2005 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 65about this part
- Share
- 7%of 975 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 65 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, 7% of the 975 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 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 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“Well after a day of no issues I was driving went to park and I put my car into park the car died and reversed a little bit. It now won't turn over and won't make any noise under the hood. I tried jumping it but that didn't work and I tried to see if maybe the anti lock system shut it off but it's not that either. When I turn the key to the on position it says it's still in reverse and when I move the shifter it doesn't register on the dashboard. So my car still thinks I'm in reverse.”
NHTSA complaint #11124087, filed 2018-09, 115,795 miles“After daughter stopped at red traffic light car would not go forward. Only gear was reverse. Drove backwards to safe location. Car would not go into any other gear. I am on disability so I did assume my transmission went out. So I did replace. My ex-husband doing all work in my driveway, as I can't afford mechanic. Long and short of it still wouldn't go into park. Discover it was the shift cable. Order shift cable directly from dealership. Replaced and everything works fine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10676840, filed 2015-01, 110,000 miles“I had to buy a transmission for my Malibu and now I am receiving recalls (multiple) # 14152 & #13036 for the same car. However, on the freeway coming home from temecula, ca, south bound on the 15 highway, my transmission was not engaging. No loud sounds, or excess acceleration, nor too much weight (driver and passenger only cargo.) the engine was on and as I accelerated the engine was going but nothing was propelling us forward. I had to buy a new transmission and pay for labor which came out to a hefty expense. …”
NHTSA complaint #10679265, filed 2015-01, 90,000 miles“On 11/21, I took my 2005 Malibu to the GM dealership for a recall on the steering to replace the torque sensor assembly. Nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000. When I left the dealership and driving for awhile, I noticed my car would partially stall at traffic lights or stop signs. I called the dealership when I got home and they told me to bring it back the next day, but I had to work. Today, 11/26 I took my car to the GM dealership because the car continues to partially stall at traffic lights or stop signs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10661092, filed 2014-11, 162,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V224000Apr 30, 2014General 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…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2008, Malibu Maxx 2004–2007, Pontiac G6 2005–2008 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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…
- 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…
- 10234619Apr 6, 2023This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 10228863Dec 13, 2022This 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…
- 10227241Nov 18, 2022This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 24 | 24% |
| 2021 | 28 | 31% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 68 | 35% |
| 2018 | 171 | 24% |
| 2017 | 139 | 20% |
| 2016 | 166 | 20% |
| 2015 | 31 | 11% |
| 2014 | 52 | 15% |
| 2013 | 54 | 6% |
| 2012 | 49 | 5% |
| 2011 | 112 | 11% |
| 2010 | 133 | 10% |
| 2009 | 121 | 8% |
| 2008 | 86 | 9% |
| 2007 | 47 | 5% |
| 2006 | 43 | 4% |
| 2005 | 65 | 7% |
| 2004 | 64 | 6% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 18 | 3% |
| 2000 | 26 | 3% |
| 1999 | 21 | 3% |
| 1998 | 50 | 5% |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
506 complaintsElectrical system
180 complaintsExterior lighting
153 complaintsBrakes
70 complaintsFuel system
70 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 31, 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