2005 Chevrolet Malibu Electrical System Problems
- 144
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 144 stored complaint records:
- 5 indicate a crash
- 5 indicate injury
- 9 indicate fire
- 1 indicate a death
What owners report
- failure mileage · 21 records
- electrical system · 19 records
- power steering · 18 records
- brake lights · 16 records
- notified failure · 16 records
- ignition switch · 15 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 100–150k mi | 33 |
| 60–100k mi | 22 |
| 150–400k mi | 19 |
| 30–60k mi | 15 |
| 1–30k mi | 12 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Electrical System · Engine
The vehicle would not start after work in the parking lot. Arranged a ride home and did some research. Went back to the vehicle and got it started with suggestions on how to reset the passlock system (security light on dash was on). The next day the vehicle won't start even after going through the reset procedure several times. This problem can leave one stranded anyplace at anytime. We live in mininesota and that…
ODI 10491578
Electrical System · Engine
The ignition switch to start the car is defective. The cylinder does not turn with the key at the first try nor the second try. *tr
ODI 10643353
Electrical System · Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System
I was at a stop sign went to press gas pedal to turn onto road and the car just shut off no warning lights came on nor did it show any codes. Got out of car popped trunk pulled relay fuse out put it back in and it cranked up,then on my way home from work,going about 25 mph and it just shut down again,i repeated pulling out relay fuse and put it back in then waited a minute then it cranked and i drove straight home.…
ODI 10458198
Electrical System · Ignition
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle would fail to start after numerous attempts. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who stated that the ignition switch failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
ODI 10588812
Electrical System · Steering
The warning chime will sound, then i sometimes get a warning note across the dashboard stating "power steering" & then for a brief moment i will have trouble turning the steering wheel; one time when this happened all the warning lights flashed across the dashboard and i lost power for a second & then everything went back to normal until several miles later when the chiming came on again; i paid the chevy dealer to…
ODI 10595027
Electrical System · Engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. While parked, the vehicle was not able to start. The contact mentioned that it took two attempts to start the vehicle. In addition, after switching off the vehicle, the key would get stuck and the vehicle had to be restarted in order to remove the key. The failure recurred intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was…
ODI 10783427
Electrical System · Steering
Power steering quit working. Here in 2013, with 175000 miles, gm will not honor their "service policy" , due to miles! It only covered up to 150000 miles! Absurd! *tr
ODI 10557957
Electrical System · Fuel System, Gasoline
Vehicle has failed to start after driving and then parking. First time had vehicle towed to s repair shop. They replaced fuel pump and installed a new fuel filter. Vehicle still did not start. I researched the problem on the web. I found several complaints . I found that the problem was the vehicle anti- theft device. It malfunctions and shuts the fuel injectors down. I found a fix on the web, you have to turn the…
ODI 10436137
Electrical System · Fuel System, Gasoline · Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the power steering failed, fuel would not pump properly into the vehicle, the fuel gauge displayed improper readings, and the speedometer was inoperative. The local mechanic repaired the fuel system. Neither the dealer, nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was unavailable.
ODI 10453218
Electrical System
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the bulb for the driver side turn signal burned out. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where failure diagnostic testing indicated possible bad wiring in the driver side turn signal and there was hole burned into the bulb. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was advised to bring vehicle to a local dealer so they could perform…
Fire reported
ODI 10415356
Electrical System · Engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 65 mph, the engine stalled. The vehicle restarted after forty five minutes. The failure occurred twelve times. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the ignition switch was replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The…
ODI 10638659
Electrical System
I own a 2005 malibu with 160,000 miles on it. On june 16, 2011 i took my car to the dealer's service center because a week prior my car doors unlocked and my engine shut down as i was driving down the street. This happened twice about four days apart. They replaced the oxygen sensor. Aweek later it started doing the same thing but about every two to four days. I took it back on july 16, 2011 and they could not find…
ODI 10415153
Electrical System
My 21 yr old son was driving his car on a city street when he started to smell a bad odor, possibly melting plastic. Within 15 seconds, flames shot up the front seat center console on the passenger side. He quickly pulled over and tried to put out the flames. Burning his hand in the process and realizing very quickly this wouldn't work, he quickly and urgently left the vehicle and called 911. Within 30 seconds of…
Fire reported · 1 injury
ODI 10401833
Electrical System · Engine
Car lost power, steering intact & i steered it to the shoulder of the interstate highway. Anti-theft light was flashing. On jun 4th, all attempts to reset the the system failed (i was waiting ten minutes with key in on position). The car began to flash all lights & a buzzing alarm sounded. By july, the anti theft device was preventing starting or causing the engine to stop on a daily basis. A code indicated a…
ODI 10441925
Electrical System · Fuel System, Gasoline · Steering
The fuel gauge suddenly started to jump up and down and vehicle engine gets off and on. *tr
ODI 10548018
Electrical System · Exterior Lighting
I purchased this 2005 chevy malibu used. Shortly after had the right turn signal bulb blow, then left turn and both headlights at the same time. While replacing the bulbs, i noticed that the plastic surrounding the turn signal bulb had a large hole in it from melting. The other assembly had the same hole burnt in the turn signal light bulb cover. I have replaced the bulbs at least 2 more times this year. The…
ODI 10428690
Electrical System
1.my 2005 mailbu has been failing to start when i turn over the engine. My remote car starter went out. 2.i bought it in nov,2010 until now feb, 2011 it has had about 5 failures to start. 3.i bought a new battery and so far it has worked but my remote control start does not work still or any of the remote control features. *tr
ODI 10381515
Electrical System
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently and the security alert warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition pass lock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure…
ODI 10745741
Electrical System · Exterior Lighting · Seats
I had my first problem when i purchased the car. It would jerk & felt it was moving on it's own. Then the lamps would go out and i was replacing the bulbs every month. Then my key starter has failed two times after replacing them. The driver seat has calapsed on the left hand side. The rear seat handle to raise the seats up and down has broken on both passenger side. My lights have burned out on the front driver's…
ODI 10428121
Air Bags · Electrical System · Engine
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…
Crash reported · 1 injury
ODI 11024648
Electrical System · Steering
POWER STEERING FAILURE. *TR
ODI 10350256
Electrical System · Exterior Lighting · Fuel System, Gasoline
Purchased 2005 chevrolet malibu in may, 2009. Ongoing problems with brake and turn signal lights not working. Attempted replacement and repair by mechanic. Lights remained inoperable as did fuel gauge by 80,000 miles. While parked, car ignited from under center console, door locks engaged, and interior burned. Total loss of auto and contents. *tr
Fire reported
ODI 10349149
Electrical System · Steering
The power steering light comes on and sometimes the steering wheel won't turn at all. There is a knocking noise in the steering wheel when i turn. It was fixed only to start again a few weeks later. Gm won't repair cause they say i'm over the mileage. The gas hand jumps up an down. *tr
ODI 10331178
Electrical System · Fuel System, Gasoline · Steering · Suspension
I have a 2005 chevy malibu, bought brand new, i've had problems from the start with this car. The rack & pinion has been replaced twice. The hub bearings have had to be replaced, the rear stabilizer bar needs replacing. I have a gas cap issue, now to top it all off, i've been having issues where i am driving and i start to accelerate and the steering wheel locks up, i have been on the freeway several times when this…
ODI 10329059
Electrical System · Steering
I have read alot of reviews on customers that are having problems with there chevy malibu's from 2004-2008. The main complaint is the steering column locking up with out warning. I experienced that myself and luckily i was driving at a low speed. My steering wheel vibrates after the car has stopped and threatens to lock up again. There should be a recall on cars from those years. *tr
ODI 10325581
Catalog parts for this system
Catalog year/make/model rows for 2005 Chevrolet Malibu.
Catalog fitment does not by itself prove OEM-equivalent compatibility.