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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 9
Injuries / Deaths:
10 / 1
Average Mileage:
80,362 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2005 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 2 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #134

Mar 012016

Malibu

  • miles

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

Ignition switch sometimes starts ok but not all the time have change starter and fuel punp dealer purchase and installed oem dealer checked car is stationary but will not start all the time

- Elpaso, TX, USA

problem #133

Nov 122016

Malibu

  • 200,000 miles
While I was driving on the interstate my power steering went out very difficult to drive car or even make turns and paralllel park also electrical system comes and goes when it pleases I

- Affton, MO, USA

problem #132

May 162016

Malibu

  • 87,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system, exterior lighting, vehicle speed control, electronic stability control). The vehicle was taken to smith Chevrolet Cadillac at (209) 632-3946 (1601 auto mall dr, turlock, ca 95380) where it was diagnosed that the transmission shift cable and the brake lighting needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Later, while pulling in the driveway, the transmission shift cable fractured without warning and the brake lights failed. The vehicle was taken back to smith Chevrolet Cadillac, but the dealer refused to service the vehicle. The contact stated that the remedy failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

- Modesto, CA, USA

problem #131

Sep 082010

Malibu

  • 62,000 miles

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

My vehicle stalled on rairoad track-when it hit the jarring --between the pavement and the tracks---the train was at a great distance---so the engineer stated---when they were 2078 feet from my Chevrolet Malibu -2005---they started to blow whistle----when I saw tghe train at a great distance -and yes I did have heavy things on my keychain--but GM failed to notify -I have a mailbox and a telephone--I was hitting the gas pedal over and over again and when I was doing that I remember hitting the ignition switch but the car was already dead-I was impacted and almost lost my life---it took me 3 years to recoperate----I did not know about the recall--and they started the recall in 2014--cover up GM--you should have startedit in 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! there are 26 photos -but not in my posession I will attempt to obtain them----

- Breaux Bridge, LA, USA

problem #130

Feb 052014

Malibu

  • miles
Takata recall fuel sensor problem stemming from recall in 2014

- Westbury, NY, USA

problem #129

Jan 092017

Malibu

  • 152,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the brake lights failed to illuminate. The failure occurred on several occasions. The contact also stated that on a few occasions, the brake lights illuminated independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was informed that the brake stop lamp, brake lamp harness and brake light position sensor all needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired, however the failure recurred. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system, exterior lighting, vehicle speed control, electronic stability control). The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.

- Midland, PA, USA

problem #128

Dec 062016

Malibu 6-cyl

  • miles

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

While driving along the freeway, car dinged at me 3 times, reduced engine power warning came on, couldn't accelerate, braking power was reduced, traction control light came on. Had throttle body cleaned and inspected..worked good for about 3 days and is happening again. And now the weld is broken on the drivers seat!

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

problem #127

Nov 282016

Malibu

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. In addition, while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and an unknown warning indicator with a lock illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

- Muskegon, MI, USA

problem #126

Aug 152016

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 35 mph, the brake lights started to flash. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer in August of 2014 for the same failure. The vehicle was driven home and was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 02/03/17 the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired twice, for the same recall issue. Updated 02/07/17.

- Edwardsville, IL, USA

problem #125

Aug 112016

Malibu

  • 135,000 miles
While driving on highway at 60+mph or upon merging from on-ramp, upon quick acceleration to change lanes, power steering is lost and 3 alarm bells go off in car but no lights appear on dash nor any message on radio. This has happened to me multiple times. I am able to regain steering control once I remove my foot from the accelerator. I am afraid of accelerating too quickly as I may loose complete control & crash into other vehicles or medians/guard rails. I use highways daily to commute to work, and being afraid to accelerate is just as dangerous because cannot enter highway at appropriate speed, which could cause a crash a well. I've had all recall work done on my vehicle but this sounds similar to the 2014 sudden loss of power steering recall - NHTSA #14V153000. Taking car to the shop this weekend to have it inspected because I don't feel safe.

- University City, MO, USA

problem #124

Feb 282016

Malibu

  • 190,000 miles

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

On 28 Feb 2016 around 11:50 am, me, my two daughters and my mom was headed North on I-185. While riding we were talking about what we was going to put in the house we had just gotten approved for that Friday and in mid conversation as I'm going around the curve my car goes over the fog line and I couldn't get the car back into my lane and before I knew it I hit the median (wall) on the left side, my hood flew up and the car bounced off the wall and all I really remember from that point is smashing on break but apparently the car kept going, hit the right side of the wall and came to a stop there. Next thing I know a man was waking me up asking am I okay and said help was on the way. I heard my daughter crying for her sister because she wouldn't move so I get out the car and began to get them out to assure they're okay and everything else is really a blur. I remember a man helping my mom out the car as me and my kids sat on the ground waiting for help and I remember going to the hospital with my kids.

- Columbus, GA, USA

problem #123

Jun 292016

Malibu

  • miles
My car theft system light keep coming on. One day it came on while I was driving and the car cut off in the middle of the high way I was struck there for 20 minutes until the light stop blinking. This is very very dangerous this is going to cause someone to get into a bad accident. U don't know when the light will come on but it do U will be stranded somewhere this need to recalled. I have research the internet and this have been going on with Chevy cars for a while now this doesn't make any sense. I have put and new fuel pump in the car and spstk plugs. If this don't get recall I will never never never get an Chevy car again and I will make sure my family and friends and their family and friends don't either.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #122

Jun 302016

Malibu

  • 200,000 miles
Power steering locks up during acceleration and service air bag light never goes off, and after new brake rotors/pads the brake light stays on. Brake fluid light on with full fluid.

- Steger, IL, USA

problem #121

Jun 192016

Malibu

  • 150 miles
My 2005 Malibu is extremely hard to start. It also cuts off without warning. This is very dangerous, as well as frustrating. In cold weather, it will crank after only a few tries. In warm weather or after driving the car, it can take up to 30 minutes to crank. It spins but does not start without a major hassle. When the car finally starts, I have to hold down the gas pedal to prevent it from cutting off again. Frequently, it still cuts off when I put it into gear & I have to go through the starting process repeatedly. It is not reliable & has resulted in my being late to work, as well as leaving me stranded. A female being stranded is not safe. If it should happen to cut off in traffic, I will have no control of the vehicle which could result in an accident. I have tried the suggestions related to this common issue which is blamed on the theft deterrent system, but I continue to have the same problems. This is an every day occurrence, forcing me to start cranking my car 30-45 minutes before I have to leave for work & causing me to sit alone in parking lots trying to start my car so I can go home. The check engine light is on and I had it connected to a computer to be tested. The code number said "no part, no fix" & the mechanic who checked it said he had never seen that so had absolutely no idea what it meant. Reading online forums, I have found that this is a very common complaint from Malibu owners, yet nobody knows how to fix the problem. Chevrolet needs to recall and resolve this issue before someone dies due to it.

- Lake Wylie, SC, USA

problem #120

Feb 122016

Malibu

  • 136 miles
My key will not turn in the ignition and I checked for recalls. I called the dealer to fix the recall on the ignition, and was notified that they would only put a piece of plastic over key and would not fix the ignition to turn. I can hardly even start my car because the key won't turn. The key is going to break off in the ignition. The horn and radio do not work either. Not having a horn for incoming traffic towards my vehicle is very dangerous. The turn signals only work at random times and that is very dangerous when switching lanes into traffic. Also, something in the back of the car squeaks for no reason when going down the road at random and when going over speed bumps. This car also drains the battery with unknown electrical problems. The drivers side back passenger window wont go down either. This car has way too many safety issues for only 137,000 miles on it.

- Bowling Green, KY, USA

problem #119

Feb 012016

Malibu

  • 16,500 miles
Therft deterrent will not let car start issue is geeting worst. Car will not start. This happens alot car is parked.

- Waco, TX, USA

problem #118

Feb 132016

Malibu

  • 136,000 miles
Bought car used at 136,000 miles. Car radio does not light up or work, and horn doesn't work. Drivers side back window won't go down. First day driving the car, turn signals stopped blinking and then started blinking again. Suspension in the back squeaks badly when driving at random and going over speed bumps. Did not drive the car for more than one day and now car won't start at all (no crank, no start). These are major safety issues including serious electrical problems. The battery is only one year old on the car when purchased, so should be good. These electrical issues need to be recalled. Now I am stuck with a car that has so many problems and won't start and is definitely not safe to drive.

- Bowling Green, KY, USA

problem #117

Jan 112016

Malibu

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The battery and starter were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the alternator was tested, and was found to be in perfect working order. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.

- Rockholds, KY, USA

problem #116

Feb 062016

Malibu

  • 223,600 miles
I'm having an issue where's I'm scared I will be in a car accident. My engine light comes on then my tc light then my car say engine power reduce in the car will just shut off.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #115

Jun 122015

Malibu

  • 220,000 miles
Takata recall. Steering locked up while driving going around a corner and took a few minutes to get it to unlock. Happened to my wife with our son in the car. This happened before we got the recall. Got the recall fixed and now the power steering warning light is coming on. Headlight are constantly blowing bulbs. The headlight will go out so I will go to replace the build and then it comes back on. Front right turn signal goes out a lot and if I tap on it then it comes back on. The same with the rear tail light goes out often. This summer the traction control would ding and the button would not turn it on or off. When did this happen question doesn't make sense. It is a on going events.

- Pittsville, WI, USA

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