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Electrical systemPart report

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Electrical system Problems

Complaints
40about this part
Share
12%of 326 total for the year
Median mileage
83,019miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, 12% of the 326 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,019 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Takata recall I was driving on route 19 just before the maple fork exit the light was red and I began to slow down. All of a sudden the brakes and steering would not work and the car hit the rear end of the car in front of me. Causing major damages to the front of my car. The other car was not affected nearly as much. It was like the car just stopped. No airbags was deployed.”

NHTSA complaint #11161778, filed 2018-12, 180,000 miles

“I purchased a 2005 Malibu Maxx from an used car dealer and the very next day the car lost the ability to accelerate and the traction control light turned on my instrument cluster. While the car was coming to a stop I noticed that it lost all power and the engine stopped running. The car would turn over but not start.”

NHTSA complaint #10809859, filed 2015-12, 176,000 miles

“My cars headlights are dim at night and take a while to get brighter even though I have had the bulb replaced and the lighting components checked out. The windows won't roll down from any side of the car, a recurrence from two years ago. Also my doors won't unlock from the auto-unlock button that sits on the drivers side, this has been an issue for the past 2 years of my Chevrolet car ownership.”

NHTSA complaint #10482950, filed 2012-11, 80,038 miles

“The drivers side turn signal (inside the harness in the headlight) keeps melting the plastic snap in base of the turn signal light bulb and causes it to become inoperative. Almost causing other vehicles to crash in to me at 4 way stop signs. The harness assembly gets very hot. May one day cause a fire. I have replaced light bulbs 4 times in the last month. Will have to get serviced.”

NHTSA complaint #10363444, filed 2010-11, 43,447 miles

“I just purchased a 2005 chevy Malibu Maxx ls and im having intermittent starting problems. It appears to happen more when I've been driving with the air conditioner on and I stop the vehicle. The car will crank for a long period of time like its going to start but will not start initially. After a while it does start and then appears to be normal. I've checked the starter, alternator, and the battery all checks out good.”

NHTSA complaint #10201629, filed 2007-08, 50,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2007716%
20062810%
20054012%
2004379%

Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Steering
185 complaintsExterior lighting
51 complaintsSeats
39 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

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