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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
46,421 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems

steering problem

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2005 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments

problem #15

Sep 112012

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 62,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was an intermittent failure with the connection of the fuse box and the connecting screws. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who replaced the screws and the fuse box. The contact also experienced a failure with the power steering. The steering wheel was tight and the contact experienced extreme difficulty turning the steering wheel left or right. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who replaced the steering column. The remedy corrected the failure. The contact had been waiting for months to have the vehicle repaired according to NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control) and 14V224000 (power train). The dealer did not provide a specific date for when the parts would become available. The manufacturer was notified. The contact also indicated that the vehicle idled high and it was difficult to change gears. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000. Updated 11/14/14 updated 8/11/2015

- Ansonia, CT, USA

problem #14

Oct 232009

Malibu

  • 76,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that when depressing the accelerator pedal, the steering wheel would lock and the vehicle would abnormally pull to either the left or right. The failure was constant. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the ignition coil would need to be disconnected and the steering column would need to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000 and the current mileage was approximately 91,000.

- East Peoria, IL, USA

problem #13

Mar 052009

Malibu

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 3 mph attempting to make a turn, the contact heard a popping noise coming from the steering column. The failure occurrence was consistent. In addition, the steering wheel would lock up without warning on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and independent mechanic for inspection. The technicians informed that the steering column would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. Updated 11/03/10. Form returned no change

- Inglewood, CA, USA

problem #12

Dec 092009

Malibu

  • 57,900 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 5-30 mph the power steering indicator would illuminate on the instrument control panel, and then the radio and the power steering would fail. The failure occurred several times. The dealer replaced the power steering column. The manufacturer offered an extended warranty regarding the power steering, but excluded his vehicle identification number. The failure mileage was 51,700.

- Hillsboro, MO, USA

problem #11

Nov 072009

Malibu

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While attempting to make a right turn out of the drive way the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel, and then the steering failed. The vehicle was restarted to reset the error code. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the technician will replace the electronic steering column at an expense of $562. The failure and current mileages were 103,000. The vehicle identification number was unavailable.

- Nashville , TN, USA

problem #10

Jul 022009

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 74,000 miles
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 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.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #9

Sep 012007

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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 the steering column was replaced 3 times. Updated 06/11/09.

- Warwick , RI, USA

problem #8

Sep 072007

Malibu 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,618 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. Everytime the contact made a right turn, she heard a knocking noise which sounded as if the wheel would come off. The contact took vehicle to dealer on 03/25/08 who repaired the steering column and the problem reoccurred. The contact then took vehicle to dealer at least 4 more times and the issue still reoccurred each time. She stated that the problem would be resolved for about 2 weeks and the issue would resurface. The contact was concerned because she needed to make an out-of-town trip and was afraid to do so under the vehicle's hazardous conditions. The current mileage was 44,120. The failure mileage was 36,618.

- Fort Pierce, FL, USA

problem #7

Oct 012007

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving between 25-60 mph, the power steering warning indicator light illuminated. Five seconds later, there was a loss of power steering ability. The contact pulled over and the power steering returned after 15 minutes. The dealer stated that the steering column needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 86,000 and current mileage was 88,238.

- Sullivan, IL, USA

problem #6

Aug 172007

Malibu 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles
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.

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #5

Feb 012006

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Bought the car used in January 2006 with 30,000 miles. Within a month, it started making clunking noises when I made tight turns. The dealership first said they could find nothing wrong. My husband took it back, and the dealership admitted having steering problems with this year of Malibu, and replaced the steering knuckle. The problem was fixed for about 6 weeks, then the noise returned. This time the dealer replaced the steering rack. This time, the problem was fixed for about 6-8 weeks, and the noise returned. Dealership replaced the steering column, and, so far the problem has not returned.

- Granite City, IL, USA

problem #4

Jun 052006

Malibu 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles
: the contact stated on June 5, 2006 while driving at 30 mph the steering wheel and vehicle began jerking to the right. An attempt was made to pull the vehicle to the left, but the steering wheel continued to pull to the right, and the vehicle end up in the ditch. Injuries were incurred; bruised ribs and a strained back. A police report was filed at the scene of the accident. There were no pictures taken. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

- Bluefield, WV, USA

problem #3

Mar 012005

Malibu 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #2

Jul 042005

Malibu 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 300 miles
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.

- Bluefield, VA, USA

problem #1

Apr 262005

Malibu 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,500 miles
The consumer complained about a power steering problem. Which malfunctioned intermittently. The owner took the vehicle to the dealer, where it is currently being serviced. The steering column was replaced.

- Riverton, IA, USA

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