Chevrolet / Malibu Classic / 2005
2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic problems
Owners have filed 123 complaints about the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 35% of them — the clear leader, ahead of steering at 16.3%.
Complaints123
Crashes8
Fires1
Injuries8
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 35.0% · 43
Steering 16.3% · 20
Engine 6.5% · 8
Fuel/propulsion system 4.9% · 6
Exterior lighting 4.9% · 6
Air bags 4.1% · 5
Electronic stability control (ESC) 4.1% · 5
Fuel system, gasoline 3.3% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 8 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 8 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 18 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 91,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The steering wheel lock broke that in turn made the ignition switch go out and not recognize that it was supposed to turn, causing the lock and tumbler to need to be replaced. Then, after being replaced it needed to be taken to a dealer to have a flash done to it, for the car to recognize the new ignition. You can't get old parts for this, and the parts have to be purchased from the dealer. Electrical system · reported at 35,849 miles
All the door locks unlock and lock with in driving position followed by a beep it does this constantly. I believe is very unsafe with children in the back seat. Issue with the gas gauge going crazy, goes from full to empty so you never know when the gas is going to run out. Also issues with the headlights and other bulbs being blown. All seems like some electrical issues but not sure. Electrical system
: The contact stated while driving 70 mph the entire lighting system failed. The vehicle was pulled off the road without incident. The headlights were manually switched on and the vehicle was driven to the dealer. This was the third time this same problem has happened. On the first and second occasions the electrical computer system was replaced. The manufacturer has been alerted. Electrical system · reported at 25,168 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…