2005 Chevrolet Malibu

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 975 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

759 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles; the median is 88,450 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering392
14014
Electrical System103
285
Exterior Lighting81
0160
Seats56
000
Service Brakes36
504
Power Train29
100
Engine24
413
Fuel/Propulsion System22
000
Fuel System, Gasoline20
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)19
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Steering14E044000
Filed Jul 21, 20147,304 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)14V252000
Filed May 14, 20142,440,524 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift14V224000
Filed Apr 30, 20141,131,113 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System14V153000
Filed Mar 31, 20141,373,177 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump11E009000
Filed Feb 28, 20114,887 vehiclesTi Group Automotive Systems, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. 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.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Mar 10, 202637,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to the U-joint in the steering column, which made the vehicle difficult to control. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

Steering
Filed Dec 12, 2025MO

Power steering failing. As I was driving down the road I got a power steering message and chime. No dash light came on and I lost all ability to turn my vehicles steering wheel. I went to add power steering fluid just to learn that my 2005 Chevy Malibu maxx LS comes equipped with EPS(electric power steering). Then I check on NHTSA for safety recalls and there is a safety recall for the Chevy Malibu maxx including the 2005 Chevy Malibu maxx. I was pulling safely out of store parking lot into traffic and I had to hit the ditch luckily I didn't get T-boned. Thanks to my reaction time being fast I made it safely outta the road. I am available to have car inspected if needed. It just started on 11/23/2025 I bought the car used a year prior in Nov. 2024.

SteeringCrash
Filed Nov 20, 2025MD

The steering locked up when the brakes were pressed and the steering wheel was turned to avoid crashing with another car. The result is the crash happened and damage to both cars. Thankfully traffic was only going around 10 mph. If this had happened at high speed my son may have been seriously injured or even killed. The mechanic is working on it now and has reported the power steering module and power steering motor has to be replaced.

Steering
Filed Aug 6, 2025TX

The car has a recall for power steering the recall covers the torque sensor in the steering assembly I had the recall done about 6-8 weeks ago & now I’m dealing with another power steering issue I took the car to Chevy & the whole power steering motor has failed they say it is not covered under the recall although it should be other Malibu models are this is very frustrating & unacceptable as I just got a recall for steering done & now I can’t even drive my car

Electrical System
Filed Aug 4, 2025KS

The EPS began sporadically and severely jerking the steering very powerfully while driving and stationary and draining the battery at an accelerated rate necessitating multiple replacements of and charging 2 batteries to get to and from my job and anywhere else making everyday life very difficult beginning in early 2024. A couple months before this issue became a daily and constant occurrence in in February 2024 between the 6th and 13th I had a stabilizer link and control arm on the right side replaced and an alignment done at Firestone, on the document for the alignment it states no manufacturers recommended services necessary on suspension. The mechanic who replaced the parts told me that the EPS issue is a likely cause for the steering system damage as a vehicle is not meant to remain stationary while the wheels are forcibly turned as is the case when the EPS takes over and jerks the wheel often to the extremes of its function. I have video of this on multiple occasions and it can be inspected still occuring. I took it to Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission in April 2024 and explained the services done recently and the mechanics opinion on the EPS. They held my vehicle for 3 days not saying it would take so long, during which I had to use a truck I had just bought and was not ready to be driven to get to work, it's transmission blew and has sat since. They called me to come pick it up and only once there told me they had refused to replace the recalled EPS unit "due to loos

Steering
Filed Jul 24, 2025MN

POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND WATER PUMP

Steering
Filed Jul 11, 2025220,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 60-70 MPH, the steering wheel turned to left and to the right independently. The traction control warning light was illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

SteeringCrash
Filed May 15, 2025OH

The electric power steering has failed on me numerous times. From being completely locked and having to restart the car 5 times just to free it up, to it locking up while i'm going 70 down the freeway multiple times. one of those times was while i was merging lanes and my wheel got locked slightly left and it sent me into the median wall, luckily no more damage than some missing paint and scratches but this is a problem that needs fixed. I searched my vin and there is no recall but it is the exact same make and model and has the exact same EPS issues the other 05 malibus do. what are my options before i get into a really bad accident because of this?

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 8, 2025IL

Brake lights malfunctioning due to faulty wiring in body control module, a prior recall 2 dealerships are currently refusing to honor; stating your recall has expired. According to the below link, recalls are never to expire. This condition creates an increased risk of rear end collisions, while the driver is completely unaware his or her brake lights are inoperable. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering
Filed Jan 2, 2025103,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a turn, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The message "Service Electronic Power Steering" was displayed. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The electronic power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 12, 2024CA

The brake light stays on the whole time.

Steering
Filed Apr 20, 2024NE

STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED. AFTER AWHILE IT GOES OUT COMPLETELY MAKING IT EXTREMEMLY DANGEROUS TO STEER OR TURN WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT TO A DEALER IN NORFOLK, NE, NORFOLK GM SERVICE CENTER, AND THEY SAID RECALL WAS FIXED BACK IN 2014 AT A SHOP IN HARTINGTON, NE. SAME ISSUE IMMEDIAITLY HAPPENED AGAIN. ISSUE IS NOT FIXED AND CAR REMAINS UNSAFE FOR TRAVEL.

Steering
Filed Apr 13, 2024OH

The car was allegedly previously repaired under Product Safety Recall Bulletin No.: 14116 back in 2014. The vehicle was 10 years old at that time. Now in 2024, 10 years later, the power steering issue is back. As the vehicle is operated, a sound rings from the computer system and a message warning about Power Steering appears on the center console screen. The electronic power steering then stops working entirely and steering becomes incredibly difficult. In July 2010, GM issued Service Bulletin No.: 10183. The Subject of the Bulletin was "Special Coverage Adjustment - Power Steering Assist." The Condition described in the bulletin is the same as the problem described above. GM extended coverage of this issue to 10 years and 100,000 miles. In May of 2012, GM issued Service Bulletin No.: 10183A, which extended coverage to 150,000 miles. In September 2014, NHTSA stepped in and forced GM to issue Recall Bulletin No.: 14116 with the subject "Power Steering Assist." GM knows that some vehicles on the road have had this repair performed 3 times, based on their decision to extend their own service bulletins. Clearly they have decided to use the same faulty part repeatedly. NHTSA needs to step in and tell them to continue repairing the defective part until all of these vehicles are off the road.

Steering
Filed Mar 28, 2024IL

Car is getting hard has been happening for a while but is getting worse There's is a recall on similar Chevy models but not for this specific one

Steering
Filed Feb 9, 2024GA

I was tightening the battery and there was a spark and it’s been difficult to steer ever since

Steering
Filed Dec 11, 202385,000 milesCT

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after his daughter started the vehicle, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 4, 2023OH

No accedents. Trying to be a head of it!

Steering
Filed Dec 4, 2023VA

Issue started at ~80K while driving 60-65 mph, the steering wheel would unexpectedly shake violently. After hitting brakes, the steering system would return to normal. Had car evaluated by mechanic specializing in steering/suspension and could not recreate the issue. This issue has been returning intermittently for the past year (99,800 mileage now). Now the engine light is on indicating “POWER STEERING “ on dashboard and loss of power steering. I’m issuing this report because my vin number shows no outstanding recalls but there’s a known issue (14V15300) against this vehicle.

Steering
Filed Oct 10, 2023140,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that he received recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall was completed however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that he had to turn off and restart the vehicle. The power steering assist warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque sensor assembly or the EPS motor controller unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 10, 2023MD

This problem has occurred many times and I have taken to the internet to find out what I could to try to remedy it myself as I don't have endless disposable income to have someone else fix it. I have not had it seen by a professional, only consulted with a manager of a gm dealership repairs department over the phone as well as various mechanics and locksmiths. As I said I don't have endless disposable money to throw at this. The car will completely shut off in the middle of driving, I lose all power. The antitheft system engages in the middle of driving. Then I get no crank no start. I get stuck in the middle of the road. In the past I was able to just turn the key off and remove it and let it sit for a while and then it would let me start it again, this began a year ago and has gotten progressively worse and more frequent since it first occurred and I am now at the point where the car is completely no crank no start and anti theft system will not disengage. From my own research online I've found many others complaining of similar problems and they say it's related to gm passlock system.

20 of 975 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202511100Routine
202439200Routine
202369210Routine
202296100Routine
202188210Routine
2020198101Fatalities reported
2019190110Routine
2018695640Above average
2017702440Above average
2016837921Fatalities reported
2015270391Fatalities reported
2014351681Fatalities reported
201383510100Above average
20129063130High concern
20119774170Above average
20101,3604140Above average
20091,509693Fatalities reported
2008987552Fatalities reported
2007977620Above average
20061,115960Above average
2005 — this page9756343Fatalities reported
20041,147970Above average
2003569341Fatalities reported
2002567410Above average
2001721412Fatalities reported
2000922563Fatalities reported
1999789320Above average
1998976553Fatalities reported
1997443602Fatalities reported

Compare every Malibu year →

Reading this record

3 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 21, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.