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 29, 2012
2005 CHEVY MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING FAILURE IN VEHICLE. *SMD
Exterior lighting, Nov 27, 2012
MY 2005 MALIBU MAXX INDICATED THAT A TURN SIGNAL BULB WAS OUT AND WHEN I WENT TO REPLACE THE BULB I NOTICED, NOT ONLY THAT THE BULB ITSELF WAS SIGNIFICANTLY BURNED AT THE SOCKET, BUT ALSO THAT THE BLINKER PLASTIC WAS SUBSTANTIALLY MELTED. I CHECKED THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR AND EVEN THOUGH THAT BULB IS STILL FUNCTIONING, THE PLASTIC BLINKER HOUSING IS STARTING TO MELT ON THAT SIDE AS WELL. CLEARLY THE BULBS ARE BURNING WAY TO HOT TO BE MELTING THE PLASTIC HOUSING AND I WOULD ASSUME SINCE THE BULB ITSELF WAS BURNED THAT THIS IS A LARGER ISSUE OF BOTH POTENTIAL FIRE RISK AND NOW WATER DAMAGE SINCE THE BLINKER HOUSING IS COMPROMISED. *TR
Seats, Nov 24, 2012
DRIVING AWAY FROM WORK IN A PARKING LOT AND THE FRONT RIGHT SEAT OF THE DRIVER SEAT POPPED AND SAGGED ABOUT 3 INCHES DOWN, SHOVING THE SEAT SIDEWAYS. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK IT AND FOUND THAT A PIPE RUNNING THE FRONT OF THE SEAT HAD SHEERED AWAY ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE. DRIVING IT HOME, ANOTHER POP IN THE BACK OF THE SEAT HAPPENED AND NOW THE SEAT IS SHOVED INTO THE CENTER CONSOLE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 19, 2012
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE VERY USED AT 143XXX MILES, FROM A "REPUTABLE" DEALER. I GOT A TUNE UP AS WELL AS AN OIL CHANGE, STANDARD USED CAR PURCHASE PROCEDURE. MY DAD INITIALLY BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT WHILE DRIVING MY FUEL GAUGE DROPPED DOWN TO E, THE LOW GAS LIGHT LIT UP AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. A LOCAL AUTO PARTS STORE SAID I SHOULD USE A FUEL INJECTION KIT FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. NOW I HAVE 146XXX MILES AND IT HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE TIME I GET GAS. IT'S NERVE RACKING BECAUSE I DO DRIVE FREQUENTLY AND MY MAIN CONCERN IS HOW MUCH GAS DO I HAVE? I CAME ACROSS A GUY THAT WORKS AT A DIFFERENT AUTO STORE AND HE SAID IT'S PROBABLY MY SENDER UNIT FOR MY GAS TANK, WHICH SHOULD COST ABOUT $300 TO FIX DEPENDING ON WHERE I TAKE IT. MY NEXT SET OF ISSUES IS MY HORN, I WAS UNAWARE THAT IT DIDN'T WORK UPON PURCHASING UNTIL I WENT TO HONK IT AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I TOOK IT TO MIDAS AND THEY REPLACED THE FUSE. AFTER DRIVING IT HOME THE HORN STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. I HEARD IT'S JUST SOME WIRES TOUCHING BUT NOBODY DOES ELECTRICAL WORK. TODAY, A FRIEND ASKED IF MY TURN SIGNALS WERE WORKING. I SAID THEY DID AND HE SAID THEY WERE BURNT UP, PLASTIC AND ALL. I LOOKED AND SURE ENOUGH THEY WERE MELTED AND THE LIGHT ITSELF WAS BLACK ON THE INSIDE AND IT LOOKED LIKE IT'S ON THE VERGE OF SHATTERING. HE ASKED IF THERE WERE RECALLS ON ANYTHING WITH THIS CAR, I TOLD HIM I CALLED A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER AND THE GUY INSISTED OTHERWISE. NOW, I CHECKED THIS WEBSITE AND BOTH THE GAS AND LIGHTS ARE ON A LIST OF RECALLS. APPARENTLY, NOT ALL DEALERS KNOW HALF THE INFORMATION THEY SHOULD FOR CONCERNED DRIVERS. *TR
Steering, Nov 16, 2012
WHILE DRIVING 25 ? 45 AND MAKING A LEFT TURN OR CHANGING LANES TO THE LEFT THE STEERING WHEEL LOSES IT POWER STEERING. THIS VEHICLE CANNOT BE STEERED UNLESS YOU ARE A POWER LIFTER AT THAT POINT. THIS IS MY MOM?S ONLY VEHICLE AND SHE IS 77 AND HAD CARPAL TUNNEL SURGERY ON BOTH HER WRISTS, SO I DOUBT SHE WILL BE ABLE TO STEER AT ALL. SO IF GM SAYS IT?S NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, AND THE CAR CAN STILL BE STEERED, THEY ARE WRONG. THERE HAS BEEN ?SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENTS? FOR THIS ISSUE ON THE 2006 MODELS IN UNITED STATES AND GM HAS ACTUAL RECALLS FOR 67,000 VEHICLES IN CANADA FOR THE SAME THING. (MANUFACTURE RECALL NUMBER 12221) HER VEHICLE VIN NUMBER DOESN'T FIT INTO THE SELECTED VIN NUMBERS AND SHE HAS THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. SOMEONE NEEDS TO HAVE GM OPEN UP THIS SPECIAL COVERAGE FOR THIS ISSUE PERIOD, REGARDLESS OF THE YEAR. PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM ON VIN NUMBERS THAT GET THE COVERAGE GET A FREE STEERING COLUMN INSTALL AND SHE HAS TO PAY $600 - $800 FOR SAME SERVICES? ALL THIS BECAUSE OF A SMALL PART THAT IS RIVETED TO THE STEERING COLUMN ON THE INSIDE THAT GOES OUT EVERY 30K MILES. *TR
Seats, Nov 7, 2012
DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH HEARD A LOUD POP ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT AND THE SEAT NOW TILTS TO THE RIGHT AND IS UNSAFE TO BE SITTING IN SEAT. THE SEAT BROKE AT THE WELDING BRACKET. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 7, 2012
AROUND JUNE 2012 I STARTED SMELLING FUEL WHEN I PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE. I THOUGHT I MAY HAVE OVER FILLED. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND I TOOK THE CAR INTO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE PLASTIC LINE FROM THE FUEL PUMP HAD CRACKED CAUSING THE LEAK OF FUEL. I CHECKED FOR A RECALL AND FOUND THERE WAS ONE BUT THE MAXX WAS NOT ON THE LIST. I DO BELIEVE THIS RECALL INCLUDED A PONTIAC WITH THE SAME FUEL PUMP. SINCE I HAVE A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE ARIZONA HEAT IN PHOENIX THE MAXX SHOULD BE INCLUDED DUE TO THE MILEAGE AND THE YEAR. THANKS *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD IMMEDIATELY STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 146,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 146,695.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Nov 2, 2012
MY CARS HEADLIGHTS ARE DIM AT NIGHT AND TAKE A WHILE TO GET BRIGHTER EVEN THOUGH I HAVE HAD THE BULB REPLACED AND THE LIGHTING COMPONENTS CHECKED OUT. THE WINDOWS WON'T ROLL DOWN FROM ANY SIDE OF THE CAR, A RECURRENCE FROM TWO YEARS AGO. ALSO MY DOORS WON'T UNLOCK FROM THE AUTO-UNLOCK BUTTON THAT SITS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS OF MY CHEVROLET CAR OWNERSHIP. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 26, 2012
I STARTED TO SMELL GAS AFTER PARKING MY CAR IN GARAGE ABOUT ONE MONTH AGO. CHANGED FUEL CAP, DIDN'T WORK. THE GAS SMELL BECAME MORE AND MORE STRONG AFTER FEW WEEKS. DID SOME SEARCH AND FOUND IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM OF FUEL PUMP LEAK IN 2004-2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX. THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE BREAKS AND THE OWNERS HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP COMPLETELY, WHICH COSTS MORE THAN $600. THERE WAS A RECALL OF FUEL PUMP BUT NOT FOR THE ORIGINAL ONE. GM/CHEVY SHOULD RECALL THE FAULTY FUEL PUMP, IT'S VERY DANGEROUS SINCE IT'S EASY TO CATCH FIRE AND VERY BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT!!! *TR
Steering, Oct 25, 2012
MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I WAS PULLING UP TO THE LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION OF GUM SPRINGS ROAD AND LEE JACKSON HIGHWAY IN ALDIE, VA, AND "POWER STEERING" CAME ACROSS MY RADIO AND MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 24, 2012
WHEN I FILLED UP THE TANK, AND WOULD DRIVE AWHILE,THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD READ LOW FUEL. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE GAS CAP. HOWEVER, I REPLACED THAT AND IT STILL HAPPENED. HOW IT IS TO THE POINT, WHERE THE FUEL GAUGE EITHER READS FULL OR STAYS AT LOW FUEL. THIS ALSO CAUSES THE ENGINE LIGHT TO STAY ON. MY SERVICE TECH HAS ADVISED ME THAT THIS IS A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE MODEL. *TR
Steering, Oct 2, 2012
THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. MOST OF THE TIME ITS WHEN WE ARE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND TURNING LEFT. AT FIRST WE THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE..NOW IT IS HAPPENING MORE AND I AM GETTING VERY NERVOUS ABOUT DRIVING OUR CAR, SCARED THAT IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN WHILE WE ARE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. WHEN THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT THE CAR IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE WHEEL, AND THE BEEPING ALARM GOES OFF AND IT SAYS POWER STEERING ON THE DASH BOARD. WE HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TURN OFF THE CAR WAIT A FEW MOMENTS AND THEN TURN THE CAR BACK ON. I AM VERY SCARED WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN? PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF THIS PROBLEM! *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 1, 2012
A FUEL SMELL/ODOR BEGAN PERMEATING THE VEHICLE AND THE IMMEDIATE AREA AROUND IT. THE NEXT DAY, VEHICLE BEGAN REQUIRING TWO CRANKS TO GET STARTED. AFTER TROUBLESHOOTING, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK, AND IT WAS COMING FROM THE FUEL PUMP. THE PART WAS REPLACED, AND THE FUEL PUMP HAD A CRACKED PLASTIC PORTION WHICH THE MECHANIC SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN HAPPEN BEFORE. THIS KIND OF THING MUST HAVE BEEN THE RESULT OF A DEFECT WITHIN THE FORMATION OF THAT PLASTIC PORTION OF THE FUEL PUMP. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING AND CAUSED HIM TO RUN OUT OF FUEL AND STALL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL GAUGE WAS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,303. UPDATED 11/01/12*LJ THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 11/02/12
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Sep 22, 2012
2005 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX FRONT HEADLIGHT TURN SIGNAL BULB MELTED THE HOUSING SURROUNDING THE BULB WITH CORRECT BULB REPLACEMENT. BULB KEEPS BURNING OUT AND AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MELTING WILL RESULT IN SAFETY ISSUES OR FURTHER DAMAGES TO THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. *TR
Seats, Sep 18, 2012
THE FRAME THAT SUPPORTS THE DRIVERS SEAT HAS A BROKEN WELD. THE SEAT NOW WOBBLES, ESPECIALLY ON BUMPS. *TR *JS
Steering, Sep 15, 2012
POWER STEERING FAILS WHEN ACCELERATING, ESPECIALLY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. "POWER STEERING FAILURE" FLASHES ON THE CONSOLE AND CHIMES SOUND. FAILURE REQUIRES CAR TO BE STEERED USING BODILY FORCE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, AND HAS ALMOST RESULTED IN NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS. POWER STEERING TURNS BACK ON ABOUT 1/2 SECOND AFTER RELEASING THE GAS PEDAL. DOES NOT OCCUR WITH ANY RELATIVE CONSISTENCY TO WARRANT TAKING IT TO THE DEALER. I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING ANY RELEVANT RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Seats, Aug 27, 2012
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE INTERSTATE AND HEARD A LOUD POP. SUDDENLY I AM SITTING SIDEWAYS IN THE DRIVER SEAT. AFTER PULLING OVER AND STOPPING, I NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BRACKET/SUPPORT HAD BROKE ON THE RIGHT SIDE, NEXT TO THE CONSOLE. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN APRIL 2012 AND HAVE A LIMITED WARRANTY THAT DOES NOT COVER THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS PARTICULAR DEFECT? I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR OR HAVING ANYONE AS PASSENGERS FOR FEAR OF LOOSING CONTROL IF THE LEFT SIDE BREAKS. I CONTACTED CHEVY DIRECTLY WITH THIS RESPONSE...PER OUR CONVERSATION THIS MORNING, I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT CHEVROLET IS NOT CONCERNED WITH THIS MATTER AS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH IT'S 2005 MALIBU DRIVER SEAT FRAMES. I PRAY THAT NO FATALITIES COME OF THIS POOR DECISION ON CHEVROLET'S PART. *TR
Air bags, Aug 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER DRIVING OR UPON STARTING THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSE THAT BOTH THE SERVICE QUAIL AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,849.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 18, 2012
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER CAR AND FOR NO REASON THE CAR JUST SHUTS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST WEEKS. THE CAR ALSO ON 6 OCCASIONS WOULD NOT START(HAS BRAND NEW BATTERY) WON'T TURN OVER, MY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES. AFTER A $400. 00 FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT , WHICH AFTER IT WAS REPLACED THE CAR , OTHER CARS WHICH ARE JUST SHUTTING OFF WHILE THEY ARE BEING DRIVEN.THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO LOSE ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING!. AND AS WELL THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS CAR OWNERS WHO HAVE REPLACED FUEL PUMPS, WHICH DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR NOW HAS HAD THE IGNITION REPLACE AS THE MECHANICS "THINK:"ITS THE SECURITY SYSTEM!. TO DATE THE REPAIRS ARE HITTING $1,000. ALSO THE TURNING SIGNALS, RADIO AND A/C ALL WORK INTERMITTENTLY. I AM NO MECHANIC BUT SEEMS THERE IS ELECTRICAL/SECURITY SYSTEMS ISSUES WITH THESE CARS. THE FORUMS ARE LOADED WITH CAR OWNERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES! BUT OF COURSE THEY ARE SO VARIED THAT MOST NOT REPORTED TO YOU!AND WE ALL KNOW THE GARAGES DON'T REPORT ALL ISSUES! THANKS FOR YOUR HELP! *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 17, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LENSES WERE MELTED ON BOTH SIDES. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE LENSES THREE TIMES IN THE LAST NINE MONTHS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONNECTION FOR THE LIGHT BULBS WERE BURNED OUT BUT THE LIGHT ITSELF CONTINUED WORKING. THE FUSE FOR THE LIGHT BULB HAD NOT FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER USING THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE HOLDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE LIGHTER HE NOTICED MORE SMOKE COMING FROM THE WIRES THAT WERE ATTACHED TO THE RADIO, AIR CONDITIONER, HEATER, WHICH WERE ALSO BURNED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000.
Steering, Aug 14, 2012
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING *TGW THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILED POWER STEERING CONDITION. GM STATED THEY WOULD NOT AUTHORIZED A REPAIR THAT THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE AFTER A TEST DRIVE. *JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 13, 2012
WE BOUGHT THIS CAR 4 YRS AGO IN AUG 2008 AT ONLY A FEW YRS OLD WE WERE VERY OPTIMISTIC THAT THE $ WE WERE SPENDING ON IT WOULD BE WORTH THE LESS UPKEEP THAN THAT OF THE 1994 CROWN VIC THAT WE TRADED IN (& MY HUSBANDS 78 OLDS THAT HAS ALWAYS REQUIRED MORE WORK THAN IT PUT OUT SINCE HE PURCHASED IT WHEN WE MET BACK IN 06). SINCE IT WAS A FEW YRS OLD WE THOUGHT THAT EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO WARRANTY ON OUR NEW "USED" CAR, WE WOULD BE OK. WE WERE WRONG. THE FIRST PROBLEM WE NOTICED WAS THE ALIGNMENT WHICH MAKES THE CAR SHAKE/VIBRATE AT SPEEDS 60+ & OUR FIRST VACATION WE TOOK IT ON WHICH WE ONLY DROVE 4-5 HRS THERE & WE ENDED UP WITH 2 FLAT TIRES ON THE WAY. THEN THE HEADLIGHTS & BLINKERS HAD TO BE REPLACED (FULL UNITS) BC BOTH OF THEM KEPT GIVING OUT & THE BULBS WEREN'T THE PROBLEMS & I KEPT GETTING TRAFFIC TICKETS BC I WASN'T ALWAYS AWARE WHEN ONE WOULD GO OUT. OUR 2 BIGGEST PROBLEMS TO DATE HAVE BEEN OUR FUEL SENSOR/ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH QUIT WORKING AFTER 1 YR & I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS 10 TIMES BC IT ISN'T EASY TO KEEP UP WITH MILES/DATES & I HAVE KIDS SO FILLING UP EVERY DAY ISN'T EASY EITHER AS WELL AS THE LOCKS/BUTTONS ON THE DRIVERS DOOR THAT DO NOT WORK & I HAVE TO OPEN MY TRUNK WITH A KEY & HAD TO PAY $ TO GET AUTO LOCK SO THAT I DON'T HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK THE DOORS W/ THE KEYS & THE TRANSMISSION/MOTOR WE HAD TO PAY $2750 TO REPLACE BC THE LAST ONE COMPLETELY GAVE OUT RESULTING IN THE CAR NOT BEING ABLE TO RUN WHATSOEVER & MY HUSBAND HAVING TO LITERALLY PUSH MY NEUTRAL CAR WITH HIS BC WE DIDN'T HAVE THE $ AT THE TIME TO FIX IT.. BESIDES THESE PROBLEMS THERE ARE THE SEATS (PLASTIC PANELS) FALLING/CRACKING APART, WE HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD BC ANYTIME IT RAINED OUR SEATS WOULD BE COMPLETELY SOAKED.. & MANY OTHER PROBLEMS I STILL DEAL WITH. KEEP IN MIND FOR THE 4 YRS I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR I HAVEN'T WRECKED IT & MY HUSBAND KEEPS IT UP (CHANGES OIL, BRAKES,ETC). *TR