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 10, 2008
THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM IN MY 2005 CHEVY MALIBU LS KEEPS COMING ON WHILE I'M DRIVING. WHEN THAT HAPPENS EVERYTHING ON THE DASH STOPS WORKING. MPH, FUEL ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON . WHEN ANTI-THEFT LIGHT COMES ON THE CAR WILL NOT START. SO THAT LEAVES ME AND MY DAUGHTERS STUCK. NOW WHEN I STOP AND PARK THE CAR FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATES. I AM SO SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW IF IT'S GOING TO START. ME AND MY DAUGHTERS HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN DARK PARKING LOTS FOR UP TO 6 HOURS. ALSO THE BREAK LIGHT ARE A MESS. WHEN I'M DRIVING THE ARE ON AND WHEN I PUSH ON THE BREAK THE GO OFF. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP US WITH THIS HORRIBLE CAR. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER AMERICAN MADE CAR AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Sep 6, 2008, crash
ON 8/25/2008 MY STEERING LOCKED UP ON MY 2005 MALIBU CLASSIC. O LOST CONTROL IF MY CAR AND CRASHED INTO 2 TELEPHONE BOXES. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS INCIDENT ON THE INTERNET I FIND THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ELECTRONIC STEERING PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Sep 5, 2008, crash
I PURCHASED TWO 2005 CHEVY MALIBUS - ONE LT AND ONE LS. IN FEBRUARY 2008 MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE LS AND REARENDED ME INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS AT A DEAD STOP AND IT PROPELLED ME 4 FEET BEFORE I SLAMMED INTO THE CAR INFRONT OF ME. SHE WENT UP MY BUMPER AND INTO MY TRUNK AND NO AIRBAGS IN HER MALIBU OR MINE WERE DEPLOYED. IN JULY 2008 SHE WAS DRIVING THE LT AND ROLLED THE CAR TWO TIMES AT 55 MPH AND NONE OF THE 6 AIRBAGS DEPLOYED THAT TIME EITHER. THE FIRST ACCIDENT CAUSED $8,000 DAMAGE TO HER CAR AND $ 10,000 TO MINE YET NO AIRBAGS. THE SECOND ACCIDENT THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS AND NO AIRBAGS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 30, 2008
HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT ON MY 2005 CHEVY MALIBU AT THE BASE OF THE BULB. THIS IS AN 05 AND THE DEALERS KEEP TELLING ME IT IS THE BULB I USE - THAT I NEED TO USE AN OEM BULB, WHEN I LET THEM CHANGE IT THEY USED THE SAME BULB AND THE BASE OF THE BULBS TURN BLACK AND ONLY LAST ABOUT A WEEK OR SO. *TR
Suspension, Aug 27, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A PULLING SENSATION AND NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS ALSO EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, BUT THE FAILURES WERE NOT RESOLVED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAS BEEN A SUSPENSION MALFUNCTION WITH THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,330.
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, Equipment, Aug 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE ANTI THEFT DEVICE HAS FAILED REPEATEDLY, THE ENGINE MAKES A TICKING SOUND, THE STEERING WHEEL IS SLIPPING OR LOOSE, AND OIL LEAKS FROM THE ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DASHBOARD . VIBRATES. THE CONTACT HEARS A NOISE IN THE RADIO WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON, THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED, THE REMOTE START WOULD NOT START THE VEHICLE, AND THE ENGINE SHAKES ROUGHLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,030 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. UPDATED 09/24/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENTIRE SUSPENSION. THE SHOCKS AND BEARINGS MADE A NOISY. THE HAZARD LIGHTS FAILED. UPDATED 09/30/08.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AT 65 MPH, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR ROTORS WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE FAILURE SEVERAL DIFFERENT TIMES, BUT IT STILL PERSISTS. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,500. UPDATED 09/10/08 *BF UPDATED 09/15/08*JB
Equipment, Aug 17, 2008
A/C CONTROL HEAD FAILED RIGHT AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. I PAID TO HAVE IT REPLACED, AND HAVE HAD IT REPLACE 3 OTHER TIMES NOW. THERE IS DEFINITELY A DESIGN FLAW WITH THIS PART. *TR
Seats, Aug 11, 2008
DRIVERS SIDE ELECTRIC SEAT ADJUSTMENT HAS A WELD BROKEN. THIS MAKES ADJUSTING THE SEAT IMPOSSIBLE. THE SEAT FAILS TO ADJUST ON THE RIGHT SIDE. IT IS LOP-SIDED AND NO LONGER TO COMFORTABLE. I BOUGHT MY MALIBU BRAND NEW IN MARCH OF 05. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Aug 11, 2008
MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL WORK SOMETIMES AND NOT OTHERS, I REPLACED THE FUSE. IN THE RAIN WIPERS WILL BE WORKING FINE, THEN QUIT ALL OF A SUDDEN. MY MECHANIC COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. IF YOU DO NOT TAKE THE FUSE OUT NOW, THE WIPERS WILL STAY ON CONSTANTLY. IF YOU WANT TO USE THEM NOW YOU HAVE TO PUT THE FUSE BACK IN TO MAKE THEM WORK. YOU HAVE TO HOPE YOU CAN PULL OVER SAFELY ONCE THE RAIN STARTS. I AM CONSTANTLY USING RAIN X WHEN IT LOOKS LIKE RAIN. THIS IS THE 2ND ELECTRICAL PROBLEM I HAVE HAD WITH MY 2005 CHEVY MALIBU. *TR
Equipment, Aug 7, 2008
NO INCIDENT,CRASH AND NO INJURY. MY CHEVROLET MALIBU-CLASSIC 2005 HAS THE PROBLEM WITH - AC CONTROL HEAD -FP # 22718118 ,DESCRIPTION CONTROL 9.273, UNIT PRICE $206 ,TOTAL PRICE$ 345.12 THATS MY WEEKLY CHECK,AND I THINK THAT IS THE MANUFACTURERS PROBLEM-DEFECTS FOR RECALLS. *TR
Steering, Aug 1, 2008
HAVE HAD NUMEROUS WARRANTY WORK DONE. PURCHASED CAR 4 MONTHS AGO WITH 24,000 MILES NOW HAS 28,000. 6 WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS. AROUND 25,000 STARTED CAR AND STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNING VIOLENTLY. SHUT CAR OFF AND IT WAS FINE. LATER NOTICED STEERING WAS LOOSER AND THUMPING NOISE. CHEVY REPLACED STEERING GEAR. NOW AT CURRENT MILEAGE DID THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED AND REPLACING ANOTHER COMPONENT IN STEERING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. WHEN DRIVING AROUND TURNS IT FELT LIKE I HAD NO CONTROL OVER CAR. NOW THAT MY WARRANTY IS OUT MY WHEN I PUT MY CAR INTO D HALF THE TIME IT WILL JUMP INTO GEAR AND SOMETIMES IT GETS STUCK OR WANTS TO STOP AT R. A CAR WITH 28,000 MILES SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS KIND OF TROUBLE. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE WITH 75,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 1, 2008
NOTICED BOTH FRONT TURN SIGNALS/DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS YELLOW COVERS WERE MELTED. IT HAD DISCOLORED LIGHT LENS DUE TO APPARENT EXTREME HEAT. *TR
Steering, Jul 30, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MAKES RANDOM KNOCKING NOISES. HE DISCOVERED TSB NUMBER 1973984, WHICH IS IDENTICAL TO THE FAILURE HE IS EXPERIENCING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND THE RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS IN THE TSB WERE HEEDED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT HIS STEERING COLUMN WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL COMPLETELY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 26, 2008
THE BRACKET HOLDING THE BRAKE MANIFOLD TO THE FRAME LOST ITS BOLTS CAUSING THE FRONT RIGHT BRAKE LINE TO RUB THE ENGINE AND CAUSE A HOLE IN THE LINE. MY WIFE LOST ALL HER BRAKE FLUID AND ALSO HER BRAKES. *TR
Steering, Jul 25, 2008
WE HAVE A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU WITH 39,000 MILES. MY WIFE DRIVES THE CAR NORMALLY BUT I DROVE THE CAR FOR A FEW WEEKS AND NOTICED A CLUNKING IN THE STEERING AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN TURNING. TAKING THE CAR INTO OUR MECHANIC IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A ISSUE WITH THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED. I DON'T THINK THIS PART SHOULD EVER GO OUT LET ALONE AT 39,000 MILES. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE CAR. THE MECHANIC TOLD US THAT CHEVY HAS HAD THIS ISSUE WITH MAY CARS AND TRUCKS AND HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Jul 24, 2008
ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THIS VEHICLE HAS A DEFECTIVE RACK AND PINION THAT IS BASED UPON ENGINEERING AND COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL STEERING WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. A LOUD POPPING NOISE IS HEARD WHILE TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AND A SNAPPING IS HEARD WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND BREAKING. A LOOSE RATTLE ALSO OCCURS IN FRONT END WHILE DRIVING ON PRIMARY OR SECONDARY ROADS. CAR JUMPS AND STEERING JERKS WHEN HITTING A BUMP ON PAVED ROADWAYS. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS THREE TIMES. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment, Jul 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND. THE FAILURE BEGAN SIX MONTHS AGO AND NOW IT IS CAUSING THE POWER STEERING TO FAIL. THE FAILURE WAS VERY SUBTLE AT FIRST, BUT NOW THE POWER STEERING FAILS FOR DAYS AT A TIME. THE AIR CONDITIONING WOULD ACTIVATE ON AND OFF, BUT NOW IT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE AND AIR CONDITIONING RESISTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CONTROL PANEL IS WARM TO THE TOUCH AFTER DRIVING FOR SOME TIME. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH THE DEALER AND THE REPAIR WILL COST OVER $900. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 09/10/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SHOCKS WENT BAD, THE TIE ROD ENDS HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE CD BECAME STUCK IN THE CD PLAYER. THE REAR CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE STARTER WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. UPDATED 09/12/08. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 14, 2008
I OWN A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU LS V6, THE BRAKE PEDAL GRINDS WHEN YOU PRESS IT, THEN IT IS HARD TO GET THE CAR INTO GEAR, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL STAY ON OR NOT COME ON AT ALL. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP WHEN UNDER WARRANTY THAT THEY HAD TO PLACE THE ENTIRE COMPUTER SYSTEM BACK IN OCT 2006, BUT IT IS CONTINUING TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT IT DID IN 2006. *TR
Steering, Jul 10, 2008
A FRIEND OF MINE HAS A 05 CHEVY MALIBU . I SEE AN INVESTIGATION WAS DONE ON THE 04'S #PEO4031 ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM . I HAVE PERSONALLY HAD IT GO OUT ON ME TWICE . AND I COULD BARELY STEER THE CAR AND ALMOST GOT INTO A WRECK...... I WEIGH 190 LBS. MY GIRL FRIEND WEIGHS 130 LBS.... PEOPLE ARE GOING TO GET IN WRECKS AND DIE BECAUSE OF THE EPS SYSTEM. AND YOU ARE AWARE OF IT....... DOES THE S IN NHTSA STAND FOR SAFETY ??? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME . *TR
Steering, Jul 10, 2008
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX - RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY FAILURE AT 37,000 MILES (JUST BEYOND WARRANTY). INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS SEVERAL DOZEN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, AND SOLUTIONS DO NOT LAST VERY LONG. *TR
Steering, Jun 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ON APPROXIMATELY 100 OCCASIONS, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT TO TURN AS IF IT WERE LOCKED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO SHUT OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Steering, Equipment, Jun 19, 2008
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE "POWER STEERING" GOES OUT. GENERALLY RIGHT AWAY OR AFTER 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING. PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR 25000+ MILES. MY MECHANIC CLAIMS THE FIX IS IN THE STEERING COLUMN. CHEVROLET WANTS $200.00 TO "LOOK" AT THE PROBLEM AND WE WILL GO FROM THERE. I HAVE NOT HAD IT FIXED AS OF YET BECAUSE I AM NOT MADE OF MONEY. I AM THE ONLY ONE IN MY FAMILY THAT IS PHYSICALLY ABLE TO STEER THE CAR WHEN IT GOES OUT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. IT DOES GO OUT ON THE HI=WAY AS WELL AS SIDE STREETS. THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON TO THE FREQUENCY. *TR
Power train, Jun 11, 2008
IN NOVEMBER 2004 I LEASED A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU FROM A CHEVROLET DEALER IN NEW YORK. (DEALER 1) IN JANUARY 2006, I RETURNED TO THIS SAME DEALER BECAUSE THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR WOULD JUMP FROM 5 MILES AN HOUR TO 40 MILES AN HOUR, THEN THE ENGINE WOULD REV WHEN I PUSHED DOWN THE ACCELERATOR BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT SPEED UP. THE DIAGNOSIS FROM DEALER 1'S MECHANIC WAS THAT THERE WAS ALMOST NO TRANSMISSION FLUID IN THE CAR AND THE GEARS BURNT OUT. HE TOLD ME THERE WAS NO WAY THIS COULD BE FROM A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THE NEW TRANSMISSION; WHICH I LATER LEARNED WAS UNTRUE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLOWLY BURN OUT (OVER MONTHS) WITH LITTLE/NO FLUID IN IT. FROM PURCHASE, I COMPLAINED MANY TIMES TO THE DEALER THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD CLICK WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED AND THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL RIGHT. THE MANY TIMES I BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE I WOULD MAKE THESE COMPLAINTS AND BE TOLD THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE. APRIL 2008 WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING. THE CAR HAD NO POWER AND STARTED LOOSING SPEED. AT MY EXPENSE, IT WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER. (DEALER 2) THE MECHANIC SAID THEY STARTED OPENING THE TRANSMISSION BUT IT WAS SO BADLY DAMAGED, DID NOT FINISH. HE HAD NO EXPLANATION FOR THE DAMAGE. DEALER 2 HAD ALREADY ORDERED YET ANOTHER TRANSMISSION AND HE TOLD ME THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF WHAT THE MECHANIC FROM DEALER 1 HAD SAID. DEALER 2 AND OTHER MECHANICS I HAVE TALKED TO SINCE, TOLD ME THAT WITHOUT FLUID THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT, AND WITH LOW FLUID IT WOULD NOT BE MONTHS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION BURNT OUT, IT WOULD BE DAYS OR DEPENDING ON THE FLUID LEVEL, EVEN MERE HOURS. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AGAIN BY DEALER 2. I PICKED THE CAR UP AND GOT 12 MILES WHEN THE ODOMETER AND POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. DEALER 2 TOLD ME THAT THE SPEED SENSOR ON THE NEW TRANSMISSION WAS BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 8, 2008
WE OWN A 2005 MALIBUMAX, RECENTLY THE RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB DIED SO I REPLACED IT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OWNERS MANUAL. WHEN I OPENED THE LIGHTING UNIT TO REMOVE THE BULB I FOUND THE BULB HAD MELTED THE AMBER PLASTIC ENCLOSURE THAT SURROUNDS THE BULB. I THOUGHT THIS WAS ODD HOWEVER I THOUGHT MAYBE THE BULB HAS SHORTED OUT AND BURNED SINCE THE GLASS WAS SHATTERED. I THAN CHECKED THE RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL WHICH WAS FUNCTIONING, I FOUND THAT THE BULB HAD MELTED THE AMBER ENCLOSURE AS WELL. THIS SEEMS LIKE A DEFECTIVE DESIGN THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE. *TR