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, Apr 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
Steering, Apr 1, 2013
MY POWER STEERING HAS GONE COMPLETELY OUT. I HAVE MADE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS TO GM REGARDING THIS MATTER. GM HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM AND HAS SENT OUT LETTERS ADVISING CUSTOMERS WITH VINS 5F10001-5F250216 (TECHNICAL BULLETIN #07126) OF SPECIAL COVERAGE. GM HAS ALSO SENT ME A LETTER ADVISING ME THEY WILL FIX THE PROBLEM IF MY VEHICLE IS 10YR OR 160K. MY PROBLEM DIDN'T EXIST AT THAT TIME. I NOW HAVE 212K MILES. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ([XXX]) AND WAS DENIED COVERAGE. ESTIMATED COST WAS $900 FOR REPAIRS. GM KNEW YEARS AGO THAT THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING, AND IT WAS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE STEERING WAS TO STOP WORKING. REGARDLESS OF THE MILES. THE STEERING WAS GOING OUT AT SOME POINT.THAT IS MY ARGUMENT. I JUST WANT MY POWER STEERING FIXED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Seats, Mar 22, 2013
WELD ON DRIVERS SEAT BACK LEFT SIDE FAILED. SEAT NOW ROCKS BACK AND FORTH. SEAT MAY NO LONG BE ABLE TO HANDLE CRASH LOADS APPLIED TO IT. PLEASE CHECK HTTP://WWW.CHEVYMALIBUFORUM.COM/ FORUM FOR THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE MANY CASE OF THIS EXACT ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 16, 2013
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN I-680 IN NORTHERN CA'S BAY AREA. WHILE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY IN THE SLOW LANE AND MY POWER STEERING WARNING POPPED UP ON MY CAR STEREO DISPLAY AND A SPLIT SECOND LATER I LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER MY CAR. I SLOWED THE VEHICLE AS FAST AS I COULD WITHOUT SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES. ALL OF THE CARS BEHIND ME SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO CAUSE A PILE-UP. A NICE MAN BEHIND GOT OUT OF HIS TRUCK AND HELPED ME FORCE THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT SO I COULD PULL THE CAR OFF OF THE ROAD. I THEN CALLED MY BROTHER AND HE CAME AND TOWED THE CAR HOME. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A WARNING TO THIS ISSUE. IT NEVER ACTED UP AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN INSTRUCTED TO DO A SAFETY CHECK ON THE POWER STEERING. *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
Exterior lighting, Mar 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT THE BRAKES BEING APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000. *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
Seats, Mar 8, 2013
THE SUPPORT BRACKET WELDED TO THE SEAT FRAME BROKE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT, CAUSING THE SEAT TO LEAN TOWARDS THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE SEAT CAN NOT RAISE UP ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DRIVER SEAT. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 3, 2013
I PURCHASED MY CHEVY MALIBU MAXX JANUARY OF JUST LAST YEAR AND I HAD TO REPLACE MY FRONT LEFT HEAD LIGHT THINKING NOTHING OF JUST NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND THIS WAS RIGHT AROUND AUGUST OF LAST YEAR AND IT IS NOW MARCH OF 2013 AND I JUST HAD TO DO IT AGAIN BUT THIS GO ROUND IT SEEMED MORE LIKE A SHORT BECAUSE IT STOPPED WORKING ONE NIGHT DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHICH I DRIVE A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY AT NIGHT AND THAT NEXT MORNING IT WAS WORKING JUST FINE SO ME BEING THE NORMAL AMERICAN PERSON I THINK NOTHING OF IT BUT THE FOLLOWING DAY IT GOES OUT FULLY AND WHEN I WENT TO GO CHANGE THE LIGHT THIS TIME I NOTICED IT HAD ACTUALLY BURNED THROUGH THE AMBER COLOR COVER OF THE BULB AND ALSO BURNED THE SOCKET UP IN THE VEHICLE. BUT NOW GET THIS ABOUT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR MY AUX FUSE BEGAN TO BLOW OVER AND OVER NOT THINKING ANYTHING ABOUT IT BUT NOW AFTER READING ALL OF THESE DIFFERENT SITUATIONS I KINDA WONDER IF THE TWO SITUATIONS COULD HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH ONE ANOTHER. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 1, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED THAT A HOLE WAS MELTED INTO THE AMBER TURN SIGNAL HEADLIGHT LENS, EXPOSING THE HOUSING UNIT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 04/30/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE AMBER LENSES ON THE LEFT AND FRONT TURN SIGNALS SHOWED BLACK BURN MARKS; SIGNS OF OVERHEATING OR LACK OF VENTILATION FROM HEAT GENERATED BY THE LAMPS
Steering, Feb 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE POWER STEERING OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE STEERING FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A SENSOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN HAD BECOME WORN UNEVENLY AND WAS SENDING SPORADIC SIGNALS, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 04/30/13*LJ THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A VIN. HOWEVER, IT WAS A FORD VIN, NOT A CHEVROLET VIN.
Seats, Feb 18, 2013
THE DRIVER SEAT ROCKS WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND IT WILL NOT ADJUST. DEALER STATES THAT THE SEAT TRACK IS BUSTED AND WILL NEED TO BE WELDED TOGETHER OR REPLACED. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2013
WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE POWER STEERING FAILED.....I ALMOST DROVE HEAD ON INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR
Seats, Feb 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WAS NOT SECURED PROPERLY TO THE FLOORBOARD OF THE VEHICLE AND WOULD MOVE FREELY WHEN THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE OWNER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT TWO BOLTS WERE FRACTURED, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED THE SEAT TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 53,851. UPDATED 3/22/13 *CN THE VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN SOLD.
Exterior lighting, Feb 4, 2013
I CAN'T GO A WEEK WITHOUT BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES BURNING TURN-SIGNAL BULBS. AFTER REPLACING THE BULBS NO MORE THAN A WEEK WILL GO BY AND THE BULB WILL TURN BLACK AND SOMETIMES BLOW UP INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT. RECENTLY THE BULBS ARE NOT BURNING OUT BUT WHAT SEEMS TO BE A BAD CONNECTION TO THE SOCKET, I WILL PRESS THE BULBS INTO THE SOCKET AND WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE TURN-SIGNALS WILL NOT WORK AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 23, 2013
TURN SIGNALS BURNING SO HOT THEY EXPLODE, AND MELT NOT ONLY HOUSING FOR BULB, BUT ALSO THE SOCKET IN ORDER TO REPLACE BULB IS MELTED TOO. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS AS I HAVE FOUND OVER 200 OTHER COMPLAINTS OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE! *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 23, 2013
IT DIES WHEN I STOP AND IT SOMETIMES LOSES FUEL POWER THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN BOOSTS UP TO 4000 RPMS LIKE IT GOT A RUSH OF POWER. SOMETIMES IT WONT EVEN START. *TR
Steering, Jan 16, 2013
I WAS DRIVING INTO A PARKING LOT AT THE END OF MY COMMUTE WHEN AN ALARM WENT OF AND A "POWER STEERING" MESSAGE APPEARED ON MY CONSOLE. IMMEDIATELY MY POWER STEERING WAS DISABLED AND I HAD TO RESTART MY CAR 3 TIMES BEFORE THE POWER STEERING WAS ENABLED AND I WAS ABLE TO TURN MY CAR INTO THE PARKING LOT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 14, 2013
I HAVE HAD MY CAR SINCE 2009 AND IN 2010 I STARTED HAVE TO CHANGE MY TURN SIGNALS OUT AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH FOR BURNING OUT. THERE ARE TIME THAT THE BULB WILL GET SO HOT THAT IT BLOWS THE INSIDE OF THE BULB UP AND AROUND THE PLUG WHERE THE BULB GOES IN HAS DARK MARKS HAS TO IF THEY ARE BURN MARKS. I CALLED CHEVROLET AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THEM. THE BACK TURN SIGNALS DO THE SAME AND THERE HAVE BEEN MANY TIMES THAT I WOULD ALMOST GET HIT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND THAT MY CAR IS NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT ALOT OF 2005 MALIBUS ARE. I AM AFRAID AT THIS POINT THAT IT IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN MY CAR. I FEEL THAT GM SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE REALLY GETS HURT. *TR
Power train, Jan 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,188. UPDATED 3/20/13 *CN
Seats, Jan 10, 2013
PURCHASED CAR AND REALIZED THAT THE SEAT IS BROKEN. IT APPEARS THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRAME HAS BECOME UN-WELDED AT A JOINT ON THE RIGHT FRONT CROSSBAR CAUSING THE SEAT TO LEAN TOWARD PASSENGER SIDE AND WOBBLE IN REMAINING FRAME AS CAR IS DRIVEN. SHOCKING THAT THIS DEFECT IS COMMON FOR THIS VEHICLE, THAT THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY AND EVEN FATALITY RELATED TO THE SHOCK OF THIS BREAKING AS ONE DRIVES IT DOWN THE ROAD AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH FROM THE ALARMING NATURE OF THIS DEFECT. TOOK THIS TO THE LOCAL CAR REPAIR SHOP TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIX IT, THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT BEFORE, AND RECOMMENDED WE GO TO A JUNK YARD TO PURCHASE A NEW FRAME. AFTER SEEING ALL THE COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THIS SAME SIDE/POSITION, IT SEEMS A RECALL TO FIX THIS DEFECT SHOULD BE IN ORDER. *TR
Seats, Jan 8, 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
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 6, 2013
THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER WORK IN THE PARKING LOT. ARRANGED A RIDE HOME AND DID SOME RESEARCH. WENT BACK TO THE VEHICLE AND GOT IT STARTED WITH SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO RESET THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM (SECURITY LIGHT ON DASH WAS ON). THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE WON'T START EVEN AFTER GOING THROUGH THE RESET PROCEDURE SEVERAL TIMES. THIS PROBLEM CAN LEAVE ONE STRANDED ANYPLACE AT ANYTIME. WE LIVE IN MININESOTA AND THAT CAN BE A REAL PROBLEM AT -20 DEG. AFTER READING ABOUT MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE, I WAS MOTIVATED TO SHARE THIS IN HOPES OF INITIATING A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 17, 2012
BOTH THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL AMBER BULB HOUSING KEEPS MELTING TO THE BULB AND ALSO THE LIGHT SOCKETS , OEM AND AFTER MARKET ONES. *TR
Steering, Dec 8, 2012
TODAY WE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT AND TRUED TO TURN AND HEARD A POPPING NOISE, AND THEN LACK OF STEERING. THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED BUT THE WHEELS DID NOT. HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK AT A COST OF $88.00 AND TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALER. THE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BOLT BROKE AND ALSO THE AIRBAG SENSOR. THE TOTAL COST OF THIS REPAIR IS: $88.00 FOR THE TOW TRUCK, $1500.00 FOR THE REPAIR AND 2 1/2 DAYS WITHOUT THE CAR. WE HAVE HAD THIS POPPING NOISE FOR A WHILE AND NO ONE COULD FIGURE OUT WHAT IT WAS. SOME DEALERS SAID WE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE COMPLETE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM, OTHERS SAID IT JUST NEEDED GREASED. WE CHOSE TO GREASE IT AND THE NOISE WENT AWAY FOR A WHILE.SO FAR I HAVE REPLACED THE POWER STEERING MOTOR, WHICH GM REIMBURSED ME FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR AFTER I HAD IT REPAIRED. IT SEEMS LIKE THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IT HAS BEEN A GOOD CAR EXCEPT FOR THESE CONSTANT PROBLEMS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE SO GM WILL FIX THESE ISSUES. *TR