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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 22, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES WHEN THE FUEL IS LOW IN HER VEHICLE. THE FUEL GAUGE ONLY INDICATES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FULL OR EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CHEVROLET DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE FUEL LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1,300. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Steering, Aug 22, 2007
POWER STEERING FAILURE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2007
YESTERDAY I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 MALIBU ON A COUNTRY ROAD, AND MADE A SLOW TURN IN AN ABANDONED PARKING LOT AT AN INTERSECTION. THERE WAS A HARDLY VISIBLE LOW LYING DITCH, AND THOUGH I WAS GOING AROUND 5-10 MPH, THE RIGHT WHEEL CAUGHT IN THE DITCH, AND THE CAR STOPPED. THERE WAS HARDLY AN IMPACT, IT FELT MORE LIKE HITTING A CURB, BUT THE LOWER FRONT RIGHT PLASTIC BUMPER CAVED IN AND CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE IN THE RADIATOR. I DON'T KNOW WHY A MAJOR MANUFACTURER THOUGHT THAT PLASTIC WOULD IN ANY WAY PROTECT A RADIATOR--IT MIGHT AS WELL HAVE BEEN ON THE FRONT OF THE CAR. ARE THERE STATUTES AGAINST A FRONT PLASTIC BUMPER? TO HAVE THIS MUCH DAMAGE WITH SO MINOR AN INCIDENT SEEMS PREPOSTEROUS. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE? THE PLASTIC MOUNTS CRACKED AND CAME OFF. *JB
Steering, Aug 17, 2007
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH IT. THE LATEST HAS BEEN THAT AT 47,000 MILES I DEVELOPED A CLUNKING NOISE FOLLOWED BY SERIOUS DIFFICULTY WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS. AFTER TAKING IT TO AN AC DELCO REPAIR SHOP IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE INTERNAL SHAFT IN THE STEERING COLUMN HAD GONE OUT. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO RECGONIZE A PROBLEM AND HAVE IT REPAIRED BEFORE ANY SERIOUS INCIDENT OCCURRED. UNFORTUNATELY IT COST ME $600 OF COURSE NOT COVERED BY GM. *TR
Steering, Aug 15, 2007
2005 CHEVY MALIBU LT I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING. THERE HAS BEEN A THUMPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. NOISE CAN BE PLAINLY HEARD AT LOW SPEEDS. THE STEERING RACK HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES AND THE STEERING SHAFT ONCE. *JB
Steering, Aug 10, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH SHE HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT WHEEL WHEN SHE MADE A LEFT TURN. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. AS OF AUGUST 10, 2007, THE MECHANIC HAS NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,484 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,653.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Tires, Aug 7, 2007
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU RECALL CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY**CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE SECOND GEAR WAS SLOW TO ENGAGE, THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKES MADE A NOISE WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED. THE DEALER CLEANED THE FRONT BRAKES AND APPLIED TREATMENT TO THEM. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE TIRES WERE CUPPED. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 6, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT'S FIVE AND SEVEN YEAR OLD CHILDREN OPENED THE REAR DOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAS NO CHILD SAFETY LOCKS ON THE REAR DOORS. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS ARE TOO LONG. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Electrical system, Jul 29, 2007
IN THE PAST WEEK, BOTH OF MY SONS' CARS DEVELOPED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM (GM PASSLOCK SYSTEM) FAILED WITH A RESULTING COST OF $500.00 EACH TO REPAIR. ON E WAS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO AND THE OTHER A 2005 CHEVROLET CLASSIC. THIS IS A BIT TOOOOO COINCIDENTAL FOR ME. I LOOKED AT FORUMS ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE WITH GM VEHICLES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME PART NUMBER.... THIS IS A RECALL ITEM, AND GM NEEDS TO MAKE IT RIGHT IF THEY WANT TO SELL CARS TO AMERICANS. THE CARS JUST REFUSE TO RECOGNIZE THE IGNITION KEY. THIS GOES FOR BACKUP IGNITION KEYS TOO. HELP US. *TR
Steering, Jul 27, 2007
2005 CHEVY MALIBU 3.5 L V6 STEERING LOCKS UP ON LEFT TURNS EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. *JB
Exterior lighting, Jul 16, 2007
I OWN A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU THAT FOR APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AND A HALF. DURING THIS TIME I HAVE NEED TO REPLACE THE BULBS IN THE RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL TWICE AND THE REAR RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ONCE. *TR
Steering, Jul 3, 2007
I HAVE A 2005 MALIBU WITH 50000 MILES ON IT AND THE POWER STEERING RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF. THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING AND SOMETIMES THE STEERING IS REAL TIGHT AND SOMETIMES ITS REALLY LOOSE. IT BECOMES VERY DANGEROUS WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP I BROUGHT IT TO DOESN'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG. I KNOW WHAT IS WRONG - MY STEERING DOESN'T WORK 100% OF THE TIME. I HAVE A SAFE DRIVING RECORD AND DRIVE RESPOSIBLY AND DO NOT BEAT ON MY CARS. I KNOW IT IS NOT MY DRIVING STLYE, RATHER IT IS A FLAW IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE POWER STEERING.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 22, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND THE BRAKES STIFFENED. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED AND THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED. THE ENGINE WILL RUN, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILS TO MOVE. THE FAILURE OCCURS EVERY TWO DAYS. IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE DRIVEN, THE CONTACT MUST WAIT APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR BEFORE SHE CAN RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 39,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 17, 2007
I OWNED THE 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. DURING THAT TIME I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR TURN SIGNAL ONCE, AND THE FRONT TURN SIGNALS ABOUT 3 TIMES EACH. SOMETHINGWAS DEFINITELY WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL PART OF THIS VEHICLE. THE WARRANTY HAS NOW EXPIRED, SO I CAN GET NOTHING DONE ABOUT IT FROM GM OR CHEVROLET. *AK A SECOND COMPLAINT CONCERNS THE FAN FOR THE AIRCONDITIONER/HEATER. IT RATTLES CONSTANTLY. BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED I TOOK IT IN TWICE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD REPAIRS DONE ON THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE MOTOR WAS REPLACED . . . WAS TOLD THEIR WAS SOMETHING LODGED IN THE FAN. A WEEK LATER THE SAME NOISE. NOTHING HAS BEEN RESOLVED.
Steering, Suspension, Jun 2, 2007
MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED A USED CERTIFIED 2005 MALIBU MAXX IN JULY OF 2006, BY THE TIME THE WEATHER GOT COLD, I NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END. IT WAS TAKEN IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE STEERING BOX. THE SECOND TIME WAS IN MARCH 07, THEY COULD NOT VERIFY THE NOISE, THEN AGAIN IN APRIL I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND THEY REPLACED A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK. THE NOISE IS STILL THERE. IT GETS SO MUCH WORSE IN COLD WEATHER IT CAN BE REALLY SCARY ON THE HIGHWAY, IT ALSO HAS A INCONSISTENT PULL TO THE LEFT AND HAS BEEN ALIGNED, AND TIRES ROTATED TO NO AVAIL. WHY CAN'T THEY FIX THIS PROBLEM? I AM LOSING MY FAITH IN GM AFTER NEARLY 20 YEARS OF BEING A FAITHFUL GM OWNER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 22, 2007, fire
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WEST BOUND ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE WHEN SMOKE STARTED TO COME FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. CONSUMER PULLED OVER THE VEHICLE WAS OVERCOME BY THE FIRE. *MC OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 22, 2007
THE SERPENTINE BELT KEEPS BLOW OUT ON THE CAR, AND NOW FOR THE THIRD TIME IT HAS ASLO BLEW A HOSE . I AM SO INCONVINCED BY THIS GM PRODUCT. *AK
Exterior lighting, May 22, 2007
I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU THAT JUST WENT OUT OF WARRANTY WHEN I HAPPENED TO BE FOLLOWING MY HUSBAND WHO WAS DRIVING ANOTHER VEHICLE. FOR 150 MILES MY HUSBAND COMPLAINED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS VIBRATED CONSTANTLY CAUSING A DISTRACTION FOR ANYONE DRIVING IN FRONT OF ME. UNTIL THAT TIME I HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING THAT THE HEADLIGHTS HAD A PROBLEM. HE CHECKED THEM WHEN WE GOT HOME AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO TIGHTEN THEM. I HAVE CHECKED FOR RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND NONE. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT COULD BE DONE TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM WITHOUT COST TO ME SINCE I WAS SURE THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN THERE SINCE I GOT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WAY TO FIX IT.AK
Steering, May 15, 2007
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAX, POWER STEERING FAILURE - TOTAL LOSS, LOCKED UP OF STEERING CONTROL AT LOW SPEED. DURING LOW SPEED TURN DRIVER COULD NOT TURN WHEEL AND LOST ALL STEERING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THIS FAILURE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A POWER STEERING WARNING ON THE CAR'S INFORMATION PANEL. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED SUCCESSFULLY WITH OUT ACCIDENT. DRIVER TURN OFF IGNITION, RESTARTED, AND STEERING CONTROL RETURNED BUT SEEMED HESITANT. ALTHOUGH THIS WAS BEING REPORTED AS OF THIS DATE 5/15/0) IT ALSO OCCURRED A WEEK EARLIER BUT RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. PREVIOUSLY THIS CAR HAD WARRANTY SERVICE ON A STEERING SYSTEM "NOISE" COVERED UNDER A TSB AND HAD BEEN WORKING NORMALLY UNTIL THIS ISSUE OCCURRED. VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO CHEVROLET DEALER SERVICE TODAY. *AK
Steering, May 14, 2007
LAST FEBUARY I BOUGHT THIS CAR "CERTIFIED USED" FROM A CHEVY DEALERSHIP. LESS THAN A WEEK LATER THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. SOME HOW I MANAGED TO PULL OVER WITHOUT WRECKING THE CAR. I TURNED IT OF AND BACK ON AGAIN AND IT SEEMED FINE. THEN IT HAPPED AGAIN AND AGAIN SO WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. AT FIRST I REALLY REGRETTED BUYING THE CAR BUT THEY FIXED IT AND IT SEEMED OKAY. NOW A YEAR LATER AND AFTER THE WARRENTY HAS EXPIRED THERE IS A CLICKING AND THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING AND I'M SURE THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY PLENTY TO GET THAT FIXED LUCKY FOR THEM THE WARRENTY IS GONE. MEANWHILE I'M WITHOUT A CAR. I WILL NEVER BUY ANIOTHER CAR FROM GM AGAIN. THIS CAR WAS A HUGE MISTAKE!
Steering, May 5, 2007
CHEVROLET MALIBU 2005. DRIVING ON A LOCAL STREET, I MADE A RIGHT ONTO ANOTHER STREET AND THE STEERING BECAME STIFF, HARD TO MAKE A SHARP TURN AND I HAD TO PULL THE STEERING WHEEL HARD AND USE AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF EFFORT TO COMPLETER A TURN, A BELL WENT OFF. I WAS UNABLE TO STEER TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR AND THEN I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL FREELY FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS THEN THE WHEEL BECAME STIFF AGAIN. IF I HAD REACHED THE HIGHWAY TO GET TO MY DESTINATION DRIVING 50 MPH AND I HAD TO SUDDENLY QUICKLY STEER TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT TO AVOID AN POTENTIAL PROBLEM, I MAY HAVE GOTTEN INTO A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INJURING MYSELF & OTHERS. I PURCHASED THE CAR USED & ONLY HAD IT 10 MONTHS. I AM FINANCING THE CAR. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE NOW BECAUSE IT'S ONLY A 2005, ONLY 2 YEARS OLD WITH A POSSIBLE MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM. I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE ARE OTHER 2005 CHEVY MALIBU'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WHO HAVE SERVICED THE VEHICLE AND IF THEY CONTINUE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM AND IF THERE ARE MORE OWNERS WITH THIS COMPLAINT. I AM TAKING THIS CAR TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT, HAVE THEM INSPECT IT A GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Apr 22, 2007
BACK IN JANUARY 2007, I WAS HAVING A POPPING SOUND THAT WAS MADE WHENEVER I MADE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THEY CHANGED THE STEERING COLUMN AND RIGHT STRUT. I AM NOW HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE LEFT SIDE AND WILL BE GOING IN AGAIN SOMETIME THIS WEEK. I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 4 MONTHS WITH 24,000 MILES AT THE TIME THIS FIRST HAPPENED. I NOW HAVE 27,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE. *TR
Tires, Apr 15, 2007
I HAVE A CHEVROLET MALIBU 2005, THE SIDEWALLS OF THE TIRES ARE CRACKING AND I NEED TO REPLACE THEM. I HAVE ONLY HAD MY VEHICLE FOR A YEAR AND A HALF. I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT UP MY SERVICES AND TIRE ROTATIONS. I HAVE ANOTHER VEHICLE 2005 WITH DIFFERENT TIRES AND NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS. MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT DUE TO THE SIDEWALL CRACKING. I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES. DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM, THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED AT MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE DUE TO ALL THE DAMAGES I HAVE RECENTLY READ UP ON THIS PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Apr 10, 2007
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK BROKE THAT IN TURN MADE THE IGNITION SWITCH GO OUT AND NOT RECOGNIZE THAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO TURN, CAUSING THE LOCK AND TUMBLER TO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEN, AFTER BEING REPLACED IT NEEDED TO BE TAKEN TO A DEALER TO HAVE A FLASH DONE TO IT, FOR THE CAR TO RECOGNIZE THE NEW IGNITION. YOU CAN'T GET OLD PARTS FOR THIS, AND THE PARTS HAVE TO BE PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 10, 2007
I PURCHASED THE 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC FROM A NEARBY TOWN DEALERSHIP AND WAS PLEASED UNTIL ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER WHEN I KEPT HEARING A LOUD SCREECHING SOUNDS COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THINKING IT WAS THE BRAKES GOING BAD, I HAD A FRIEND WHO WORKED ON CARS, CHECK IT OUT AND HE FOUND THE BRAKE CALIPER HAD GONE BAD. THE CAR HAD ONLY 32,000 MILES ON IT, AND IT WAS FAIRLY NEW HE COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS NEW CAR WOULD HAVE A CALIPER GOING BAD THAT FAST. IT WAS PRIOR OWNED AS A COMPANY PROGRAM CAR. HE REPLACED THE BRAKES AND CALIPER AND NOW EVERYTHING WAS FINE.*AK