2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Malibu Classic › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. Newest first.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Owner complaints
92 complaints6 involved a crash1 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
While driving on the interstate while using the cruise control, the vehicle started increasing speed and rpm’s. I could not turn off cruise by braking or using the off button on steering wheel. I had to put it in neutral which caused the engine to redline in rpm’s, so I could use brakes to safely…
While driving on the interstate while using the cruise control, the vehicle started increasing speed and rpm’s. I could not turn off cruise by braking or using the off button on steering wheel. I had to put it in neutral which caused the engine to redline in rpm’s, so I could use brakes to safely stop on the side of the interstate highway. I turned off the engine and opened the hood to look inside. I turned ignition back on and immediately the engine revved to redline rpm’s again.
- Air bags · Engine · Steering
driving the car it just shuts off which results in no power no steering and no brakes possibly an ignition switch problem.
- Electrical system
Ignition switch prooblems
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. While attempting to start the vehicle, the anti-theft indicator illuminated and the engine would not start. Midway chevrolet(381 12TH st, plainwell, mi) was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 190,000.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that the anti-theft system warning indicator flashed and the vehicle could not be started. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was defective. The fuel pump was replaced, but…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that the anti-theft system warning indicator flashed and the vehicle could not be started. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was defective. The fuel pump was replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 36,000.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
The theft system keeps going off for no reason leaving me stranded for 10-15 minutes. It happened to turn off while driving on the highway 3 times in the past the whole dash board lit up and the theft system light was blinking. It also happens while I initially start the car up.
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that it took several attempts to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 223,000.
- Electrical system
I have a 2005 malibu - that IS a money pit- thier IS a wiring ignition problem - my car IS an intermittent starter - I've changed fuses- alternator - fuel pump- been told this and that - I'm a single female - and can't drive this car anywhere - it stops when ever it wants to - in order he…
I have a 2005 malibu - that IS a money pit- thier IS a wiring ignition problem - my car IS an intermittent starter - I've changed fuses- alternator - fuel pump- been told this and that - I'm a single female - and can't drive this car anywhere - it stops when ever it wants to - in order he middle of the road - or going to the grocery store aaa has retired my towing - I'm online reading and everybody has went through my he same - I called last week before having my car towed again - to see if thier has been a recall and I heard no- I had it towed - spent 320 dollars being told it was the alternator after going through 2 batteries - for the same thing - I just got my car back - went out to get some coffee - come out and the car won't start again - would someone call me about this - 214 755 -3606
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that it was difficult to remove the key from the ignition due to the gear shifter not being in the park position, although the shift indicator displayed park. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. Magee…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that it was difficult to remove the key from the ignition due to the gear shifter not being in the park position, although the shift indicator displayed park. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. Magee autoplex chevrolet (2127 washington st, franklinton, la 70438, (866) 551-5128) was contacted and an appointment was made to have the vehicle repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v224000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,596.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Steering · Wheels
I can't use power steering fluid in my car because I've been told it's electrical. I was pulling out of my apartment building and I came up to a red light up the road to turn left. I stopped at the light for a minute, as the light turned green I continued an thats when the problem occurred. I…
I can't use power steering fluid in my car because I've been told it's electrical. I was pulling out of my apartment building and I came up to a red light up the road to turn left. I stopped at the light for a minute, as the light turned green I continued an thats when the problem occurred. I couldn't barely turn my steering wheel and its hard an thats when "power steering" popped up on my dash. My steering wheel shakes uncontrollably and I'm scared to drive it and its my only transportation to and from my job.
- Steering
2 years ago I received a recall letter regarding steering wheel malfunction I took the car to the dealership and it was replaced, less than a year later the issues continued to occur. I've called camelback chevrolet multiple times and left messages for the general manager with no response. The vehicle IS not driveable due to this recall.
- Engine
Takata recall engine oil keeps disappearing every week ! There are no leaks ! there IS no oil in the water that I can see !
- Air bags
Takata recall on 01/10/2012 , I was in a crash ,, involving a air bag depolyment in which , the air bar deployed durring a crash , , I rear ended a car after it had stopped suddendly after a pediestrain had crossed the street , unexpectally , ,, after the sudden deployment of the air bag , so…
Takata recall on 01/10/2012 , I was in a crash ,, involving a air bag depolyment in which , the air bar deployed durring a crash , , I rear ended a car after it had stopped suddendly after a pediestrain had crossed the street , unexpectally , ,, after the sudden deployment of the air bag , so much materail had blowen out of the air bag , hitting my hand , most of the injury was on my face area mouth was bleeding as the materail had struck my mouth area , ,, I thought the car was on fire , from the smoke and materail exploided out of it , I had a hard time sleeping and was very distrubed by it , the car was towed to the junk yard , as the insurance company took the car , as it was junked , can provide police report and insurance documents , just need some time to retrive them ,
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. While driving 30 mph and turning the steering wheel to the left, the vehicle failed to turn. The contact stated that the steering wheel had to be turned several times in order for the vehicle to turn. There were no warning indicators…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. While driving 30 mph and turning the steering wheel to the left, the vehicle failed to turn. The contact stated that the steering wheel had to be turned several times in order for the vehicle to turn. There were no warning indicators illuminated. While driving to an independent mechanic, the power steering completely failed. The independent mechanic discovered that the rack and pinion was rusted and detached from the frame. The contact stated that the frame was replaced by the independent mechanic. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa since the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000. *Tt updated 9/12/18*jb
- Unknown or other
Since 2010, with car only being 5 years old, the key began hardly working in the ignition. We had to keep jiggling and re-trying until would work. the recall only covered notifying owners not to put extra keys on their key chain but would not cover the fact that the ignition lock cylinder was…
Since 2010, with car only being 5 years old, the key began hardly working in the ignition. We had to keep jiggling and re-trying until would work. the recall only covered notifying owners not to put extra keys on their key chain but would not cover the fact that the ignition lock cylinder was faulty. continued to live with this problem, then the theft deterrant light started going on because of the necessary jiggling -- where the car won't start and you have to turn to acc and wait 10 minutes. Once again, dealer refused to cover. stationary problem, but for my elderly father, not good for the key not to work for a while, or will not start for at least 10 minutes due to theft system being activiated
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the intake sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,569.
- Fuel/propulsion system
May be fuel pump. Car will turn over but won't start.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Fuel/propulsion system · Fuel system, gasoline · Steering
The power steering keeps going out while I'm driving. The brakes fell when all of the brake lights come on.. When I try to pump gas the gas comes back out at me. *tr
- Steering
When making a left turn, there was no ability to turn the car. The car drove onto a sidewalk. The car would not steer. Turning the steering wheel did not turn the wheels. There was a clunking noise when turning the steering wheel. The car had to be towed. I'm afraid of what could have happened if I was on the freeway or if there were people on the sidewalk.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that the anti-theft light illuminated and prevented the vehicle from starting. The failure recurred on a regular basis and the vehicle was towed to a mechanic. The mechanic was able to reset the anti-theft light; however, the…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that the anti-theft light illuminated and prevented the vehicle from starting. The failure recurred on a regular basis and the vehicle was towed to a mechanic. The mechanic was able to reset the anti-theft light; however, the failure persisted. The contact felt that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and stated that it had not been able to start since the last failure. The manufacturer was not notified and no further repairs were made. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 98,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. While driving approximately 30 mph over a bump, the front driver and passenger side air bags deployed without impact to the vehicle. The air bag released into the contact's face and caused him to crash into a parked, unoccupied vehicle. The…
TL* the contact owned a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. While driving approximately 30 mph over a bump, the front driver and passenger side air bags deployed without impact to the vehicle. The air bag released into the contact's face and caused him to crash into a parked, unoccupied vehicle. The contact suffered from swelling to the face and mouth area that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed destroyed and towed to a salvage facility. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle was unable to start and the anti-theft system warning light illuminated. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle was unable to start and the anti-theft system warning light illuminated. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the anti-theft system prevented the vehicle from starting and needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,700.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
The ignition cylinder on my 2005 chevrolet malibu classic failed, and the key comes out of the ignition in the accessory position. The general motors recall to make the key hole smaller on the key itself to fix ignition problems IS an incomplete repair. Upon contacting gm about the ignition…
The ignition cylinder on my 2005 chevrolet malibu classic failed, and the key comes out of the ignition in the accessory position. The general motors recall to make the key hole smaller on the key itself to fix ignition problems IS an incomplete repair. Upon contacting gm about the ignition problem, they immediately told me not to drive the vehicle, and they had the vehicle towed to gillman chevrolet harlingen at their expense, but so far gm has refused to make a complete repair to the ignition. Gm maintains that the recall to the ignition problem IS only to fix the key hole, and does not want to authorize a complete repair for the ignition failure. also, the shifter selenoid has failed, and the key won't return to the off position. The theft system also failed on this vehicle and won't allow the car to turn on. when the theft system fails, the only way to turn on the vehicle IS to leave the key in the ignition for 10 minutes which then resets the theft system. gm IS building substandard vehicles and won't make complete repairs on the faulty ignitions. this IS a safety issue for gm customers and after a week of trying to get gm assistance to repair my ignition problem, the gm customer service representative has not returned my calls.
- Steering
Stearing makes a clunking noise when turning and I was told it was my rac n pinion and several complaint were reported to highway safety about this matter,
- Electrical system
My chevrolet malibu classic 2005 randomly does not start. in most vehicles when you start a vehicle all you need to do IS turn the key, that IS not the case with this car, you first have to turn the key and listen for the fuel pump to engage then and only if you hear that can you turn the key the…
My chevrolet malibu classic 2005 randomly does not start. in most vehicles when you start a vehicle all you need to do IS turn the key, that IS not the case with this car, you first have to turn the key and listen for the fuel pump to engage then and only if you hear that can you turn the key the rest of the way to start your vehicle. If you do not hear the fuel pump and go ahead and try to start the vehicle you trigger the anti-theft system which does not allow the car to start for another 15 minutes. while this IS not much of a safety issue it IS still a huge issue, leaving me stranded, sometimes stuck in a hot car just trying to get it to start, made me late for work and other functions numerous times. after waiting your 15 minutes your vehicle still may not start. if you have enough patients you can set there and turn the key off and on until you hear the fuel pump engage. everything else in the vehicle works radio, lights etc. It just does not start. leaving me to believe the ignition IS to blame, and here recently I will turn the key and absolutely nothing happens. I then try again and it starts like a charm until about two weeks ago and I could not get it to do anything, my boyfriend informed me to turn the key and put the car in the neutral position and try to start it again this worked. all I know IS this car has given me many problems that my gm certified mechanic father IS short of figuring out. I believe it IS due to faulty parts or just a bad make of car. the only thing I could dispute that IS when it IS actually starting, not shutting down on me it IS a reasonably good vehicle. It gets me from point a to point b not always safely or reliably but at least I have a vehicle I just which gm would take responsibility for their part in this cars issues. Or at least inform the public in how to fix them.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244273This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10244200This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10239102The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 10239101This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
Every Chevrolet Malibu Classic model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.