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
Exterior lighting, Jul 16, 2013
THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT ORANGE GLASS IN SIDE OF HEAD LAMP IT HAS A HOLE MELTED THE TOP OF THE ORANGE LENS. HAS A HOLE ON TOP WHAT CAN YOU DO TO FIX THAT PROBLEM, IT'S SEAMS TO BE ONLY ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR. IT'S ON A 2005 MALIBU MAXX. CAN YOU REPLACE IT UNDER A FACTORY WARRANTY FOR US THANKS. THAT'S HAS TO BE A DEFECTIVE PART ON THEM CARS PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR ME THANKS AGAIN. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 29, 2013
WAS TOLD BY A DRIVER WHO HAD BEEN BEHIND ME COMING UP TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. SHE SAID IT LOOKED AS THOUGH THEY WERE ON WHILE I WAS ACCELERATING AND WENT OFF WHEN I WAS STOPPING. I HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT DIAGNOSTIC RESISTOR AND IT HASN'T DONE ANYTHING. I ALSO HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH GETTING THE CAR OUT OF PARK AND WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL REFUSING TO ENGAGE OR DISENGAGING ITSELF. I UNDERSTAND NOW THAT THESE ARE REOCCURRING PROBLEMS FOR THIS CAR AND IT HAS SOMETHING TO WITH TERMINAL FRETTING CORROSION IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, THERE WAS NO MENTION OF THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG THE BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE NO ONE HAS TOLD ME ABOUT IT BEFORE THIS BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTED FUNNY EVEN WHEN I WAS TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE BEFORE PURCHASE. I MENTIONED IT TO THE SALESPERSON AND HE SAID THEY WOULD CHECK IT OUT. IT WORKED THE NEXT TIME I TEST DROVE IT BUT HAS FREQUENTLY NOT WORKED AFTER I ACTUALLY BOUGHT IT. GETTING THE CAR OUT OF PARK HAS BEEN A PROBLEM ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE I BOUGHT IT.
Exterior lighting, Mar 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT THE BRAKES BEING APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000. *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
Exterior lighting, Mar 1, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED THAT A HOLE WAS MELTED INTO THE AMBER TURN SIGNAL HEADLIGHT LENS, EXPOSING THE HOUSING UNIT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 04/30/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE AMBER LENSES ON THE LEFT AND FRONT TURN SIGNALS SHOWED BLACK BURN MARKS; SIGNS OF OVERHEATING OR LACK OF VENTILATION FROM HEAT GENERATED BY THE LAMPS
Exterior lighting, Feb 4, 2013
I CAN'T GO A WEEK WITHOUT BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES BURNING TURN-SIGNAL BULBS. AFTER REPLACING THE BULBS NO MORE THAN A WEEK WILL GO BY AND THE BULB WILL TURN BLACK AND SOMETIMES BLOW UP INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT. RECENTLY THE BULBS ARE NOT BURNING OUT BUT WHAT SEEMS TO BE A BAD CONNECTION TO THE SOCKET, I WILL PRESS THE BULBS INTO THE SOCKET AND WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE TURN-SIGNALS WILL NOT WORK AGAIN. *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
Exterior lighting, Jan 14, 2013
I HAVE HAD MY CAR SINCE 2009 AND IN 2010 I STARTED HAVE TO CHANGE MY TURN SIGNALS OUT AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH FOR BURNING OUT. THERE ARE TIME THAT THE BULB WILL GET SO HOT THAT IT BLOWS THE INSIDE OF THE BULB UP AND AROUND THE PLUG WHERE THE BULB GOES IN HAS DARK MARKS HAS TO IF THEY ARE BURN MARKS. I CALLED CHEVROLET AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THEM. THE BACK TURN SIGNALS DO THE SAME AND THERE HAVE BEEN MANY TIMES THAT I WOULD ALMOST GET HIT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND THAT MY CAR IS NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT ALOT OF 2005 MALIBUS ARE. I AM AFRAID AT THIS POINT THAT IT IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN MY CAR. I FEEL THAT GM SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE REALLY GETS HURT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 17, 2012
BOTH THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL AMBER BULB HOUSING KEEPS MELTING TO THE BULB AND ALSO THE LIGHT SOCKETS , OEM AND AFTER MARKET ONES. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 27, 2012
MY 2005 MALIBU MAXX INDICATED THAT A TURN SIGNAL BULB WAS OUT AND WHEN I WENT TO REPLACE THE BULB I NOTICED, NOT ONLY THAT THE BULB ITSELF WAS SIGNIFICANTLY BURNED AT THE SOCKET, BUT ALSO THAT THE BLINKER PLASTIC WAS SUBSTANTIALLY MELTED. I CHECKED THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR AND EVEN THOUGH THAT BULB IS STILL FUNCTIONING, THE PLASTIC BLINKER HOUSING IS STARTING TO MELT ON THAT SIDE AS WELL. CLEARLY THE BULBS ARE BURNING WAY TO HOT TO BE MELTING THE PLASTIC HOUSING AND I WOULD ASSUME SINCE THE BULB ITSELF WAS BURNED THAT THIS IS A LARGER ISSUE OF BOTH POTENTIAL FIRE RISK AND NOW WATER DAMAGE SINCE THE BLINKER HOUSING IS COMPROMISED. *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
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Sep 22, 2012
2005 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX FRONT HEADLIGHT TURN SIGNAL BULB MELTED THE HOUSING SURROUNDING THE BULB WITH CORRECT BULB REPLACEMENT. BULB KEEPS BURNING OUT AND AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MELTING WILL RESULT IN SAFETY ISSUES OR FURTHER DAMAGES TO THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 17, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LENSES WERE MELTED ON BOTH SIDES. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE LENSES THREE TIMES IN THE LAST NINE MONTHS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONNECTION FOR THE LIGHT BULBS WERE BURNED OUT BUT THE LIGHT ITSELF CONTINUED WORKING. THE FUSE FOR THE LIGHT BULB HAD NOT FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
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
Exterior lighting, Jul 9, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS STOPPED ILLUMINATING. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE HEADLIGHTS AND NOTICED THAT THE BULBS BURNED OUT AND MELTED THE HOUSING ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Exterior lighting, Jul 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TURN SIGNALS CONTINUED TO BURN OUT. THE CONTACT STATED THE TURN SIGNAL BULBS WOULD FAIL IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEY WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST RESULTS SHOWED A DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,987. UPDATED 9/13/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE LACK OF THE FRONT TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO WARN ONCOMING TRAFFIC, THAT HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING AND COULD RESULT IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPDATED 09/20/12
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, May 8, 2012
BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN ON WITH NO CONTACT WITH BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN PEDAL IS DEPRESSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OFF. THIS HAS CAUSED NUMEROUS 'ROAD RAGE' INCIDENTS AND NEAR-MISS REAR-END COLLISIONS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 25, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS MELTED AND THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD TO PURCHASE FOUR DIFFERENT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES AND PERFORM THE REPAIRS HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
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
Exterior lighting, Mar 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BULBS HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Exterior lighting, Feb 23, 2012
FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULBS (LEFT AND RIGHT) HAVE MELTED THE PLASTIC HOUSING SURROUNDING THEM. BULBS BURNOUT EASILY. EVIDENCE OF MELTED PLASTIC IS A CONCERN FOR OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 8, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT BOTH HEAD LIGHT CASINGS WERE MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Jan 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE BECOMING EXTREMELY HOT AND MELTING THE HEADLIGHT LENS. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 03/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS KEPT MALFUNCTIONING, BECAUSE THEY WERE GETTING TOO HOT. THE CONSUMER NOTICED IT, BECAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS KEPT MALFUNCTIONING. HE THOUGHT THE BULB BURNED OUT, BUT SOON DISCOVERED IT WASN'T BURNED OUT. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE PLASTIC CLEAR LENS HAD MELTED. UPDATED 03/08/12
Exterior lighting, Jan 29, 2012
THE FRONT DRIVING LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS BLOW OUT CONSISTENTLY, USUALLY DAMAGING THE SOCKET IN THE PROCESS. *TT