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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 1, 2011
ALL THE DOOR LOCKS UNLOCK AND LOCK WITH IN DRIVING POSITION FOLLOWED BY A BEEP IT DOES THIS CONSTANTLY. I BELIEVE IS VERY UNSAFE WITH CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT. ISSUE WITH THE GAS GAUGE GOING CRAZY, GOES FROM FULL TO EMPTY SO YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THE GAS IS GOING TO RUN OUT. ALSO ISSUES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS AND OTHER BULBS BEING BLOWN. ALL SEEMS LIKE SOME ELECTRICAL ISSUES BUT NOT SURE. *TR
Steering, Nov 28, 2011
DING SOUND AND THEN POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD POWER STEERING SENSOR WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. I HAVE READ WHERE THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND THEY PROCLAIM THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS YET THERE IS A LETTER THAT WAS SENT OUT IN 2007 EXTENDING THE WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2009. I AM TOLD THE STEERING COLUMN MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. *KB
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 26, 2011
CHECK ENGINE/POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON WHEN STARTING DOWN THE ROAD. RPMS SHOT UP TO 4 AND 5, CAR WON'T SHIFT (AUTOMATIC CAR), MPH STOPPED READING, ALL THE INFO I GET THROUGH MY RADIO SCREEN WENT BLANK, THERE IS ONLY AN ERROR SIGN WHERE MY MILEAGE IS. *TR
Steering, Nov 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND LETTING IT WARM UP THE POWER STEERING BEGAN TO FUNCTION AS NORMAL AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Exterior lighting, Nov 23, 2011, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE CONSTANTLY OVERHEATING AND BURNING OUT, CAUSING THEIR PLASTIC COVERS TO MELT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 147,000.
Steering, Nov 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE ELECTRONIC POWER ASSIST MODULE WAS FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000. UPDATED 01/05/12*LJ UPDATED 01/09/12
Steering, Nov 21, 2011
2005 MALIBU MAXX BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT, THEN A COUPLE MONTHS LATER THE POWER STEERING NOTIFICATION STARTING BEEPING ON THE DASH DISPLAY, THE STEERING IS TIGHT, SOMETIMES HARD TO TURN. FOUND OUT THE POWER STEERING IS ELECTRONIC AND THERE IS NO FLUID TO ADD. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 75,000 MILES ON IT. I AM FEARFUL FOR MY SAFETY AND OTHERS WITH THIS ISSUE APPEARING TO GET WORSE, AND WITHOUT WARNING, ITS FINE FOR 10 MILES THEN STARTS BEEPING AT YOU, ETC. *TR
Steering, Nov 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL PERTAINING TO THE POWER STEERING FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS INELIGIBLE DUE TO THE MILEAGE EXCEEDING 100,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Nov 18, 2011
SHIFT LEVEL DOES RESPOND WHEN SHIFTING INTO LOW (L). DEALER SAID SHIFT LEVER CABLE IS BAD AND IS A COMMON PROBLEM. SECOND ITEM HAD TO REPLACE FUEL SENSOR IN GAS TANK AS IT FAILED ALSO WAS SENDING AN OVER VOLTAGE SIGNAL TO GAS GAUGE. ALSO A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Nov 17, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING, THE POWER STEERING WAS OPERATING AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Nov 16, 2011
VEHICLE HAS FAILED TO START AFTER DRIVING AND THEN PARKING. FIRST TIME HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO S REPAIR SHOP. THEY REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND INSTALLED A NEW FUEL FILTER. VEHICLE STILL DID NOT START. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE WEB. I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS . I FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE VEHICLE ANTI- THEFT DEVICE. IT MALFUNCTIONS AND SHUTS THE FUEL INJECTORS DOWN. I FOUND A FIX ON THE WEB, YOU HAVE TO TURN THE KEY ON FOR 10 TO 15 MINUTES UNTIL THE VEHICLE THEFT LIGHT QUITS BLINKING TURN KEY TO THE OFF POSITION REMOVE THE KEY WAIT 1 TO 2 MINUTES AND THEN START VEHICLE IT WORKS. THIS IS A TEMPORARY FIX IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME TWO MORE TIMES. I CALLED THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND INQUIRED TO SEE IF THEY HAD HEARD OR HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE 2002 AND THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RE-CALL FOR THE PROBLEM. I CALLED CHEVROLET AND INFORMED THEM OF THE PROBLEM. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP GM HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM FOR YEARS. AND THEY HAVE NOT DONE A THING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ACCORDING IT WILL COST $500.00 TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THIS IN MY OPINION IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD PUTTING PEOPLE IN DANGER. *TR
Seats, Nov 9, 2011
SOMETHING BROKE UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT. IT NOW LEANS TO THE RIGHT. IT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP. IT CAUSES STRAIN ON MY BACK TO DRIVE. I HAVE TO LEAN ALL THE WAY TO THE DOOR FOR THE SEAT TO BE UTILIZED. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE METAL BRACKET SNAPPED AND NEEDED TO BE WELDED TOGETHER OR THE SEAT REPLACED. I FOUND A LIST OF FOLKS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AT THIS SITE: HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2005/CHEVROLET/MALIBU_MAXX/SEATS/PROBLEM.ASPX.M *TR
Steering, Nov 9, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SEIZE AND THERE WAS A SEVERE RESISTANCE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURERS VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR VEHICLE WITH 100,000 MILES OR FEWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVER THE MILEAGE LIMITATION AND WHEN CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000.
Steering, Suspension, Nov 6, 2011
THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT A FEW TIMES EACH WEEK ON THIS 2005 MALIBU WITH THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. IT STARTED HAPPENING ONLY OCCASIONALLY, BUT NOW MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY. I RESET IT BY TURNING OFF ENGINE AND RESTARTING WHEN I AM ABLE TO STOP. IT USUALLY HAPPENS FAIRLY SOON AFTER STARTING WHEN COLD. SOMETIMES IT TAKES 2 OR 3 RESTARTS TO KEEP IT WORKING. IN ADDITION, THE PROBLEMS THAT MANY OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING ARE ALSO PRESENT... LIKE THE DRIFT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND THE CLUNKING SOUNDS IN THE FRONT END. SO FAR, THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN HELPFUL. THEY JUST WANT TO REPLACE PARTS AND CHARGE AROUND $800 TO REPAIR. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE ON THE MALIBU AS WELL AS OTHER MODELS (LIKE THE COBALT) WHICH ALREADY HAVE RECALLS ISSUED FOR THESE PARTS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 4, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TURN SIGNAL WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULB APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BULB BECAME EXTREMELY HOT, CAUSING THE AMBER HOUSING UNIT WIRES TO MELT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE AMBER HOUSING UNIT. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Exterior lighting, Steering, Nov 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TURN SIGNAL HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND WOULD NOT ACTIVATE WHEN ENGAGED. THE CONTACT CHANGED THE BULB BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE WIRING WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. UPDATED 11/16/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED DUE TO A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT WAS ISSUED. IT REQUIRED CUTTING OUT THE TURN SIGNAL BULB SOCKET AND SPLICING IN A NEW SOCKET, BECAUSE THE OLD ONE OVERHEATED. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING WAS AN ISSUE ON THE VEHICLE AS WELL. UPDATED 11/18/11*JB
Steering, Oct 31, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL CLICKING WHEN THE CONTACT WAS TURNING LEFT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE I-SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,127 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,500. UPDATED 01/20/12*LJ
Seats, Oct 20, 2011
I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR ABOUT 5 1/2 YEARS AND HAVE ALMOST 85K MILES ON IT. I'M 185LBS. AND MY WIFE IS A LOT LESS :-) THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY DRIVER SEAT SUDDENLY DROPPED ABOUT 2 OR 3 INCHES WHILE MY WIFE WAS MAKING A TURN WHILE DRIVING MY CAR. LUCKILY SHE WASN'T MOVING TOO FAST AND HAD PLENTY OF ROOM TO MANEUVER. THE SEAT WOULD THEN ROCK DEPENDING ON WHICH WAY SHE TURNED THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND THEY TOLD ME THE SEAT FRAME WELD WAS BAD AND THE FRAME HAD TO BE REPLACED. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND OVER A DOZEN COMPLAINTS ALMOST ALL IDENTICAL. TWO OR THREE COULD BE COINCIDENCE, BUT OVER A DOZEN? ESTIMATED COST WAS $800 BUT THE MAIN CONCERN IS THAT THIS DEFECTIVE PART COULD GET SOMEONE KILLED. AND DOES MY "NEW" PART HAVE THE SAME DEFECT? *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 20, 2011
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILED CAUSING THE FUEL GAUGE TO BE ERRATIC..ALSO CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON..I SEE OTHER GM CARS OF DIFFERENT MODELS HAVE HAD RECALLS ON THIS PARTICULAR PART. THE REPAIR WILL COST ME $600 FOR THE CAR TO PASS INSPECTION. *TR
Steering, Oct 17, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 2 MPH IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN ON FOR A COUPLE SECONDS BEFORE THE SYSTEM RESET ITSELF. THE STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ALSO. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.
Exterior lighting, Oct 13, 2011
IN BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, THERE IS AN AMBER PLASTIC COVER WHICH COVERS THE BULB THAT IS ALWAYS ON, AS PART OF THE REGULAR RUNNING LIGHTS, AND ALSO FOR TURN SIGNALS. THE LIGHT HAS BURNED A HOLE, ABOUT 1 1/4 INCH IN DIAMETER, IN THE TOP OF THE AMBER LENS. THE EDGE OF THE LENS IS BLACK ALL AROUND FROM THE BURNING. IS MY CAR UNIQUE? HAVE THERE BEEN ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS? AND MOST IMPORTANT, IS THERE ANY DANGER OF A FIRE STARTING?
Seats, Oct 10, 2011
DRIVER SEAT FRAME FAILURE. THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT STARTED TILTING TO THE RIGHT ON 10/7/2011. NEXT DAY IT WAS WOBBLING BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING. THEN IT FELT AS THOUGH SOMETHING BROKE UNDERNEATH. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ANY OF THE CARS I HAVE OWNED. (TOYOTA COROLLA, BUICK CENTURY). I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM CARMAX WITH 30000 MILES ON IT. I AM NOT AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER AND TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CARS. I DO NOT THINK SOMETHING LIKE THIS SHOULD HAPPEN. WHEN WILL THERE BE A RECALL ON THE THESE SEATS. IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS FIXED. I READ WHERE ONE OWNER HAD TO HAVE HIS SEAT FIXED TWICE. WHICH COST HIM OVER $1000 BOTH TIMES. I CANNOT AFFORD THIS. PLEASE ASSIST IN GETTING A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. *KB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE AN ACCURATE READING WHEN FULL OR EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACES THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,760.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 4, 2011
I PURCHASED THIS 2005 CHEVY MALIBU USED. SHORTLY AFTER HAD THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL BULB BLOW, THEN LEFT TURN AND BOTH HEADLIGHTS AT THE SAME TIME. WHILE REPLACING THE BULBS, I NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC SURROUNDING THE TURN SIGNAL BULB HAD A LARGE HOLE IN IT FROM MELTING. THE OTHER ASSEMBLY HAD THE SAME HOLE BURNT IN THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BULB COVER. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS AT LEAST 2 MORE TIMES THIS YEAR. THE PROBLEMS WITH BULBS FAILING SEEMS TO HAPPEN IN WET WEATHER MORE FREQUENTLY THAN DRY WEATHER. SO I BELIEVE WATER IS GETTING INTO THE HEADLAMPS THROUGH THESE HOLES. THE EXTREME HEAT IS CAUSING THE HEADLIGHT TO BECOME EXTREMELY CLOUDY. REPLACING THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE OTHERS HAVE SAID IT SOON STARTS TO MELT AGAIN. PLEASE NHTSA THESE LIGHTING SYSTEMS THAT ARE FAILING ARE VITAL FOR NIGHTTIME DRIVING, PLEASE GET CHEVY TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. *TR
Seats, Oct 4, 2011
LEFT FRONT (DRIVER'S SEAT) IS BROKEN, IT ROCKS SIDE TO SIDE, SLIDES FORE AND AFT SLIGHTLY, AND NO LONGER HOLDS HEIGHT POSITION. THE SEAT IS A 6 WAY POWER SEAT. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP (PUYALLUP, WA) WAITING FOR A NEW SEAT TRACK TO BE INSTALLED. ESTIMATED REPAIR COST IS $800.00. DEALERS STATED THAT THE SEAT TRACK WAS BROKEN IN SEVERAL PLACES (FAILED WELD POINTS). I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MAJOR MANUFACTURER'S SAFETY DEFECT AND SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. *TR