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, Mar 3, 2011
I OWN A 2005 MALIBU. THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND POWER STEERING RANDOMLY QUITS WORKING. ITS HAPPENED THREE TIMES AT 107,000 MILES. THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY SPECIAL COVERAGE # 1-0183, MAY 2015 OR 100,000 MILES. I HAD THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM ,COST ME $100.00. TO FIX IT IS $700.00 TO $800.00. THE DEALER WILL GIVE ME 10% OFF OF PARTS. GM WILL NOT ASSIST WITH COST BECAUSE IT IS NOT WITHIN COVERAGE PARAMETERS. THIS WAS A COMPANY CAR WHERE I WORK. I BOUGHT IT ONE YEAR AGO FOR MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER. I FEEL THE STEERING JUST NOW BECAME A PROBLEM AT 107,000 MILES BECAUSE IT WAS DRIVEN HIGHWAY MILES ONLY. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER AND CANNOT PAY THE EXPENSE TO FIX THE STEERING PROBLEM. DUE TO SAFETY I CANNOT PUT MY DAUGHTER BACK INTO THIS CAR. GM HAS BEEN RUDE AND WILL NOT EVEN DISCUSS ASSISTING WITH THE COST OF THEIR POWER STEERING ISSUE EVEN THOUGH THEY ADMIT IT IS A 2005 MALIBU DEFECT. CAN YOU GIVE ME ANY ADVICE.? THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND MAKE OF VEHICLE. DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE AND GM RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
Steering, Feb 20, 2011
2005 CHEVY MALIBU VEHICLE DID NOT DRIVE DUE TO "POWER STEERING" ISSUES AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF THE STREET. I MANAGED TO REVERSE THE CAR AND OUT IT BACK IN THE PARKING SPOT NEARLY HITTING ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE BECAUSE I COULD NOT MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. I CAME BACK A FEW HOURS LATER TO ATTEMPT TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE CAR AND THE POWER STEERING WORKED FINE. THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT INSPIRE CONFIDENCE IN ME AND CHEVY MUST RECALL THIS VEHICLE AND FIX THIS PROBLEM NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. *TR
Seats, Feb 15, 2011
2005 MALIBU MAXX, ABOUT 88,000 MILES. DRIVERS SEAT FRAME BROKE UNDERNEATH, CAUSING THE SEAT TO LEAN TO THE RIGHT. DANGEROUS. JUST HAPPENED, TOOK TO REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID THAT ENTIRE SEAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR OVER $1000. EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER. NOT SURE HOW I'M GETTING IT FIXED YET. *TR
Steering, Feb 15, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN AT ANY SPEED THE CONTACT COULD HEAR A CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DURING THE FAILURE, A POWER STEERING SERVICE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE POWER STEERING MECHANISMS WERE GREASED. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Exterior lighting, Feb 14, 2011
I HAVE A 2005 MALIBU CLASSIC WHERE THE TURN SIGNALS WILL STOP WORKING THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN START WORKING AGAIN. THE FUSES ARE GOOD, NO LOOSE WIRES THAT I CAN SEE, BULBS ARE GOOD. I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM 2000 WHEN A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE HAZARD SWITCH. THIS IS A ISSUE AND CAN RESULT IN A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT ONE DAY IF THE DRIVER BEHIND OR AROUND YOU DOES NOT SEE WHICH DIRECTION YOU MAY BE TURNING. THE PROBLEM COMES AND GOES. ANY SUGGESTIONS, ADVICE, IDEAS? *TR
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2011
1.MY 2005 MAILBU HAS BEEN FAILING TO START WHEN I TURN OVER THE ENGINE. MY REMOTE CAR STARTER WENT OUT. 2.I BOUGHT IT IN NOV,2010 UNTIL NOW FEB, 2011 IT HAS HAD ABOUT 5 FAILURES TO START. 3.I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY AND SO FAR IT HAS WORKED BUT MY REMOTE CONTROL START DOES NOT WORK STILL OR ANY OF THE REMOTE CONTROL FEATURES. *TR
Seats, Feb 8, 2011
2005 MALIBU MAXX, 84,000 MILES. POWER DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME IS BROKEN, CAUSING THE SEAT TO LEAN TO THE RIGHT. DANGEROUS, AND UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. *TR
Steering, Feb 3, 2011
THE POWER STEERING QUIT WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY 6-CYLINDER 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED IT. THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING AGAIN. THAT WAS YESTERDAY AND I'VE BEEN DRIVING SINCE THEN WITH NO PROBLEMS. NO REPAIRS HAVE YET BEEN DONE. *TR
Steering, Jan 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO CURRENT RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.
Steering, Jan 28, 2011
2005 CHEVY MALIBU STEERING IS A PROBLEM AFTER 47,000 MILES TRAVEL. STEERING WHEEL MAKES NOISE AS IT TURNS TO RIGHT OR LEFT. MAYBE STEERING MECHANISM PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 28, 2011
2005 MAILBU MAXX. CONSUMER STATES INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE LIGHTS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE WASN'T APPLIED AND WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE LAMP, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *JB
Steering, Jan 22, 2011
I HAD JUST PICKED UP MY 14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, AND HER FRIENDS. I WAS DRIVING HOME IN MY 2005 MALIBU WITH 107K MILES ON IT. WHEN I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 35 MILES AN HOUR. MY RADIO DASH FLASHED POWER STEERING, AND MY WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP ON ME. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO AVOID A TELEPHONE POLE. I WAS GIVEN NOW WARNING PRIOR TO MAKING THE TURN. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS EVER HAPPENED. FROM WHAT I'VE READ ONLINE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS TYPE OF CAR. THE POWER STEERING IS ELECTRICAL, AND SEEMS TO BE PRONE TO THIS KIND OF THING. THIS REALLY NEEDS LOOKED AT. *TR
Steering, Jan 21, 2011
STARTED HEARING CLUNKING IN THE FRONT END ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND POWER STEERING GOING OUT NOW AND AGAIN. CLUNKING PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE AND POWERS STEERING BEGAN TO GO OUT EVERYTIME I DROVE MY CAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING TURNS. TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL AUTOSHOP. I HAD THE RACK AND PINION REPLACED. COST ME OVER $500. CLUNKING IS GONE BUT POWER STEERING IS STILL GOING OUT ON ME WHILE I AM DRIVING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 20, 2011, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD, RESULTING ON HER BRAKES CATCHING ON FIRE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL SHOP WHERE THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 109,000.
Exterior lighting, Jan 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. HE THEN REALIZED THE BRAKE LIGHT BULB ELEMENT WAS USED NOT ONLY FOR THE BRAKES, BUT ALSO THE INDICATORS AND EMERGENCY FLASHERS. THE CONSUMER STATED IF AN EMERGENCY OCCURRED ALL OF THE REAR INDICATORS AND SIGNALS WOULD BE INOPERATIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WOULD BE UNABLE TO WARN ANY TRAFFIC THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND WISHED TO GET OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. NOR CAN HE WARN AN APPROACHING VEHICLE COMING FROM BEHIND THAT HE IS BRAKING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A REAR END COLLISION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,095 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 87,180. UPDATED EVOQ 02/10/11 UPDATED 02/18/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE ONLY INDICATION ON THE VEHICLE THAT THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG IS A QUICK FLASH OF THE DISPLAY SIGNAL INDICATOR SYMBOL. IN MOST CASES IT INFERS THAT THE SIGNAL LIGHT CIRCUIT HAS ONE BULB FAILURE. UPDATED 03/09/11
Exterior lighting, Jan 19, 2011
THE DRIVERS SIDE TURN SIGNAL (INSIDE THE HARNESS IN THE HEADLIGHT) KEEPS MELTING THE PLASTIC SNAP IN BASE OF THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BULB AND CAUSES IT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. ALMOST CAUSING OTHER VEHICLES TO CRASH IN TO ME AT 4 WAY STOP SIGNS. THE HARNESS ASSEMBLY GETS VERY HOT. MAY ONE DAY CAUSE A FIRE. I HAVE REPLACED LIGHT BULBS 4 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. WILL HAVE TO GET SERVICED. THIS IS BECOMING A REAL SAFETY ISSUE IN THE MIDWEST BECAUSE I HAVE TO STICK MY HAND OUT WHEN IT -30 TO USE AS A SIGNAL. THE DEALER CHARGES $267 FOR REPLACEMENT. 3 TIME SO FAR AND I AM NOT SURE WHAT IS NEXT. I BELIEVE GM SHOULD OWN TO THIS PROBLEM AND FIX AS A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Jan 16, 2011
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, IT GIVES OUT A COUPLE OF DINGS BUT NO LIGHT EVER OR ANYTHING TO LET ME KNOW THAT THE POWER STEERING THE ISSUE IT JUST GOES OUT. THIS OCCUR ON THE EXPRESS WAY IN CHICAGO WHERE THERE IS LITTLE ROOM FOR ERROR. I FELT THAT MY LIFE WAS IN DANGER AND I HATE TO SAY IT BUT I WAS REALLY SCARED. *LN
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 15, 2011
FRONT BRAKE/ROTOR/CALIPER FAILURE. I HAVE HAD MY ROTORS, FRONT PADS AND CALIPERS REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES ROTORS 6 TIMES, CALIPERS 6 TIMES AND FRONT PADS EACH TIME REPAIR WAS DONE TO THE CAR DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN, THE CALIPERS HANG UP AND DO NOT RELEASE ALL THE WAY CAUSING THE INNER PADS TO WEAR ABNORMALLY. BRAKE PROBLEMS ALMOST RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Visibility, Jan 10, 2011
BLEND DOOR STUCK ON RECIRCULATE RESULTING IN INTERIOR MOISTURE AND FOGGING/ HEAVY ICING OF INTERIOR WINDOWS-NO VISIBLITY REQUIRING CONSTANT SCRAPING/WIPING. FRESH AIR AND RECIRC. LIGHTS DO WORK. LIGHTS ON BUT NO ONE HOME. *NOT AN ANTIFREEZE/ HEATER CORE LEAK. EXTERIOR VENTS BELOW WINDSHIELD ATOP FIREWALL DRAWING IN NO AIR. MECHANIC SAYS IT MIGHT BE HEATER CONTROL MODULE. BUT MIGHT MEANS AN EXPENSIVE FIX IF ITS THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Jan 9, 2011
2005 MALIBU-POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR
Seat belts, Jan 4, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SEATBELT WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY UNHARNESSED THE SEATBELT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 31,500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,470.
Exterior lighting, Dec 28, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT RUNNING LIGHTS WERE OVERHEATING AND MELTING THE PLASTIC COVERS. THE FAILURE FIRST STARTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BUT PROGRESSED TO BOTH LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE AMBER COVER ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS MELTING AND LOOKED AS IF IT WAS STARTING TO MELT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AS WELL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000. UPDATED 02/15/12*BF THE CONSUMER STATED INITIALLY, HE NOTICED THE FRONT SIGNAL LIGHTS WERE BURNING OUT AT AN ALARMING RATE. EVENTUALLY, SMOKE BEGAN EMITTING FROM THE PLASTIC COVER, FOLLOWED BY MELTING OF THE LIGHT AND COVER. A MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THAT THE BULBS OR SOCKETS WERE PERHAPS LOOSE. AFTER THE BULB HOUSING MELTED, BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED. TO DATE, THE BULBS CONTINUE TO FUNCTION, WITH NO BURN OUTS. HOWEVER, THE LIGHTS SEEMED TO BOUNCE WHILE DRIVING. UPDATED 04/26/12
Steering, Dec 27, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING LOCKED UP SEVERAL TIMES WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN SEPTEMBER 21, 201 BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.
Service brakes, Air, Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2010
SUBJECT: NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10032206 BRAKE LIGHTS COMMENTS: MY 2005 MALIBU MAXX HAS INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE LIGHTS. THEY GO ON WITHOUT PUTTING ON THE BRAKES AND GO OFF WHEN I PUT ON THE BRAKES. IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. I FOUND A TSB DATED 2009-06-01 THAT DESCRIBES IT PERFECTLY. CHEVY CAN'T FIND THE SAME TSB IN THEIR SYSTEM AND WON'T HELP ME. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE LAMP, BUT THAT IS CLEARLY NOT THE PROBLEM (BASED ON THE TSB). THE DEALER CAN'T SEE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT'S INTERMITTENT. I WANT THIS FIXED (THE CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE) BUT DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO PAY AGAIN, WHEN I FIRST PAID FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS CLEARLY THE WRONG SOLUTION, AND FOR WHICH THE DEALER COULD HAVE FOUND THE SAME TSB THAT I FOUND (EVEN IF IT'S NOT IN THE GM SYSTEM). THE SOLUTION APPEARS TO BE "HIGH RESISTANCE TO TERMINAL FRETTING CORROSION IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) C2 CONNECTOR (SPECIFICALLY PINS C2-18, C2-31, AND C2-59). THE CORRECTION IS TO UNLATCH THE C2 CONNECTOR AND DISCONNECT FROM THE BCM. THEN REPEAT THIS AND THEN APPLY DIELECTRIC LUBRICANT ON THE BCM C2 PINS. IT IS NOT A BRAKE SWITCH PROBLEM. PLEASE CONTACT ME AND LET ME KNOW WHAT OPTIONS I HAVE, AND IF NHTSA CAN DEAL WITH GM ABOUT THIS. THANK YOU. *LN
Exterior lighting, Dec 16, 2010
THE DAYLIGHT - SIGNAL BULB MELTED THE PLASTIC ENCLOSURE AND SMOKED THE HEADLIGHTS LENSES REDUCING THE VISIBILITY ON NIGHT TIME AT LESS THAN HALF.I NOTICE THIS MATERIAL-DESIGN DEFENT ON MANY CARS IN PARKING LOTS.THIS HAPPEN OVER THE TIME, IS NOT AN INSTANT FAILURE AND USUAL AFTER LONG TRIPS ON NIGHT WITH THE LONG BEAM ON.. *TR