2005 Chevrolet Malibu Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 3%of 975 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 162,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the 975 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 162,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I turned my car on and the service light was on and the message on my car read power steering. I couldn't turn my wheel at all. I turned the car off and back on again and it went away. A few days later while driving straight down a local highway the light came on again and the power steering is not working. It seems to be locked up”
NHTSA complaint #11173895, filed 2019-02, 173,000 miles“I was on my way to work driving on the 405 freeway in california going around a ramp in my steering wheel locked up on me I hit the brake it released the next morning on my way back home from work I was on my way on the freeway so I accelerate on the gas and my steering wheel locked up as soon as I took my foot off the ignition gas it released. …”
NHTSA complaint #11149980, filed 2018-11, 180,000 miles“Steering shaft inadequate support of u-joint. The steering wheel shakes going down the road. You can feel a clicking in it when you turn. It's like the steering wheel could break or something. Also every now and then there is a sudden loss of power steering. Power steering goes out and steering wheel locks up. It's done this numerous times over the years. And when we take it in they say the recall won't cover it. I've tried calling dealership and they say theirs no open recalls for the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11218126, filed 2019-06, 190,000 miles“I've had my car for almost three years. I've had multiple issues with it and the local dealership whiteheads Chevrolet where I had my recalls fixed is by far the worst dealership anyone could take their car too. …”
NHTSA complaint #11114353, filed 2018-07, 189,000 miles“Referred to you by GM after dealer refused to consider this a free repair, as my vehicle is not covered by recall #13036d. Vehicle is exhibiting same conditions as per your recall, brake light remains illuminated .panic-brake assist malfunctioned 2 weeks ago; almost resulting in a rear end collision. This occurred on a 4 lane highway, and vehicle began to skid. At that point I released the brake, and was forced to pump them in order to slow vehicle. Park-brake feature also malfunctions randomly. …”
NHTSA complaint #11124510, filed 2018-09, 70,500 milesRelated recalls
- 14V252000May 14, 2014General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2012, Pontiac G6 2005–2010, Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 2004–2007 +1 more
Electronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 | 53 | 8% |
| 2016 | 76 | 9% |
| 2015 | 16 | 6% |
| 2014 | 31 | 9% |
| 2013 | 72 | 9% |
| 2012 | 129 | 14% |
| 2011 | 174 | 18% |
| 2010 | 227 | 17% |
| 2009 | 255 | 17% |
| 2008 | 68 | 7% |
| 2007 | 22 | 2% |
| 2006 | 29 | 3% |
| 2005 | 30 | 3% |
| 2004 | 22 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 2 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
506 complaintsElectrical system
180 complaintsExterior lighting
153 complaintsBrakes
70 complaintsFuel system
70 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
65 complaintsSeats
62 complaintsEngine
49 complaintsOther or unknown
35 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