2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 7%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,006miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the brakes of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, 7% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,006 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This car has had the calipers replaced 2 times now. The first is recorded here and the second occurred on jan. 15, 2014. Both times the car lost fluid due to caliper leakage. Had difficulty stopping the car the second time around but was able to bring it to a stop without incident. I have a licensed mechanic telling me this is not normal wear and tear. The first incident paid for was $285 and the second was in excess $600. This is not part of a recall but am certain that this should not be occurring. …”
NHTSA complaint #10592143, filed 2014-05, 62,013 miles“While checking out my daughters 2005 Malibu Classic for complaints about intermittent airbag light I happened to slightly tug on her keychain while driving about 50 MPH on the highway. The engine shut off. I lost power steering. I lost power brakes. I could not restart the car while it was moving. Luckily I was able to pull it over to the side of the road. It would not restart until I put the shift lever into park. I investigated this on the internet and found other GM vehicles being recalled but not this one. I called GM's recall line. They said to contact my dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10604868, filed 2014-06, 88,000 miles“The bracket holding the brake manifold to the frame lost its bolts causing the front right brake line to rub the engine and cause a hole in the line. My wife lost all her brake fluid and also her brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10235841, filed 2008-07, 90,000 miles“- the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that the popping sound in the steering wheel has occurred since he purchased the vehicle. The contact has a problem with his brakes. The calipers have been replaced three times since he purchased the vehicle. The contact stated that they worked for a few days and began to squeak excessively again. Also, there was an egg smell in his car and began a few months after purchasing the vehicle. The contact would like to know what could be done to correct the ongoing vehicle incidents/failures.”
NHTSA complaint #10179342, filed 2007-01, 27,000 miles“I have a 2005 chevy Malibu Classic. I purchased this car in december of 2006. I have had to have the brakes replaced every six months since I purchased the car. My mechanic advised me to purchase life time brakes from auto zone and swap them out every six months...I am a single mother who does a lot of driving and cannot afford to change my brakes ever six months. Please advise.”
NHTSA complaint #10326533, filed 2010-04Related service bulletins
- 10018156Sep 1, 2005Car issues - fix it right the first time (new issues in bold). To include 2006 and 2007 models. Gm. Tech link.
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
41 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology