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: steering
711 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Sep 2, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEIZE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Sep 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 153,300. UPDATED 09/29/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. UPDATED 12/13/11
Steering, Aug 25, 2011
WHILE ACCELERATING, WARNING BELL DINGED AND POWER STEERING FAILED MOMENTARILY. HAS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES SO FAR. I PLAN TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP TOMORROW. *TR
Steering, Aug 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING SHAFT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 26,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/21/11*LJ UPDATED 09/23/11
Steering, Jul 31, 2011
THE STEERING WHEEL IN A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU POPS AND AFTER TIME THE POPS INCREASE AND CAUSES THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE TO FAIL. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND COULD CAUSE DRIVERS TO CRASH. IF ENOUGH PEOPLE DIE, MAYBE GM WILL RECALL THIS DESIGN FLAW. THIS IS CAUSED FROM HAVING ELECTRONIC STEERING, WHICH MEANS NO POWER STEERING FLUID IS SUPPOSE TO BE NEEDED. *TR
Steering, Jul 24, 2011
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU, AND THE STEERING POWER GOES ON AND OFF, ONE TIME I WAS DRIVING IT, THEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OFF IN THE FREEWAY, I WAS SO SCARY, I TOOK THE FIRST EXIT RIGHT ALWAYS, IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR
Steering, Jul 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND PROGRESSED OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED IN ORDER FOR IT TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89.000.
Steering, Jul 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HEARD A BEEPING NOISE AND THE POWER STEERING SERVICE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING RACK AND COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 137,000.
Steering, Jun 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO REGAIN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Jun 18, 2011
I WOULD LIKE TO AMEND MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT NUMBER: 10407288 THE FATALITY THAT I MENTIONED WAS NOT PROVEN TO BE OF A DIRECT RESULT OF A STEERING FAILURE. HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO COMPLAINT NUMBER: 10364224 THE CHEVROLET MALIBU HAD STEERING SHAFT REPLACED PRIOR TO ACCIDENT. THIS WAS PERFORMED AT GM DEALER DUE TO POPPING NOISE WHILE STEERING, DIAGNOSED AT DEALER. REPAIR PAID FOR BY OWNER. CHEVY MALIBU HAD 65,000 MILES AT TIME OF ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Jun 17, 2011
OKAY, NOW I AM REALLY UPSET. THIS IS MY THIRD COMPLAINT ABOUT THE STEERING ON MY 2005 MALIBU. I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN ON A FIXED INCOME AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED. THE CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 45000 PLUS MILES ON IT AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT, AND I SURE CAN'T SELL IT FOR FEAR THAT A STEERING FAILURE MAY OCCUR AND INJURE OR EVEN KILL SOMEONE, AND ALTHOUGH GM CAN LIVE WITH THAT ON THEIR CONSCIENCE, I CANNOT. THE EVENING NEWS LAST NIGHT REPORTED THAT CHRYSLER IS RECALLING MORE THAN 11,000 CARS, MINIVANS AND OTHER MODELS BECAUSE A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM CAN CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO COLLAPSE IMPROPERLY IN A COLLISION. HOW IS THIS ANY DIFFERENT THAN THE PROBLEM WITH THE DESIGN, MANUFACTURING AND SAFETY DEFECT WITH THE CHEVY MALIBU STEERING? ACCORDING TO THEIR NEW COMMERCIALS 'CHEVROLET RUNS DEEP' THEY ARE RIGHT, CHEVY DOES RUN DEEP, DEEP INTO YOUR POCKET. THEIR COLD AND CALLOUSED REFUSAL TO RECALL AND REPAIR THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE A CLEAR INDICATION THAT GM IS TOTALLY UNCONCERNED YOUR SAFETY OR MINE. I HAVE HEARD OF AT LEAST ONE FATALITY DUE TO THE STEERING SAFETY DEFECT. GM DOES NOT GIVE A RIP ABOUT OUR SAFETY AND WILL NOT RECALL AND REPAIR THE CARS EVEN THOUGH THIS IS OF MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR ANY ONE WHO OWNS ONE OF THESE VEHICLES. CAN ANYONE SAY 'CLASS ACTION'? *TR
Steering, Jun 16, 2011
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU. THE POWER STEERING IS BEGINNING TO MAKE A NOISE. I WAS TOLD BY A REPAIR PLACE, THAT MY POWER STEERING ELECTRIC MOTOR IS BEGINNING TO GO OUT AND I WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. THEY INDICATE THAT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE POWER STEERING MOTOR IN THIS PECULIAR CAR. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 8, 2011
COMPLETE AND TOTAL LOCK UP OF POWER STEERING; BATTERY LIGHT FLICKS ON AND THEN EVERYTHING LOCKS UP UNTIL YOU REPLACE THE GAS PEDDLE FOR ABOUT 3 SECONDS. MY LIGHTS RANDOMLY FLASH AND REAR BULBS ON THE DRIVER SIDE BLOW EVERY 3 DAYS. MY TURN SIGNALS WILL SPORADICALLY BLINK AND THE WIPER BLADES GO OFF WITH OUT WARNING OR BEING PROMPTED. EVEN WITH NO KEYS NEAR OR IN THE CAR IT WILL NOT TURN OVER TO START THE CAR UNTIL YOU FLOOR THE GAS PEDDLE AND HOLD IT THERE FOR 3-5 SECONDS. MY RADIO READS AT -19* ALL THE TIME AND THE CD PLAYER HAS NEVER WORKED CORRECTLY. WHEN GOING FROM 0 TO 50 GETTING ON THE PARKWAY (HIGHWAY) THE WHOLE CAR LOCKS UP AND LOSES POWER INCLUDING THE STEERING RADIO AND LIGHTS UNLESS YOU COMPLETELY RELEASE THE GAS THEN START TO GO AGAIN. IM SO HIGHLY FRUSTRATED AND CHEVY REFUSES TO FIX IT EVEN THOUGH THESE ARE ALL RECALLED PROBLEMS BUT MY VIN DOESN'T FALL IN THERE "BRACKET". *TR
Steering, Jun 3, 2011
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WE HAD EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT 87017 MILES. DEALER REPLACED POWER STEERING COLUMN UNDER POLICY 10183. CAR HAS AGAIN HAD THE SAME PROBLEM NOW AT 101754 MILES. POLICY 10183 STATES THAT GM WILL PAY FOR REPAIRS BUT ONLY UP TO 100,000 MILES. I'M 1754 MILES OVER THIS. HOWEVER IT WAS REPAIRED BEFORE ONLY 14,737 MILES AGO. IS GM REPAIRING THIS DEFECT WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS? IF SO THIS ENDANGERS EVERYONE AND IS UNETHICAL. THIS CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS FRONT END ISSUES INCLUDING REPLACING THE STEERING RACK SEVERAL TIMES (CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING - NOW ALSO BACK AGAIN), WHEEL HUB AND BEARING ISSUES AND STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AT 50425 MILES FOR A FAILED TORQUE SENSOR. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE SAFE TO DRIVE. GM SHOULD BE RE-ENGINEERING THESE COMPONENTS AND REPLACING THE FAILED ONES WITH NEW DESIGN. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR ALL IMPACTED MODELS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED OR INJURED DUE TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHICH CAN BE VERY SUDDEN AND DRAMATIC. GM CLAIMS IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. HOWEVER, SOMEONE UNPREPARED OR WITHOUT UPPER BODY STRENGTH CAN GET INTO SERIOUS TROUBLE VERY QUICKLY. WHO WILL MAKE THE DECISION TO DO THE RIGHT THING WITH THIS PROBLEM? APPARENTLY THIS IS WELL DOCUMENTED WITH OTHER GM PRODUCTS AS WELL. *TR
Steering, May 25, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER WITHIN A COUPLE OF DAYS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,850.
Steering, May 25, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE POWER STEERING ALSO STOPPED FUNCTIONING; HOWEVER, WITHIN A FEW MINUTES IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WILL NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE OR TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Steering, May 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD LOCK ABNORMALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BOTH IN MOTION AND STOPPED, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
Steering, May 16, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE WHEELS WOULD LOCK. WHILE MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN THE WHEELS WOULD MAKE A LOUD NOISE BEFORE THE WHEEL LOCKED AGAIN. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 06/14/11 *BF THE DEALER REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION. HOWEVER, THE NOISE RETURNED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS NO SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 11/23/11
Steering, May 16, 2011
THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT FOR MY 05 MALIBU LS, I PURCHASED IN 2006, APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES, NOTICED SHORTLY AFTER THE POPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING AREA. I WAS TOLD AT THAT TIME GM WAS AWARE AND WORKING ON IT. KEPT TAKING IT BACK FOR REPAIRS/SERVICE. IN 08 HAD THE STEERING GEAR BOX REPLACED, NOW I'M TOLD IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN ALONG WITH THE I SHAFT. CURRENT MILE 109,000, IT HAS ONLY BEEN 50,000 MILES SINCE THE LAST GEAR BOX WAS REPLACED. I ASKED IF THIS WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM OR WOULD I HAVE REPLACE IT AGAIN AND THEY COULD NOT SAY AND OFFERED ME $2,000 ON TRADE IN. LOL I DON'T THINK SO. AND I WOULDN'T WANT TO MAKE THIS SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM. WHEN WILL GM, WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS DO A RECALL?!! WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO GET A RECALL ON THIS SAFETY ISSUE WILL SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE? GM MUST SEE THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM... *TR
Steering, May 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VEER TOWARD THE LEFT BEFORE THE POWER STEERING FAILED. DURING THE FAILURE, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND UPON RESTART, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE HAD SINCE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Steering, May 4, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN BECAME HARD TO MOVE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
Steering, Apr 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING OCCURRED, FOLLOWED BY THE ILLUMINATION OF THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING USING EXTREME BODILY FORCE TO MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000. UPDATED 05/18/11
Steering, Apr 9, 2011
II HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT THAT I BOUGHT USED IN SEPTEMBER 2010. IT HAD 43,000 MILES WHEN I PURCHASED IT, AND NOW HAS JUST OVER 46,000 MILES. SOON AFTER WE BOUGHT IT I HEARD A LOUD 'CLUNKING' SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I DID THE CUSTOMARY ON LINE RESEARCH AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THAT YEAR AND MODEL. I CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND REQUESTED THAT THEY REPAIR THE VEHICLE AS I CONSIDERED THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY REFUSED TO ASSIST IN THE REPAIR AND WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT WAS A SAFETY PROBLEM. THEY OFFERED ME A $100.00 CREDIT TO BE USED ON ANY FUTURE SERVICE OR REPAIR ON THE MALIBU EXCEPT THE STEERING PROBLEM! THE STEERING HAS NOT FAILED ON THE VEHICLE YET, BUT BASED ON THE MANY COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE READ I AM LEERY OF DRIVING IT ON THE OPEN ROAD FOR FEAR THAT IT MAY FAIL WHILE I AM DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY CONCERN I WILL HAVE TO HAVE THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AT MY OWN EXPENSE. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO GET GM TO ADMIT THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE? AND WHY DOESN'T NHTSA DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE STEERING COMPONENTS? THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED BY GM. THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO AN EARLIER COMPLAINT THAT I FILED. *TR
Steering, Apr 1, 2011
STOPPED AT STOP SIGN AND I WAS TRYING TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN. WHEN TRAFFIC CLEARED I PUSHED ON THE GAS TO ENTER ONTO THE WHEN MY CAR STARTED TO MAKE THIS LOUD DING, DING, DING SOUND AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. AT THAT TIME I COULD NOT TURN MY STEERING WHEEL. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING UNLOCKED AND I THEN MADE LIKE A SHARP RIGHT AS IT KICKED IN. VERY SCARY. DURING THE LOUD DINGING SOUND I WAS LOOKING TO FIND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR SOME INDICATOR TO WHAT WAS GOING ON. I DID NOT SEE IT UNTIL THIS HAPPENED A SECOND TIME ABOUT A WEEK LATER AND IT FLASHED POWER STEERING. THERE IS A TSB ON THIS BUT BECAUSE I AM OVER THE MILES THEY WON'T HELP ME. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND EVERY VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 30, 2011
THE STEERING HAS A HEAVY CLUNK SOUND WHEN TURNING LEFT IN REVERSE, NO SOUND WHEN GOING TO THE RIGHT. THEN AT JUST OVER 50K MILES, THE STEERING ON THE VEHICLE STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH POWER WHILE TURNING TO THE RIGHT UNDER POWER, TO THE LEFT WAS JUST FINE. THE HEAD LAMPS ALSO HAVE GOTTEN SEVERELY CLOUDY WHICH LIMITS VISIBILITY DURING NIGHT TIME DRIVING. FRONT TURN INDICATOR LIGHTS ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH LOOSE SOCKETS, CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO SHORT OUT AND EVENTUALLY FAIL BECAUSE OF SPARKING RESIDUE ON THE CONTACTS. ALSO, FOR SOME REASON THE REAR WINDOW WIPER RANDOMLY TURNS ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS A STARTING PROBLEM WHERE AT TIMES, THE VEHICLE WILL CRANK AND NOT START. LOOKING AROUND, QUITE A FEW FOLKS HAVE THAT PROBLEM AS WELL, WHERE SOME PEOPLE HAVE HAD TO SHORT OUT THE HOOD SAFETY SWITCH TO MAKE THE CAR WORK... NOW THAT IS CRAZY TO HAVE TO SHORT OUT SOMETHING TO START YOUR CAR. APPARENTLY THOUGH, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS SEVERELY SENSITIVE TO VOLTAGE ISSUES IN GENERAL, MORE SO THEN MOST VEHICLES ON THE ROAD.