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: power train
70 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNCERTAIN WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXHIBITED THE FAILURE RELATED TO THE STEERING MULTIPLE TIMES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Service brakes, Aug 11, 2014
WE HAVE RECEIVED 3 SEPARATE RECALL NOTICES FROM GM. (1 FOR ELECTRIC STEERING, 1 FOR BRAKE APPLY SENSOR AND 1 FOR A SHIFT CABLE FRACTURE). HOWEVER, GM WILL NOT FIX ANY OF THE PROBLEMS. THEY TELL US TO CALL THE DEALER. THE DEALER THEN TELLS US THAT GM WILL NOT SUPPLY THE PARTS. UPON CALLING GM A THIRD TIME, THEY WILL NOT REVEAL WHO IS MAKING THESE PARTS, WHERE THEY ARE COMING FROM, OR HAVE ANY IDEA WHEN THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE. THEY AGAIN INSTRUCT US TO CALL THE DEALER. EACH RECALL STATES THAT IT IS AN "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL" IN ACCORDANCE FEDERAL LAWS BUT YET NOBODY WILL FIX ANY OF THE ISSUES. THE FIRST RECALL NOTICE CAME IN 2012 FOR ELECTRIC STEERING. WE ARE STILL BEING TOLD THERE ARE NOT PARTS TO FIX THIS. THE BRAKE APPLY SENSOR CAME IN JULY 2014. THE SHIFT CABLE FRACTURE ALSO CAME IN JULY 2014. (THIS INDICATES THAT THE CABLE CAN SNAP WHILE DRIVING). *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 5, 2014
I RECEIVED 2 NOTICES ABOUT 2 RECALLS ON MY CAR THAT COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING OR CONTROL. I DID EXPERIENCE ONE OF THE CONDITIONS WERE I COULD NOT PUT THE GEAR IN PARK OR DRIVE WHEN I WAS TRYING TO START THE CAR TO DRIVE. ALSO ONCE THE KEY WAS STUCK IN HE IGNITION FORTUNATELY THESE OCCURRENCES WERE DURING ME TRYING TO START THE CAR WHEN IT HAD BEEN PARKED. THIS PROBLEM WAS STATED IN THE NOTICE AS A CONDITION IN WHICH THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE MAY FRACTURE AT ANY TIME.CURRENTLY THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO FIX THESE RECALLS. I AM AFRAID FOR MY SAFETY AS WELL AS MY FAMILY . *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, May 15, 2014
VEHICLES BRAKE LIGHTS STICK ON WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIMES THEY FLASH WHEN GOING APROX 65 AND UP. IT APPEARS THE BRAKE LIGHTS ALSO FLASH WHEN CAR IS CHANGING GEARS. THE CAR ONCE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE WHILE REVERSING AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING. ALSO THE BRAKES OR SOMETHING AT FRONT OF CAR SHAKES RAPIDLY WHEN ACCELERATING AND EVEN WORSE WHEN GOING DOWN HILLS. *TR
Power train, May 5, 2014
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 65MPH DOWN HWY 75 AND THE ENGINE JUST SHUT DOWN, ROLLED TO A STOP AND AFTER A LITTLE WHILE HE GOT IT STARTED AND WE WENT ON DOWN THE ROAD. THE NEXT TWO WEEKS WHEN DRIVING, THE CAR WOULD JUST DIE AND I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT A BIT TO GET IT STARTED. AFTER DYING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC I TOOK IT TO ARMBRUSTER MOTOR CO. IN FALLS CITY NB. WHERE THEY SAID IT WAS THE IGNITION AND PUT A NEW ONE ON. COMING HOME GOING 60MPH AND NEARING A CURVE THE CAR DIED AND LOCKED UP AND I ALMOST HAD A WRECK. ARMBRUSTER MOTOR TOOK IT BACK AND PUT THESE PARTS ON. 1EACH #19210069 PCM 3.670,ACH 19210069 CORE CHARGE AND 1 EACH 19210069 CORE RETURN. ALSO PARTS: 1EACH 3157 BULB, AND 1 EACH 3057 BULB. PARTS AND LABOR CAME TO $663.06 NOW THE CAR WORKS GREAT AND HAVEN'T HAD TROUBLE SINCE GETTING IT BACK BUT THERE IS ALWAYS THAT FEAR OF WRECKING WHEN I GET ON THE HIGHWAY NOW. IS THIS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT? IS THIS GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN? I FEEL THAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE WARNED ABOUT THE CHEV MALFUNCTIONS AND HOW YOUR LIFE IS ONE THE LINE WHEN YOU TAKE A CHEV ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE AND ALL OF THE ELECTRONICS IN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,600. UPDATED 4/4/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM CONTINUED BUT THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE PCM (POWER CONTROL MODULE) FAILED, PCM WAS REPLACED. *TR
Power train, May 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE BECAME UNRESPONSIVE TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ENGAGED INTO LIMP MODE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SECOND AND THIRD SHIFT CYLINDERS HAD ALSO FAILED, INDICATING THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD REQUIRE REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000. *TR
Power train, Jan 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,188. UPDATED 3/20/13 *CN
Suspension, Power train, Apr 9, 2012
AT 45000 MILES I NOTICED A POPPING NOISE IN THE FRONT END (PASSENGER SIDE) WHEN I MADE A LEFT TURN. I TOOK IT INTO MY MECHNIC AND HE SAID THE CV SHAFT WAS GOING OUT, BUT IT WOULD TAKE AWHILE BEFORE IT DID. IT DIDNT GET WORSE FOR AWHILE, NOW AT 62000, THE FRONT END HAS A HORRIBLE SHAKING, PULLS TO THE RIGHT SIDE, POPS ALL THE TIME AND THE TIRE ON THAT SIDE MAKES A WEIRD FLAPPING NOISE, IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE THE TIRE ITSELF IS OUT OF ROUND OR SOMETHING, AND IT IS WEARING SMOOTH ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. I HAVE BEEN DOING SOME RESEARCH AND IT SEEMS OTHER MALIBU OWNERS ARE HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS, IS THIS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE UNDER RECALL? IS GM AWARE OF THIS ISSUE? *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Mar 20, 2012
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ALREADY ON THIS CAR, AND IT STILL IS NOT RIGHT. THE POWER STEERING WILL BE GONE NO MATTER THE TEMPERATURE, BUT THEN COMES RIGHT BACK. THE BRAKES ARE ALWAYS GOING BAD ON IT, I HAVE REPLACED THEM SEVERAL TIMES WITHIN THE 25K MILES OF OWNING THE CAR. THE DRIVER SEAT LEANS TO THE LEFT AND DID NOT KNOW THIS WAS NOT NORMAL UNTIL AFTER READING REPORTS OF IT BEING A PROBLEM IN THIS CAR. *KB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Nov 18, 2011
SHIFT LEVEL DOES RESPOND WHEN SHIFTING INTO LOW (L). DEALER SAID SHIFT LEVER CABLE IS BAD AND IS A COMMON PROBLEM. SECOND ITEM HAD TO REPLACE FUEL SENSOR IN GAS TANK AS IT FAILED ALSO WAS SENDING AN OVER VOLTAGE SIGNAL TO GAS GAUGE. ALSO A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Power train, Nov 18, 2010
VEHICLES INTERMEDIATE DRIVE SHAFT WAS GOING OUT. EVERY TURN YOU MADE IT WOULD MAKE A CLUNKING SOUNDS. OCCURRED ON THE VEHICLE RIGHT AFTER IT WAS BOUGHT. TALKED TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT JUST NEEDED TO BE LUBED. LUBED VEHICLE OURSELVES AND DID NOTHING. AFTER TIME THE CLUNKING WOULD GET LOUDER AND LOUDER. TOOK IT TO DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOP AND IT WAS THE INTERMEDIATE DRIVE SHAFT. I HAD HEARD FROM A SOURCE THAT THE 2006 MALIBU'S HAD A RECALL ON THE STEERING COLUMN BUT THEY DID NOT RECALL THE 2005. THE VEHICLES STRUCTURE BEHIND THEM ARE EXACTLY THE SAME JUST DIFFERENT BODY STYLES. THIS IS NOT SAFE IF IT WERE TO HAVE GONE OUT IF WE HAD TO HAVE BEEN MAKING SOME SORT OF A TURN OR DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY OR INTERSTATE. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO THE SAME YEAR AND MAKE AS MINE ON WWW.AUTOBEEF.COM. CAR DID HAVE THE PART REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Feb 5, 2010
I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. I HAVE HAD A "CLUNKING" OF THE "I" SHAFT SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND WAS TOLD "NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT". "WON'T HURT ANYTHING." "YOU CAN HAVE IT REPLACED IF IT BECOMES ANNOYING." "IS NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY." I HAVE MY CAR AT A DEALERSHIP RIGHT NOW TO GET THE "I" SHAFT REPLACED. THE SHOP FOREMAN JUST CAME IN AND TOLD ME HE HAS HAD TO REPLACE THIS ON "SEVERAL" MALIBUS AND GM HAS INCREASED THE COST OF THE "I" SHAFT BECAUSE OF SO MANY REPAIRS. IT USE TO COST $90-$125. NOW HE TELLS ME IT WILL COST $150 JUST FOR THE "I" SHAFT. HE EVEN RECOMMENDED I FILE THE COMPLAINT AND SEE IF GM WILL ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COSTS. IF A DEALER REPAIR SHOP IS SAYING THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL CARS WITH THIS PROBLEM, THEN GM SHOULD HAVE CORRECTED THIS ISSUE AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER 5 YEARS AGO. PLEASE HELP! I AM A RETIRED WORKER AND THIS IS KILLING MY MEAGER BUDGET. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Dec 14, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHE CALLED AND SENT A LETTER TO THE MANUFACTURER, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 108,000. UPDATED 03/04/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT TIE ROD FAILED, THE FRONT STRUTS WERE LEAKING, THE STEERING RACK FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 10/05/10
Power train, Jun 11, 2008
IN NOVEMBER 2004 I LEASED A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU FROM A CHEVROLET DEALER IN NEW YORK. (DEALER 1) IN JANUARY 2006, I RETURNED TO THIS SAME DEALER BECAUSE THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR WOULD JUMP FROM 5 MILES AN HOUR TO 40 MILES AN HOUR, THEN THE ENGINE WOULD REV WHEN I PUSHED DOWN THE ACCELERATOR BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT SPEED UP. THE DIAGNOSIS FROM DEALER 1'S MECHANIC WAS THAT THERE WAS ALMOST NO TRANSMISSION FLUID IN THE CAR AND THE GEARS BURNT OUT. HE TOLD ME THERE WAS NO WAY THIS COULD BE FROM A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THE NEW TRANSMISSION; WHICH I LATER LEARNED WAS UNTRUE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLOWLY BURN OUT (OVER MONTHS) WITH LITTLE/NO FLUID IN IT. FROM PURCHASE, I COMPLAINED MANY TIMES TO THE DEALER THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD CLICK WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED AND THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL RIGHT. THE MANY TIMES I BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE I WOULD MAKE THESE COMPLAINTS AND BE TOLD THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE. APRIL 2008 WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING. THE CAR HAD NO POWER AND STARTED LOOSING SPEED. AT MY EXPENSE, IT WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER. (DEALER 2) THE MECHANIC SAID THEY STARTED OPENING THE TRANSMISSION BUT IT WAS SO BADLY DAMAGED, DID NOT FINISH. HE HAD NO EXPLANATION FOR THE DAMAGE. DEALER 2 HAD ALREADY ORDERED YET ANOTHER TRANSMISSION AND HE TOLD ME THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF WHAT THE MECHANIC FROM DEALER 1 HAD SAID. DEALER 2 AND OTHER MECHANICS I HAVE TALKED TO SINCE, TOLD ME THAT WITHOUT FLUID THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT, AND WITH LOW FLUID IT WOULD NOT BE MONTHS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION BURNT OUT, IT WOULD BE DAYS OR DEPENDING ON THE FLUID LEVEL, EVEN MERE HOURS. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AGAIN BY DEALER 2. I PICKED THE CAR UP AND GOT 12 MILES WHEN THE ODOMETER AND POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. DEALER 2 TOLD ME THAT THE SPEED SENSOR ON THE NEW TRANSMISSION WAS BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 7, 2008
DROVE CAR 2 BLOCKS TURNED OFF IGNITION. ATTEMPTED TO START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. UPON OPENING DOOR NO LIGHTS, INSERT KEY IN IGNITION, TURN ,NOTHING ON CONSOLE NO IGNITION. HAD MECHANIC CHECK CAR STATED IT HAS TO BE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR THIS PROBLEM BEFORE, IGNITION MODULE REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED,(2 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CURRENT SITUATION). ALSO HAVE HAD PROBLEMS RELATED TO TRANSMISSION, WOULD NOT START IN PARK. HAD TO PUT IN NEUTRAL AND PUSH UP TO PARK WHILE TURNING KEY. TAKEN TO PERSONAL MECHANIC CHANGED OUT LINKAGE IN TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND REPROGRAMMED. REMOTE DOES NOT DO ANYTHING. CHECKED FUSES AND BATTERY ALL GOOD. *TR
Steering, Power train, Oct 29, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING GEAR FAILED AND MADE THE REPLACEMENT. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND STATED THAT THEY TIGHTENED IT UP, BUT DID NOT STATE WHAT THEY TIGHTENED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THUMPING SOUND CONTINUED TO OCCUR AND WAS LOUDER THAN BEFORE. AS OF OCTOBER 29, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000. THERE WAS A NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS GOING INTO 2ND GEAR. U[DATED 11/21/07. *JB
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Tires, Aug 7, 2007
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU RECALL CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY**CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE SECOND GEAR WAS SLOW TO ENGAGE, THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKES MADE A NOISE WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED. THE DEALER CLEANED THE FRONT BRAKES AND APPLIED TREATMENT TO THEM. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE TIRES WERE CUPPED. *JB
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
Power train, Mar 18, 2006
VIBRATION IN FRONT END SCREECHING IN TRANSMISSION WHEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 65-70. *NM