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, Nov 3, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle emitted a chime and the message "Steering" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle did not experience any mechanical failure and he was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering torque sensor needed to be reprogrammed. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) on February 09, 2015. The failure mileage was approximately 106,200.
Steering, Sep 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist fault message was displayed and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. Additionally, there was a ticking sound coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, May 31, 2022
In January 2022, I started to lose the power steering my 2005 Chevy Malibu. After much research, I have learned that Chevrolet installed EPS systems on the 2004-2007 Malibus. I found there has been a recall on the failure of this system. I contacted our local Chevrolet dealership in April 2022 to learn there is a mileage stipulation on the recall. Presently this is my only mode of transportation, which loses the power steering ability while driving. I am a Disabled Senior on a fixed income, therefore, leaving me with a crippled vehicle. I purchased this pre-owned vehicle in 2012, with the intention of not buying another one. I would like assistance with the repair on my Malibu.
Steering, Apr 20, 2022
Power Steering goes in & out. Wheel sometimes shakes side to side with & without touching wheel
Steering, Mar 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and stop the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was not diagnosed due to the mechanics being unable to replicate the failure. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 4, 2022
I was making a right turn onto a busy highway when my front end made a loud thunk, as if something had broken, then my steering wheel threw itself and locked up on me.
Steering, Dec 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel inadvertently lost power steering assist functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle with the extra effort needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that as she arrived at her destination, turned off the vehicle, and restarted it, the steering wheel regained power steering functionality. The contact notified an independent mechanic who advised her that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving and the steering wheel was increasingly more difficult to maneuver. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 183,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Dec 6, 2021
1st when got car from local dealer cruise control worked next day still hasn't, interior lights not working with new bulb, brake light on, leaking oil from pan, front end drifting, than at station no power steering, didn't know wtf, wheels didn't turn, shut off he later was there ignition switch will keep turning. Rins battery dead. I'm scared power steering will go out while driving. It's a scary thought, think I will sell .It's the worse recall I've heard of can they be fixed. Consumer has all 7 recalls.
Steering, Dec 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that her husband manually steered the vehicle and veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that her husband turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact's husband continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering control module, steering control module, and torque sensors needed to be replaced. The dealer also advised the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair as an unknown recall had expired in 2014. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Steering, Sep 12, 2021
Starting feeling a clunking in steering wheel while driving. 5 days later cars dic said power steering while driving 60 down the highway. Car was hard to handle and turn.
Steering, Aug 13, 2021
loss of steering. couldn't steer the car. no power steering message came up on display screen only warning alarm sounded. This has happened when trying to park in a parking spot as well as two separate times on the freeway.
Steering, Jul 12, 2021
loss of steering. couldn't steer the car. no power steering message came up on display screen
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 23, 2021
Driving at any speed the car will randomly brake on its own.
Steering, Apr 16, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A CLUNKING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE LOCAL DEALER JOHN ELWAY CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 5200 S. BROADWAY, ENGLEWOOD, CO 80113 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.*DT
Engine, Apr 15, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JOHN ELWAY CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 5200 S. BROADWAY, ENGLEWOOD, CO 80113, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAD FAILED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 11, 2021
WHEN I'M DRIVING OFTEN..I TURN THE WHEEL AS NORMAL. INTERMITTENTLY I HEAR A DING NOISE COMING FROM MY CONSOLE, AND MY STEERING WHEEL STIFFENS AND I HAVE TO USE A LARGE AMOUNT OF FORCE TO STRAIGHTEN OUT. I HAVE CALLED GM MANY TIMES AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE ARE NO RECALLS WITH THIS ISSUE. I BELIEVE THAT THEY SHOULD BE A CLASS ACTION. OVER 500 OR OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. WHAT GIVES GM?
Steering, Apr 2, 2021
ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY STOPS WORKING WHILE DRIVING. THE DURATION OF THE FAILURE MIGHT BE SHORT PERIOD OR EXTENDED PERIOD. WHEN IT OCCURS AND IN A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKS FROM YOUR HAND AND IS DIFFICULT TO COMPLETE THE TURN. THE FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE HAS INCREASED AS WE NO LONGER DRIVE THE CAR. RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED LESS THAN 10K MILES AGO AND GM IS NOT WARRANTING THEIR SAFETY RECALL WORK. RECALL WAS DONE IN 2014 W/ 147K MILES AND NOW HAVE 154K MILES.
Steering, Mar 6, 2021
I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY WHEN STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO CONTROL REQUIRING AN EMENSE AMOUNT OF MUSCLE TO CONTROL. TO WHICH A MESSAGE CAME ON MY DISPLAY BOARD STATING POWER STEERING AND A BELL SOUNDED.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 18, 2021, crash
I LOST ALL POWER ASSIST IN MY STEERING WHEEL ON THE INTERSTATE. IT WAS SHOWING A RECALL FOR THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING BUT WHEN I CALLED CHEVROLET, THEY DIDN'T SEE IT.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Dec 14, 2020
MY 2005 MALIBU STIRRING WHEEL ; MY MY 2005 MALIBU MAXX LS V6, STIRRING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHEN I WAS GETTING ON THE INTERSTATE INTERSTATE, CRUISE CONTROL DOSENT WORK, AND WHEN IM DRIVING SOMETIMES WHEN I GET UP TO A CEARTAIN SPEED CAR SHAKES BAD AND IT SHAKES WHEN I USE BRAKES. MY STIRRING WHEEL MAKES NOISES SOMETIMES AND FEEL LIKE ITS GONNA BRAKE SOMETIMES. WHEN I GO OVER SPEED BUMPS CAR SQUEAKS LIKE FRONT TIRE IS GONNA COME OFF, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS CAN GET RADIATOR FANS TO COME ON HAVE TO CUT AC ON IN ORDER FOR FANS TO WORK AC BEEN STOP WORKING HORN DON'T WORK I THOUGHT SUNROOF CAME UP AND MOST OF TIME TRUNK WONT OPEN AND WHEN IT DOES OPEN IT WONT CLOSE. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF MY STIRRING WHEEL LOCKED UP 4 TIMES ON ME ALREADY ABOUT DRIVE BUT I HAVE TO DRIVE FOR MY BUSINESS TO MAKE DELIVERS.
Steering, Dec 11, 2020
VEHICLE LOST POWERING STEERING AFTER MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN ONTO A BUSY ROAD. ENDED UP HALF WAY IN THE ONCOMING LANE BEFORE I COULD GET IT UNDER CONTROL. GOOD THING NO OTHER CARS WERE IN THE WAY. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR. I ALSO HAVE HAD OTHER INCIDENCES WHEN THE POWER STEERING GLITCHES OFF AND ON WHILE I'M TURNING INTO PARKING SPOTS. AFTER I BOUGHT THIS CAR, BRAND NEW, I HAD TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR STEERING ISSUES BUT THEY DIDNT FIND ANY ISSUES AT THAT TIME AND I WAS DISMISSED, NOW IT'S OBVIOUS THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR THESE CARS. THIS IS A HAZARD AND IS TERRIFYING WHEN IT HAPPENS.
Steering, Dec 8, 2020
STARTED MY CAR UP TO AROUND 2:00 TO GO MY LUNCH BREAK. POWERING STEERING WAS IN MY RADIO DASH. AFTER TURNING IT OFF AND BACK ON IT RESOLVED THE PROBLEM FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME BUT HAS CUTOFF CONSISTENTLY WHEN I AM DRIVING REVERTING BACK TO MANUAL STEERING WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WITH LOW SPEEDS AND DANGEROUS IT PUTS EVERYBODY AT RISK IF IT HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY.
Steering, Nov 11, 2020
IT LOSES THE POWER STEERING AT TIMES, AFTER IS TURNED ON. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS OFTEN.
Steering, Oct 24, 2020
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING DISABLED DURING ROUTINE DRIVING, MAKING A LEFT TURN IN MOTION THE VEHICLES POWER STEERING WAS LOST. AFTER A RESTART OF THE ENGINE, POWER STEERING WAS RETURNED. ON A CITY STREET AFTER A STOP SIGN.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Oct 5, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE WORKING ON THE VEHICLE IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP RUSTED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,709.