2005 Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 5%of 975 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the engine of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, 5% of the 975 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,500 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving home with my daughter on interstate route 80 when I noticed my car was emitting a thick black smoke trail. I immediately took the next exit and pulled into a parking lot. My daughter and I then jumped out of the smoke filled car. We then ran away as we watched the inferno take over and then the car suddenly exploded. Blowing back the hood and smashing the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #10854931, filed 2016-04, 242,000 miles“I was driving to work on the freeway and I accelerated to merge into traffic I slightly turned the wheel to the left and it went to the right and the faster I tried to go it was going all over the road from left to right.I didnt have much control so I decided to get off the freeway and go back home.”
NHTSA complaint #11045274, filed 2017-11, 45 miles“I was at a stop sign went to press gas pedal to turn onto road and the car just shut off no warning lights came on nor did it show any codes. Got out of car popped trunk pulled relay fuse out put it back in and it cranked up,then on my way home from work,going about 25 MPH and it just shut down again,I repeated pulling out relay fuse and put it back in then waited a minute then it cranked and I drove straight home.”
NHTSA complaint #10458198, filed 2012-05, 46,150 miles“When I am driving, highway or local, my engine will stutter and shut down, or just quietly shut down right in the middle of traffic. It is happening a lot. I have found myself facing oncoming traffic during some of these stalls. Sometimes I can get it to restart snd other times I cannot. Also. I am having trouble get gas into the tank when fueling. I hear air escaping and the pump will shut off. Local mechanics do not want to tackle that issue. The dealer I bought it from says since I bought it used, as-is, that the problem is on me. …”
NHTSA complaint #11164688, filed 2019-01, 223,000 miles“I'm having an issue where's I'm scared I will be in a car accident. My engine light comes on then my tc light then my car say engine power reduce in the car will just shut off.”
NHTSA complaint #10824697, filed 2016-02, 223,600 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service 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 or…
- 10242298Aug 10, 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…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178949Jul 28, 2020This Bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC…
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This 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…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This 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…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 13 | 18% |
| 2022 | 29 | 29% |
| 2021 | 15 | 17% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 65 | 34% |
| 2018 | 281 | 40% |
| 2017 | 253 | 36% |
| 2016 | 304 | 36% |
| 2015 | 70 | 26% |
| 2014 | 125 | 36% |
| 2013 | 204 | 24% |
| 2012 | 99 | 11% |
| 2011 | 160 | 16% |
| 2010 | 115 | 8% |
| 2009 | 61 | 4% |
| 2008 | 62 | 6% |
| 2007 | 28 | 3% |
| 2006 | 33 | 3% |
| 2005 | 49 | 5% |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% |
| 2003 | 47 | 8% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 26 | 4% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
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 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 27, 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