2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 92 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (37% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving on the interstate while using the cruise control, the vehicle started increasing speed and rpm's. I could not turn off cruise by braking or using the off button on steering wheel. I had to put it in neutral which caused the engine to redline in rpm's, so I could use brakes to safely stop on the side of the interstate highway. I turned off the engine and opened the hood to look inside. I turned ignition back on and immediately the engine revved to redline rpm's again.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2024
“driving the car it just shuts off which results in no power no steering and no brakes possibly an ignition switch problem.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2023
“The theft system keeps going off for no reason leaving me stranded for 10-15 minutes. It happened to turn off while driving on the highway 3 times in the past the whole dash board lit up and the theft system light was blinking. It also happens while I initially start the car up.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Jun 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that the anti-theft system warning indicator flashed and the vehicle could not be started. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was defective. The fuel pump was replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 36,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. While attempting to start the vehicle, the anti-theft indicator illuminated and the engine would not start. Midway chevrolet(381 12th st, plainwell, mi) was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 190,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that it was difficult to remove the key from the ignition due to the gear shifter not being in the park position, although the shift indicator displayed park. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. Magee autoplex chevrolet (2127 washington st, franklinton, la 70438, (866) 551-5128) was contacted and an appointment was made to have the vehicle repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v224000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,596.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2018
“I can't use power steering fluid in my car because I've been told it's electrical. I was pulling out of my apartment building and I came up to a red light up the road to turn left. I stopped at the light for a minute, as the light turned green I continued an thats when the problem occurred. I couldn't barely turn my steering wheel and its hard an thats when "power steering" popped up on my dash. My steering wheel shakes uncontrollably and I'm scared to drive it and its my only transportation to and from my job.”Owner report · Steering · May 2018
“Takata recall engine oil keeps disappearing every week ! There are no leaks ! There is no oil in the water that I can see !”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu classic. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the intake sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,569.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2017
“2 years ago I received a recall letter regarding steering wheel malfunction I took the car to the dealership and it was replaced, less than a year later the issues continued to occur. I've called camelback chevrolet multiple times and left messages for the general manager with no response. The vehicle is not driveable due to this recall.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
How other years compare
Check your exact Malibu Classic by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic reliable?
NHTSA has 92 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The most complained-about area is electrical system (37% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 90,500 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.