2005 Chevrolet Malibu Exterior Lighting Problems
- 128
- 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 128 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 2 indicate injury
- 17 indicate fire
What owners report
- Turn Signal · 3 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 32 |
| 30–60k mi | 22 |
| 100–150k mi | 19 |
| 1–30k mi | 10 |
| 150–400k mi | 10 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Exterior Lighting · Service Brakes
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 chevrolet malibu. While traveling approximately 35 mph, the low beam headlamp assembly failed to work. The contact applied the brake pedal, which did not respond and extended to the floorboard. The contact stated that the vehicle spun around and crashed into a guardrail. The contact was unable to confirm if the air bags deployed. The contact was unconscious and was transported to the…
Crash reported · 2 injuries
ODI 10734535
Electrical System · Exterior Lighting
Day time running lights in headlights overheat melting bulb base and socket. Have been replaced multiple times and keeps happening. Afraid of potential electrical fire or bulbs burn out and blinkers will not work which could cause a wreck. *tr
ODI 10627482
Exterior Lighting
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the brake lights were illuminated independently without the brakes being applied. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was approximately 153,000. *tr
ODI 10502655
Exterior Lighting
I can't go a week without both headlight assemblies burning turn-signal bulbs. After replacing the bulbs no more than a week will go by and the bulb will turn black and sometimes blow up inside the headlight. Recently the bulbs are not burning out but what seems to be a bad connection to the socket, i will press the bulbs into the socket and within 5 minutes the turn-signals will not work again. *tr
ODI 10496398
Exterior Lighting · Power Train · Vehicle Speed Control
I had to buy a transmission for my malibu and now i am receiving recalls (multiple) # 14152 & #13036 for the same car. However, on the freeway coming home from temecula, ca, south bound on the 15 highway, my transmission was not engaging. No loud sounds, or excess acceleration, nor too much weight (driver and passenger only cargo.) the engine was on and as i accelerated the engine was going but nothing was…
ODI 10679265
Exterior Lighting
Passenger side front turn signal bulb burns out frequently. It also will work one day and suddenly stop working the next day, then work again later without having done any intervention at all. If i wiggle the bulb just right within the socket, i can get it to work. Something as simple as running into a pothole can make the bulb unit work or cease working. *tr
ODI 10703015
Exterior Lighting
Front turn signal bulbs (left and right) have melted the plastic housing surrounding them. Bulbs burnout easily. Evidence of melted plastic is a concern for other electrical problems. *tr
ODI 10449127
Exterior Lighting
The front driving lights and turn signals blow out consistently, usually damaging the socket in the process. *tt
ODI 10445770
Exterior Lighting · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Brake lights remain on with no contact with brake pedal. When pedal is depressed the brake lights go off. This has caused numerous 'road rage' incidents and near-miss rear-end collisions. *tr
ODI 10457765
Exterior Lighting
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the headlights were constantly overheating and burning out, causing their plastic covers to melt. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 147,000.
Fire reported
ODI 10436919
Exterior Lighting
In both front headlight assemblies, there is an amber plastic cover which covers the bulb that is always on, as part of the regular running lights, and also for turn signals. The light has burned a hole, about 1 1/4 inch in diameter, in the top of the amber lens. The edge of the lens is black all around from the burning. Is my car unique? Have there been any other complaints? And most important, is there any danger…
ODI 10430948
Exterior Lighting
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the turn signals were in operative. The wires also began to melt the bulb, causing the left and right turn signals to fail. The dealer was notified but denied any assistance with repairing the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was unavailable. The vin was…
Fire reported
ODI 10427548
Exterior Lighting
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the front signal indicator was malfunctioning. The contact mentioned that he changed the bulbs which failed to remedy the problem. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer, the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 80,000.
ODI 10418158
Exterior Lighting
My problem is with my 2005 chevorlet malibu front parking lights. The parking lights bulb socket has melted through the socket and melted the plastic orange relfector around the bulb. This is a huge fire hazard that was luckily found early enough before any major accident occurred. This has caused my light housing to become discolored and has made my headlights less bright. This has occurred on both driver and…
ODI 10410090
Exterior Lighting
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the front driver side turn signal was not functioning. The contact replaced the headlight bulb approximately five times. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the bulb became extremely hot, causing the amber housing unit wires to melt. The contact replaced the amber housing unit. After the repair, the failure recurred. The vehicle was…
Fire reported
ODI 10434250
Exterior Lighting
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the headlights had overheated and burned through the plastic because of the bulbs becoming too hot. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired for the failure. The failure and current mileage was 111,000.
Fire reported
ODI 10397473
Exterior Lighting
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact noticed that both head light casings were melted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 91,000.
Fire reported
ODI 10447097
Exterior Lighting
2005 chevy malibu front parking light lens melt onto bulb, probably caused by parking lights used as daytime running lights. Also shows heat discoloration on reflective material in light assembly. I've personally inspected over 15 2005 chevy malibu, all have same issue. Vehicles with more miles showed more damage. Possible fire hazard and once melted enough violates lighting requirements. Tried working with chevy…
ODI 10402249
Exterior Lighting
While cleaning plastic head/daytime running light cover on left and right side, i noticed both amber daytime running light/turn signal lens are melted at the top and burned from the heat of the bulbs, which may lead to a fire.
ODI 10396304
Exterior Lighting
The left front turn signal lamp continues to burn out. Have replaced the lamp now 4 times since march 2011. The amber cover seems to be melting due to the extreme heat as the bulb is also the running lights when the car is put into drive on the transmission. I have replaced with the recommended bulb and also the long life bulb. The recommend bulb will last about 2 weeks, the long life i get about 2 or 3 months on…
ODI 10426903
Exterior Lighting
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu ls. The contact stated the rear brake lights were not working. He then realized the brake light bulb element was used not only for the brakes, but also the indicators and emergency flashers. The consumer stated if an emergency occurred all of the rear indicators and signals would be inoperative. The consumer stated he would be unable to warn any traffic that there was a…
ODI 10377201
Exterior Lighting
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the turn signal bulbs melted the lens cover, causing a hole. With the hole in the cover, water was able to enter causing electrical failures with the turn signals. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and they advised him that the front lamps had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and…
Fire reported
ODI 10425387
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
Exterior Lighting
Headlights are dull. Passenger blinker does not work. Changed the bulb a couple times. Amber cover inside the headlight is melted. Hardly any light while driving at night. This is an accident waiting to happen. Went to dealer and they couldn't figure out what was wrong. Told me to go see someone who knows about head lights! Really? *tr
ODI 10386527
Electric Power Assist System · Exterior Lighting
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the front driver side turn signal had malfunctioned and would not activate when engaged. The contact changed the bulb but the failure was not repaired. The contact stated the wiring was faulty and needed to be diagnosed. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The failure mileage was 46,000. Updated 11/16/11…
ODI 10433828
Catalog parts for this system
Catalog year/make/model rows for 2005 Chevrolet Malibu.
Catalog fitment does not by itself prove OEM-equivalent compatibility.