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, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Engine, Sep 16, 2013
STARTED 2013, TRACTION CONTROL REMAINS ON FOR A 10 MINS OF DRIVING THEN TURNS OFF, AND BACK ON AGAIN ONCE RESTART OF CAR. WHEN TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ON UNABLE TO TURN OFF BY PRESSING THE BUTTON. CAR DRIVES LIKE THE REAR BREAKS ARE ENGAGED. THIS STARTED IN 2010 AND STILL HAPPENS TO THE PRESENT DAY THE CAR HAS TIMES WHERE IT DOESN'T START UP, IT TURNS OVER BUT DOESN'T CATCH. I HAVE HAD A FUEL EJECTION SERVICE, AND REGULAR OIL CHANGES AT A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. THIS STARTED 2013, ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND IT WON'T GO OFF. CAR IS AT 115,000 MILES. THIS STARTED 2012, THE CHANGING OF GEARS IS VERY ROUGH, HARD CHANGES. THIS STARTED IN 2010, MY LAST CHANGE WAS 2012, MY HEAD LIGHT TURN SIGNAL CONTINUE TO BLOW OUT AND BURST. IN 2011 MY MIRROR VISOR ON THE DRIVER SIDES HAS BROKEN AGAIN AFTER GETTING IT REPLACE WITH THE RECALL. *TR
Steering, Sep 4, 2013
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE BY ACCELERATING ON A SLIGHT CURVE AND PULLING AN INCLINE, THE 2005 CHEVY MALIBU WOULD NOT PROPERLY STEER. WHEN REALIZING THAT THE STEERING WAS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY, DECREASED ACCELERATION AND THEN WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT EACH TIME. GM HAS BEEN NOTIFIED ABOUT THE SAFETY CONCERN AND THEY HAVE SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH A LOCAL GM DEALER TO DIAGNOSIS THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE INDICATED A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRIC STEERING IN THE 2005 CHEVY MALIBU BASED ON THE VIN. I MAY BE CHARGED DIAGNOSTIC FEES AND REPAIR COSTS IF THE STEERING ISSUE IS NOT IN LINE WITH THEIR "SPECIAL LETTER" REGARDING POSSIBLE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRIC STEERING COMPONENTS. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO READ THAT CANADA HAS RECENTLY ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE FOR STEERING RELATED SAFETY CONCERNS. I FEEL THAT THIS RECALL FOR THE STEERING COMPONENTS SHOULD ALSO APPLY TO CARS IN THE US IF THEY ARE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR SAFETY CONCERNS.
Steering, Aug 28, 2013
AUGUST 1, 2013, WAS DRIVING OFF THE PARKING LOT AT WORK WHEN POWER STEERING WENT OUT. IT CAME BACK AFTER THREE DAYS BUT ON AUGUST 23, 2013, IT WENT OUT COMPLETELY. WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, DOING 65 MPH AND COMPLETELY LOST STEERING CAPACITY. POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND BEEPED TWICE. THIS WAS VERY SCARY UNTIL I REMEMBERED I WOULD STILL HAVE MANUAL STEERING. IMMEDIATELY GOT OFF AT THE NEAREST EXIT. TOOK TO GET REPAIRED AT DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF RECALL RELATED TO POWER STEERING. PART COVERED UNDER THE RECALL DOES NOT AND DID NOT FIX POWER STEERING OF VEHICLE. AN ADDITIONAL $700 NEEDED IN ORDER TO FIX THE POWER STEERING MODULE, WHICH HOUSES SENSORS. THIS MODULE, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER, IS WHAT IS NEEDED IN ORDER TO COMPLETELY REPAIR VEHICLE. WHY CAN GM NOT REPAIR THE ENTIRE STEERING COMPONENT WHEN, APPARENTLY, THE MODULE IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE AND MOST COMMON PART ON THESE VEHICLES THAT MALFUNCTIONS (IF THE BLOGS ARE TO BE BELIEVED), NOT DUE TO ABUSE/MISUSE BY OWNERS BUT DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECT(S). *TT
Steering, Aug 20, 2013
WHILE PASSING ON THE INTERSTATE THE POWER STEERING FAILED FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THERE WAS AN AUDIBLE ALERT THEN THE STEERING FAILED. SEVERAL OTHER TIMES WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS AND ACCELERATING THE STEERING FAILS FOR ONLY A BRIEF TIME, BUT PULLS EXTREMELY HARD IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION THAT I AM TURNING. *TR
Steering, Wheels, Aug 9, 2013, crash
THIS IS IN RELATION TO WHAT I'VE SEEN IN A FEW CRASH IIHS CRASH VIDEOS. I WAS HIT ON THE LEFT SIDE, WITH THE IMPACT RANGE FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL TO THE OUTSIDE MIRROR. I WAS BEGINNING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN I WAS STRUCK. THE IMPACT ON THE STEER TIRE CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO SPIN QUICKLY TO THE RIGHT AS IT ABSORBED THE ENERGY FROM THE COLLISION. THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED SO VIOLENTLY RIGHTWARD FROM THE FORCE OF THE VEHICLE HITTING IT, THAT I ENDED UP WITH A FRACTURED RIGHT ELBOW AND TORN LIGAMENTS IN MY RIGHT HAND - INJURIES SUSTAINED FROM A COLLISION ON THE LEFT. I HAVE SEEN THE SAME THING IN A FEW IIHS CRASH TEST VIDEOS. IN A FEW OF THEIR VIDEOS, THE STEERING COLUMN SHIFTS SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT SO THERE ENDS UP BEING NO CONTACT BETWEEN THE DUMMY'S HEAD AND THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN NHTSA AND THE IIHS, OR TO WHAT STANDARDS ARE SET, AS I'VE SEEN SOME TRULY DISTURBING IIHS VIDEOS ON BRAND NEW CARS; DISTURBING ENOUGH THAT I'M SURPRISED THAT THE VEHICLE IS LET INTO THE MARKET. THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS. MY RIGHT SIDE INJURIES SEEMED VERY STRANGE UNTIL SEEING SOME OF THE IIHS VIDEOS IN SLOW MOTION THAT EXPLAINED HOW THIS HAPPENED. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 3, 2013
MY CAR HAS A SENSOR CODE OF PO 463. MY CAR WILL NO START, UNLESS JUMP STARTED. *TR
Steering, Aug 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MODULE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE MANUFACTURER'S EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONE YEAR LATER. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF THE ORIGINAL REPAIR WAS 122,000. THE CURRENT FAILURE MILEAGE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
Engine, Aug 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AS THE POWER DIMINISHING AND ENGINE DISABLED WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER WHERE IT WAS RESTARTED AND OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT NOTICED A GASOLINE FUEL SMELL EMITTING FROM THE TAIL PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER AND PERFORMED A FUEL CLEANING BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11E009000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 16, 2013
THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT ORANGE GLASS IN SIDE OF HEAD LAMP IT HAS A HOLE MELTED THE TOP OF THE ORANGE LENS. HAS A HOLE ON TOP WHAT CAN YOU DO TO FIX THAT PROBLEM, IT'S SEAMS TO BE ONLY ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR. IT'S ON A 2005 MALIBU MAXX. CAN YOU REPLACE IT UNDER A FACTORY WARRANTY FOR US THANKS. THAT'S HAS TO BE A DEFECTIVE PART ON THEM CARS PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR ME THANKS AGAIN. *TR
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
Seats, Jul 9, 2013
I NOTICED THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT "SWAYED" TO THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN SITTING DOWN IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER REMOVING THE SEAT FOR INSPECTION, THE WELD CONNECTING THE SUPPORT TUBE INSIDE THE SEAT COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM ITS WELD JOINT. NO PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS OCCURRED WITH THIS VEHICLE. LOCAL SERVICE CENTER STATED THIS WELD WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO FIX BY REWELDING AND SUGGESTED FINDING A AUTOSALVAGE SEAT TO REPLACE IT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 29, 2013
WAS TOLD BY A DRIVER WHO HAD BEEN BEHIND ME COMING UP TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. SHE SAID IT LOOKED AS THOUGH THEY WERE ON WHILE I WAS ACCELERATING AND WENT OFF WHEN I WAS STOPPING. I HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT DIAGNOSTIC RESISTOR AND IT HASN'T DONE ANYTHING. I ALSO HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH GETTING THE CAR OUT OF PARK AND WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL REFUSING TO ENGAGE OR DISENGAGING ITSELF. I UNDERSTAND NOW THAT THESE ARE REOCCURRING PROBLEMS FOR THIS CAR AND IT HAS SOMETHING TO WITH TERMINAL FRETTING CORROSION IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, THERE WAS NO MENTION OF THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG THE BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE NO ONE HAS TOLD ME ABOUT IT BEFORE THIS BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTED FUNNY EVEN WHEN I WAS TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE BEFORE PURCHASE. I MENTIONED IT TO THE SALESPERSON AND HE SAID THEY WOULD CHECK IT OUT. IT WORKED THE NEXT TIME I TEST DROVE IT BUT HAS FREQUENTLY NOT WORKED AFTER I ACTUALLY BOUGHT IT. GETTING THE CAR OUT OF PARK HAS BEEN A PROBLEM ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE I BOUGHT IT.
Structure, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jun 21, 2013, crash
THE CAR IS A WRECK. *TR
Seats, Jun 18, 2013
TWO WELDS HOLDING THE CONSOLE SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE BODY OF THE CAR SNAPPED, CAUSING THE SEAT TO SIT CROOKED (LOWER ON THE INSIDE), PIVOT BACKWARD DURING ACCELERATION, AND FORWARD WHEN BREAKING. IF IT WERE EVER IN A COLLISION, THE ADDITIONAL STRESS PLACED ON THE DOOR SIDE WELDS WILL LIKELY RESULT IN THE ENTIRE SEAT COMING FREE. (EVEN IN THE ABSENCE OF A COLLISION, THE SEAT MAY COME FREE BASED ON THE STRESS OF CONSTANT PIVOTING DURING NORMAL USE.) FOR THE RECORD, TO MY KNOWLEDGE THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY COLLISIONS OR OTHER SITUATION THAT MIGHT HAVE PLACED ABNORMAL STRESS ON THESE WELDS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 17, 2013
YOU CAN SMELL FUEL WHEN YOU ARE BY THE CAR. AT THIS TIME IT TAKES 2 TO 3 CRANKS FOR THE CAR TO START. I'M TOLD THAT THERE IS A LEAK ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK SOMEWHERE. *TR
Steering, May 30, 2013
I PURCHASED A USED CHEVY 2005 MALIBU MAXX FROM EAST HILLS CHEVROLET. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING IN 08' THEY REPLACED OR REPAIRED THE STEERING GEARS. 5 YEARS LATER AND 30,000 MILES (LOCAL) I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS SITED IN A BULLETIN WITH MY VIN NUMBER HOWEVER, GM, NOR THE DEALER WILL REPAIR IT FOR ME. THE COST $1,100.00 OF WHICH I DO NOT HAVE AT THE PRESENT MOMENT. WHAT DO I DO DRIVE A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CAR??? I AM GETTING NO HELP FROM GM AND AM PREPARED TO TAKE MY CAR BACK AND SELL IT AND BUY ANYTHING BUT A CHEVY AS THE WHOLE LINE IS PLAGUED WITH THIS PROBLEM. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, May 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE BECAME UNRESPONSIVE TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ENGAGED INTO LIMP MODE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SECOND AND THIRD SHIFT CYLINDERS HAD ALSO FAILED, INDICATING THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD REQUIRE REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000. *TR
Steering, May 15, 2013
2 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY CAR I NOTICED A POPPING NOISE IN THE FRONT END. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, TRENOR MOTORS, INC. TO BE FIXED. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE STEERING RACK WAS BAD AND ACCORDING TO THEIR WORK ORDER/INVOICE THEY REPLACED THE STEERING RACK. ON AUGUST , 2009 I HAD THE CAR BACK INTO TRENOR MOTORS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND AGAIN ACCORDING TO THEIR WORK ORDER/INVOICE THEY REPLACED THE STEERING RACK. IN OCTOBER, 2009 THE PROBLEM RESURFACED AND AGAIN I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO TRENOR MOTORS WHERE ACCORDING TO THEIR WORK ORDER/INVOICE THEY REPLACE THE STEERING RACK AGAIN. AFTER WE PICKED THE CAR UP I GOT ROUGHLY 1 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AND I NOTICED THE SAME POPPING/CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END THAT OCCURRED ALL OTHER TIMES. I TURNED AROUND AND TOOK THE CAR BACK TO TRENOR MOTORS WHERE THEY LUBED THE I-SHAFT. AROUND AUGUST OF 2010 THE SAME NOISE RETURNED AND BY THIS TIME THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND TRENOR REFUSED TO FIX THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGING ME. I FELT THAT SINCE THIS WAS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE CAR FROM THE TIME I PURCHASED IT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS. I THEN CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS AND SPOKE WITH A MAN BY THE NAME OF JOHN AND EXPLAINED MY SITUATION. HE DID SOME RESEARCH AND CALLED ME BACK LEAVING A VOICE MAIL. HE AND I WERE UNABLE TO CONNECT BECAUSE OF OUR SCHEDULES. I FINALLY WROTE A LETTER TO GM ASKING THEM TO CONTACT ME IN WRITING, BUT DIDN'T HEAR FROM THEM. I THEN CONTACEDT THE BBB WHO COULD NOT HELP ME BECAUSE OF THE AGE OF CAR. I FINALLY CONTACTED THE OHIO ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE WHO CONTACTED GM. A LADY NAMED FRANCES FROM GM CONTACTED ME AT WHICH TIME I EXPLAINED THE SITUATION AFTER A WEEK OR SO SHE CONTACTED ME BACK TO TELL ME SHE HAD CONTACTED TRENOR MOTORS AND THAT THEY WERE UNWILLING TO FIX MY CAR WITHOUT CHARGE AND THAT GM WAS UNABLE TO GIVE ME ANY RESTITUTION. *TR
Seats, May 8, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, LUCKILY ON A CURVE. THE DRIVER SEAT BEGAN TO WOBBLE AND LEAN TO THE RIGHT AND BACK AND I THOUGHT THE MOTOR CAME OUT OF ALIGNMENT. WHEN I GOT HOME I BEGAN TO SEARCH TO LOCATE THE ISSUE. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION I NOTICED THAT THE FRONT BAR OF THE SEAT HAD BROKEN OFF. I HAVE TAKEN PICTURES OF THE DEFECT. THE ISSUE AND CONCERN I HAVE AT THIS TIME IS SAFETY, HOW CAN A SEATBELT SECURE ME IF THE SEAT IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE CAR DURING AN ACCIDENT. IF I WERE IN A STAND STILL ON A FREEWAY AND THE CAR BEHIND ME DID NOT STOP IN TIME AND HIT ME AT 45 MPH, WHAT WOULD THE RESULT BE? I PICTURE MY SEAT FINALLY SNAPPING OFF OF ITS FRAME AND ME AND THE SEAT FLYING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. *TR
Seats, May 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT TRACK WELD BECAME LOOSE FROM THE FRAME, CAUSING THE SEAT TO DETACHED AND TILT TOWARD THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE SEAT FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000. *TR
Steering, Apr 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
Seats, Apr 20, 2013
SAT DOWN IN DRIVERS SEAT AND IT POPPED AND SLUMPED TO THE RIGHT TOWARDS THE CENTER CONSOLE. I LOOKED UNDER THE SEAT AND THE METAL TUBE FRAME HAD SEPARATED AT THE WELD AND LOOKS LIKE IT JUST PEELED BACK. THE SEAT IS NOW UNSTABLE AND WILL WOBBLE BACK AND FORTH DURING DRIVING. RESEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS AN EPIDEMIC OF DRIVER SEAT FRAMES BREAKING IN THE SAME MANOR ON THIS YEAR MALIBU MAXX. WITH SO MANY VEHICLES EXPERIENCING THE SAME MALFUNCTION IN THE FRAME IT WOULD APPEAR THAT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT EXISTS WITH THIS SEAT. THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO INVESTIGATE AND REPAIR THE DEFECT AS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Seats, Apr 12, 2013
I BOUGHT A USE CHEVY 2005 MALIBU AND THE FRONT RAIL FOR THE FRAME OF THE DRIVERS SEAT BROKE. AFTER LOOKING AROUND I FOUND IT IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE AND FEEL IT'S A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! I WAS TOLD BY THE OLD OWNER THAT IT BROKE A YEAR AFTER BUYING THE CAR AND THE DEALER WANTED WAY TO MUCH TO REPLACE IT? IF IT'S A MATTER OF SAFETY SHOULD THEY NOT FIX IT FOR FREE? SHOULD THEIR NOT BE A RECALL ON IT? AGAIN AFTER LOOKING AROUND ON THE WEB AND ASKING AROUND TO MANY DEALER SHOPS IT IS A VERY KNOWN ISSUE THAT CHEVY HAS NOT EVER ADDRESSED. I JUST KNOW THAT NOT ONLY IS IT VERY HARD TO SIT IN, IT ALSO FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO COME UP OFF THE FLOOR EVERY TIME I HIT THE BRAKES. I'M SURE IF I EVEN GOT INTO THE SMALLEST FENDER BENDER IT WOULD EJECT ME. PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO MAKE GM REPAIR THIS ISSUE! ALSO LETS MAYBE ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITH THE FAILING POWER STEERING THAT HAS ALREADY CAUSED INJURY'S THANKS *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