2005 Chevrolet Malibu Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 180about this part
- Share
- 18%of 975 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 180 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, 18% of the 975 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 11 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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 miles“My car has electrical problems!!! Kicking off all kinds of sensor alarms I.e map,tps,maf... Just to name a few I've replaced all of them about 6 times now!!!! My car feels like it's in limp mode it keeps losing power and won't allow me to go over 20!!! It's been burning through oil and I know it's slowly going destroy my engine!! This wiring issue need fixed asap!”
NHTSA complaint #10781476, filed 2015-10, 142,000 miles“The park light/daytime running lights are constantly melting the amber lens. The bulb socket melts causing the turn signal not to work. Every few months I have to remove headlight lamp and fix bulb so it will work. I have seen a number of people with the same problem with their malibus. Chevrolet needs to fix this problem. This should be a recall as many as are having this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10777679, filed 2015-09, 194,000 miles“My front blinker lights have melted the blinker light housing (the individual plastic globe the bulb resides in). They have to be replaced at a rate of approximately 6 months and I believe it is the car not the lights as I have tried different brands to see if the problem is with the bulbs. **note: as I have not kept a record of the incidents, I have listed the last time as precise date.”
NHTSA complaint #10672781, filed 2015-01, 116,603 milesRelated service bulletins
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 33% |
| 2024 | 18 | 41% |
| 2023 | 12 | 17% |
| 2022 | 33 | 33% |
| 2021 | 30 | 33% |
| 2020 | 57 | 29% |
| 2019 | 62 | 32% |
| 2018 | 192 | 27% |
| 2017 | 161 | 23% |
| 2016 | 222 | 26% |
| 2015 | 68 | 25% |
| 2014 | 86 | 25% |
| 2013 | 376 | 45% |
| 2012 | 291 | 32% |
| 2011 | 235 | 24% |
| 2010 | 295 | 22% |
| 2009 | 368 | 24% |
| 2008 | 233 | 24% |
| 2007 | 113 | 12% |
| 2006 | 142 | 13% |
| 2005 | 180 | 18% |
| 2004 | 151 | 13% |
| 2003 | 289 | 51% |
| 2002 | 259 | 46% |
| 2001 | 285 | 40% |
| 2000 | 199 | 22% |
| 1999 | 144 | 18% |
| 1998 | 130 | 13% |
| 1997 | 87 | 20% |
| 1980 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
506 complaintsExterior lighting
153 complaintsBrakes
70 complaintsFuel system
70 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
65 complaintsSeats
62 complaintsEngine
49 complaintsOther or unknown
35 complaintsElectronic stability control
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsSuspension
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
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