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, 2007
I OWN A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU THAT FOR APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AND A HALF. DURING THIS TIME I HAVE NEED TO REPLACE THE BULBS IN THE RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL TWICE AND THE REAR RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ONCE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 17, 2007
I OWNED THE 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. DURING THAT TIME I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR TURN SIGNAL ONCE, AND THE FRONT TURN SIGNALS ABOUT 3 TIMES EACH. SOMETHINGWAS DEFINITELY WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL PART OF THIS VEHICLE. THE WARRANTY HAS NOW EXPIRED, SO I CAN GET NOTHING DONE ABOUT IT FROM GM OR CHEVROLET. *AK A SECOND COMPLAINT CONCERNS THE FAN FOR THE AIRCONDITIONER/HEATER. IT RATTLES CONSTANTLY. BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED I TOOK IT IN TWICE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD REPAIRS DONE ON THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE MOTOR WAS REPLACED . . . WAS TOLD THEIR WAS SOMETHING LODGED IN THE FAN. A WEEK LATER THE SAME NOISE. NOTHING HAS BEEN RESOLVED.
Exterior lighting, May 22, 2007
I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU THAT JUST WENT OUT OF WARRANTY WHEN I HAPPENED TO BE FOLLOWING MY HUSBAND WHO WAS DRIVING ANOTHER VEHICLE. FOR 150 MILES MY HUSBAND COMPLAINED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS VIBRATED CONSTANTLY CAUSING A DISTRACTION FOR ANYONE DRIVING IN FRONT OF ME. UNTIL THAT TIME I HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING THAT THE HEADLIGHTS HAD A PROBLEM. HE CHECKED THEM WHEN WE GOT HOME AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO TIGHTEN THEM. I HAVE CHECKED FOR RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND NONE. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT COULD BE DONE TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM WITHOUT COST TO ME SINCE I WAS SURE THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN THERE SINCE I GOT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WAY TO FIX IT.AK
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Apr 2, 2007
PULLS TO THE LEFT, BROKEN STRUTS, BROKEN BRAKE CALIPERS, REAR TURN SIGNAL BROKE! ANYTIME I MESS WITH TIRES OR BRAKES THE CAR PULLS MORE AND MORE TO THE LEFT, HAVEN'T HAD STEERING CHECKED BUT ITS DRIVING ME NUTS. I THOUGHT IT WAS FROM THE FRONT RIGHT STRUT BEING CRACKED AND BROKEN BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT SHOULDN'T EFFECT THE PULL TO THE LEFT. GOT NEW TIRES LAST WEEK AND NEW BRAKES, STILL PULLS. TAIL LIGHT QUIT WORKING, CHANGED BULBS THEN QUIT AGAIN. CAR IS DRIVING ME NUTS, WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING IT ACROSS COUNTRY THIS SUMMER! RECALL IT SOON - PLEASE!!! *JB
Suspension, Exterior lighting, Apr 2, 2007
FRONT STRUTS ARE FRACTURED AND APPARENTLY HAVE BEEN EST. $400+ TO FIX, CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX! HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING FRONT END RATTLES, I ALSO COMPLAINED SOON AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR W/25K ON IT, NOTHING WAS DONE THEN! REAR LEFT TAILLIGHT & BRAKE LIGHT KEEP FAILING EVEN AFTER REPLACING BULBS. *JB
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 16, 2006
MY VEHICLE IS A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX. THE VEHICLE DOESN'T ALWAYS TURN OVER. I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE IN THE SHOP A COUPLE OF TIMES TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM AND THE CHEVY DEALER CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT. I WILL TRY TO START MY VEHICLE BUT IT DOESN'T ALWAYS CRANK OVER. IT WILL CHUG A LOT AND THEN STALL OUT. OTHER TIMES IT WILL CHUG AND ACT LIKE IT WILL STALL AND THEN TURN OVER. SOMETIMES IT TAKES 2-3 TIMES FOR ME TO TRY AND GET THE VEHICLE TO START. I CALLED MY SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE CHEVY DEALER EVERY TIME IT HAPPENED AND THE ONLY COMMON FACTOR WAS THAT IT WAS HAPPENING EVERY 800-1000 MILES APPROXIMATELY. IT DIDN'T MATTER HOW COLD OR HOT IT WAS, WET OR DRY. IT HAS BEEN AWFUL! NOTHING HAS BEEN REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE TO TRY AND FIX THE PROBLEM WITH IT STARTING. MY CAN HAS JUST OVER 32500 MILES AND IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE MOST RECENT TIME WAS LATE SEPTEMBER 2006. I AM NOT SURE ON THE EXACT DATE THAT I CALLED MY CAR DEALER. I ALSO TOOK MY VEHICLE IN ON 9-12-06 FOR A POPPING SOUND IN THE STEERING WHEN TURNING. WE FOUND OUT THAT THE CENTER STEERING SHAFT WAS BROKE. IT WAS REPLACED. THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE INTERIOR FRONT BLINKER NOT WORKING BUT THE EXTERIOR DID. THEN SHORTLY AFTER THE LEFT FRONT BLINKER BLEW. *JB
Exterior lighting, Nov 14, 2006
THE TURN SIGNALS KEEP BURNING OUT. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERS BUT WAS TOLD THAT MY WARRANTY HAD RUN OUT. SO I AM STUCK BUYING LIGHTS ALMOST EVERY WEEK. *NM
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Exterior lighting, Electrical system, Oct 12, 2006
EMAIL (IN) REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF GENERAL MOTORS RE THEIR DANGEROUS & DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS. *TS *NM UPDATED 2/15/2007 - THE CONSUMER SMELLED ANTIFREEZE COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT HAD TO BE REPLACED. PROBLEM WITH BRAKES. A STEERING GEAR ASSOCIATED WITH THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION HESITATED. THE CONSUMER HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TURN SIGNAL FAILED. THE DASH LIGHT AND TAIL LIGHT FAILED. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2006
SINCE PURCHASE OF 05 MALIBU I HAVE HAD BREAKING VIBRATION AND VIBRATION IN TURNS TO THE RIGHT. HAVE HAD 2 SETS OF PADS AND ROTORS TURNED ONCE. I AM ON THE THIRD SET OF TIRES WITH ROTATIONS EVERY 6000 MILES BUT STILL GET UNEVEN WEAR. 43,000+ MILES AND THE DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BREAKING OR WHEELS. DRIVERS SIDE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL HAS BLOWN 3 TIMES. *NM
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2006
VEHICLE PURCHASED DEC 31, 2004 AND IT IS NOW JULY AND GUESS WHAT? THE 2005 MALIBU CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING PLUS 1 DAYTIME DRIVING LIGHT!!! TOO EARLY FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL TO QUIT WORKING, NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM IN ANY VEHICLE I HAVE HAD AND EVERYONE SAID SAME THING! THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL OF ALL MALIBU 2005'S WITH CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF SPEED SENSOR OR SOME ELECTRICIAL PROBLEM IN THE CAR THAT GM SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBLITY OF PAYING FOR NOT CUSTOMERS BECAUSE EARLIER I HAD TO TAKE CAR IN FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE DOORS NOT UNLOCKING AND UNLOCKING BECAUSE OF THE REMOTE NOT WORKING AND EVEN A NEW BATTERY DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THEY HAD TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *NM