2005 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
- Complaints
- 975filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles, 759 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu report steering problems far more than anything else, most often a loss of electric power steering assist that makes the wheel suddenly heavy, sometimes while turning or at highway speed, and that often resets when the car is restarted. Complaints also describe lighting failures, an erratic fuel gauge and cracking or broken seat frames. Most reports arrive between roughly 60,000 and 150,000 miles, though some steering complaints are filed at much lower mileage.
- Steering
Sudden loss of power steering assist
- 433 complaints (44%)
- median 97,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (366 state mileage)
- 23 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $800 (median of 32 quotes)
- filed 2004–2026
Owners describe the steering wheel suddenly becoming very stiff or seizing, typically in a turn, at a stop or while driving down the road, often with a chime and a "Power Steering" message on the radio display or an illuminated warning light. Several say the assist returns after shutting the car off and restarting it, then fails again later, and some report the wheel pulling or jerking on its own. Complaints mention dealers replacing the steering column, the power steering control module or motor assembly, or diagnosing a steering wheel torque sensor; some owners say the vehicle was not covered by the power steering recall. Others describe the U-joint or intermediate shaft in the column as the diagnosed source, and a few report the assist failing again after a recall repair. Reported from as little as about 28,000 miles up to more than 200,000 miles, with many complaints between roughly 60,000 and 150,000 miles and some noting warm or cold weather and highway driving.
What to check: Ask the seller whether the electric power steering recall was performed and whether the column, torque sensor or assist motor has been replaced; keep the receipt. On a test drive, turn the wheel through full lock at low speed and check that the warning message does not appear.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle lost powering steering after making a right hand turn onto a busy road. Ended up half way in the oncoming lane before I could get it under control. Good thing no other cars were in the way. I had to pull over and restart the car. I also have had other incidences when the power steering glitches off and on while I'm turning into parking spots. …”
NHTSA complaint #11383110, filed 2020-12, 210,000 miles“My steering went out while on my way home from work on a busy highway luckily there was no accident but I did do research and this is a common thing for not just 2005 chevy malibus and alot of people have been complaining about this with nothing to be done about it but most Malibu I think if something not done it will cause a serious accident one day.. …”
NHTSA complaint #10282859, filed 2009-09, 42,852 miles - Steering
Knocking or clunking from the steering column
- 171 complaints (18%)
- median 62,000 mi at 5.2 yrs old (151 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $660 (median of 17 quotes)
- filed 2004–2026
Owners describe a knocking or clunking sound from the steering shaft when the wheel is turned about an inch either way, whether parked or moving, and some report popping noises at the steering linkage after column work. Complaints say a shop explained the joints in the column dry out because there is no lubrication point, and others were told the intermediate shaft or U-joint bearing needed replacement. Some owners report the noise continuing after a steering column was replaced. Reported from around 40,000 miles and up through the 150,000-mile range.
What to check: With the car parked, turn the wheel slightly left and right and listen for a knock; ask whether the intermediate shaft or U-joint has ever been lubricated or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2005 Malibu ls v6. Power steering failed making the steering very stiff. It was cold, 31 degrees. The power steering warning come on the stereo. I restarted the car and the problem went away. Prior to this, the steering has pulled to the left, even after a realignment. There have long been knocking noises when I turn the wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #10312504, filed 2010-02, 81,232 miles“I have a 2005 Malibu,and have had a clunking noise in the steering since approx. 40,000miles. I have taken it to the garage several times and they have told me that Chevrolet did not make a place to lubricate the joints inside the column so that they dry out quickly,and are banging together and it is nothing to worry abouti do not agree,anything constantly clanging against another object is eventually going to wear out. I also just had my fuel tank,fuel sensor replaced,at the cost of 600. …”
NHTSA complaint #10292451, filed 2009-11, 50,000 miles
Buying note. The power steering assist failure is the item to take most seriously on this model year: confirm in writing whether the steering recall was completed and whether any column or assist-motor work has been done, and budget for a follow-up if the wheel ever feels heavy. Then check the lamps, the fuel gauge and the driver's seat base, since those repairs are straightforward but easy to miss on a short test drive.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 975 consumer complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. 759 of the complaints include a mileage, and 22% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 88,000 miles. Of all complaints, 46 involved a crash, 34 a fire, 55 an injury, 3 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 612 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering506 52%
- Electrical system180 18%
- Exterior lighting153 16%
- Brakes70 7.2%
- Fuel system70 7.2%
- Transmission and drivetrain65 6.7%
- Seats62 6.4%
- Engine49 5.0%
- Other or unknown35 3.6%
- Electronic stability control30 3.1%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (27), Air bags (25), Suspension (21), Engine cooling (17), Latches, locks and linkages (14), Body and structure (12), Equipment (9), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (8), Wheels (6), Seat belts (5), Tires (5), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “Started my car up to around 2:00 to go my lunch break. Powering steering was in my radio dash. After turning it off and back on it resolved the problem for a short period of time but has cutoff consistently when I am driving reverting back to manual steering which is difficult to control with low speeds and dangerous it puts everybody at risk if it happens on the freeway.”
NHTSA complaint #11378494, filed 2020-12, 170,000 milesElectrical system: “When I'm driving often..I turn the wheel as normal. Intermittently I hear a ding noise coming from my console, and my steering wheel stiffens and I have to use a large amount of force to straighten out. I have called GM many times and have been told there are no recalls with this issue. I believe that they should be a class action. Over 500 or other owners with the same issue. What gives GM?”
NHTSA complaint #11407476, filed 2021-04, 144,000 milesExterior lighting: “My passenger side headlamp light (turn signal) assembly keeps burning out and melting the bulb housing and orange lens. It burned a hole in the orange turn signal lens. I replace bulb after bulb but it keeps failing. Please issue a recall because no car owner should have to keep replacing bulbs constantly only for them to fail over and over again! This happens when the car is stationary, moving, etc..”
NHTSA complaint #11254046, filed 2019-09, 104,000 milesBrakes: “I have received numerous recall notices and whenever I call a dealer I am told either there is no recall for this notice or they don't have the parts for this recall. I think they are waiting for me to either get rid of the car or get in an accident. If my car is affected I want it fixed. Is there anything the NHTSA can do?”
NHTSA complaint #10619160, filed 2014-08, 60,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
22% of the 759 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 53,001 and 128,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu · sedan | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
| Malibu · w/sab 4 dr | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2005 Chevrolet Malibu version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 32 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Malibu FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V252000May 14, 2014Electronic stability control (esc)Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2012, Pontiac G6 2005–2010, Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 2004–2007 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles…
- 14V224000Apr 30, 2014Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shiftCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2008, Malibu Maxx 2004–2007, Pontiac G6 2005–2008 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu…
- 14V153000Mar 31, 2014Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2006, 2008–2009, Saturn Ion 2004–2007, Pontiac G6 2005–2006, 2008–2009 +4 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles…
Recall details for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA09004Turn Signal LampsClosed · Mar 20, 2009
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 612 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11008956Sep 9, 2024Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
Other model years of the Chevrolet Malibu
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 21,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 44 | 45,000 | 2 | 5 | 31 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 72 | 66,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 99 | 66,253 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 90 | 54,000 | 2 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 199 | 68,000 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 193 | 41,875 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 700 | 45,390 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 85 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 705 | 48,000 | 4 | 5 | 30 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 841 | 50,000 | 9 | 5 | 27 | 82 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 270 | 50,000 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 351 | 60,000 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 837 | 69,000 | 10 | 5 | 26 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 907 | 86,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 978 | 80,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 1,363 | 82,000 | 3 | — | 25 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 1,510 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 23 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 989 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 25 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 977 | 100,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,118 | 85,000 | 6 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 975 | 88,000 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,147 | 78,500 | 6 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 569 | 70,084 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 567 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 721 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 922 | 69,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 789 | 66,249 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 976 | 80,461 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 443 | 85,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1980 | 5 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Malibu model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu report steering problems far more than anything else, most often a loss of electric power steering assist that makes the wheel suddenly heavy, sometimes while turning or at highway speed, and that often resets when the car is restarted. The issues reported most often: Sudden loss of power steering assist; Knocking or clunking from the steering column.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA recorded 975 consumer complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 506 complaints (52% of the total), followed by electrical system with 180.
Has the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu get?
The EPA rates the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu (Malibu, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 21 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu reported?
Among the 759 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 88,000 miles and the middle half falls between 53,001 and 128,000 miles; 22% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.