2005 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Owners have filed 1,386 complaints about the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 36.8% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 13.3%.
Complaints1,386
Crashes67
Fires38
Injuries86
Deaths4
What owners report breaking
Steering 36.8% · 510
Electrical system 13.3% · 184
Exterior lighting 11.5% · 159
Power train 4.7% · 65
Seats 4.5% · 62
Engine 3.5% · 49
Service brakes 3.1% · 43
Fuel system, gasoline 2.7% · 37
Severity
Of those complaints, 67 describe a crash, 38 describe a fire, 86 report an injury and 4 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 27 model years of the Chevrolet Malibu in this data, 2005 sits 10th by complaint volume. 2009 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 20 in the last three years against 35 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 89,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle lost steering ability. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a local dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was 90,000. Steering · reported at 90,000 miles
Warning message is presented in cars message board stating impending power steering failure. Previous recall for this issue was dated mar 2014. Car is still showing the same signs as before the recall. Recall issue described below: 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.Steering:electric power assist system Steering · reported at 96,600 miles
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. Steering · reported at 140,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…