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EnginePart report

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Engine Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
2%of 326 total for the year
Median mileage
130,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, 2% of the 326 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,500 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.

“The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. While the vehicle was stationary, the vehicle would not start when prompted. The contact changed the battery and the starter, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10981735, filed 2017-05, 136,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the service engine indicator illuminated and the steering locked for few seconds. The vehicle was driven home. The contact also stated that the failure occurred one other time. The vehicle was not diagnosed by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10991404, filed 2017-05, 139,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled as the power diminishing and engine disabled warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was moved to the shoulder where it was restarted and operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10533041, filed 2013-08, 125,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. While driving 30 MPH, the power steering failed and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted and was taken to the dealer. The repairs that were made were unknown, but the failure recurred intermittently. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was unknown.”

NHTSA complaint #10621508, filed 2014-08

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200712%
200673%
200552%
200461%

Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Steering
185 complaintsExterior lighting
51 complaintsElectrical system
40 complaintsSeats
39 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 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