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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 9
Injuries / Deaths:
10 / 1
Average Mileage:
78,328 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 3 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #118

Feb 132016

Malibu

  • 136,000 miles

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

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

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

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

problem #114

Jan 072008

Malibu

  • 54,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at low speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake lights would not illuminate and the cruise control seized without warning. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, service brakes, vehicle speed control), but the repair did not remedy the failures. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #113

Aug 252015

Malibu

  • 140,700 miles
I returned from picking up my grand daughter from school which is about 2miles one way. Once at home I turned off my car went inside to get paper work and noticed it was time to get my son from his bus stop, which is right around the corner from my house... as I turned on the car I noticed/smelled smoke inside the car, so I turned it off and got out, I called out to my kids and my daughter told me that I have to pop the hood, I was afraid... so my daughter poped the hood and then we saw the small fire, so my daughter grabbed the water shoes and attempted to put it out and my other daughter called the fire department and then a ball of fire fell to the ground up under the car...then she put that out...so as they were calling the fire department, I had to run around the corner to get my son from the bus stop, as we were on our way back, the fire department was coming.... so they checked it out and in hooked the battery and checked to make sure the fire was all the way out...told me that the car was unsafe to drive, cause it may spark a flame all over again and be worse then what just happened... prior to this I have have small problem's... like my dome light stop working a year in half ago, I tryed to change the fuse, but every attempt they burned out to the touch, so I gave up...then my front light would keep burning out ever month or two...to wear it melt the yellow covering of the bulb and melts the area were the light bulb sits in...to were I replaced the whole front light cover. Then recently my back break light went out... I thought it was the bulb or fuse after changing them, come to find out it was break relay switch... so I had it replaced in July 2015...and also within a year I had to replace my starter, luckly its under a lifetime warrenty....then shortly after that I got my oil change ect..done. All this happened 6 weeks before the fire.

- Modesto, CA, USA

problem #112

Nov 292015

Malibu

  • 110,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start when attempting to turn on. In addition, the anti theft warning light illuminated. The vehicle would not start until the anti theft warning light un-illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

- Danville, WA, USA

problem #111

Jun 022014

Malibu 6-cyl

  • miles
I am hoping these pics come threw this time. It would not go threw last time so I cropped the pic to show you the bulb and covering from the day light/turn signal socket on the drivers side. My previous compaint did not allow the pics so trying again. I have to change the bulb every 2 weeks due to the socket getting to hot. The date is only apx. Since it has been going on for at least a yr. I really hope the pics come threw, it shows proof of what is happening. Updated 11/18/15 updated 05/23/18

- Hazle Twp, PA, USA

problem #110

Jul 072014

Malibu 6-cyl

  • miles
I have a Chevy Malibu 2005, the daylight running light/turn signal keeps burning out and have to replace it every 2 weeks, the socket gets so hot and burns the bulb out. It is happening on the drivers side.I am getting tired of this. I feel Chevy should do a recall on this, when it burns out then I have no turn signal and tired of replacing the bulb. It gets so hot that the connector on the bulb actually melts and looks like the reflector covering has either gotten so hot it melts or something and now before it blew this time, I went to change the bulb once again after just changing it 2 weeks ago and found/saw that it now melted the covering, the yellow reflector covering. I think this is what it is called. Somebody has to do something about this. And if I don't fix it I have a chance of getting a ticket for not having it working. I don't feel like I have to replace the socket since that is the problem as the pictures will show you. The date I picked is only apx. This has been going on for @ least a yr. I hope the pics help you to make a decision the right way. I am getting no where with Chevy. Updated 11/18/15 updated 05/23/18

- Hazle Twp., PA, USA

problem #109

Jan 022012

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles
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 101,000. Updated 01/27/16 the ignition switch tumbler was replaced. Updated 02/09/16

- North Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #108

Oct 072015

Malibu

  • 98,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 40 mph, the anti-theft system indicator illuminated and caused the vehicle to lose power. This was a recurring issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 98,000.

- Hobbs, NM, USA

problem #107

Oct 012015

Malibu

  • 142,000 miles
My car has electrical problems!!! kicking off all kinds of sensor alarms I.e map, tps, maf... just to name a few I've replaced all of them about 6 times now!!!! my car feels like it's in "limp" mode it keeps losing power and won't allow me to go over 20!!! it's been burning through oil and I know it's slowly going destroy my engine!! this wiring issue need fixed asap!

- Sidney, OH, USA

problem #106

Sep 252015

Malibu

  • 194,000 miles
The park light/daytime running lights are constantly melting the amber lens. The bulb socket melts causing the turn signal not to work. Every few months I have to remove headlight lamp and fix bulb so it will work. I have seen a number of people with the same problem with their Malibu. Chevrolet needs to fix this problem. This should be a recall as many as are having this problem.

- Scranton, SC, USA

problem #105

Feb 022015

Malibu

  • miles
The front driver turn signal does not work, it has melted the plastic inside. I have changed the bulb several times and it continues to burn out. The passenger turn signal is now blinking very fast and then slow so I'm guessing it won't be long before that one doesn't work. Also the drivers side rear blinker and brake light do not work. All of this is a hazard when driving and could easily cause an accident. I have heard of numerous people having these same issues and this needs to be resolved. Clearly this is a manufacturer problem. I would appreciate your prompt response and resolution. Thank you.

- Lincoln, NE, USA

problem #104

Sep 012014

Malibu

  • miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle lost all electrical power to the instrument panel and other electrical systems. As a result, the contact could not read the speedometer and other electrical gauges. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the ignition module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Columbus, GA, USA

problem #103

Apr 102013

Malibu

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The failure recurred on fourteen separate occasions at any given speed being driven. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the ignition switch was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

- Westchester , OH, USA

problem #102

Feb 102015

Malibu

  • 162,000 miles
I was driving as normal with no incident, parked went into home and came out 10 minutes later, car would not crank, as if battery was dead.. went back in to get a multi-meter and checked battery, showed 12.3 volts. Went back into car and it cranked right up, no hesitation. Next day went to get my grand-daughter (2 years old) and parked at her home. Loaded the baby-seat, and went to start car, dead battery symptom again. Jumped the car from my daughter and went tom walmart to have battery checked. Battery and charge system checked fine. Tried to start the car after test, acted like a dead battery again. Walmart tech said looks like a bad starter motor. I purchased a new starter and installed. Cranked on first hit. Checked charging amps while running, 13.4 volts. Went 25 miles to town. Parked and after 2 hours came back to car and would not crank. (turned motor once then click click. Click.) got a ride home and checked internet for probable cause, seems like hundreds (thousands) have the same situation. I feel the anti-theft system is cutting off power to car. I tried the fix that I found, lock, unlock, lock unlock car with key then wait 10 minutes and crank the car. It worked. I pulled away from my lodge and went down the road. Stopped, made a right turn heading for a traffic light and the car died in the middle of the road. Could not turn the steering wheel, no electrical signs other than anti theft light flashing on dash. Tried repetitively to start the car but again just click click. Click. If I had been on the thru-way, it would probably been an accident. Further search on internet shows this a major problem, but no recall is found. Why"?"

- Guyton, GA, USA

problem #101

Nov 012010

Malibu

  • 83,115 miles
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 mileage was 83,115.

- Harlingen, TX, USA

problem #100

Jun 222015

Malibu

  • 185,445 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the anti-theft warning lamp flashed up to three times and that the key would not turn over to start the vehicle. The contact indicated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the anti-theft module, ignition switch, BCM, and additional components needed to be replaced due to the failure. The vehicle was also included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V224000 (power train), but the contact had not received notification of the safety recall to schedule the repair. The vehicle was not repaired and the contact was not able to get the key to turn over to start the vehicle. The anti-theft warning lamp continued to flash three times or more and the vehicle was unable to be driven. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 185,445.

- Lafayette, IN, USA

problem #99

May 182015

Malibu

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 50 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the engine after multiple attempts. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and diagnosed for electrical code failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

- Litle Rock, AR, USA

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