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
Steering, Exterior lighting, Jun 28, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND UPON RESTART, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE HALF MILE BEFORE THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE WAS EXPERIENCING A RECURRING FAILURE IN WHICH HER FRONT TURN SIGNAL WOULD NOT STOP WORKING AND SHE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE BULBS APPROXIMATELY ONCE A MONTH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 87,000. UPDATED 10/27/10. *LJ
Exterior lighting, Jun 5, 2010
CAR BLOWS THROUGH FUSES EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND. MECHANIC STATES HE HAD MALIBU THAT DID SAME THING, I HAVE REPLACED FUSES ABOUT 4 TIMES A YEAR, THAT ITS ABNORMAL. RT. SIGNAL THEN LT,SIGNAL, BACK AND FORTH. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 1, 2010
TURN SIGNAL HOUSING MELTED, DRIPPING ON TURN SIGNALS MAKING THEM LESS EFFECTIVE AND EVENTUALLY CAUSED THEM TO FAIL. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Apr 25, 2010
LOST POWER STEERING WHILE GOING THROUGH ROUND ABOUT, WAS EMPTY AT THE TIME THANKFULLY. HAS HAPPENED 3 PREVIOUS TIMES ALL AT SLOW SPEEDS. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND START IT TO GET POWER STEERING BACK. THE SIGNAL LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY BURNING OUT, HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS 6 TIMES IN 3 YEARS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 12, 2010
TURN SIGNALS STOPPED WORKING FOR SEVERAL WEEKS THAN BEGAN WORKING AGAIN. I'M REPLACING TURN SIGNAL BULBS EVERY YEAR. THE BULB WORKS INFREQUENTLY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 8, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE TURN SIGNALS OVERHEATED AND BURNED, CAUSING THE PLASTIC AROUND THE BULB TO MELT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BUT WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD BE CHARGED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.
Exterior lighting, Apr 8, 2010
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU HEADLIGHTS GET TOO HOT AND HAVE MELTED WITH A HOLE IN THE ORANGE PLASTIC. THIS CAUSES THE BULBS TO BURN OUT FREQUENTLY. THE PROBLEM DIDN'T HAPPEN ORIGINALLY, BUT HAS STARTED HAPPENING WITHIN THE PAST 9-12 MONTHS. WE HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP TODAY TO SEE ABOUT REPLACING THE HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT THERE IS NOT YET A RECALL. THE HEAT OF THE HEADLIGHTS BURNING OUT THE PLASTIC IS A MAJOR CONCERN TO ME. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 12, 2010
I OWN A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU. AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES I BEGAN TO NOTICE A BURNING SMELL. IT SMELLED LIKE HOT, BURNING PLASTIC. WHILE TRYING TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL, I NOTICED MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL) WERE MELTING AND CHARRED. THE HOUSING ALSO APPEARED TO HAVE SMOKE DAMAGE AND WAS VERY HAZY. IN THE TIME SINCE I NOTICED THE PROBLEM, VISIBILITY HAS GONE DONE SIGNIFICANTLY. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE ON-GOING RATHER THAN A ONE TIME OCCURRENCE. I WENT TO A CHEVROLET DEALER AND THEY NO IDEA WHAT WOULD CAUSE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT HAD IT REPAIRED SINCE, BECAUSE AFTER DOING INTERNET RESEARCH, IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH MANY '05 MALIBUS. I THEN CALLED THE GM HELP LINE WHERE THEY ASKED A BUNCH OF QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE I HAD IT REPAIRED. THEY THEN TOLD THEY WERE NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I DECIDED AFTER THAT ( AT ABOUT 120,000) I WOULD REPLACE THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, HOPING THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. ONE DAY AFTER INSTALLING THE NEW ASSEMBLY, THE SAME MELTING AND CHARRING BEGAN TO OCCUR. AT THIS POINT, I AM UNSURE AS TO WHAT TO DO NEXT. IT IS OBVIOUSLY MORE THAN JUST A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHT SINCE IT HAPPENED AFTER REPLACING THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY. IT ALSO SEEMS TO BE MORE THAN JUST AN ISOLATED INCIDENT WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE IT TOOK NO TIME TO FIND MANY MALIBUS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT GM NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE GREATER AND PROVIDE A DESIRABLE SOLUTION FOR ALL MALIBU OWNERS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 5, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A CARPORT. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT BOTH HEAD LAMPS EXHIBITED HEAT DAMAGE WITH A BLACK DISCOLORATION. THE EXTERIOR HEAD LAMP HOUSING COMPLETELY BURNED OUT WHICH RESULTED IN A HOLE. THE COLD WEATHER TEMPERATURES WERE NOT A FACTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BULBS IN THE HEAD LAMPS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Exterior lighting, Mar 2, 2010
THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT ALL THESE INCIDENTS WHERE PEOPLE'S HEADLIGHTS ARE MELTING. I HAVE REPLACED MY DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT TWICE NOW! THE TURN SIGNALS ARE GETTING SO HOT THEY ARE MELTING THE BASE, CAUSING THE BULBS TO BURN OUT AND THE CASING AROUND THE BULBS TO MELT. I ALSO HAVE PEOPLE FLASH THEIR BRIGHTS AT ME EVERY NIGHT BECAUSE MY HEADLIGHTS BURN SO BRIGHTLY. I'M AFRAID MY HEADLIGHT WILL EVENTUALLY CATCH FIRE. THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY IS STARTING TO FOG AND MELT NOW...AND I CAN'T KEEP SPENDING THE MONEY TO BUY A NEW HEADLIGHT! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Equipment, Feb 25, 2010
2005 MALIBU MAXX LS- TICKING NOISE SHAFT WENT ROD TIRE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ENGINE ON BUT NOTHING IS REGISTERING CAR SEEM TO LOCK UP, SAME BRAKE LIGHT GOES OUT, CAR HESITATES,REPLACED BRAKES AFTER ONLY 2YR, NEW TIRE. I FILED A COMPLAIN WITH ATTORNEY GENERAL BILL MCCOLLUM. I HAVE INVOICES OF HOW MANY TIME MY CAR HAS GONE IN TO THE SHOP FOR MAJOR PROBLEMS AND EVER SINCE IT LOCK UP AND HESITATE I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT. I DID FOUND OTHER CONSUMER WITH THE SAME COMPLAINS THAT I HAVE. THEY HAVE HAD TO REPAIR TIRE RODS, SHAFT AND MOST DANGEROUS IS THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOCKING UP. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING LONG DISTANCE OR ON THE HIGHWAY. PLEASE HELP ME. I WROTE TO GMAC VP TIMOTHY LEE WITH OUT NO RESPOND. MR. LEE PASSED MY COMPLAINT TO A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP THAT REPEATS HIMSELF AND WONT LET YOU SPEAK. PLEASE IF YOU WANT CONTACT ATTORNEY OFFICE THEY HAVE MY COMPLAINT ON FILE. I DON'T WANT TO HURT MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE SHOULD MY CAR LOCK UP. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 23, 2010
LEFT DIRECTIONAL LIGHT BULB BURNS OUT, BECAUSE THE SOCKETS THAT HOLD THE BULB OVERHEAT AND MELT THE BULBS. OCCURS BECAUSE THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS OVERHEAT. HAVE BURNED OUT 4 BULBS IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS. OVERHEATING IS STARTING TO AFFECT THE RIGHT DIRECTIONAL AS WELL. WILL NEED TO REPLACE BOTH SOCKETS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 4, 2010
THE HEADLIGHT COVERS ARE SHOWING FOGGING AND DISCOLORATION DUE TO HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL COVERS MELTING INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT COVERS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 28, 2009
HAD TO REPLACE TAIL LAMPS AFTER CAR WAS 1 YEAR OLD AND 10,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 26, 2009
ABOUT EVERY TWO WEEKS I HAVE TO CHANGE THE LIGHT BULBS IN MY HEADLIGHTS BECAUSE IT IS BECOMING SO WARM THAT IT IS MELTING THE PLASTIC AROUND THE LIGHT BULB. IT IS BECOMING SO WARM THAT IT IS STARTING TO MELT TO HEADLIGHT COVER! *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 6, 2009
MY HEADLIGHTS, SIGNAL LIGHTS AND PARKING LIGHTS WORK AS THEY WANT. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS MANY TIMES. THE LIGHT COVERS GET REALLY HOT AND I AM ASSUMING THAT IT IS A DEFECTIVE PART. THERE IS NO REASON THAT MY BULBS SHOULD HAVE BURNED OUT 8 TIMES IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS. I HAVE SEEN FOUR MALIBUS JUST LIKE MINE IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS WITH THE SAME LIGHTING PROBLEM AS I HAVE WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THE MALIBUS. I AM GOING TO GET A TICKET SOON IF A RECALL IS NOT PLACED ON THIS PROBLEM. I DO SEE IT'S AN OPEN INVESTIGATION. *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
Exterior lighting, Sep 24, 2009
LEFT FRONT SIGNAL LIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT. HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES IN 6 MONTHS. BULBS LAST ONLY 2 WEEKS AT MOST. HAD SIGNAL LIGHT SOCKET REPLACED AND PROBLEMS STILL HAPPENED WITHIN TWO WEEKS. LIGHT BULBS TURN BLACK. TOOK CAR BACK AGAIN TODAY. STILL WAITING TO HEAR WHAT THEY SAY THIS TIME. LAST REPAIR 8/28/09 - 92.89 FOR THE LIGHT SOCKET, $1.50 BULB, $70.00 LABOR. NO LONGER HAVE PARTS. AFRAID I WILL GET IN ACCIDENT - SINCE LEFT SIGNAL LIGHT AND RUNNING LIGHT DO NOT WORK. KEEP HAVING TO GO BACK FOR NEW BULBS, AND IN FOR REPAIRS AGAIN TODAY 9/23/09. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 21, 2009
MY 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS TURNING SIGNAL LIGHT DOES NOT SEEM TO WORK PROPERLY AT TIMES CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT I ACTUALLY CHANGE THE BULB ABOUT 4 TIMES IN ONE YEAR. TO MY KNOWLEDGE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE GOING THROUGH THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2009
BOUGHT THE 2005 MALIBU USED IN AUGUST 2007. I HAVE REPLACED THE BOTH FRONT DIRECTIONAL BULBS AT LEAST 10 TIMES SINCE BUYING THE CAR. THE LIGHTS WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL. THE RIGHT BULB WAS OUT FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS THEN THE LEFT BULB WENT OUT. I WENT TO REPLACE THE BULBS AGAIN YESTERDAY. I JIMMIED THE SOCKET THEY GO INTO AND NOW THEY BOTH APPEAR TO BE WORKING. HOWEVER, I NOTICED THE AMBER PLASTIC COVERING ON THE LEFT BULB WAS BURNED, THERE WAS A LARGE BURN HOLE IN IT, AND THE MELTED PLASTIC WAS DRIPPING INTO THE BOTTOM OF THE COVERING. I AM ALSO NOTICING, AND HAVE BEEN NOTICING, A LOUD THUMPING SOUND WHEN I HIT THE GAS AS IF SOMETHING HAS TO ROLL INTO PLACE. LATELY IT ALSO SEEMS AS THOUGH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES VERY, VERY SLIGHTLY KICK IN WHEN I AM BRAKING AND GO OVER A BUMP. AFTER READING THE OTHER COMMENTS I AM GOING TO MY MECHANIC TO HAVE HIM LOOK AT THE ISSUES AS SAFETY IS A LARGE CONCERN. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 22, 2009
HEADLIGHT LENS MELTED AND TAIL LIGHTS WENT OUT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 15, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING ON 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU FAILS INTERMITTENTLY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 12, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TURN SIGNAL BULB FAILED. ONE WEEK LATER, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TURN SIGNAL BULB ALSO FAILED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE CAUSED THE LIGHT HOUSING ASSEMBLY TO MELT. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR REPAIR WAS $1,000. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 78,000.
Exterior lighting, Aug 3, 2009
2005 MALIBU PURCHASED NEW. DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT/PARK/TURN SIGNAL MELTING THE AMBER BULB SURROUND AND DISCOLORING AND CRACKING THE OUTER HEADLIGHT LENSES. THIS CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT TO DATE. I HAVE REPLACED THE LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL BULB TWICE OVER THE LIFE OF THE CAR. ALL FRONT LIGHTS ARE ORIGINAL AS PURCHASED. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE LIGHTS WILL CATCH FIRE AND SO NOW I TRY TO REMEMBER TO DISENGAGE THE DRL FEATURE WHILE DRIVING. I FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DESIGN PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. I STARTED TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS ON MY OWN WITH "EAGLE EYES" REPLACEMENTS UNITS BUT I HAVE FOUND THAT THESE ARE SUBJECT TO A NHTSA RECALL AS WELL. I WILL HOLD OUT TO SE IF A RECALL IS ISSUED BY NHTSA FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 20, 2009
FRONT DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE GETTING HOT MELTING THEM. THIS IS CAUSING TURN SIGNALS TO BURN OUT AND NOT WORK PROPERLY. GOT PULLED OVER BY A STATE TROOPER TODAY BECAUSE OF THIS. *TR