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.
Visibility, May 31, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE MOON ROOF VIBRATED VIOLENTLY ALONG WITH THE ENTIRE ROOF ANYTIME THE REAR WINDOWS WERE DOWN. THE PROBLEM IS MORE OBVIOUS AT SPEEDS OF 65-75MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED IT WAS NORMAL FOR VIBRATION TO OCCUR WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO ALERTED OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARD. *AK
Vehicle speed control, May 11, 2006
I'D JUST ENTERED ONTO THE FREEWAY AND WAS GOING ABOUT 55 MPH WHEN MY CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AT WHICH TIME I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT MOVE. I THOUGHT THAT MAYBE THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SO I TURNED IT ON THEN OFF AGAIN SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE BUT THE PEDAL STILL WOULD NOT MOVE AND WHILE AT THE SAME MANEUVER WITH CARS ON THE FREEWAY. I ENDED UP EXITING ABOUT 4 MILES DOWN THE ROAD USING AN EXIT WITH A LONG EXIT RAMP. AS SOON AS I EXITED I PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND IT BEGAN TO JERK BUT SLOW DOWN SOME BUT NOT FAST ENOUGH AS THERE WERE CARS STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT AT THE END OF THE RAMP AND THERE WAS NOT MUCH TIME LEFT, SO AT THAT POINT I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK WHICH CAUSED MY PASSENGER AND I TO BE THROWN FORWARD AND THE SEAT BELTS TIGHTENED AROUND US. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT BEGAN TO REV UP FASTER AND FASTER SO I IMMEDIATELY CALLED FOR CHEVY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A NEARBY DEALERSHIP. THIS OCCURRED ON YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AND I AM AWAITING A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP TO INFORM ME OF WHY THIS HAPPENED AND TO REPAIR MY CAR. *JB
Steering, Apr 26, 2006, crash
AT APPROX. 7:30 AM 04/06/2006 I WAS HEADING WESTBOUND ON I-290 ON A CLEAR, DRY ROAD, 40 DEGREES TEMP(ABOUT) WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED IN MY 2005 CHEVY MALIBU, CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE IMPACTED WITH (1) ONE OTHER VEHICLE, BOTH OF OUR RESPECTIVE VEHICLES SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL.I WAS TRANSPORTED TO A HOSPITAL, AND HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY, WHICH INFORMED ME THAT THEY(MY INS. CO. ) WOULD NOT SUBROGATE , IN FACT TO GET MY CAR LOOKED AT BY GMC , THE INSURANCE CO. FINALLY DECIDED TO HOLD THE CAR IN SALVAGE, INSTEAD OF SENDING IT TO AUCTION, WHICH THEY WERE IN THE PROCESS OF DOING, DUE TO THE FACT THAT NO RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING(EPS), OR STEERING COLUMN EXISTS. THIS IS A COURTESY(IT, THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS)TO ME, AS I HAVE STARTED THE PROCESS OF CALLING GMC AND AM TRYING, UNSUCCESFULLY TO COMPLETE MY REPORT TO THEIR CLAIM DEPT( CANNOT GET THROUGH).MY AUTO WILL BE HELD, AS I STATED FOR 60 DAYS FOR GMC TO COME AND INSPECT IT. HOWEVER, I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT WHEN THE MOTOR VEHICLE IS RESTARTED(AS IT WAS AFTER THE ACCIDENT I WAS INVOLVED IN) THE POWER STEERING CAN RESET ITSELF. MY INSURANCE CO. HAS ASSURED ME THAT, HAD THERE BEEN A RECALL THAT THEY WOULD DO "EVERYTHING WITHIN THEIR POWER" TO FILE AND PURSUE A CLAIM AGAINST GMC FOR ALL COSTS INVOLVED, AND THIS IS WHY THEY ARE WILLING TO HOLD THE VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION. ALL I KNOW IS THAT I FOUND THIS SITE AFTER HAVING RELAYED WHAT HAPPENED TO ME TO A GENTELMAN IN A LOCAL GROCERY STORE, IF NOT FOR THIS COMPLAINT PAGE, MY CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN AUCTIONED OFF BY NOW. I AM IN CONSIDERABLE PAIN, AND NOT ONLY OUT THE LOSS OF MY VEHICLE, BUT I WILL BE SURCHARGED FOR3 YEARS 4 MO. IN, (FOR A PROBLEM THAT GMC IS AWARE OF, AND ON YOUR /THIS COMPLAINT PAGE ALL GMC DOES IS ""REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN".) (2007) WHEN MY POLICY RENEWS.THIS IS UNFAIR, AND I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET, AND FOUND SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON MSN.COM/AUTOS/CHEVROLET/MALIBU/2004/2005 PERSONAL REVIEWS.
Other or unspecified, Apr 11, 2006
MY NAME IS [XXX] I AM CURRENTLY RENTING A UNIT FROM ALAMO CAR RENTAL AND HAVE NOTICED SOMETHING THAT MY POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING. IF THE DRIVER IS WEARING SANDALS OR ANY SHOE THAT DOES NOT EXTEND PASS THE ANKLE ON THE RIGHT FOOT (ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOOT) AND THE DRIVER IS PRESSING THE PEDAL ABOUT 1.5 OR 2 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FOOT WEAR TO GET CAUGHT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ACCELERATOR FOOT UNDER THE CENTER CONSOLE TRIM AND THE DRIVER NOT BEING ABLE TO MOVE THE FOOT TO THE BRAKE IN TIME OF AN EMERGENCY. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS, IF YOU NEED MORE INFO OR EXPLANATION, PLEASE CALL ME AT [XXX] OR JUST EMAIL ME BACK. THANKS FOR HELPING KEEP THE ROADS A SAFER PLACE TO DRIVE FROM A GUY WHO DRIVES 60 K MILES PER YEAR.. [XXX] AUTOVIN AUTOMATED VEHICLE INFORMATION NETWORK FIELD MANAGER ST LOUIS, MO. [XXX]. *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Mar 18, 2006
VIBRATION IN FRONT END SCREECHING IN TRANSMISSION WHEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 65-70. *NM
Electrical system, Mar 9, 2006, fire
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I SMELT A SMOKE SMELL THEN ABOUT A MIN LATER FLAMES STARTED ROLLING FROM UNDER THE DASH. THE FD WAS CALLED AND THE STATED THAT HE BELIEVED IT CAME FROM BEHIND THE AIRBAG COMPARTMENT. EARLIER IN THE DAY THE HEATER CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AT RANDY REED CHEVY, SAINT JOSEPH MISSOURI 816.232.7704 THE FIRE CAUSED TOTAL LOSS TO THE CAR. *NM
Air bags, Mar 7, 2006, crash
TODAY MY HUSBAND HAD AN ACCIDENT. SOMEONE RAN A RED LIGHT AND HIT HIM SO HARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT OUR CAR ENDED UP ON THE NEXT BLOCK. OUR CAR HAS CURTAIN AIR BAGS AND THEY FAILED TO DEPLOY. AT PRESENT TIME I NOTIFIED OUR INSURANCE, WHO WAS SURPRISED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HAVE REQUESTED THAT IT BE LOOKED INTO. AT THIS POINT WE WANT TO KNOW IF THE AIR BAGS ARE EVEN IN THE VEHICLE. I ALSO CALLED THE DEALER WHO SOLD US THE CAR AND I AM STILL WAITING FOR A RESPONSE TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTION, HOW HARD DOES A VEHICLE HAVE TO BE HIT FOR THE SIDE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY? MY HUSBAND SUSTAINED INJURIES ON HIS KNEES AND BRUISES ON THE CHEST. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THESE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BECAUSE HAD I OR ANYONE ELSE BEEN IN THE CAR THEY WOULD HAVE HAD SERIOUS INJURY. NOTE OUR CAR DOES NOT HAVE AN ON AND OFF SWITCH FOR THE AIRBAGS.
Steering, Feb 23, 2006
KNOCK, CLUNK OR RATTLE NOISE AT LOW SPEEDS WITH SUSPENSION INPUT - INTERMITTENT SHAFT STEER STEERING,...*NM
Steering, Suspension, Feb 22, 2006
MY CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX (2005, 17K MILES) FREQUENTLY HAS A CLUNKING NOISE THAT APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION. THE NOISE IS OFTEN ACCOMPANIED BY THE FEELING OF A "HIT" UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S FEET AND ON OCCASION SEEMS TO BE CONNECTED TO A STEERING INPUT (STEERING WHEEL MOVES NOTABLY). THIS HAPPENS ONLY AT LOWER SPEEDS (BELOW APPROX. 35 MILES/HOUR) AND DURING OR AFTER LEFT TURNS AND IS ESPECIALLY STRONG ON UNEVEN ROADS. I TOOK THE CAR TO A CERTIFIED CHEVROLET DEALER FOR REPAIR AND HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THIS CLUNKING IS RELATED TO A PROBLEM WITH THE INTERMITTENT SHAFT OF THE STEERING, THAT THIS PROBLEM IS KNOWN TO CHEVROLET AND HAS BEEN ASSIGNED THE NUMBER PIC3747, AND THAT NO REPAIR IS POSSIBLE AT THIS TIME. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE NO DATA INDICATING THAT THIS PROBLEM IS AT THE SAME TIME A SAFETY ISSUE. BUT AS I HAVE A NOTABLE STEERING INPUT, AND AS THE CONSTANT CLUNKING IS ALSO INTERFERING WITH CONCENTRATION, I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THUS FILED THIS COMPLAINT REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 22, 2006, crash
WHEN LIGHTLY APPLYING PRESSURE TO BRAKES ON FREEWAY, TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE TIRES COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND THE CAR PULLED UNCONTROLLABLY TO THE LEFT, CAUSING THE CAR TO FISH TAIL AND SLIDE SIDEWAYS DOWN THE FREEWAY. VEHICLE SUFFERED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END WHEN COLLIDING WITH THE CEMENT MEDIAN. I WILL NEVER FEEL SAFE GETTING INTO THIS VEHICLE AND GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL AGAIN. ACCORDING TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER THERE IS "NOTHING WRONG" WITH THE VEHICLE AND ALL SYSTEMS ARE WORKING "AS DESIGNED". *JB
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A KNOCK IN THE STEERING WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS STARTED TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED A NEW INTERMITTENT STEERING SHAFT WAS MALFUNCTIONING. UPDATED 3/9/2006 - THE CHECK ENGINE ILLUMINATED AND THE TECHNICIAN FOUND A LEAK AT THE SENDER HOSE TO THE CANISTER AND PURGE VALVE LEAKING. *NM
Electrical system, Feb 2, 2006
UPON STARTING THE CAR, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS COMPLETELY DOWN EXCEPT FOR THE LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT HOWEVER THE CAR HAD A FULL TANK. POWER WOULD RETURN TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL WAS ENGAGED. THE FAULT CLEARED AFTER SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES. *NM
Visibility, Jan 30, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR DROPS UNEXPECTEDLY. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND REPLACED THE ORIGINAL VISOR. HOWEVER, THE REPLACEMENT VISOR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. UPDATED 2/21/2006 - THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE VISOR AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CLAIMED THAT THE WERE WORKING ON A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Jan 17, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THERE WAS A LOSS OF ALL POWER AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AROUND A SHARP CURVE WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A CRASH, THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER, BUT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IN ADDITION TO THE STALLING PROBLEM, THE TRUNK LID LEAKED ALLOWING RAIN TO ENTER THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT. THE TRUNK CARPETING WAS REPLACED, BUT THE TRUNK LID CONTINUES TO LEAK. PRIOR TO THE PROBLEMS, THE VEHICLE WAS EXPOSED TO A HURRICANE BUT DID NOT HAVE ANY FLOOD DAMAGE. *JB
Steering, Dec 25, 2005
I PURCHASED A CAR SEPTEMBER 1, 2005. WITHIN THE FIRST 20 DAYS OF OWNING THE CAR, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. IT HAS BEEN DUPLICATED BY BOB BROWN IN ANKENY MULTIPLE TIMES. THE STEERING COLUMN HAS BEEN REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES, AND THIS HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED AND I HAVE THE COPIES. MY CONCERN IS THE VEHICLE STILL HAS ISSUES WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP. GM IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING FURTHER WITH MY CAR. I HAVE SOME SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS. I AM AFRAID THIS CAR WILL KILL ME AND MY SON. *NM
Electrical system, Dec 23, 2005
IGNITION TENDS TO STICK AND CAUSES THE SOLENOID TO GRIND W/FLYWHEEL. I JUST RECEIVED A COPY OF A SERVICE BULLETIN FROM G.M. STATING THEY ARE AWARE OF A PROBLEM. HOWEVER, AT THIS TIME THE ENGINEERS WILL CONTINUE TO WOK ON A SOLUTION. *JB
Air bags, Dec 23, 2005, crash
DT: WHILE DRIVING THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER RAN UPON THE CURBING ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE THEN OVER CORRECTED AND RAN INTO AN EMBANKMENT HEAD ON, AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED TWICE. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED I SHOULDER INJURIES , BUT THE PASSENGER WAS FINE. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE NORMAL AND NOT CONSIDERED AS A CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE . THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE NOT REPAIRABLE. *AK
Steering, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 12, 2005
THERE HAS BEEN A CONTINUOUS GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL OF MY CAR EVEN IF TURNING ONLY SLIGHTLY. MY GIRLFRIEND HAS THE SAME CAR AND HAS HAD TO BRING HER VEHICLE TO THE MANUFACTURE THREE TIMES IN THE PAST 5 MONTHS TO BE FIXED. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT IS WEARING DOWN THE BRAKES. MY CAR IS ONLY 6 MONTHS OLD AND THE BRAKES ARE ALREADY SQUEEKING. ALSO THE REAR DOOR LATCH GETS STUCK AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE DOOR TO CLOSE UNTIL A SCREWDRIVER IS TAKEN TO IT. THIS IS FOR A 2005 CHEVY MALIBU. *NM
Steering, Nov 19, 2005
POWER STEERING FAILED 2 TIMES IN LAST 3 DAYS AND BOTH TIMES IT HAS HAPPENED I WAS STOPPED. I HAD NO POWER ASSIST AND IT TAKES A LOT OF EFFORT TO MOVE THE WHEEL IN ANY DIRECTION. AFTER I DID MOVE THE WHEEL SEVERAL TIMES I REGAINED POWER STEERING AND WAS ABLE TO PROCEED ON MY WAY. I THINK THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE UPGRADED TO A RECALL ASAP! *JB
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Nov 16, 2005, crash
DT: THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE SWERVED ACROSS THE ROAD AND THEN ACCELERATED DOWN THE HIGHWAY, HITTING A TREE. THE CONTACT COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKES. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT OR WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Nov 16, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATES NEXT TO THE ACCELERATOR THERE IS NO PROTECTION BETWEEN FOOT AND A CABLE. HE IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CONTACT'S FOOT IS ON THE PEDAL OR ON THE CABLE. THIS COULD CAUSE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. HE FEELS THERE SHOULD BE A SHIELD TO KEEP FOOT FROM HANGING. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT ALL OF THE MALIBUS WERE LIKE THIS, AND WERE NOT ABLE TO OFFER A REMEDY. *AK
Steering, Nov 10, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THAT THE STEERING COLUMN HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED THE FIRST TIME IN SEPTEMBER 2005. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS BINDING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER SEVEN TIMES THIS WEEKEND FOR THE POPPING. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING COLUMN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND THEY OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. *AK
Air bags, Sep 28, 2005, crash
CONSUMER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT SPEED OF 5 MPH SEAT BELTS ALSO MALFUNCTIONED. *TS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE POLICE OFFICER NOTICED THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK WHEN PULLED QUICKLY. THE POLICE OFFICER STATED HE COULD SEE NO REASON WHY THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED DUE TO THE DAMAGE BEING MINOR. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 26, 2005, crash
UPON TRYING TO BRAKE, THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. PRESSED HARDER ON THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKES LOCKED CAUSING MY 2005 MALIBU TO SKID UNCONTROLLABLY INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. STARTED BRAKING APPROXIMATELY 40 - 50 FEET FROM STOPPED VEHICLE. WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WITH DRY ROAD CONDITIONS. HAVE HAD SEVERAL OTHER OCCASIONS OF SKIDDING WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED SINCE THE 9/23 INCIDENT. *NM
Steering, Equipment, Sep 6, 2005
OUR 2005 CHEVY MALIBU HAS HAD STEERING ISSUES SINCE IT WAS NEW. THE DEALER AND GM HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT AS OF YET. THE CAR HAS A CONSTANT PULL TO THE LEFT AND ON OCCASION (4 TIMES) THE CAR WILL VEER TO THE LEFT CROSSING LANES BEFORE YOU CAN GET CONTROL AND BRING IT BACK IT TO THE CORRECT DRIVING LANE. THE REPAIR SO FAR HAS BEEN TO REPROGRAM THE STEERING MODULE OR REPLACE IT. THIS HAS NOT WORKED AND IS WHAT THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO DO AGAIN. *JB