FAILURE CODES WERE FOUND AND THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND O2 SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 246,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Air bags, Engine, Dec 12, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INOPERABLE. ALSO, THE AIR BAG AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Nov 11, 2017
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE FREEWAY AND I ACCELERATED TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC I SLIGHTLY TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND IT WENT TO THE RIGHT AND THE FASTER I TRIED TO GO IT WAS GOING ALL OVER THE ROAD FROM LEFT TO RIGHT.I DIDNT HAVE MUCH CONTROL SO I DECIDED TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY AND GO BACK HOME.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Sep 20, 2017, crash
MY VEHICLE STALLED ON RAIROAD TRACK-WHEN IT HIT THE JARRING --BETWEEN THE PAVEMENT AND THE TRACKS---THE TRAIN WAS AT A GREAT DISTANCE---SO THE ENGINEER STATED---WHEN THEY WERE 2078 FEET FROM MY CHEVROLET MALIBU -2005---THEY STARTED TO BLOW WHISTLE----WHEN I SAW TGHE TRAIN AT A GREAT DISTANCE -AND YES I DID HAVE HEAVY THINGS ON MY KEYCHAIN--BUT GM FAILED TO NOTIFY -I HAVE A MAILBOX AND A TELEPHONE--I WAS HITTING THE GAS PEDAL OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND WHEN I WAS DOING THAT I REMEMBER HITTING THE IGNITION SWITCH BUT THE CAR WAS ALREADY DEAD-I WAS IMPACTED AND ALMOST LOST MY LIFE---IT TOOK ME 3 YEARS TO RECOPERATE----I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL--AND THEY STARTED THE RECALL IN 2014--COVER UP GM--YOU SHOULD HAVE STARTEDIT IN 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THERE ARE 26 PHOTOS -BUT NOT IN MY POSESSION I WILL ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN THEM----
Steering, Engine, May 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING LOCKED FOR FEW SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONE OTHER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
Engine, May 17, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,569.
Engine, May 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN PROMPTED. THE CONTACT CHANGED THE BATTERY AND THE STARTER, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
Electrical system, Seats, Engine, Dec 7, 2016
WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE FREEWAY, CAR DINGED AT ME 3 TIMES, REDUCED ENGINE POWER WARNING CAME ON, COULDN'T ACCELERATE, BRAKING POWER WAS REDUCED, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. HAD THROTTLE BODY CLEANED AND INSPECTED..WORKED GOOD FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS AND IS HAPPENING AGAIN. AND NOW THE WELD IS BROKEN ON THE DRIVERS SEAT! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 3, 2016
HAD M Y CAR IN FOR RECALL WORK NOW IT SHOWS REDUCED ENGINE POWER OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT AND DIES I REPLACED THROTTLE BODY AND NO CHANGE STILL DOES IT NOW IT IS THROWING A CODE OF P0826
Engine, Jun 27, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. FOUR DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE "156 ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE". THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REFUSED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK, STATING THAT IT WAS SOLD AS IS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT REPORTED THE MATTER TO THE FTC, BUT WAS ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 19, 2016
MY 2005 MALIBU IS EXTREMELY HARD TO START. IT ALSO CUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, AS WELL AS FRUSTRATING. IN COLD WEATHER, IT WILL CRANK AFTER ONLY A FEW TRIES. IN WARM WEATHER OR AFTER DRIVING THE CAR, IT CAN TAKE UP TO 30 MINUTES TO CRANK. IT SPINS BUT DOES NOT START WITHOUT A MAJOR HASSLE. WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STARTS, I HAVE TO HOLD DOWN THE GAS PEDAL TO PREVENT IT FROM CUTTING OFF AGAIN. FREQUENTLY, IT STILL CUTS OFF WHEN I PUT IT INTO GEAR & I HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE STARTING PROCESS REPEATEDLY. IT IS NOT RELIABLE & HAS RESULTED IN MY BEING LATE TO WORK, AS WELL AS LEAVING ME STRANDED. A FEMALE BEING STRANDED IS NOT SAFE. IF IT SHOULD HAPPEN TO CUT OFF IN TRAFFIC, I WILL HAVE NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE TRIED THE SUGGESTIONS RELATED TO THIS COMMON ISSUE WHICH IS BLAMED ON THE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM, BUT I CONTINUE TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. THIS IS AN EVERY DAY OCCURRENCE, FORCING ME TO START CRANKING MY CAR 30-45 MINUTES BEFORE I HAVE TO LEAVE FOR WORK & CAUSING ME TO SIT ALONE IN PARKING LOTS TRYING TO START MY CAR SO I CAN GO HOME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND I HAD IT CONNECTED TO A COMPUTER TO BE TESTED. THE CODE NUMBER SAID "NO PART, NO FIX" & THE MECHANIC WHO CHECKED IT SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN THAT SO HAD ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHAT IT MEANT. READING ONLINE FORUMS, I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT FROM MALIBU OWNERS, YET NOBODY KNOWS HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. CHEVROLET NEEDS TO RECALL AND RESOLVE THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE DIES DUE TO IT.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 17, 2016
I HAVE TO REPLACE MY SIGNAL LIGHTS EVERY 2 TO 3 MONTHS AND THEY LOOK LIKE THEY MELTED INSIDE ALSO I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY FUEL LIKE MY CAR IS NOT GETTING FUEL WHILE DRIVING. AND I'M ANGRY BECAUSE I'VE HAD MY CAR FOR ABOUT 9 YEARS AND NO ONE HAS EVER MAILED A RECALL TO MY HOME FOR ANYTHING ON MY CAR AND I MAY BE PUTTING MY LIFE IN DANGER. I LEARNED ABOUT THESE RECALLS FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY.
Engine, Apr 11, 2016, fire
I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY DAUGHTER ON INTERSTATE ROUTE 80 WHEN I NOTICED MY CAR WAS EMITTING A THICK BLACK SMOKE TRAIL. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE NEXT EXIT AND PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT. MY DAUGHTER AND I THEN JUMPED OUT OF THE SMOKE FILLED CAR. WE THEN RAN AWAY AS WE WATCHED THE INFERNO TAKE OVER AND THEN THE CAR SUDDENLY EXPLODED. BLOWING BACK THE HOOD AND SMASHING THE WINDSHIELD.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 25, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH FUEL, THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND FAILED TO START THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED PERMANENTLY AND THE FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATED BETWEEN EMPTY AND FULL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT DID NOT REGISTER ANY FAILURE CODES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.