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
1,393 reports, newest first.
Steering, Feb 27, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,259.
Service brakes, Feb 26, 2017
EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE IT FEELS LIKE MY BRAKES ARE LOCKED UP THEY START VIBRATING IF I GO OVER 40 AND THE LEFT CALIPER IS REALLY HOT AND IT'LL HAVE PROBLEMS GETTING UP TO SPEED
Steering, Feb 22, 2017
POWER STEERING STARTED FAILING. USUALLY IT WOULD COME BACK IF I RESTARTED THE CAR. TODAY IT HAS FAILED AND NOT RETURNED. USUALLY SEEMED TO FAIL WHEN I FIRST STARTED THE CAR, BUT LATER IT SEEMED LIKE IT FAILED AS I DROVE THE CAR.
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.
Steering, Feb 17, 2017
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STEERING WARNING LIGHT WILL COME ON AND YOU ONLY HAVE MANUAL STEERING WHICH IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE VEHICLE AND ULTIMATELY REQUIRING YOU TO STOP.
Steering, Feb 14, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST ALL POWER STEERING ABILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A POWER STEERING RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 191,000.
Steering, Feb 9, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING MADE A CLICKING NOISE AND PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHILE IDLING AT A STOP SIGN, THE STEERING WHEEL BOUNCED AND MADE A CLICKING NOISE. ONCE THE CONTACT RESUMED DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Steering, Feb 7, 2017
STEERING WHEEL MOVES ON OWN, KNOCKING NOISE AND NOW POWER STEERING GONE.
Power train, Feb 5, 2017
I GOT IN MY CAR SHIFTED TO DRIVE AND INSTEAD IT WENT REVERSE INSTEAD OF FORWARD.
Steering, Feb 2, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000(STEERING). THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
Exterior lighting, Feb 1, 2017
THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS ARE BURNING OUT THE SOCKET AS WELL AS THE LIGHT COVERING. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE BULB IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY MONTH.
Steering, Jan 30, 2017
STEERING BEGAN SHAKING AND WITHIN A WEEK IT HAS GONE OUT, SEVERAL RECALLS ON THE SAME YEAR CAR AND DEALERSHIP WONT DO ANYTHING. POWER STEERING EVEN MOVES THE WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES WILL ALMOST BE IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. *TR
Steering, Jan 30, 2017
POWER STEERING COLUMN AND MOTOR WENT OUT AFTER HAVING THIS RECALL CORRECTED. IT IS NOW OUT AGAIN, JUST 2 WEEKS OVER A YEAR AFTER HAVING IT CORRECTED AND GM WILL NOT PAY TO FIX IT. THIS CREATES A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE IN MY OPINION. ALSO, THE BRAKE LAMPS CONTINUE TO MALFUNCTION WHICH WERE ALSO CORRECTED BY A RECALL ISSUE BUT CONTINUE TO GO BAD. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2017
THE SUB CARRIAGE, AND BODY MOUNTS RUSTED AND CRACKED , WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE OTHER SIDE CRACKED WHEN I GOT THERE, THE DEALER STATED TO ME ON THE PHONE THAT THE CAR SEPARATED FROM THE CAR, . IT DID NOT SOUND RIGHT TO ME, ALL I DID WAS DRIVE TO MY MAIL BOX AND HEARD A NOISE, AND IT WAS PLACED UP AND I SAY THE BAD RUST, AND CRACK UNDER THE CAR TO THE SUB CARRIAGE, SO I WAS TOLD TO GO TO THE CHEVY DEALER AND THAT IS WHAT I DID. I GOT SCARED, I AM DISABLED. IT HAS BEEN AT JACK PHALAN CHEVY SINCE 1/23/2017 IN LYONS. UPDATED 03/15/17*LJ *CN
Exterior lighting, Jan 24, 2017
THE AMBER PLASTIC HOUSINGS ENCLOSING THE TURN-SIGNAL/DRL BULBS IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE ARE MELTING, APPARENTLY DUE TO THE BULBS GETTING TOO HOT. THE MELTING PLASTIC HAS DRIPPED DOWN ONTO THE BULBS AND THE FUMES FROM THE MELTING PLASTIC HAVE FOGGED UP PART OF THE HEADLIGHT LENS. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW. THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES AND BULBS ARE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, SO THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT. I HAVE READ MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT OTHER 2005 MALIBUS IN VARIOUS INTERNET FORUMS, AND GM IS APPARENTLY NOT WILLING TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM.
Steering, Dec 30, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EPS WARNING INDICATOR RANDOMLY FLASHED AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOOSELY SWAYED LEFT AND RIGHT EACH TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Exterior lighting, Dec 21, 2016
THE FRONT AND REAR TURN SIGNAL BULBS CONTINUALLY BURN OUT. THEY GET SO HOT THAT BOTH FRONT ORANGE BULB COVERS HAVE HOLES BURNT IN THEM AND THE SOCKET HAS DISCOLORED BECAUSE OF THE HEAT. THIS BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2005 BUT DID NOT NOTICE THE HOLES UNTIL RECENTLY.
Steering, Dec 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR REQUIRED ANOTHER PART TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering, Dec 18, 2016
THE VEHICLE HAS A RECALL THAT IS OPEN ON IT. CHEVROLET AND THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAVE TOLD US THAT IT WILL COST $300 TO COMPLETE THE RECALL DUE TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE NEEDING TO BE REMOVED AND IT IS SEIZED. THEY SAID IF IT WASN'T SEIZED IT WOULDN'T COST US ANYTHING. HOWEVER THE DEALERSHIP STATED TO DO THE RECALL IT IS REQUIRED THAT THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAS TO BE TAKEN APART.
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.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Dec 12, 2016
WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS THE FRONT WHEELS START TO WOBBLE AND SHAKE..AFTER A WHILE OF DRIVING THE BRAKES SEEM TO START BRAKING AND SLOWING DOWN THE CAR ON ITS OWN..ALSO YOU CAN SMELL A BURNT OR RUBBER SMELL FROM THE WHEELS ARE BRAKES ALL OCCURS AT THE FRONT OF THE CAR, VERY NERVE WRECKING. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
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
Steering, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 6, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REFUELED, THE FUEL SPEWED OUT THE FUEL FILLER PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 295,000.
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 6, 2016
THE POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT WHILE I'M DRIVING. THE BRAKES FELL WHEN ALL OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON.. WHEN I TRY TO PUMP GAS THE GAS COMES BACK OUT AT ME. *TR