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: exterior lighting
210 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 12, 2024
The brake light stays on the whole time.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Dec 6, 2021
1st when got car from local dealer cruise control worked next day still hasn't, interior lights not working with new bulb, brake light on, leaking oil from pan, front end drifting, than at station no power steering, didn't know wtf, wheels didn't turn, shut off he later was there ignition switch will keep turning. Rins battery dead. I'm scared power steering will go out while driving. It's a scary thought, think I will sell .It's the worse recall I've heard of can they be fixed. Consumer has all 7 recalls.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Nov 11, 2019
STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING SLIGHTLY IN AUGUST. NOW IT SHAKES AND THEN POWER STEERING GOES OUT. THIS HAPPENS ON THE HIGHWAY, CITY STREETS ANYWHERE GOING ANY SPEED. AS SOON AS THE CAR STARTS THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES, OF YOU TURN THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION IT WILL CLAM IT A LITTLE. BREAK LIGHTS RANDOMLY STOP WORKING. REPLACED BREAK LIGHTS 6 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS. HEADLIGHTS MELT THE PLASTIC HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2017. ALL OF THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN RECALLED BUT NOT ON MY VIN.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 9, 2019
MY PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP LIGHT (TURN SIGNAL) ASSEMBLY KEEPS BURNING OUT AND MELTING THE BULB HOUSING AND ORANGE LENS. IT BURNED A HOLE IN THE ORANGE TURN SIGNAL LENS. I REPLACE BULB AFTER BULB BUT IT KEEPS FAILING. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL BECAUSE NO CAR OWNER SHOULD HAVE TO KEEP REPLACING BULBS CONSTANTLY ONLY FOR THEM TO FAIL OVER AND OVER AGAIN! THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY, MOVING, ETC..
Exterior lighting, May 16, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MALIBU MAXX. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE TURN SIGNALS MALFUNCTIONED AND WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEWIS CHEVROLET OF GARDEN CITY (1903 US 50 BUS E., GARDEN CITY , KS) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULB SOCKETS HAD MELTED AND DAMAGED THE BULBS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BULBS COULD NOT BE SCREWED OUT OF THE LIGHT BULB SOCKETS AND THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT BULB ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TO BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE ASSEMBLIES ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 4, 2019
THE CAR IS HARD TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK, THE BREAK LIGHTS STAY ON WHILE DRIVING AND GO OFF WHEN PRESSED.
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.
Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 5, 2018
REFERRED TO YOU BY GM AFTER DEALER REFUSED TO CONSIDER THIS A FREE REPAIR, AS MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED BY RECALL #13036D. VEHICLE IS EXHIBITING SAME CONDITIONS AS PER YOUR RECALL, BRAKE LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED .PANIC-BRAKE ASSIST MALFUNCTIONED 2 WEEKS AGO; ALMOST RESULTING IN A REAR END COLLISION. THIS OCCURRED ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY, AND VEHICLE BEGAN TO SKID. AT THAT POINT I RELEASED THE BRAKE, AND WAS FORCED TO PUMP THEM IN ORDER TO SLOW VEHICLE. PARK-BRAKE FEATURE ALSO MALFUNCTIONS RANDOMLY. THESE ARE ALL DUE TO VOLTAGE FLUCTUATIONS IN BODY CONTROL MODULE CONNECTION, REQUIRING A SPACER TO BE INSTALLED.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 3, 2018
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT CONTINUES TO SHORT OUT EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE SOCKET ASSEMBLY.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Aug 14, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR HEADLAMPS WOULD FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHERN CHEVROLET (5845 COLISEUM BLVD, ALEXANDRIA, LA), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE BULBS WERE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 131,000. **TR *JS
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2018
THE FRONT TURNING SIGNALS HAVE NOT WORKED FOR 2 YEARS I HAVE HAD THE HEAD LIGHTS COMPLETELY REPLACE TWICE. THE SECOND TIME I HAD THEM REPLACED WHEN THE LIGHT HOUSING OF THE TURN SIGNALS WERE OPENED THE LIGHT BULB AND HOOK UPS WERE MELTED TOGETHER.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2018
HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING THEY GO OUT ONCE A MONTH AND NOW THEY JUST OUT AND THIS CAR IS DEFIANTLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE LOCKS GO UP AND DOWN WHILE DRIVING, AND AUTO LOCK IF LEFT RUNNING. GAS FUMES THROUGH OUT THE CAR. THESE ARE VERY SERIOUS PROBLEMS, ALSO I HAVE TWO TODDLERS THAT ARE FORCED TO RIDE IN THIS DEATH TRAP!!
Exterior lighting, Jan 9, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TURN SIGNAL BULBS FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. UPON INSPECTING THE BULB AND WIRING HARNESS, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE TURN LAMP HOUSING WAS MELTED, WHICH CAUSED THE TURN SIGNAL TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BULB AND HOUSING WERE REPLACED ON THREE OCCASIONS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WHEELERS CHEVROLET GMC (2701 S MAPLE AVE, MARSHFIELD, WI 54449, (715) 502-4130) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL HOUSING AND BULBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BULBS AND HOUSING WERE BEING REPLACED EVERY TWO MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. *TT *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 8, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SMITH CHEVROLET CADILLAC AT (209) 632-3946 (1601 AUTO MALL DR, TURLOCK, CA 95380) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE AND THE BRAKE LIGHTING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. LATER, WHILE PULLING IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO SMITH CHEVROLET CADILLAC, BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REMEDY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Nov 7, 2017
IGNITION STAYING STUCK ALOWING STARTER TO CONTINUE TO TURN, DAY TIME NO BREAK LIGHTS , NIGHT TIME BREAK LIGHTS STAY LIT UP OR FLASH ON AND OFF , FUEL GAUGE DROPS TO EMPTY EVEN WHEN FULL BOUNCES BACK AND FORTH EMPTY FULL , SERVICE AIR BAG AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON EVEN AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN RESET, CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT ENGAGE , HARD TIME TO TAKE CAR OUT OF PARK EVEN WITH BRAKE DEPRESSED, LOWER GEARS ON TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ENGAGE INTO 3,2,1 SPEED, DRIVER SEAT BRACKET BROKE IN WELD CAUSING SEAT TO BE UNSTABLE, FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH AND MORE THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 150 K ON IT 148 AND SOME CHANGE,,, AIR BAG SERVICE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AS WELL AS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THIS CAR WILL NOT PASS ANY STATE INSPECTION , AND EVEN STATES WITH OUT INSPECTION WOULD ADVISE THAT THE CAR BE RECALLED
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Jul 31, 2017
HEADLIGHTS AND FRONT BLINKERS QUIT WORKING. WHEN I WENT TO CHANGE THENERGY-SAVING LIGHTS THE CONNECTORS WERE MELTED AND WIRES WERE EXPOSED. THE ORANGE LENSE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HAS MELTED AND IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE FIXTURE AND IS LYING INSIDE THE LIGHT INCLOSURE. THE LIGHTS AND BLINKERS QUIT WORKING AS I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT BECAUSE I AM AFRAID TO HAVE THE LIGHTS ON FOR FEAR OF POSSIBLE FIRST HAZARD. THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING AROUND THE END 2016
Exterior lighting, May 1, 2017
THE AMBER PLASTIC HOUSINGS ENCLOSING THE TURN-SIGNAL/DRL BULBS IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE ARE MELTING, APPARENTLY DUE TO THE BULBS GETTING TOO HOT. THE MELTING PLASTIC HAS DRIPPED DOWN ONTO THE BULBS AND THE FUMES FROM THE MELTING PLASTIC HAVE FOGGED UP PART OF THE HEADLIGHT LENS. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW. THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES AND BULBS ARE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, SO THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Apr 4, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON A FEW OCCASIONS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE STOP LAMP, BRAKE LAMP HARNESS AND BRAKE LIGHT POSITION SENSOR ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
Exterior lighting, Feb 1, 2017
THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS ARE BURNING OUT THE SOCKET AS WELL AS THE LIGHT COVERING. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE BULB IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY MONTH.
Exterior lighting, Jan 24, 2017
THE AMBER PLASTIC HOUSINGS ENCLOSING THE TURN-SIGNAL/DRL BULBS IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE ARE MELTING, APPARENTLY DUE TO THE BULBS GETTING TOO HOT. THE MELTING PLASTIC HAS DRIPPED DOWN ONTO THE BULBS AND THE FUMES FROM THE MELTING PLASTIC HAVE FOGGED UP PART OF THE HEADLIGHT LENS. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW. THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES AND BULBS ARE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, SO THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT. I HAVE READ MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT OTHER 2005 MALIBUS IN VARIOUS INTERNET FORUMS, AND GM IS APPARENTLY NOT WILLING TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Dec 21, 2016
THE FRONT AND REAR TURN SIGNAL BULBS CONTINUALLY BURN OUT. THEY GET SO HOT THAT BOTH FRONT ORANGE BULB COVERS HAVE HOLES BURNT IN THEM AND THE SOCKET HAS DISCOLORED BECAUSE OF THE HEAT. THIS BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2005 BUT DID NOT NOTICE THE HOLES UNTIL RECENTLY.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHTS STARTED TO FLASH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER IN AUGUST OF 2014 FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 02/03/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE, FOR THE SAME RECALL ISSUE. UPDATED 02/07/17.*JB
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE LEFT AND WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMERGED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INDICATED THAT IT WAS DUE TO A SAFETY FEATURE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKES HAD NOT BEEN APPLIED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Apr 12, 2016
MY KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION AND I CHECKED FOR RECALLS. I CALLED THE DEALER TO FIX THE RECALL ON THE IGNITION, AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY PUT A PIECE OF PLASTIC OVER KEY AND WOULD NOT FIX THE IGNITION TO TURN. I CAN HARDLY EVEN START MY CAR BECAUSE THE KEY WON'T TURN. THE KEY IS GOING TO BREAK OFF IN THE IGNITION. THE HORN AND RADIO DO NOT WORK EITHER. NOT HAVING A HORN FOR INCOMING TRAFFIC TOWARDS MY VEHICLE IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE TURN SIGNALS ONLY WORK AT RANDOM TIMES AND THAT IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN SWITCHING LANES INTO TRAFFIC. ALSO, SOMETHING IN THE BACK OF THE CAR SQUEAKS FOR NO REASON WHEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT RANDOM AND WHEN GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS. THIS CAR ALSO DRAINS THE BATTERY WITH UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE DRIVERS SIDE BACK PASSENGER WINDOW WONT GO DOWN EITHER. THIS CAR HAS WAY TOO MANY SAFETY ISSUES FOR ONLY 137,000 MILES ON IT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2016
BOUGHT CAR USED AT 136,000 MILES. CAR RADIO DOES NOT LIGHT UP OR WORK, AND HORN DOESN'T WORK. DRIVERS SIDE BACK WINDOW WON'T GO DOWN. FIRST DAY DRIVING THE CAR, TURN SIGNALS STOPPED BLINKING AND THEN STARTED BLINKING AGAIN. SUSPENSION IN THE BACK SQUEAKS BADLY WHEN DRIVING AT RANDOM AND GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS. DID NOT DRIVE THE CAR FOR MORE THAN ONE DAY AND NOW CAR WON'T START AT ALL (NO CRANK, NO START). THESE ARE MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES INCLUDING SERIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE BATTERY IS ONLY ONE YEAR OLD ON THE CAR WHEN PURCHASED, SO SHOULD BE GOOD. THESE ELECTRICAL ISSUES NEED TO BE RECALLED. NOW I AM STUCK WITH A CAR THAT HAS SO MANY PROBLEMS AND WON'T START AND IS DEFINITELY NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.