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.
Electrical system, Sep 4, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS AS 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH; PROCEEDING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL SWITCH BEGAN BLINKING AT A RAPID PACE. AN AUTHORIZED TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE TURN SIGNAL BULB SOCKET OVERHEATING WHICH CAUSED THE PLASTIC TO MELT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Steering, Equipment, Aug 29, 2009, crash
TODAY,WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, FELT A TUG, STEERING LOST. THIS WAS THE THIRD OCCURRENCE. THE FIRST TWO TIMES THIS OCCURRED IN 2008, THE FIRST TIME POWER STEERING WAS PARTIALLY LOST. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE LOSS. LOST THE STEERING AGAIN AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE MODULE. THERE WERE NO PARTS RETURNED TO ME. THIS TIME, THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE. THE TOW COMPANY INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE - NO STEERING. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2009
BOUGHT THE 2005 MALIBU USED IN AUGUST 2007. I HAVE REPLACED THE BOTH FRONT DIRECTIONAL BULBS AT LEAST 10 TIMES SINCE BUYING THE CAR. THE LIGHTS WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL. THE RIGHT BULB WAS OUT FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS THEN THE LEFT BULB WENT OUT. I WENT TO REPLACE THE BULBS AGAIN YESTERDAY. I JIMMIED THE SOCKET THEY GO INTO AND NOW THEY BOTH APPEAR TO BE WORKING. HOWEVER, I NOTICED THE AMBER PLASTIC COVERING ON THE LEFT BULB WAS BURNED, THERE WAS A LARGE BURN HOLE IN IT, AND THE MELTED PLASTIC WAS DRIPPING INTO THE BOTTOM OF THE COVERING. I AM ALSO NOTICING, AND HAVE BEEN NOTICING, A LOUD THUMPING SOUND WHEN I HIT THE GAS AS IF SOMETHING HAS TO ROLL INTO PLACE. LATELY IT ALSO SEEMS AS THOUGH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES VERY, VERY SLIGHTLY KICK IN WHEN I AM BRAKING AND GO OVER A BUMP. AFTER READING THE OTHER COMMENTS I AM GOING TO MY MECHANIC TO HAVE HIM LOOK AT THE ISSUES AS SAFETY IS A LARGE CONCERN. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 22, 2009
HEADLIGHT LENS MELTED AND TAIL LIGHTS WENT OUT. *TR
Steering, Aug 20, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHENEVER TRAVELING AT ANY GIVEN SPEED THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER HAD A SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT REGARDING REPAIRS FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM FREE REMEDY REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,026. UPDATED 09/25/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WENT COMPLETELY OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. SHE HAD TO CUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND WAIT A FEW MINUTES. ONCE THAT WAS DONE THE POWER STEERING RESUMED AS NORMAL. UPDATED 09/29/09.*JB
Electrical system, Aug 17, 2009
2005 MALIBU MAXX, STARTER ASSEMBLY: SOMETIMES DIFFICULT TO START, ESPECIALLY AFTER RUNNING THE AIR CONDITIONER.PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO, OCCURRED SINCE THEN ABOUT 40 TO 50 TIMES. I RETIRED 18 MONTHS AGO AND DO NOT DRIVE AS MUCH NOW THAN I DI WHILE WORKING. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS DESPITE NEW BATTERY AND NOT RUNNING CONCURRENTLY THE FOLLOWING:AIR CONDITIONER DISK PLAYER, WINDSHIELD WIPERS,LIGHTS. ALL THE SYSTEMS ALWAYS CHECKED OUT OK, NO PROBLEM WAS DETECTED. *TR
Steering, Aug 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT THE VEHICLE MADE A VERY LOUD THUMPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE STEERING RACK AND PINION AND CORRECTED THE FAILURE FOR 2 YEARS; HOWEVER, IT RECURRED. THE SECOND TIME THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED AND FAILED AFTER 8 MONTHS. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED DUE TO FREQUENT FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,927. UPDATED 09/11/09 *BF UPDATED 09/15/09.*JB
Exterior lighting, Aug 15, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING ON 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU FAILS INTERMITTENTLY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 12, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TURN SIGNAL BULB FAILED. ONE WEEK LATER, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TURN SIGNAL BULB ALSO FAILED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE CAUSED THE LIGHT HOUSING ASSEMBLY TO MELT. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR REPAIR WAS $1,000. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 78,000.
Exterior lighting, Aug 3, 2009
2005 MALIBU PURCHASED NEW. DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT/PARK/TURN SIGNAL MELTING THE AMBER BULB SURROUND AND DISCOLORING AND CRACKING THE OUTER HEADLIGHT LENSES. THIS CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT TO DATE. I HAVE REPLACED THE LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL BULB TWICE OVER THE LIFE OF THE CAR. ALL FRONT LIGHTS ARE ORIGINAL AS PURCHASED. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE LIGHTS WILL CATCH FIRE AND SO NOW I TRY TO REMEMBER TO DISENGAGE THE DRL FEATURE WHILE DRIVING. I FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DESIGN PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. I STARTED TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS ON MY OWN WITH "EAGLE EYES" REPLACEMENTS UNITS BUT I HAVE FOUND THAT THESE ARE SUBJECT TO A NHTSA RECALL AS WELL. I WILL HOLD OUT TO SE IF A RECALL IS ISSUED BY NHTSA FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Jul 28, 2009
DRIVER OF A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX SUDDENLY LOST ALL ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE WITHOUT WARNING MAKING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE DEFECT IS INTERMITTENT AND IS SOMETIMES ACCOMPANIED BY A WARNING CHIME BUT WITHOUT ANY MALFUNCTION INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *TR
Steering, Jul 28, 2009
I NEED YOUR HELP. I BOUGHT A 2005 MALIBU FROM A LOCAL CAR DEALER. THE CAR HAD LOW MILES AND I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A SAFE AND RELIABLE CAR. SO SAFE, THAT I ALLOWED MY TEENAGE SON TO DRIVE MY CAR. WHILE HE WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN FROM A 4-WAY STOP, HE HEARD A POP AND THEN HAD NO STEERING WITHOUT ANY WAY TO CONTROL THE CAR HE ENDED UP IN A FIELD. I THANK GOD HE WAS NOT GOING FAST, THAT THERE WAS NO OTHER CARS OR PEOPLE INVOLVED, AND HE WAS NOT HURT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WHO IS A CERTIFIED MASTER TECHNICIAN, WHO WORKED FOR GM AS A LINE TECH FOR 25 YRS. HE INFORMS ME THAT THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED IN A CAR THAT IS ONLY 4 YRS OLD, AND FELT IT WAS DEFECTIVE. HE SAID THE FAILURE OCCURRED INSIDE THE STEERING RACK CAUSING THE PINION TO DISENGAGE RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A GM DEALER WHO?S MECHANIC SAID THE SAME THING BUT BECAUSE I DID NOT BUY THE CAR FROM THEM, THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME?.MY NEXT STEP WAS TO CONTACT GM?.THEY TOOK A WEEK TO INVESTIGATE?AND DECIDED THAT BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A PRIVATE CAR DEALER, IT HAD 86K MILES ON IT AND IT WAS PAST THE FACTORY WARRANTY THEY FELT NO NEED TO DO ANY THING ABOUT THIS. NOT ONLY WAS THE STEERING RACK AND PINION DAMAGED, THE POWER STEERING UNIT UNDER THE DASH AND THE AIR BAG COILS WERE DAMAGED AS WELL. THE COST TO REPAIR THIS IS OVER $2000.00. IT?S NOT JUST THE COST TO REPAIR THE CAR THAT UPSETS ME; IT?S THE FACT THAT GM HAS NO CONCERN FOR SAFETY. I HAVE FOUND LONG LIST FOR CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ABOUT GM?S STEERING FAILURES. ?UNBELIEVABLE? AND THIS IS NOT THE ONLY SITE THAT HAS COMPLAINTS. I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL TO ADDRESS THE STEERING DEFECT IN THE MALIBU. BUT THEY OBVIOUSLY DECIDED IT WAS OF NO BIG CONCERN TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Jul 20, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING LOCKS WHENEVER HE STARTS HIS VEHICLE AND BEGINS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
Seats, Jul 14, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT SEPARATED FROM THE BASE AND CAME OFF TRACK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY AFTER SHE SAT IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Steering, Jul 9, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE POWER STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $1,000. THREE YEARS LATER, WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS FAILING. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $500. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT A COMPLAINT WAS FILED AND THAT HE WOULD RECEIVE A FOLLOW UP CALL ON THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,748 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
Seats, Jul 8, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN THE CONTACT SAT DOWN IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THE SEAT COLLAPSED AND SHIFTED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WELD THAT HOLDS THE SEAT IN PLACE PEELED OFF A PIECE OF THE METAL FROM THE METAL BAR, WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO DETACH FROM THE METAL TRACK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAKE THE REPAIRS AND THAT THE SEAT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. NO ESTIMATE WAS PROVIDED FOR THE PURCHASE OF A NEW SEAT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Electrical system, Jul 6, 2009, fire
I STOPPED TO AIR UP A TIRE AND WASH MY CAR. I NOTICED SMOKE IN THE BACK PORTION OF MY CAR. I LOOKED IN THE TRUNK BUT COULDN'T TELL THE ORIGIN OF THE SMOKE. SMOKE CONTINUED TO FILL MY CAR FROM THE BACK AND I OPENED THE TRUNK AGAIN. I PLACED MY HAND ON THE LEFT FENDER AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED HOW HOT IT WAS. ANOTHER COSTUMER CAME OVER AND JERKED THE TRUNK LINER BACK TO REVEAL THAT THE FUSE PANEL WAS ON FIRE. *TR
Steering, Jun 26, 2009, crash
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT ABOUT 8:00 IN THE MORNING WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL "STIFFENED" UP ON A TURNAROUND BY OUR HOUSE. THEN SHE MADE THE FIRST LEFT TURN AT A STOP SIGN IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD..THAT'S WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND SHE CRASHED INTO A PARKED CAR. THE POLICE ARRIVED AND FILED A REPORT. SHE HIT A BIG TRUCK THAT FORTUNATELY WASN'T DAMAGED BUT OUR CAR WAS LEFT UNDRIVABLE AND COMPLETELY TOTALED IN THE FRONT!! WE WERE GOING TO JUST PAY TO GET THE CAR FIXED BUT I LOOKED INTO IT FURTHER AND FOUND A LARGE NUMBER OF INCIDENTS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP ON PEOPLE WHO OWNED A CHEVY MALIBU EACH WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF CONSEQUENCES. MY WIFE COULD HAVE BEEN EASILY KILLED OR KILLED SOMEONE ELSE!!! THIS ISSUE REALLY NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH BEFORE ANY FURTHER HARM IS DONE TO MORE INNOCENT VICTIMS!!!!! *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 20, 2009
FRONT DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE GETTING HOT MELTING THEM. THIS IS CAUSING TURN SIGNALS TO BURN OUT AND NOT WORK PROPERLY. GOT PULLED OVER BY A STATE TROOPER TODAY BECAUSE OF THIS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 5, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PARKING LIGHT HAD BLOWN OUT. SHE ALSO FOUND THAT THE FRONT PARKING LIGHTS WERE MELTED DUE TO THE LIGHT BULBS. THE BULB WAS REPLACED WITH A SYLVANIA BULB. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LIGHT HAD A LARGE HOLE IN THE ORANGE AREA OF THE FIXTURE. THE ENTIRE FRONT LIGHTING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF OVER $100. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 60,000. THE ORIGINAL BULB MELTED THE ORANGE COVER INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FOR THE PARKING LIGHTS. HOT PLASTIC DRIPPED ON THE BULB AND BURNED A HOLE IN THE BULB. UPDATED 06/22/09.*JB
Steering, Equipment, Jun 3, 2009
VEHICLE MADE A LOUD POP NOISE. STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED AT 35,000 MILES DUE TO A DEFECTIVE STEERING SHAFT. VEHICLE IS NOW AT 70,000 MILES AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. I CONTACTED CHEVY AND WAS ISSUED A CASE NUMBER. THEY ADVISED ME A CHEVY DEALER DIAGNOSTIC WAS REQUIRED. CHEVY DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED STEERING SHAFT AGAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, HOWEVER HEAD OFFICE DENIED MY REQUEST. A STEERING SHAFT ALMOST NEVER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IN A VEHICLE, SINCE THE TIME OF MY REPLACEMENT AT 35,000 MILES ALTERATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THEIR REPLACEMENTS. THIS WOULD INDICATE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 31, 2009
I HAVE A 05 MALIBU MAXX MY TURN SIGNAL HAVE MELTED I SEE MANY COMPLAINTS IS THIS A RECALL? *TR
Steering, May 19, 2009
2005 CHEVY MALIBU, 95000 MILES. FOR 60000 MILES HAVE HAD LIMITED IF ANY POWER STEERING. IT GENERALLY GOES OUT RIGHT AWAY WHEN OUTSIDE TEMP IS ABOVE 60 DEGREES. OTHERWISE WITHIN 20 MILES OF DRIVING IT GOES OUT. WHEN IT GOES OUT I AM USUALLY GOING AROUND A CORNER OR CLOVERLEAF. WHEN POWER STEERING GOES OUT STEERING BECOMES EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND USUALLY TRIES TO GO BACK TO A FORWARD DIRECTION. NOT CONVENIENT WHEN TRYING TO TURN. MY WIFE IT TOTALLY UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR, FOR IT WOULD LEAD TO A CRASH. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE, AFTER INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM ONLINE, THAT CHEVY HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A HUGE ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THE COUPLE OF TIME I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO A CHEVY DEALER I WAS TOLD THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON THIS CAR. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT IN THERE WAS ONLY 38,000 MILES ON THE CAR. NEEDLESS TO SAY CHEVY HAS LOST A CUSTOMER. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT STARTED AROUND THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR 2007. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 18, 2009
I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS MELTING. IT COULD CAUSE A FIRE. IT SEEMS THAT THE AMBER LIGHTS HAVE MELTED THE CASING. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL AND THE DEALERS SHOULD REPLACE THE HOUSING FREE OF CHARGE. *TR
Steering, May 18, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER DUE TO AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE PREVIOUS DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 6/8/09 *CN THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES. UPDATED 06/11/09.*JB