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, Jun 5, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PARKING LIGHT HAD BLOWN OUT. SHE ALSO FOUND THAT THE FRONT PARKING LIGHTS WERE MELTED DUE TO THE LIGHT BULBS. THE BULB WAS REPLACED WITH A SYLVANIA BULB. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LIGHT HAD A LARGE HOLE IN THE ORANGE AREA OF THE FIXTURE. THE ENTIRE FRONT LIGHTING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF OVER $100. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 60,000. THE ORIGINAL BULB MELTED THE ORANGE COVER INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FOR THE PARKING LIGHTS. HOT PLASTIC DRIPPED ON THE BULB AND BURNED A HOLE IN THE BULB. UPDATED 06/22/09.*JB
Exterior lighting, May 31, 2009
I HAVE A 05 MALIBU MAXX MY TURN SIGNAL HAVE MELTED I SEE MANY COMPLAINTS IS THIS A RECALL? *TR
Exterior lighting, May 18, 2009
I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS MELTING. IT COULD CAUSE A FIRE. IT SEEMS THAT THE AMBER LIGHTS HAVE MELTED THE CASING. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL AND THE DEALERS SHOULD REPLACE THE HOUSING FREE OF CHARGE. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 3, 2009
I HAVE A 2005 MALIBU CLASSIC WHERE THE TURN SIGNALS WILL STOP WORKING THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN START WORKING AGAIN. THE FUSES ARE GOOD, NO LOOSE WIRES THAT I CAN SEE, BULBS APPEAR OKAY. THE PROBLEM COMES AND GOES. ANY SUGGESTIONS, ADVICE, IDEAS? *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 30, 2009
THE BULB IN THE FRONT LEFT TURN SIGNAL BECAME TOO HOT AND BURNED OUT WHILE MELTING THE AMBER COVER AROUND IT. AFTER REPLACING THE BULB, THE TURN SIGNAL AND HIGH LEVEL RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION WOULD NOT WORK BUT THE LOW LEVEL LIGHT STILL OPERATES WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. I REPLACED THE BULB TWICE AND CLEANED THE CONNECTOR AND GET INTERMITTENT USE OF THE TURN SIGNAL, BUT I NEVER KNOW IF IT'S GOING TO WORK OR NOT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 26, 2009
LOSS OF FUNCTION OF HEADLIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND TAIL LIGHTS ON 2005 CHEVY MALIBU LS MODEL. THE LIGHT BULBS IN THE SIGNAL ARE CONSTANTLY BLOWING OUT. I HAVE THE CHANGE THE BULBS AT LEAST EVERY MONTH. I HAVE NO USE OF MY TAIL LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS AS A RESULT OF THIS. FAILURE OF THE BULB HAS NOT RESULTED IN HEAT DAMAGE TO THE BULB SOCKET. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 20, 2009
AMBER LENS ON TURN SIGNALS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS HAS MELTED AND BURNED DOWN ONTO BULB. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT TURN SIGNALS. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Feb 17, 2009
AS OF THIS DATE, FEB. 17, 2009, THE PART IN QUESTION HAS NOT FAILED, CAUSING ANY CRASHES OR INJURIES. SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED A THUMPING WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT. WHILE UNDER MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY, I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AT LEAST 3 TIMES, AND EACH TIME THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT ASSURED ME THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE PART, THE BOOT OF JOINT SOMEHOW CONNECTED TO THE STEERING. SINCE THAT TIME, I HAVE HAD MY PERSONAL MECHANIC CHECK OUT THE PROBLEM AND HE HAS DILIGENTLY CHECKED FOR A RECALL OR A CORRECTIVE MEASURE FROM CHEVROLET, BUT THERE HAS BEEN NONE. THE MECHANIC HAS GREASED THIS JOINT SEVERAL TIMES, AND IT HELPS THE THUMPING, BUT EVENTUALLY IT RETURNS OVER TIME. I HAVE READ WHERE OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THEIR STEERING TOTALLY GOING OUT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I AM AFRAID FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY DUE TO THIS PROBLEM THAT CHEVROLET HAS CONSTANTLY REFUSED TO ADDRESS. COMPONENT #2: I WAS CONSTANTLY HAVING TO REPLACE THE FRONT TURN SIGNALS AS THE BULBS WERE CONSTANTLY BURNING OUT. COMPONENT #3 THE FAN WHICH CONTROLS THE INSIDE AIR FLOW HAS CONSTANTLY RATTLED UNLESS THE FAN IS TURNED ON THE HIGHEST SETTING. THE DEALERSHIP EVEN REPLACED THAT FAN, TELLING ME A BROKEN PART HAD FALLEN DOWN INTO IT. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 3 TIMES, BUT THEY FINALLY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING ELSE. IT STILL RATTLES HORRIBLY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 11, 2009
ON OUR 2005 CHEVY MALIBU WE HAVE CHANGED THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LAMP NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE WE PURCHASED IT NEW IN 2005, THE FIRST TIME BEING ONLY A MONTH AFTER WE PURCHASED THE CAR. IN NOV. 2006 AT OUR EXPENSE WE HAD TO CHANGE THE TURN SIGNAL LAMP SOCKETS BECAUSE THE DEALER SAID THE REASON FOR THE LAMPS BURNING OUT WAS DUE TO THE SOCKETS BEING CORRODED. AFTER THAT WE HAVE STILL HAD TO CHANGE THE LAMPS AS FREQUENT. I WOULD SAY IN ALL WE HAVE REPLACED EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT LAMP ABOUT 12 TIMES SINCE THE PURCHASE DATE OF MARCH 2005. RECENTLY WE HAVE NOTICED THAT THE LAMP HOUSING HAS ACTUALLY MELTED ABOVE WHERE THE LAMPS ARE LOCATED. WE CURRENTLY HAVE THE LOCAL DEALER LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM AGAIN. EVERY TIME I SEE A CHEVY MALIBU FROM THE YEAR MODEL OF 2005 TO 2007, MOST OFTEN ONE OF THE FRONT PARK/SIGNAL LAMPS IS BURNED OUT. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO NOT HAVING A PROPERLY WORKING TURN SIGNAL COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ALSO IF THE HOUSING IS MELTING, THEN IT COULD RESULT IN THE CAR CATCHING ON FIRE I BELIEVE. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Jan 26, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED FAILURE WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT BULB CONSTANTLY BURNING OUT. SIX MONTHS LATER, THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHT COVERS BURNED. THE STEERING SHAFT HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PLASTIC COVER FAILURE WAS A FACTORY DEFECT; THEREFORE, THEY WERE UNABLE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,400. UPDATED 02-23-09 *BF UPDATED 02/24/09. *JB
Exterior lighting, Jan 21, 2009
ON A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU OUR BRAKE LIGHTS, ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, OFTEN WORK IN REVERSE. IN OTHER WORDS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON WHEN YOU AREN'T HITTING THE BRAKES, AND THEY ARE OFF WHEN YOU ARE HITTING THE BRAKES. THIS SEEMS TO POSE A SAFETY CONCERN SINCE VEHICLES BEHIND YOU DO NOT KNOW WHEN YOU ARE HITTING THE BRAKES. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN ON MANY FORUMS THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM SO THIS SHOULD BE A FACTORY RECALL INSTEAD OF SOMETHING WE HAVE TO PAY FOR TO GET IT FIXED. HERE ARE SOME LINKS THAT PROVE THIS PROBLEM ISN'T ISOLATED: HTTP://WWW.FIXYA.COM/CARS/T822542-BRAKE_LIGHTS_WONT_GO_OFF HTTP://WWW.2CARPROS.COM/FORUM/2005-CHEVY-MALIBU--BRAKE-LIGHTS-WILL-NOT-GO-OFF-VT181519.HTML HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/CHEVROLET/MALIBU/2004/LIGHTS/BRAKE_LIGHTS_BLINK_ON_BY_THEMSELVES.SHTML HTTP://WWW.CARDEALERCHECK.COM/FORUM/THREAD15599.HTML. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 18, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. HE NOTICED A V-SHAPED BURNT PATTERN IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WITHIN A SERIES OF MONTHS, BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR TURN SIGNAL BULBS HAVE ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER FOUND THE VEHICLE TO BE OPERATING NORMALLY. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6.
Exterior lighting, Aug 30, 2008
HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT ON MY 2005 CHEVY MALIBU AT THE BASE OF THE BULB. THIS IS AN 05 AND THE DEALERS KEEP TELLING ME IT IS THE BULB I USE - THAT I NEED TO USE AN OEM BULB, WHEN I LET THEM CHANGE IT THEY USED THE SAME BULB AND THE BASE OF THE BULBS TURN BLACK AND ONLY LAST ABOUT A WEEK OR SO. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, Equipment, Aug 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE ANTI THEFT DEVICE HAS FAILED REPEATEDLY, THE ENGINE MAKES A TICKING SOUND, THE STEERING WHEEL IS SLIPPING OR LOOSE, AND OIL LEAKS FROM THE ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DASHBOARD . VIBRATES. THE CONTACT HEARS A NOISE IN THE RADIO WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON, THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED, THE REMOTE START WOULD NOT START THE VEHICLE, AND THE ENGINE SHAKES ROUGHLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,030 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. UPDATED 09/24/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENTIRE SUSPENSION. THE SHOCKS AND BEARINGS MADE A NOISY. THE HAZARD LIGHTS FAILED. UPDATED 09/30/08.*JB
Exterior lighting, Aug 1, 2008
NOTICED BOTH FRONT TURN SIGNALS/DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS YELLOW COVERS WERE MELTED. IT HAD DISCOLORED LIGHT LENS DUE TO APPARENT EXTREME HEAT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 8, 2008
WE OWN A 2005 MALIBUMAX, RECENTLY THE RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB DIED SO I REPLACED IT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OWNERS MANUAL. WHEN I OPENED THE LIGHTING UNIT TO REMOVE THE BULB I FOUND THE BULB HAD MELTED THE AMBER PLASTIC ENCLOSURE THAT SURROUNDS THE BULB. I THOUGHT THIS WAS ODD HOWEVER I THOUGHT MAYBE THE BULB HAS SHORTED OUT AND BURNED SINCE THE GLASS WAS SHATTERED. I THAN CHECKED THE RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL WHICH WAS FUNCTIONING, I FOUND THAT THE BULB HAD MELTED THE AMBER ENCLOSURE AS WELL. THIS SEEMS LIKE A DEFECTIVE DESIGN THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 7, 2008
THE BLINKER WILL ALWAYS FAIL TO WORK. THE BULBS ARE JUST FINE AND INTACT, BUT THE BLINKER WILL STOP WORKING. THERE IS SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. THIS HAS CAUSED OTHER VEHICLES TO GET IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH ME, AND ALMOST IN CRASHES. I HAVE HEARD MANY DIFFERENT CASES OF THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER 2005 CHEVY MALIBU'S AS WELL. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 6, 2008
I JUST REPLACED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FLASHER LIGHT IN MY 2005 CHEVY MALIBU AND THE PLASTIC BASE OF THE BULB WAS MELTED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 2, 2008
NOTICED HAZE IN DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT , LOOKED FURTHER FOUND THAT TURN SIGNALS ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WHERE STATING TO MELT , HAVE BEEN SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING WHEN I GET OUT OF CAR FOR A WEEK , NOTICED THIS WHEN ABOUT TO WASH CAR , TAKING TO DEALER TOMORROW , GLAD I NOTICED IT NOW , WHEN IT WAS NOT TO LATE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 8, 2008
REPLACE A C/S L/F PARKING LAMP BURNED AND MELTED L/F HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY B C/S R/F PARKING LAMP BURNED AND MELTED R/F HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 1, 2008
MY CAR'S LIGHTS ARE MELTING,SMOKE EVEN COMES OUT OF THEM.I'VE SEEN THIS ON OTHER 2005 CHEVY MALIBUS AND THEY ARE ALL DOING THE SAME THING,WHICH MEANS ITS A MANUFACTURES DEFECT.NO ONE AT GM WANTS TO HELP ME,AND IF MY CAR DOESN'T GET FIXED ITS GOING TO CAUSE A FIRE.IT HAS BURNED OUT MY BULBS VERY QUICKLY AND OFTEN.I TOOK MY CAR IN TO A GM GOODWRENCH SERVICE SHOP AT AMERICAN CHEVROLET IN MODESTO,CA.THE SERVICE CONSULTANT THERE SEEN MY CAR AND SAID THAT IT WAS NOT NORMAL,HE BROUGHT OUT ANOTHER 2005 CHEVY MALIBU THAT THEY HAD THERE AND ITS DOING THE SAME THING.HE TRIED TO PUT ME IN CONTACT WITH THE GM,BUT I GOT TOLD I WAS A LIAR,BY A REPRESENTATIVE.I NEED HELP BECUASE THERE HAS TO BE A RECALL ON THE LIGHTS,BEFORE IT CAUSES A FIRE.CHECK AND SEE ANY 2005 CHEVY MALIBUS AND YOU'LL SEE THAT ITS TRUE.THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *CN
Exterior lighting, Dec 31, 2007, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. BOTH OF THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LENSES HAVE A ONE HALF INCH HOLE BURNED INTO THE TOP OF THE PLASTIC. THE PLASTIC HAS COMPLETELY MELTED AND TURNED BROWN. THE SHINY MATERIAL HAS TURNED A DULL WHITE. THE DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 02-14-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER STATED WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR REPAIRS. UPDATED 02/14/08 *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 16, 2007
2005 CHEVY MALIBU HEADLIGHT OVER HEATING. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT COVER OF THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS MELT. WHEN THE COVER DRIPS ONTO THE LIGHT BULB IT PUTS A HOLE IN THE BULB. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE PLASTIC COVERINGS WERE DISCOLORED ABOVE THE BULB DUE TO EXTREME HEAT WHICH WAS AN OBVIOUS DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND /OR IMPROPER BULB. NOT ONLY DID THE HEADLIGHTS FAIL, BUT THE RIGHT FRONT PARK AND SIGNAL LIGHT HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. *JB
Exterior lighting, Sep 28, 2007, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HEADLIGHT AREA BEGAN SMOKING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. WHEN THE CONTACT SHUT THE ENGINE AND HEADLIGHTS OFF, THE SMOKING CEASED. NO FIRE OCCURRED. THE CHEVROLET SERVICE DEPARTMENT ADVISED HER TO HAVE THE DEALER DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE BOTH LIGHTS FOR $275 EACH AT HER EXPENSE. THE BULBS HAVE MELTED THE HEADLIGHT LENS, BUT THE DEALER DID NOT RECOMMEND CHANGING THE BULBS. THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE OPERATING NORMALLY. THE FENDER AREA IS MUCH HOTTER THAN NORMAL DUE TO THE HEADLIGHTS OVERHEATING. THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD TO INDICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.