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: service brakes
95 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Jun 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT FROM PARK AND THE KEY SEIZED IN THE IGNITION. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL , EXTERIOR LIGHTING , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,117.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 13, 2014
I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL AUTO MECHANIC COMPLAINING OF A STEERING/// FRONT BRAKE ENGAGING PREMATURELY ISSUE. MY MECHANIC LOOKED AT MY FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM AND ESTABLISHED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE ACTUALLY UNITS THAT MAKE UP THE FRONT BRAKING SYSTEM. HE THEN INSTRUCTED ME TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER TO SEE IF THEY CAN DIAGNOSE A POSSIBLE SENSOR ISSUE. I FOLLOWED HIS ADVICE. WHILE DRIVING AT APROX 40 -45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO "SHIMMY" UNCONTROLLABLY. AT THIS SAME TIME, THE FRONT BRAKES BEGAN TO ENGAGE INDEPENDENT OF THE BRAKE PEDDLES BEING DEPRESSED. I PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND PARKED ON A SIDE STREET. AS THE VEHICLE SAT STATIONARY, I NOTICES SMOKE EMINATING FROM BOTH FRONT WHEELWELLS. MOMENTS LATER, THE TIRE VALVE IN MY FRONT LEFT TIRE BLEW, CAUSING THE TIRE TO DEFLATE. I THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I TOLD THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I ALSO INFORMED THEM THAT I HAD ALREADY TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC, DESCRIBING THE REASON WHY; THIS WAS 06/12/14. ON 06/13/14, THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE FRONT BRAKING SYSTEM. I THEN REMINDED THEM THAT I HAD ALREADY TOLD THEM THAT MY MECHANIC HAD ALREADY ESTABLISHED THAT FACT, AND THAT IT WAS HIS RECOMMENDATION THAT I BRING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER FOR A MORE DETAILED DIAGNOSIS. AS IT STANDS RIGHT NOW, THE DEALERSHIP STILL DOES NOT KNOW WHY THE ISSUES I HIGHLIGHTED ARE HAPPENING. PLEASE NOTE - 05/21/14 I HAD BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. THIS PROBLEM BEGAN TO MANIFEST ITSELF SOON AFTER THAT RECALL WAS COMPLETED. *JS
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, May 21, 2014
THE BRAKES LIGHTS ON MY VEHICLE COME ON WITHOUT PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE BRAKES RESULTING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL TO KICK OFF. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL GO OFF ONCE THE BRAKES ARE PRESSED. THIS PRESENTS AN UNSAFE SITUATION AS IT IS NEVER KNOWN WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. THIS RESULTED IN MY VEHICLE BEING REAR ENDED WHILE AT A STOP SIGN COMING OFF THE OFF RAMP FROM THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED SEVERAL TIMES AND IT KEEPS REOCCURRING. THE POWER STEERING GOES COMPLETELY OUT ON THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT RANDOM TIMES. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THIS FIXED AT LEAST TWO TIMES. I KNOW THAT THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON BOTH ISSUES FOR MY MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR HOWEVER I KEEP GETTING TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE LIST. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, May 20, 2014
ABS LIGHT WANT TO GO ON AND OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON COMES ON TURN CAR OFF TURN CAR BACK ON LIGHT OFF . ON GOING OCCURRENCE. *TR
Service brakes, May 17, 2014
THIS CAR HAS HAD THE CALIPERS REPLACED 2 TIMES NOW. THE FIRST IS RECORDED HERE AND THE SECOND OCCURRED ON JAN. 15, 2014. BOTH TIMES THE CAR LOST FLUID DUE TO CALIPER LEAKAGE. HAD DIFFICULTY STOPPING THE CAR THE SECOND TIME AROUND BUT WAS ABLE TO BRING IT TO A STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT. I HAVE A LICENSED MECHANIC TELLING ME THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE FIRST INCIDENT PAID FOR WAS $285 AND THE SECOND WAS IN EXCESS $600. THIS IS NOT PART OF A RECALL BUT AM CERTAIN THAT THIS SHOULD NOT BE OCCURRING. SHOULD THIS RESULT IN A DETERMINATION OF FACTORY ERROR, IT WOULD BE GOOD TO GET REIMBURSED FOR THE HEAVY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE. *JS
Service brakes, May 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN THE CONTACT WAS NOT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BCM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
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
Steering, Wheels, Service brakes, Apr 11, 2014, fire
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE ON MY WAY HOME AND MY BACK BREAKS LOCKED UP AND THE TIRES AND HUBCAPS STARTED TO BURN. I HAD NO IMMEDIATE EXIT SO I HAD TO CONTINUE TO ROLL SLOW. ONCE I EXITED THE INTERSTATE MY WHEEL WAS ON FIRE. I PUT IT OUT WITH AN EXTINGUISHER. I ASKED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID NO RECALLS. I HAD TO GET THE TOW TRUCK AND HE SAID IT WAS NOT THE FIRST FOR MY CAR MAKE AND MODEL. I REPLACED THE BREAKS, ROTORS AND TIRES AND 2 WEEKS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. ONLY THIS TIME I WAS IN A PARKING LOT OF A GROCERY STORE. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD A TOTAL BREAK JOB AND REPLACE TIRES AND HUBCAPS. MY POWER STEERING LOCKED UP AND IT WAS VERY HARD BUT WAS ABLE TO USE MANUALLY. THE MANUAL SAID TO SHUT OFF CAR AND RESTART TO RESET THE POWER STEERING. THIS WAS NOT SAFE AND VERY SCARY. *JS
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jul 16, 2013
INTERMITTENT BRAKE LIGHTS; GO ON WHEN NOT BRAKING; ALSO CRUISE CONTROL INTERMITTENT I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL. SUGGEST RECALL AS THIS PROBLEM HAS MADE THE PRESS. *TR
Structure, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jun 21, 2013, crash
THE CAR IS A WRECK. *TR
Service brakes, Apr 11, 2013
BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. SOME TIMES THE LIGHTS WILL COME ON AND AFTER A WHILE GO OFF, OR THEY WILL FLICKER ON AND OFF. THIS IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. NEITHER FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. ALSO THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT WORK WHILE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON. DURING THIS CONDITION, WHEN I DO APPLY PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OFF SO A DRIVER BEHIND ME DOESN'T KNOW I AM STOPPING. I HAVE HAD THE DEALERSHIP, GM, LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM 3 TIMES STARTING AT THE 35572 MILES. THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ALL 3 TIMES WHICH CURED THE PROBLEM FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, BUT THEN THE SAID PROBLEM REAPPEARS. LAST TIME THEY "FIXED" THE PROBLEM WAS AT MILEAGE 110,536 ON MARCH 9, 2012. I AM CURRENTLY NOT DRIVING THE CAR OFTEN BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM HAS RETURNED.. ONE GOOD THING THOUGH - WITH THE LIGHT GOING ON AND OFF, IT DOES KEEP TAILGATERS BACK AS THEY HAVE ON IDEA WHAT I AM UPTO. A SILVER LINING IN A DARK CLOUD. I PURCHASED THE CAR USED WITH 7660 MILES ON IT. *TR
Service brakes, Mar 13, 2013
BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT UP WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THIS IS INCONSISTENT. ALSO, THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS INTERMITTENTLY - THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR AT LEAST THE PAST SIX MONTHS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Wheels, Mar 12, 2013
AS I WAS TURNING THE CORNER THE TIRE AND RIM COMPLETED DISENGAGED OR FELL OFF CAUSING ME TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP INTO A PARKING LOT. THE BOLTS HAD SHEARED OFF FROM THE TIRE. WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANICS SHOP AND FOUND OUT THE ROD, RIM, ROTOR AND BRAKES WERE GOING TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE AND RIM HAD FELL OFF BEFORE BUT WE REPLACED THE BOLTS WHICH HAD SHEARED OFF. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, May 8, 2012
BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN ON WITH NO CONTACT WITH BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN PEDAL IS DEPRESSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OFF. THIS HAS CAUSED NUMEROUS 'ROAD RAGE' INCIDENTS AND NEAR-MISS REAR-END COLLISIONS. *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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Jan 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE BECOMING EXTREMELY HOT AND MELTING THE HEADLIGHT LENS. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 03/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS KEPT MALFUNCTIONING, BECAUSE THEY WERE GETTING TOO HOT. THE CONSUMER NOTICED IT, BECAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS KEPT MALFUNCTIONING. HE THOUGHT THE BULB BURNED OUT, BUT SOON DISCOVERED IT WASN'T BURNED OUT. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE PLASTIC CLEAR LENS HAD MELTED. UPDATED 03/08/12
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 20, 2011, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD, RESULTING ON HER BRAKES CATCHING ON FIRE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL SHOP WHERE THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 109,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 15, 2011
FRONT BRAKE/ROTOR/CALIPER FAILURE. I HAVE HAD MY ROTORS, FRONT PADS AND CALIPERS REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES ROTORS 6 TIMES, CALIPERS 6 TIMES AND FRONT PADS EACH TIME REPAIR WAS DONE TO THE CAR DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN, THE CALIPERS HANG UP AND DO NOT RELEASE ALL THE WAY CAUSING THE INNER PADS TO WEAR ABNORMALLY. BRAKE PROBLEMS ALMOST RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Service brakes, Air, Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2010
SUBJECT: NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10032206 BRAKE LIGHTS COMMENTS: MY 2005 MALIBU MAXX HAS INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE LIGHTS. THEY GO ON WITHOUT PUTTING ON THE BRAKES AND GO OFF WHEN I PUT ON THE BRAKES. IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. I FOUND A TSB DATED 2009-06-01 THAT DESCRIBES IT PERFECTLY. CHEVY CAN'T FIND THE SAME TSB IN THEIR SYSTEM AND WON'T HELP ME. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE LAMP, BUT THAT IS CLEARLY NOT THE PROBLEM (BASED ON THE TSB). THE DEALER CAN'T SEE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT'S INTERMITTENT. I WANT THIS FIXED (THE CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE) BUT DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO PAY AGAIN, WHEN I FIRST PAID FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS CLEARLY THE WRONG SOLUTION, AND FOR WHICH THE DEALER COULD HAVE FOUND THE SAME TSB THAT I FOUND (EVEN IF IT'S NOT IN THE GM SYSTEM). THE SOLUTION APPEARS TO BE "HIGH RESISTANCE TO TERMINAL FRETTING CORROSION IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) C2 CONNECTOR (SPECIFICALLY PINS C2-18, C2-31, AND C2-59). THE CORRECTION IS TO UNLATCH THE C2 CONNECTOR AND DISCONNECT FROM THE BCM. THEN REPEAT THIS AND THEN APPLY DIELECTRIC LUBRICANT ON THE BCM C2 PINS. IT IS NOT A BRAKE SWITCH PROBLEM. PLEASE CONTACT ME AND LET ME KNOW WHAT OPTIONS I HAVE, AND IF NHTSA CAN DEAL WITH GM ABOUT THIS. THANK YOU. *LN
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, May 29, 2010
THE PARKING BRAKE ON MY 2005 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX WON'T FULLY RELEASE AND AS EVIDENCED HAS CAUSED EXTREME HEAT IN THE REAR DISC BRAKES. THIS HAS RENDERED THE PARKING BRAKE UNUSABLE AND THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT TO FACILITATE FULL PARKING BRAKE RELEASE AS TOLD TO ME BY A CHEVROLET DEALER. I MUST NOW PARK MY CAR WITH NO PARKING BRAKE SET. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 19, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU CLASSIC. I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN DECEMBER OF 2006. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE BRAKES REPLACED EVERY SIX MONTHS SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. MY MECHANIC ADVISED ME TO PURCHASE LIFE TIME BRAKES FROM AUTO ZONE AND SWAP THEM OUT EVERY SIX MONTHS...I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WHO DOES A LOT OF DRIVING AND CANNOT AFFORD TO CHANGE MY BRAKES EVER SIX MONTHS. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Mar 3, 2010
05 CHEVY MALIBU 43,000 MILES HAVE HAD RACK & PINNION REPLACED 2 TIMES BECAUSE OF CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING ,ALSO INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. RIGHT FRONT HUB OVER HEATED AT 1500 MILES BECAUSE IT HAD NO GREASE IN IT . THIS CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES & CV JOINTS A RETIRED TIMKIN BEARING WORKER TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPUTER LINE OF PUTTING GREASE THE HUBS BECAUSE OF THE WT. OF THE HUB VARYING THERE HAS BEEN MANY, MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME THINGS ON 05'S ON CAR COMPLAINTS WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM ? *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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 18, 2009
WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW, IT SHOOK WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BY SMOOTHING THE BRAKE PADS. A FEW MONTHS AGO, THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AT SPEEDS ABOVE 35 MPH. THIS PROBLEM HAS GRADUALLY BECOME WORSE AND THE CAR NOW SHAKES EXCESSIVELY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT SPEEDS AT OR ABOVE 55 MPH, MAKING DRIVING IN ANYTHING BUT A STRAIGHT LINE IMPOSSIBLE. STOPPING DISTANCE HAS ALSO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED. I NO LONGER CONSIDER THE CAR SAFE FOR USE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55 MPH. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, May 17, 2009
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON BY THEMSELVES, THEY BLINK OFF AND ON. SOMETIMES THEY JUST STAY ON,AND OTHER TIMES WHEN YOU BRAKE THEY WANT COME ON AT ALL. HAVE HAD THE CAR AT THE DEALER 3 OR 4 TIMES THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM . I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE AND OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY SAID THEY ADJUSTED BRAKE SWITCH AND THEY DID SOME OTHER THINGS BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *TR