2005 Chevrolet Malibu Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 2%of 975 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, 2% of the 975 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Check engine/power steering light came on when starting down the road. Rpms shot up to 4 and 5, car won't shift (automatic car), MPH stopped reading, all the info I get through my radio screen went blank, there is only an error sign where my mileage is.”
NHTSA complaint #10437319, filed 2011-11, 88,000 miles“Re: 2005 chevy Malibu sedan ls. (1). On 2-11-07, car started hard; accelarated poorly & ran rough at idle, w/'check engine light' flashing; ignition switch module was replaced (20,234 miles). (2) on 2-25-07, check engine lamp was on; a new catalytic converter was ordered (20,554 miles).”
NHTSA complaint #10183817, filed 2007-02, 21 miles“Car lost power, steering intact & I steered it to the shoulder of the interstate highway. Anti-theft light was flashing. On jun 4th, all attempts to reset the the system failed (I was waiting ten minutes with key in on position). The car began to flash all lights & a buzzing alarm sounded. By july, the anti theft device was preventing starting or causing the engine to stop on a daily basis. A code indicated a problem with the fuel supply to the injectors & possibly the fuel pump. (the anti theft device works by cutting off the fuel to the injectors). …”
NHTSA complaint #10441925, filed 2011-12“I own a 05 pre-owned chevy Malibu that was in prestine condition when buying. After having for about 6 months the fuel gauge started acting erratically and the check engine light stays on as a cause of this issue. I was told it will cost me $800 to fix the issue. Also the air conditioning unit has gone out due to a faulty part (told by a mechanic). I googled this issue and so many other purchasers of the same vehicle are having the same issues with the air conditioning and the fuel gauge. This is not right and GM has to know that these parts are faulty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10327179, filed 2010-04“The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact turned the vehicle back on and it performed normally. The contact called the dealer who advised her to take the vehicle in for diagnosis. The vehicle had not been repaired. The currrent and failure mileages were approximately 58,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10361100, filed 2010-10, 58,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10244273Oct 6, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10239101Jun 30, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 6% |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 11 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 0% |
| 2011 | 12 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 1% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 12 | 1% |
| 2007 | 7 | 1% |
| 2006 | 25 | 2% |
| 2005 | 17 | 2% |
| 2004 | 20 | 2% |
| 2003 | 41 | 7% |
| 2002 | 63 | 11% |
| 2001 | 149 | 21% |
| 2000 | 174 | 19% |
| 1999 | 138 | 17% |
| 1998 | 144 | 15% |
| 1997 | 60 | 14% |
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 complaintsElectronic stability control
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsAir bags
25 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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