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: seats
102 reports, newest first. Show all
Seats, Dec 5, 2019
I WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO A CITY STREET WHEN I HEARD A LOUD SNAP AND THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DRIVERS SEAT FELL DOWN AND STARTED TO FEEL LOOSE.
Seats, Mar 13, 2018
DRIVER'S SEAT IS WOBBLING AND FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS BROKEN OR DETACHED BENEATH THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT. I'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS IN A CHEVY MALIBU/MAXX. SHOULD BE A RECALL. MECHANICS ON THE PHONE ASSUME IT'S A WELDING ISSUE. THE WOBBLING OCCURRED OVER TIME. SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
Seats, Mar 31, 2017
LEFT FRONT POWER SEAT WELDS BROKE. RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRAME BOTH FRONT AND REAR. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY
Seats, Feb 20, 2017
DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME ASSEMBLY MOUNT IS BROKEN. APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE SEAT TILTS TO THE RIGHT. IF INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THERE IS NO WAY THE SEAT WOULD REMAIN IN THE CAR. THE FACTORY WELDS HAVE BROKEN.
Seats, Feb 20, 2017
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BROKE LOOSE FROM THE RIGHT SIDE AND WOBBLES AND IN MY OPINION IS CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE WHILE DRIVING.
Seats, Dec 13, 2016
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION TRAVELING STRAIGHT AT ABOUT 10 MPH WHEN SEAT WELD ON RIGHT SIDE BROKE AND DETACHED FROM RAIL. THERE'S NOW NOTHING HOLDING THE SEAT IN PLACE ON THAT SIDE SO IT WOBBLES UP AND DOWN AND SIDE TO SIDE.
Electrical system, Seats, Engine, Dec 7, 2016
WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE FREEWAY, CAR DINGED AT ME 3 TIMES, REDUCED ENGINE POWER WARNING CAME ON, COULDN'T ACCELERATE, BRAKING POWER WAS REDUCED, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. HAD THROTTLE BODY CLEANED AND INSPECTED..WORKED GOOD FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS AND IS HAPPENING AGAIN. AND NOW THE WELD IS BROKEN ON THE DRIVERS SEAT! *TR
Seats, Jul 24, 2016
THE DRIVER SEAT, REAR RIGHT SIDE IS BROKEN. DRIVER LEANS TOWARD CENTER CONSOLE. POTENTIAL SAFETY CONCERN IF THERE WERE TO BE AN ACCIDENT. SEEMS AS IF THERE WAS A STRUCTURAL FAILURE IN THAT LOCATION. DRIVER DID NOT NOTICE IT BREAK UNTIL SITTING DOWN ONE DAY TO START DAILY COMMUTE.
Seats, Jun 9, 2016
DRIVERS POWERED SEAT LOWER FRONT SUPPORT TUBE BROKE AND SEPARATED FROM THE SEAT RIGHT HAND SIDE BRACKET LINK, AT THE WELD ATTACHMENT, ATTACHING TO THE SEAT BOTTOM. THIS BREAKOUT OF MATERIAL LEAVES THE SEAT UNATTACHED TO THE TRACK ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE.
Seats, Nov 24, 2015
THE WELD ON THE FRONT TORSION TUBE OF THE DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTER IS DETACHED AND THE TUBE IS DISCONNECTED, ALLOWING MORE THAN 200MM OF FORE/AFT MOVEMENT OF THE UPPER SEAT BACK AND HEADREST IF SEAT IS IN FULL UP POSITION. THIS WILL CLEARLY NOT PASS FMVSS 207 OR 210. THERE ARE ALREADY DOZENS OF COMPLAINTS NEARLY IDENTICAL TO THIS ONE ON THE NHTSA SITE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. I DO NOT KNOW WHEN THIS INITIALLY OCCURRED.
Steering, Seats, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 19, 2015
ISSUE ONE IS THE DRIVERS SEAL WELDS BRAKE ON THE REAR AND FRONT FROM THE FLOOR MOUNT BASE TO THE ELEVATED CONTROL THUS IN THE CASE OF A CRASH THE SEAT IS COMPROMISED TO SEPARATE COMPLETELY FROM THE FLOOR MOUNT DUE TO THESE WELDS BEING BROKE. SECOND ISSUE FUEL PUMPS BEGIN TO LEAK AT THE SEAL OF THE PUMP AT THE FUEL TANK LEAKING HEAVY AMOUNTS OF FUEL FROM THE TANK AND ONTO THE EXHAUST. THIRD ISSUE WHICH I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE REPORTS OF RECALLS BUT THE DEALERSHIP DENIES THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE MAXX THAT ONLY THE BASE MODEL IS EFFECTED BUT WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING WILL FAIL AND THE CAR HAS NO CONTROL AND WILL VIOLENTLY JERK IN ONE DIRECTION THROWING THE VEHICLE IN TO ONCOMING LANES OR EVEN INTO THE DITCH. HAPPENS PERIODICALLY THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE APPEARS ON MAIN CONTROL MESSAGE SCREEN AND CAR WILL SOUND AN ALARM, OTHER TIMES THE ENTIRE DASH BOARD WARNING LIGHTS FROM CHECK ENGINE, OIL, AIR BAG, SEAT BELT, SO ON SO ALL COME ON AND THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT. I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS ISSUE USUALLY OCCURS WHILE ACCELERATING WHETHER SLOWLY OR EVEN WHILE TRYING TO SPEED UP MORE AGGRESSIVELY TO MERGE UNTO EXPRESSWAY TRAFFIC. I HAVE NEARLY WRECKED INTO NUMEROUS CARS DUE TO STEERING GOING OUT AND WHEEL WILL VIOLENTLY JERK ONE DIRECTION OR TO THE OTHER. NOT SURE WHY THIS SITE SHOWS A RECALL FOR POWER STEERING BUT DEALERSHIP DENIES THERE IS A ACTIVE RECALL FOR THE MAXX BUT THEY HAVE ONE FOR THE 2005 BASE MALIBU
Seats, Sep 30, 2015
DRIVER POWER SEAT/ BROKEN WELD ON METAL STABILIZER BAR ACROSS THE LOWER FRONT OF THE SEAT. CAUSES THE SEAT TO BE UNSTABLE AND SHIFT WHEN BRAKING OR ACCELLERATING.
Seats, Sep 17, 2015
THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT RAILS HAVE FAILED AND THE DEALER WANTS ALMOST $1000 TO REPAIR (WHICH I DON'T HAVE RIGHT NOW). I AM AFRAID THAT THE SEAT WILL COMPLETELY FAIL WHILE DRIVING AND RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH. IT APPEARS THAT THIS FAILURE OF THE FRONT SEAT RAILING WELD IS FAIRLY COMMON ON THIS VEHICLE AND I AM SURPRISED THAT THE NHTSA WOULD ALLOW A MANUFACTURER (GENERAL MOTORS) TO NOT FIX THIS APPARENT SERIOUS DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING FLAW. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW, WEIGH LESS THAN 130 LBS, HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN GENTLE WITH THE CAR. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT GM AND THE CHEVROLET DEALER WANT TO MAKE A PROFIT FROM ME TO REPAIR THEIR DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I OFFERED TO PAY THE OUT OF POCKET COSTS TO REPAIR THE DEFECT (I THNK THIS WOULD BE ABOUT OF THE QUOTED PRICE FOR THE ACTUAL MECHANIC TIME/WAGES AND WHOLESALE PARTS PRICE), BUT WAS TURNED DOWN.
Seats, Jul 15, 2015
THE SEAT IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE SEAT TRACK ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE SEAT LEANS TO THE RIGHT EVEN WITHOUT A DRIVER IN THE SEAT. THE FACTORY WELD HAS GIVEN OUT ON THE TRACK. WE FEEL THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE IF IT WAS TO BE INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THERE WAS NO INCIDENT THAT CAUSED THE WELD TO FAIL OTHER THAN GOING AROUND A CORNER AT NORMAL SPEEDS. WHEN RESEARCHING REPAIR FOR THE VEHICLE WE HAVE NOTED MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT.
Seats, Jun 4, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT MOVED ON THE TRACK AND WAS CROOKED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Seats, Feb 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVER SEAT FRACTURED CAUSING IT TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE WELDED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Steering, Suspension, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Feb 23, 2015
FIRST I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT STEERING ISSUES AND HAVE HAD PARTS REPLACED PREVIOUSLY ON THIS VEHICLE. NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE STRUTS, AXLES AND NEEDLESS TO SAY NEW TIRES BECAUSE OF THE WEAR ON THEM DUE TO THE STEERING ISSUES. HOWEVER, I HAVE A RECALLED SHIFT CABLE AND HAVE BEEN WAITING SINCE LAST YEAR IN AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER. I ASKED ISN'T THIS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY STATED , THEY ALL ARE. SO I AM STILL WAITING FOR THE CALL THAT THEY HAVE THIS SHIFT CABLE AND CAN ONLY PRAY NOTHING HAPPENS, LIKE A BAD ACCIDENT. IF SOMETHING WERE IT PROBABLY WOULDN'T BE GOOD FOR YOU ALL. ANYWAY WHEN WILL THIS PART BE IN SO I CAN GET IT TAKEN CARE OF. WENT TO [XXX] IN KANSAS CITY KS. BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM THEM AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES WITH THE CAR. PLEASE ADVISE. BY THE WAY THE SEAT BROKE, THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS STOPPED WORKING AND I'M NOT REAL HAPPY. OF COURSE ITS PAID FOR NOW AND NOT UNDER A WARRANTY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Seats, Jan 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER SEAT SHIFTED TO THE LEFT AND THE FRAME RAILS BECAME FRACTURED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SEAT WOULD INDEPENDENTLY MOVE WHICH EVER WAY THE WEIGHT OF THE DRIVER WAS SHIFTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Seat belts, Seats, Jan 6, 2015
DRIVER SEAT SUDDENLY DROPPED AND LEANED TO THE RIGHT. UPON INSPECTION OF SEAT, THE MOUNTING BRACKET WAS FOUND TO BE BROKEN
Seats, Dec 20, 2014
FRONT DRIVER SEAT WELD BROKEN. SEAT LEANS TO SIDE. UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING AND UNSAFE.
Seats, Nov 18, 2014
THE DRIVER SEAT WELDS HAVE BROKEN MAKING THE SEAT UNSAFE. *TR
Seats, Oct 9, 2014
DRIVERS SEAT WELDING HAS SNAPPED UNDERNEATH CAUSING THE SEAT TO LEAN TO THE RIGHT AND BOUNCE UP AND DOWN. *TR
Seats, Sep 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT WELDING FAILED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE SEAT TO LEAN TO THE RIGHT AND BECOME WOBBLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT WAS NO LONGER ADJUSTABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRACKING UNDERNEATH THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 10/30/14*LJ UPDATED 4/27/2015 *JS
Seats, Jul 30, 2014
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT MOVED ON THE TRACT AND WAS CROOKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Seats, Jul 23, 2014
THE 6 WAY POWER SEAT BRACKET HAS BROKEN ON THE RIGHT SIDE AT THE ONE WELD HOLDING IT TOGETHER CAUSING THE SEAT TO MOVE IN MULTIPLE DIRECTIONS WHILE SITTING IN IT. I GOOGLED IT AN IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE AN ISOLATED ISSUE. THEY ALL WERE BROKE ON THE RIGHT SIDE.THIS ALLOWS THE SEAT TO MOVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE, FORWARD AND BACKWARD AND UP AND DOWN. *TR