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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 18, 2009
WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW, IT SHOOK WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BY SMOOTHING THE BRAKE PADS. A FEW MONTHS AGO, THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AT SPEEDS ABOVE 35 MPH. THIS PROBLEM HAS GRADUALLY BECOME WORSE AND THE CAR NOW SHAKES EXCESSIVELY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT SPEEDS AT OR ABOVE 55 MPH, MAKING DRIVING IN ANYTHING BUT A STRAIGHT LINE IMPOSSIBLE. STOPPING DISTANCE HAS ALSO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED. I NO LONGER CONSIDER THE CAR SAFE FOR USE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55 MPH. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, May 17, 2009
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON BY THEMSELVES, THEY BLINK OFF AND ON. SOMETIMES THEY JUST STAY ON,AND OTHER TIMES WHEN YOU BRAKE THEY WANT COME ON AT ALL. HAVE HAD THE CAR AT THE DEALER 3 OR 4 TIMES THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM . I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE AND OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY SAID THEY ADJUSTED BRAKE SWITCH AND THEY DID SOME OTHER THINGS BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 3, 2009
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 APPEAR OKAY. THE PROBLEM COMES AND GOES. ANY SUGGESTIONS, ADVICE, IDEAS? *TR
Steering, Apr 30, 2009
I PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU IN MARCH OF 09 IT'S NOW MAY 09 AND I WILL BE REPLACING MY INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT THE CAR CHECK THAT WAS PERFORMED AFTER I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE SHOWED THAT IS WAS REPLACED 30K MILES AGO. THE CAR POPS AND CRACKS WHENEVER I SLOW DOWN OR TURN AFRAID IT WILL BREAK BEFORE IT IS FIXED. *TR
Seats, Apr 28, 2009
THE CONNECTING FOUNDATION FOR THE POWER DRIVERS SEAT BROKE LOOSE AT THE WELD POINT. THE DRIVERS SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY GROUNDED TO THE VEHICLE AND IT MOVES UP AND DOWN WHILE I AM DRIVING. I WROTE THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY DECLINED MY REQUEST TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE REPAIR. *TR
Steering, Apr 28, 2009
POWER STEERING GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS. STEERING WHEEL BECOMES STIFF AND HARD TO TURN. MANUFACTURER REPLACED ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMNS ON VEHICLES BUT MINE WAS INELIGIBLE BECAUSE OF MILEAGE ACCUMULATED. *TR
Steering, Apr 26, 2009
POWER STEERING FAILURE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 16, 2009
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE STARTER TURNING OVER EVEN WHEN THE CAR STARTS AND SOMETIMES IT STILL WONT START. THE DEALER SAYS IT NORMAL AND AFTER IT GETS MILES ON IT THEN IT WILL STOP... IT NOW HAS 52,000 MILES ON IT AND STILL DOES IT. I ALSO HAVE HAD TO HAVE IT IN THE SHOP EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS TO HAVE IT LUBED IN THE FRONT AXLE WHICH I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER MECHANICS AND THEY STATED THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE NEEDING IT EVER FEW MONTHS, IF I DON'T DO IT THEN EVERYTIME I TURN LEFT OR RIGHT THERE IS THIS HORRIBLE POPPING SOUND FROM THE FRONT END. I ALSO AM HAVING WIRING TROUBLE WITH THE CAR, THE FRONT BLINKER WONT WORK NO MATTER HOW MANY LIGHT BULBS I PUT IN IT, IT WONT WORK AND EVEN KEEPS MELTING THE PLASTIC ON THE BULB ITSELF. *TR
Steering, Apr 15, 2009
STEERING RACK FAILURE DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION BY DESIGN. HAVE NOT HAD ACTUAL FAILURE, BUT SYMPTOMS OF STEERING RACK FAILURE PRESENT W/IN ONE YEAR OF REPLACEMENT. FAILURE OF STEERING RACK COULD RESULT IN STEERING FAILURE, WHICH WOULD LIKELY RESULT IN A CRASH. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 31, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER WINDOWS, LOCKS, LINKAGES, AND IGNITION SWITCH SPORADICALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AT THE COST OF $495. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED ITS MILEAGE. ALL REMEDIES AS OF MARCH 31, 2009 HAVE BEEN INSUFFICIENT IN CORRECTING THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Exterior lighting, Mar 30, 2009
THE BULB IN THE FRONT LEFT TURN SIGNAL BECAME TOO HOT AND BURNED OUT WHILE MELTING THE AMBER COVER AROUND IT. AFTER REPLACING THE BULB, THE TURN SIGNAL AND HIGH LEVEL RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION WOULD NOT WORK BUT THE LOW LEVEL LIGHT STILL OPERATES WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. I REPLACED THE BULB TWICE AND CLEANED THE CONNECTOR AND GET INTERMITTENT USE OF THE TURN SIGNAL, BUT I NEVER KNOW IF IT'S GOING TO WORK OR NOT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 26, 2009
LOSS OF FUNCTION OF HEADLIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND TAIL LIGHTS ON 2005 CHEVY MALIBU LS MODEL. THE LIGHT BULBS IN THE SIGNAL ARE CONSTANTLY BLOWING OUT. I HAVE THE CHANGE THE BULBS AT LEAST EVERY MONTH. I HAVE NO USE OF MY TAIL LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS AS A RESULT OF THIS. FAILURE OF THE BULB HAS NOT RESULTED IN HEAT DAMAGE TO THE BULB SOCKET. *TR
Steering, Mar 19, 2009
MY WIFE ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED. SHE PULLED OUT INTO AN INTERSECTION AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THEN THE CAR STALLED IN THE INTERSECTION THE CAR TO A CERTIFIED REPAIR SHOP. HE SAID THERE WAS A BULLETIN OUT BY GENERAL MOTORS DATED NOVEMBER 8, 2007 THAT 2004-2005 MALIBU'S AND 2005 PONTIAC G 6'S ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING. GENERAL MOTORS KNEW THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE A LACK OF POWER STEERING, VIBRATION, OR A RATTLE OR CLUNK NOISE FROM THE LEFT LOWER INSTRUMENT PANEL. GM SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THESE CARS TO FIX THEIR PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. I TOOK THE CAR TO A GM DEALER AND HE AGREED THAT GM SHOULD FIX THE CAR. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH GM AND FINALLY AFTER CALLING FOR 2 WEEKS, THEY SAID THEY WOULD DO NOTHING. I AM VERY UPSET WITH GM AND JUST WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE WRECKED MALIBU'S BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE OF POWER STEERING. IF YOU HAVE ONE OF THESE CARS, I SUGGEST YOU SELL IT OR TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR BEFORE YOU LOSE YOUR POWER STEERING WHEN PULLING OUT INTO AN INTERSECTION AND THE CAR DIES IN FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM PRODUCT AND ADVISE THE SAME FOR ANYONE ELSE. *TR
Steering, Feb 27, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND IT BECAME VERY STIFF. HE WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR FREE. FOUR MONTHS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED AGAIN. THE DEALER MADE THE REPAIRS FOR FREE ONCE AGAIN. THE STEERING COLUMN CONTINUED TO FAIL OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS ON FIVE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REPAIRED IN JANUARY OF 2009 FOR THE STEERING SHAFT. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $100. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR BECAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE GOING TO OFFER HIM A SEVEN YEARS OR 70,000 MILE WARRANTY FOR THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,838 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,000. UPDATED 3/16/09 *CN UPDATED 03/20/09.*JB
Exterior lighting, Feb 20, 2009
AMBER LENS ON TURN SIGNALS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS HAS MELTED AND BURNED DOWN ONTO BULB. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT TURN SIGNALS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Feb 17, 2009
BALL JOINT WORN OUT IN VEHICLE AT LITTLE OVER 50K MILES--HAD TO REPLACE LOWER BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM. VERY LIGHT AND SMALL IN SIZE FOR SUCH A POWERFUL V6 FWD---I SUSPECT NOT HEAVY ENOUGH FOR THIS VEHICLE--HAVE FOUND MANY OTHERS WITH SAME PROBLEM. LUCKY THAT AS A FORMER SERVICE MGR. I RECOGNIZED STEERING PROBLEM OR COULD HAVE BEEN AN UNCONTROLLED CRASH POSSIBLE---CALLED GM---THEY SAID NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR---I HAVE HAD SEVERAL OTHER GM PRODUCTS AND ALL BALL JOINTS LASTED ABOUT 100K MILES. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Feb 17, 2009
AS OF THIS DATE, FEB. 17, 2009, THE PART IN QUESTION HAS NOT FAILED, CAUSING ANY CRASHES OR INJURIES. SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED A THUMPING WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT. WHILE UNDER MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY, I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AT LEAST 3 TIMES, AND EACH TIME THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT ASSURED ME THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE PART, THE BOOT OF JOINT SOMEHOW CONNECTED TO THE STEERING. SINCE THAT TIME, I HAVE HAD MY PERSONAL MECHANIC CHECK OUT THE PROBLEM AND HE HAS DILIGENTLY CHECKED FOR A RECALL OR A CORRECTIVE MEASURE FROM CHEVROLET, BUT THERE HAS BEEN NONE. THE MECHANIC HAS GREASED THIS JOINT SEVERAL TIMES, AND IT HELPS THE THUMPING, BUT EVENTUALLY IT RETURNS OVER TIME. I HAVE READ WHERE OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THEIR STEERING TOTALLY GOING OUT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I AM AFRAID FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY DUE TO THIS PROBLEM THAT CHEVROLET HAS CONSTANTLY REFUSED TO ADDRESS. COMPONENT #2: I WAS CONSTANTLY HAVING TO REPLACE THE FRONT TURN SIGNALS AS THE BULBS WERE CONSTANTLY BURNING OUT. COMPONENT #3 THE FAN WHICH CONTROLS THE INSIDE AIR FLOW HAS CONSTANTLY RATTLED UNLESS THE FAN IS TURNED ON THE HIGHEST SETTING. THE DEALERSHIP EVEN REPLACED THAT FAN, TELLING ME A BROKEN PART HAD FALLEN DOWN INTO IT. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 3 TIMES, BUT THEY FINALLY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING ELSE. IT STILL RATTLES HORRIBLY. *TR
Steering, Feb 16, 2009
ON A COLD (-20 C) WINTER MORNING I FOUND I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR LEFT MORE THAN 10 DEGREES. I HUNG FROM THE WHEEL AND IT SIMPLY WOULD NOT TURN FURTHER. I DROVE IT THE SHORT DISTANCE TO MY MECHANIC WHO PUT IT IN HIS SHOP TO WARM UP. AFTER IT WAS WARMED UP THE CAR TURNED JUST FINE, BUT THEY SENT IT TO A DEALER JUST IN CASE. IT TURNED OUT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THEY REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAVE NOT HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE. ANOTHER MECHANIC FRIEND TOLD ME I SHOULD NOT HANG ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN ENTERING OR LEAVING THE VEHICLE AS DAMAGE MAY RESULT TO THE POWER STEERING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 11, 2009
ON OUR 2005 CHEVY MALIBU WE HAVE CHANGED THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LAMP NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE WE PURCHASED IT NEW IN 2005, THE FIRST TIME BEING ONLY A MONTH AFTER WE PURCHASED THE CAR. IN NOV. 2006 AT OUR EXPENSE WE HAD TO CHANGE THE TURN SIGNAL LAMP SOCKETS BECAUSE THE DEALER SAID THE REASON FOR THE LAMPS BURNING OUT WAS DUE TO THE SOCKETS BEING CORRODED. AFTER THAT WE HAVE STILL HAD TO CHANGE THE LAMPS AS FREQUENT. I WOULD SAY IN ALL WE HAVE REPLACED EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT LAMP ABOUT 12 TIMES SINCE THE PURCHASE DATE OF MARCH 2005. RECENTLY WE HAVE NOTICED THAT THE LAMP HOUSING HAS ACTUALLY MELTED ABOVE WHERE THE LAMPS ARE LOCATED. WE CURRENTLY HAVE THE LOCAL DEALER LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM AGAIN. EVERY TIME I SEE A CHEVY MALIBU FROM THE YEAR MODEL OF 2005 TO 2007, MOST OFTEN ONE OF THE FRONT PARK/SIGNAL LAMPS IS BURNED OUT. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO NOT HAVING A PROPERLY WORKING TURN SIGNAL COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ALSO IF THE HOUSING IS MELTING, THEN IT COULD RESULT IN THE CAR CATCHING ON FIRE I BELIEVE. *TR
Structure, Feb 10, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE HOOD ON THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE FLEW UP UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND COULD NOT CLOSE THE HOOD BECAUSE IT WAS DENTED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY SENT HIM TO A BODY SHOP. THE HOOD WOULD COST $1,600 TO REPLACE. THE HOOD HAD NOT BEEN OPENED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,600.
Steering, Feb 10, 2009
IN 2006 I BOUGHT AN 2005 CHEVY MALIBU. BEFORE 49600 THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP 8 TIMES BEFORE THEY COULD TELL THAT IT WAS THE STEERING COLUMN. IT GOES OUT WITHOUT WARNING. WE HAVE ALMOST WRECKED SEVERAL TIMES. IT HAS GONE OUT GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. I STARTED TO REPLACE IT, BUT BEFORE I DID THAT I RESEARCHED THE MATTER. IT APPEARS THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING, FROM THE 2005S TO THE 2008S, FROM THE MALIBU TO THE MALIBU MAXX. I HAVE NOT REPLACED IT BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THEM CHANGED THREE OR FOUR TIMES AND THEY KEEP BREAKING. I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO JUST THROW AWAY. I CAN'T AFFORD TO SELL IT EITHER OR TRADE IT IN. I AM THE ONE WHO DRIVES IT MOST OF THE TIME BECAUSE I AM AFRAID IT WILL GO OUT WHEN MY WIFE IS IN A CURVE, AND SHE COULD WRECK AND DIE BECAUSE SHE IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO CONTROL IT WHEN IT GOES OUT. *TR
Steering, Feb 5, 2009
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR IN A SCHOOL ZONE AT ABOUT 20MPH AND I STARTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, ABOUT MIDWAY THROUGH THE TURN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON MY CAR AND IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. BECAUSE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A LEFT TURN GOING ACROSS TRAFFIC WHEN THIS HAPPENED I DRIFTED IN TO ON COMING TRAFFIC. I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT IF I OR THE OTHER DRIVES INVOLVED HAD BEEN GOING MORE THEN 20 MPH THAT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO A NUMBER OF LOCAL SHOPS AND I HAVE SPOKEN WITH THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP BUT NOONE SEAMS TO BE ABLE TO PINPOINT THE PROBLEM. THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPAIRS ON THE CAR AS OF YET AND I AM CURRENTLY NOT DRIVING THE CAR BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED EVERYTIME I HAVE TRIED TO DRIVE THE CAR SINCE THIS HAS HAPPENED. *TR
Suspension, Feb 5, 2009
METAL ON METAL RATTLING SOUNDS COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. THE NOISE IS LOUD. SOUNDS UNSAFE LIKE SOMETHING IS GOING TO FALL OFF OR FREEZE UP. TOOK THE CAR TO MY REPAIR GUY AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. WE THE(REPAIR) GUY AND I TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE. THEY SAID IT'S SOUNDS BAD BUT, DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. HE SAID THEY COULD START REPLACING PARTS BUT WILL NOT GUARANTEE UNTIL THE ACTUAL PART (S) ARE FOUND IF ANY. *TR
Seats, Jan 31, 2009
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE DRIVERS SEAT RAILS AND FACTORY WELDS HAVE FAILED. THE SEAT IS NOT SECURE TO THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR (FITZGERALDS AUTO MALL IN FREDERICK) AND WAS TOLD IT IS NOT COVERED AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE $700+ DOLLARS TO HAVE IT FIXED. THERE IS 91000 MILES ON THE CAR. THIS SEEMS TO ME A SAFETY ISSUE AND MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. THEY DID NOT BUDGE AND ALLOWED ME TO DRIVE AWAY. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO NOW..CERTAINLY DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY ON TOP OF THE MONTHLY PAYMENTS I MAKE TO FIX. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Jan 26, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED FAILURE WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT BULB CONSTANTLY BURNING OUT. SIX MONTHS LATER, THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHT COVERS BURNED. THE STEERING SHAFT HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PLASTIC COVER FAILURE WAS A FACTORY DEFECT; THEREFORE, THEY WERE UNABLE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,400. UPDATED 02-23-09 *BF UPDATED 02/24/09. *JB