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.
Exterior lighting, Mar 2, 2010
THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT ALL THESE INCIDENTS WHERE PEOPLE'S HEADLIGHTS ARE MELTING. I HAVE REPLACED MY DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT TWICE NOW! THE TURN SIGNALS ARE GETTING SO HOT THEY ARE MELTING THE BASE, CAUSING THE BULBS TO BURN OUT AND THE CASING AROUND THE BULBS TO MELT. I ALSO HAVE PEOPLE FLASH THEIR BRIGHTS AT ME EVERY NIGHT BECAUSE MY HEADLIGHTS BURN SO BRIGHTLY. I'M AFRAID MY HEADLIGHT WILL EVENTUALLY CATCH FIRE. THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY IS STARTING TO FOG AND MELT NOW...AND I CAN'T KEEP SPENDING THE MONEY TO BUY A NEW HEADLIGHT! *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
THE STEERING HAS A CLUNKING IN IT WHEN U TERN. THEY FIXED IT 3 TIMES AND IT KEEPS COMING BACK EVERY TIME. THEY SAID ITS IN THE GEARS AND OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE STEERING. IM JUST SAD THAT GM HAS NOT FOUND A WAY TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. MY WARRANTY IS UP AND CANT REPLACE IT ANYMORE. IT GETS TIRED OF HEARING THE CLUNK. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHENEVER HE MADE A TURN WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL LOCKED COMPLETELY AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE TURNED IN ANY DIRECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
POWER STEERING OUTAGE. EXPERIENCED PROBLEM OFF AND ON THIS YEAR. I DRIVE A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU LT V6. GM HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL. HOWEVER, PARTS WERE COVERED FOR THE REPAIR! I BELIEVE ITS UNFAIR FOR THE CONSUMER TO HAVE TO PAY FOR LABOR FOR AN ISSUE THEY DIDN'T CAUSE. I AM PURSUING GM FOR A REFUND OF WHAT WAS PAID FOR PARTS TO CORRECT THERE ERROR. *TR
Steering, Equipment, Mar 2, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. A FEW YEARS AGO THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS CAR WITH STEERING PROBLEMS. I BELIEVE THE FIX DID NOT IMPROVE THE PROBLEM AS IT STILL EXIST AS OF TODAY. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET MY DAUGHTERS 2005 CHEVY MALIBU'S POWER STEERING STOPPED AND SHE CRASHED INTO A SNOW BANK. AFTER LEAVING THE CAR OFF FOR 10 MINUTES THE CAR RESET ITSELF. I HAVE LOOKED ON MANY WEB SITES AND I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND I WAS WONDERING WHY THE MALIBU HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECENT RECALL OF COBALTS AND OTHERS FOR THE STEERING ISSUE. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER A FEW TIMES BUT THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE ONE THAT COULD LEAD TO DEATH AND I BELIEVE THAT THE MALIBU'S SHOULD BE RECALLED OR AT LEAST SOME KIND OF STUDY DONE ON THE INTERNET SUCH AS I HAVE DONE. I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THAT THIS WEB SITE EXISTED UNTIL TODAY. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON SURFACE STREETS (IN THE ACT OF TURNING). ALTHOUGH I TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, I MANAGED TO COMPLETE MY TURN SAFELY. THIS VEHICLE IS A CHEVROLET MALIBU 2005. I HAD TO HAVE THE ENTIRE POWER STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. I AM STILL NOT SATISFIED THAT THIS HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM. THE WARNING SIGNS OF A DEFECTIVE REPLACEMENT PART ARE STILL PRESENT (POPPING NOISE AT THE STEERING LINKAGES). *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 5 TIMES SO FAR. THE POWER STEERING ON MY MALIBU MAXX GOES OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE WARNING BELL SOUNDS AND ON MY DISPLAY IT SAYS 'POWER STEERING'. THE STEERING GETS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT WHEN THIS OCCURS. IT USUALLY HAPPENS IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN. I HAVE TO STOP, TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT. I KNOW GM DID A RECALL THIS MORNING ON OTHER CARS BUT THE MAXX WAS NOT INCLUDED AND IT SHOULD BE. I CONSIDER THIS A DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION BECAUSE THE STEERING IS SO DIFFICULT WHEN THE POWER STEERING SHUTS OFF. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
APPROXIMATELY THE WEEK OF FEB 14, 2010, MY 2005 CHEVY MALIBU CHIMED, THE POWER STEERING FELT FUNNY, SMELLED SOME BURNING AND A WARNING SIGN ABOUT MY POWER STEERING. I PULLED OVER, TURNED THE CAR OFF AND WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE THE ISSUE. I STARTED THE CAR BACKUP AND THE WARNING WAS GONE. IT HAPPENED 2 OR 3 MORE TIMES THAT WEEK. I NOTIFIED CHEVY AND THERE IS SPECIAL COVERAGE SERVICE BULLETIN #07126. I CALLED CHEVY AND SAID IF YOU ARE OVER 70,000 MILES, IT WILL NOT BE COVERED. I NEVER RECEIVED THIS NOTICE FROM CHEVY OR THE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE (THEY NO LONGER ARE A CHEVY DEALER). I WAS AT 72,500. I HAVE NOT BEEN RIDING IT MUCH AND NOW CHEVY IS RECALLING OTHER CARS WITH THE SAME ISSUE, BUT NOT THE MALIBU. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
POWER STEERING FAILURE AT LOW SPEEDS AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS, LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS. STEERING BECOMES STIFF. FIRST HAPPENED ON DEC 24, 2009; RESET ITSELF WHEN TURNED THE ENGINE OVER. HAPPENED AGAIN 2X IN JANUARY. HAPPENED ON 2/18 TWO TIMES; SYSTEM RESET ITSELF AND REAPPEARED AFTER ABOUT 15 SECONDS. HAPPENED A THIRD TIME ON 2/18 ON THE HIGHWAY. PULLED OVER AND TURNED OVER THE ENGINE BUT WOULD NOT RESET ITSELF. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
MY SON WAS DRIVING MY 2005 MALIBU WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. A WARNING LIGHT INDICATED THE PROBLEM TO HIM. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE HE RESTARTED THE CAR. THE CAR RESET ITSELF BUT THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. IT WAS AT THAT POINT I TOLD HIM TO TAKE TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE POWER STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. IN DECEMBER OF 2007 GENERAL MOTORS SENT ME A LETTER DETAILING POSSIBLE PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR WAS WHAT WAS OUTLINED IN THE LETTER. THE LETTER SAID NOT TO TAKE THE CAR IN TO BE INSPECTED IF I DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS AT THAT TIME. IT ALSO SAID THAT THEY WOULD REIMBURSE ME IF I HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR BUT WITH A DEADLINE DATE. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR IN BY DECEMBER OF 2008 AND THE CAR HAD TO HAVE 70,000 OR LESS MILES ON IT. SINCE I DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR UP TO THAT POINT I DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TO BE INSPECTED. THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR OCCURRED IN JANUARY OF 2010. I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED BECAUSE IT WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE IN THE CONDITION IT WAS IN. I CONTACTED GM WITH MY CONCERNED AND ASKED FOR REIMBURSEMENT. I WAS TURNED DOWN BECAUSE THE PROBLEM CAME AFTER THE DEADLINE OUTLINED IN THE LETTER. *TR
Steering, Feb 25, 2010
2005 MALIBU MAXX POWER STEERING SHUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TURNS. IT WILL RESET AFTER I STOP THE CAR, TURN IT OFF AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, A DANGEROUS ONE AT THAT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Equipment, Feb 25, 2010
2005 MALIBU MAXX LS- TICKING NOISE SHAFT WENT ROD TIRE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ENGINE ON BUT NOTHING IS REGISTERING CAR SEEM TO LOCK UP, SAME BRAKE LIGHT GOES OUT, CAR HESITATES,REPLACED BRAKES AFTER ONLY 2YR, NEW TIRE. I FILED A COMPLAIN WITH ATTORNEY GENERAL BILL MCCOLLUM. I HAVE INVOICES OF HOW MANY TIME MY CAR HAS GONE IN TO THE SHOP FOR MAJOR PROBLEMS AND EVER SINCE IT LOCK UP AND HESITATE I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT. I DID FOUND OTHER CONSUMER WITH THE SAME COMPLAINS THAT I HAVE. THEY HAVE HAD TO REPAIR TIRE RODS, SHAFT AND MOST DANGEROUS IS THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOCKING UP. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING LONG DISTANCE OR ON THE HIGHWAY. PLEASE HELP ME. I WROTE TO GMAC VP TIMOTHY LEE WITH OUT NO RESPOND. MR. LEE PASSED MY COMPLAINT TO A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP THAT REPEATS HIMSELF AND WONT LET YOU SPEAK. PLEASE IF YOU WANT CONTACT ATTORNEY OFFICE THEY HAVE MY COMPLAINT ON FILE. I DON'T WANT TO HURT MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE SHOULD MY CAR LOCK UP. *TR
Steering, Feb 23, 2010
I AM AN OWNER OF 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX LS VEHICLE. FEW DAYS AGO, IT SUDDENLY LOST ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING! YES, THIS CAR USES ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING RATHER THAN FLUID POWER STEERING. IT REALLY SCARES ME BECAUSE I COULD NOT MOVE MY STEERING WHEEL AT THAT TIME. I TRIED MY BEST ON THE WAY TO TURN RIGHT INTO THE SAFE GROUND AND OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. YOU CANNOT IMAGINE HOW MUCH STRENGTH I USED TO CHANGE THE DIRECTION ON IT. IT MUST BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM ON THIS CAR! IF I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, THERE MIGHT BE AN ACCIDENT ALREADY. AFTER ALL, THIS CAR HAS FATAL PROBLEM WITH ITS POWER STEERING WHEEL. PLEASE KINDLY CHECK THIS MESSAGE AND REPLY NOT ONLY ME, BUT ALSO OWNERS OF MALIBU. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 23, 2010
LEFT DIRECTIONAL LIGHT BULB BURNS OUT, BECAUSE THE SOCKETS THAT HOLD THE BULB OVERHEAT AND MELT THE BULBS. OCCURS BECAUSE THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS OVERHEAT. HAVE BURNED OUT 4 BULBS IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS. OVERHEATING IS STARTING TO AFFECT THE RIGHT DIRECTIONAL AS WELL. WILL NEED TO REPLACE BOTH SOCKETS. *TR
Steering, Feb 23, 2010
STEERING COLUMN POPS WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. CAUSES THE CAR TO SHAKE A LITTLE WHEN BRAKING. OCCURRED BEFORE 35,000 MILES, BUT WAS NEVER FIXED BY CHEVY, EVEN AFTER COMPLAINING. MECHANIC HAS DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM, BUT BELIEVES CHEVY SHOULD FIX. WORRIED THAT IF PROBLEM IS FIXED IT WILL REOCCUR, AND ALSO WORRIED IT WILL EFFECT POWER STEERING. HAVE CONTACT CHEVY MULTIPLE TIMES ABOUT PROBLEM, BUT HAVE RECEIVED NO HELP, OTHER THEN A RUNAROUND. *TR
Steering, Feb 21, 2010
2005 MALIBU LS V6. POWER STEERING FAILED MAKING THE STEERING VERY STIFF. IT WAS COLD, 31 DEGREES. THE POWER STEERING WARNING COME ON THE STEREO. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY. PRIOR TO THIS, THE STEERING HAS PULLED TO THE LEFT, EVEN AFTER A REALIGNMENT. THERE HAVE LONG BEEN KNOCKING NOISES WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL. *TR
Steering, Feb 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING LOCKED AND MADE IT DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON THE POWER STEERING FAILURE RESET ITSELF. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO REOCCUR AT SLOW SPEEDS AND WHEN THE CONTACT WAS TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE RPMS WERE APPROXIMATELY 1500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 3/16/10 *CN UPDATED 05/06/10.*JB
Equipment, Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2010
DRIVING DOWN THE NJ TURNPIKE THE WARNING BELL CHIMED AND A MESSAGE STATING "POWER STEERING" CAME UP. AT THAT POINT MY POWER STEERING FAILED. ONCE I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION AND TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN, THE POWER STEERING ONCE AGAIN ENGAGED. HOWEVER ON THE RETURN TRIP, WITH MY 82 YEAR OLD MOTHER IN THE CAR THE POWER STEERING ONCE AGAIN FAILED. DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE/MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRICAL. CHEVROLET HAS ACKNOWLEDGED A FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING IN THIS MODEL, THIS YEAR AND WITHIN THE RANGE THAT THIS VIN FALLS. HOWEVER THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ONLY APPLIES IF THE FAILURE IS WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. ACCORDING TO THE REGIONAL MANAGER I SPOKE WITH, THE CHEVROLET WARRANTY DEPT. FEELS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS JUST ONE OF THE ISSUES YOU WILL FACE WHEN OWNING A CAR!!! TOTAL AND COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM WITH NO WARNING AND NO MAINTENANCE EVER IS JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS??? *TW *TR
Power train, Feb 5, 2010
I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. I HAVE HAD A "CLUNKING" OF THE "I" SHAFT SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND WAS TOLD "NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT". "WON'T HURT ANYTHING." "YOU CAN HAVE IT REPLACED IF IT BECOMES ANNOYING." "IS NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY." I HAVE MY CAR AT A DEALERSHIP RIGHT NOW TO GET THE "I" SHAFT REPLACED. THE SHOP FOREMAN JUST CAME IN AND TOLD ME HE HAS HAD TO REPLACE THIS ON "SEVERAL" MALIBUS AND GM HAS INCREASED THE COST OF THE "I" SHAFT BECAUSE OF SO MANY REPAIRS. IT USE TO COST $90-$125. NOW HE TELLS ME IT WILL COST $150 JUST FOR THE "I" SHAFT. HE EVEN RECOMMENDED I FILE THE COMPLAINT AND SEE IF GM WILL ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COSTS. IF A DEALER REPAIR SHOP IS SAYING THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL CARS WITH THIS PROBLEM, THEN GM SHOULD HAVE CORRECTED THIS ISSUE AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER 5 YEARS AGO. PLEASE HELP! I AM A RETIRED WORKER AND THIS IS KILLING MY MEAGER BUDGET. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 4, 2010
THE HEADLIGHT COVERS ARE SHOWING FOGGING AND DISCOLORATION DUE TO HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL COVERS MELTING INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT COVERS. *TR
Steering, Feb 4, 2010
I WAS DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET AT ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN THE CHIMES SOUNDED, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON, AND STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT. I HAD TO STOP, TURN THE CAR OFF AND THEN RESTART IT BEFORE I COULD STEER AGAIN. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH MY MODEL CAR (2005 CHEVY MALIBU) AND THAT CHEVROLET HAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (#07126) ON THIS ISSUE, BUT MY CAR IS OUTSIDE THE MAXIMUM MILEAGE TO BE COVERED UNDER THIS TSB. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WERE SOME NHTSA DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS INTO THIS ISSUE (PRIMARILY THE 2004 MODEL), BUT THEY HAVE SINCE BEEN CLOSED BECAUSE THE NUMBER OF REPORTED FAILURES WAS WITHIN AN "ACCEPTABLE RANGE". I GUESS MY RESPONSE TO THAT IS, HOW MANY ACCIDENTS DO THERE HAVE TO BE AND HOW MANY PEOPLE NEED TO DIE BEFORE THIS ISSUE IS TAKEN SERIOUSLY? WHILE MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WAS NOT LIFE-THREATENING, IF THIS HAD OCCURRED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AT HIGH SPEEDS IT VERY WELL COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FATAL ACCIDENT. I SAW TODAY THAT FEDERAL REGULATORS HAVE OPENED AN INVESTIGATION INTO COMPLAINTS THAT POWER STEERING SYSTEMS IN THE CHEVROLET COBALT CAN FAIL, MAKING IT MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE CAR. I'M SURE THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT IS STILL OCCURRING ON THE MALIBU. I IMPLORE YOU TO REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION ON THE MALIBU (A SIMPLE GOOGLE OF "MALIBU POWER STEERING PROBLEMS" WILL SHOW THAT IT IS STILL A MAJOR ISSUE) AND DO WHATEVER IS NECESSARY TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED. *TR
Steering, Feb 3, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE POWER STEERING HAS FAILED, USUALLY WHEN MAKING A SHARP TURN. I FIRST NOTICED THIS AROUND TWO YEARS AGO AND COMPLAINED TO GM, IN WHICH THEY STATED THAT OTHER CARS LIKE MINES HAD, THE SAME ISSUES, BUT MY CAR DID NOT QUALIFY FOR A FIX SINCE I HAD ALREADY HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT. *TR
Steering, Feb 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED AS SHE IS DRIVING THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAS TO STEER THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD, TURN IT ON AND OFF AND IT WILL RESET ITSELF. THIS HAPPENS CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT CALL THE MANUFACTURER AND SHE WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THEM TO SEE WHAT REPAIRS CAN BE DONE. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THAT THE CONTACT MAY BE CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WILL BE TAKING THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,504.
Steering, Jan 18, 2010
AFTER LEAVING THE POST OFFICE, MY POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AS MY POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING. I DROVE FOR ABOUT 2 BLOCKS BEFORE I PULLED OVER. I TURNED THE CAR OFF, RESTARTED IT, AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF AND MY POWER STEERING RETURNED. *TR