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EnginePart report

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Engine Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
9%of 92 total for the year
Median mileage
133,180miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, 9% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 133,180 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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.

“We bought a 2005 chevy Malibu Classic base model from a reputable dealer. Everything was working fine until my son flipped the switch on the turn signal indicator for the lights from auto to full lights at night. The dash cluster illumination went out along with the radio back lighting, HVAC back lighting, door lock and window switch lighting. The dome light stopped working. The dome light had burned wires and the plastic fixture was burned. Replaced it back to the harness. Fuses kept blowing. …”

NHTSA complaint #10584103, filed 2014-04, 117,792 miles

“My daughter was driving her car and for no reason the car just shuts off. This has happened 3 times in the last weeks. The car also on 6 occasions would not start(has brand new battery) won't turn over, my daughter has been stranded several times. After a $400. 00 fuel pump replacement , which after it was replaced the car , other cars which are just shutting off while they are being driven.this is very dangerous to lose all power while driving!. And as well there have been numerous car owners who have replaced fuel pumps, which did not solve the problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #10471360, filed 2012-08, 150,000 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11566791, filed 2024-01

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10986192, filed 2017-05, 148,569 miles

“The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that it took several attempts to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 223,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11208666, filed 2019-05, 223,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200815%
200589%
200465%
200316%
2002213%
200118%
1998120%

Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic

Electrical system
41 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsBrakes
6 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 Oct 29, 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