Total Complaints
123 filings
CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC · model year
123 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2005CHEVROLETMALIBU CLASSIC carries 123 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 crashes, 1 fire, 8 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2005 MALIBU CLASSIC is electrical system with 34 filings, followed by steering (20) and engine (8). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2005 MALIBU CLASSIC, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
123 filings
Crashes Reported
8 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 34 |
| STEERING | 20 |
| ENGINE | 8 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 6 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 6 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE | 5 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 5 |
| AIR BAGS | 5 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH | 3 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agen
While driving on the interstate while using the cruise control, the vehicle started increasing speed and rpmâs. I could not turn off cruise by braking or using the off button on steering wheel. I had to put it in neutral which caused the engine to redline in rpmâs, so I could use brakes to safely stop on the side of the interstate highway. I turned off the engine and opened the hood to look inside. I turned ignition back on and immediately the engine revved to redline rpmâs again.
driving the car it just shuts off which results in no power no steering and no brakes possibly an ignition switch problem.
driving the car it just shuts off which results in no power no steering and no brakes possibly an ignition switch problem.
driving the car it just shuts off which results in no power no steering and no brakes possibly an ignition switch problem.
IGNITION SWITCH PROOBLEMS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ANTI-THEFT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. MIDWAY CHEVROLET(381 12TH ST, PLAINWELL, MI) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Mileage: 190,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Mileage: 36,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Mileage: 36,000
THE THEFT SYSTEM KEEPS GOING OFF FOR NO REASON LEAVING ME STRANDED FOR 10-15 MINUTES. IT HAPPENED TO TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 3 TIMES IN THE PAST THE WHOLE DASH BOARD LIT UP AND THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WAS BLINKING. IT ALSO HAPPENS WHILE I INITIALLY START THE CAR UP.
Mileage: 140,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 223,000.
Mileage: 223,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 223,000.
Mileage: 223,000
I HAVE A 2005 MALIBU - THAT IS A MONEY PIT- THIER IS A WIRING IGNITION PROBLEM - MY CAR IS AN INTERMITTENT STARTER - I'VE CHANGED FUSES- ALTERNATOR - FUEL PUMP- BEEN TOLD THIS AND THAT - I'M A SINGLE FEMALE - AND CAN'T DRIVE THIS CAR ANYWHERE - IT STOPS WHEN EVER IT WANTS TO - IN ORDER HE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD - OR GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE AAA HAS RETIRED MY TOWING - I'M ONLINE READING AND EVERYBODY HAS WENT THROUGH MY HE SAME - I CALLED LAST WEEK BEFORE HAVING MY CAR TOWED AGAIN - TO SEE IF THIER HAS BEEN A RECALL AND I HEARD NO- I HAD IT TOWED - SPENT 320 DOLLARS BEING TOLD IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR AFTER GOING THROUGH 2 BATTERIES - FOR THE SAME THING - I JUST GOT MY CAR BACK - WENT OUT TO GET SOME COFFEE - COME OUT AND THE CAR WON'T START AGAIN - WOULD SOMEONE CALL ME ABOUT THIS - 214 755 -3606
Mileage: 179,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION DUE TO THE GEAR SHIFTER NOT BEING IN THE PARK POSITION, ALTHOUGH THE SHIFT INDICATOR DISPLAYED PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. MAGEE AUTOPLEX CHEVROLET (2127 WASHINGTON ST, FRANKLINTON, LA 70438, (866) 551-5128) WAS CONTACTED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,596.
Mileage: 123,596
I CAN'T USE POWER STEERING FLUID IN MY CAR BECAUSE I'VE BEEN TOLD IT'S ELECTRICAL. I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY APARTMENT BUILDING AND I CAME UP TO A RED LIGHT UP THE ROAD TO TURN LEFT. I STOPPED AT THE LIGHT FOR A MINUTE, AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I CONTINUED AN THATS WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. I COULDN'T BARELY TURN MY STEERING WHEEL AND ITS HARD AN THATS WHEN "POWER STEERING" POPPED UP ON MY DASH. MY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY AND I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT AND ITS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM MY JOB.
Mileage: 208,029
I CAN'T USE POWER STEERING FLUID IN MY CAR BECAUSE I'VE BEEN TOLD IT'S ELECTRICAL. I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY APARTMENT BUILDING AND I CAME UP TO A RED LIGHT UP THE ROAD TO TURN LEFT. I STOPPED AT THE LIGHT FOR A MINUTE, AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I CONTINUED AN THATS WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. I COULDN'T BARELY TURN MY STEERING WHEEL AND ITS HARD AN THATS WHEN "POWER STEERING" POPPED UP ON MY DASH. MY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY AND I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT AND ITS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM MY JOB.
Mileage: 208,029
I CAN'T USE POWER STEERING FLUID IN MY CAR BECAUSE I'VE BEEN TOLD IT'S ELECTRICAL. I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY APARTMENT BUILDING AND I CAME UP TO A RED LIGHT UP THE ROAD TO TURN LEFT. I STOPPED AT THE LIGHT FOR A MINUTE, AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I CONTINUED AN THATS WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. I COULDN'T BARELY TURN MY STEERING WHEEL AND ITS HARD AN THATS WHEN "POWER STEERING" POPPED UP ON MY DASH. MY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY AND I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT AND ITS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM MY JOB.
Mileage: 208,029
2 YEARS AGO I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER REGARDING STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS REPLACED, LESS THAN A YEAR LATER THE ISSUES CONTINUED TO OCCUR. I'VE CALLED CAMELBACK CHEVROLET MULTIPLE TIMES AND LEFT MESSAGES FOR THE GENERAL MANAGER WITH NO RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEABLE DUE TO THIS RECALL.
TAKATA RECALL ENGINE OIL KEEPS DISAPPEARING EVERY WEEK ! THERE ARE NO LEAKS ! THERE IS NO OIL IN THE WATER THAT I CAN SEE !
Mileage: 116,285
TAKATA RECALL ON 01/10/2012 , I WAS IN A CRASH ,, INVOLVING A AIR BAG DEPOLYMENT IN WHICH , THE AIR BAR DEPLOYED DURRING A CRASH , , I REAR ENDED A CAR AFTER IT HAD STOPPED SUDDENDLY AFTER A PEDIESTRAIN HAD CROSSED THE STREET , UNEXPECTALLY , ,, AFTER THE SUDDEN DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG , SO MUCH MATERAIL HAD BLOWEN OUT OF THE AIR BAG , HITTING MY HAND , MOST OF THE INJURY WAS ON MY FACE AREA MOUTH WAS BLEEDING AS THE MATERAIL HAD STRUCK MY MOUTH AREA , ,, I THOUGHT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE , FROM THE SMOKE AND MATERAIL EXPLOIDED OUT OF IT , I HAD A HARD TIME SLEEPING AND WAS VERY DISTRUBED BY IT , THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE JUNK YARD , AS THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOOK THE CAR , AS IT WAS JUNKED , CAN PROVIDE POLICE REPORT AND INSURANCE DOCUMENTS , JUST NEED SOME TIME TO RETRIVE THEM ,
Mileage: 124,356
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE TURNED SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. WHILE DRIVING TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS RUSTED AND DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS REPLACED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000. *TT UPDATED 9/12/18*JB
Mileage: 153,000
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Fuel Line Leak
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.