NHTSA vehicle safety data

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2005 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 975 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Chevrolet dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2005 Chevrolet Malibu owner complaints

Owners have filed 975 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, describing incidents dated September 13, 2004 to March 10, 2026.

Most-cited components

Steering 506 complaints
Electrical System 180 complaints
Exterior Lighting 153 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 70 complaints
Service Brakes 70 complaints
Engine 66 complaints

Of the 975 complaints on file, 46 report a crash and 34 a fire; across all 975 complaints, owners report 55 injuries and 3 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11723407 · Filed March 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to the U-joint in the steering column, which made the vehicle…
ODI #11704639 · Filed December 12, 2025
Power steering failing. As I was driving down the road I got a power steering message and chime. No dash light came on and I lost all ability to turn my vehicles steering wheel. I went to add power steering fluid just to learn that my 2005 Chevy Malibu maxx LS comes equipped with EPS(electric power…
ODI #11700534 · Filed November 20, 2025
The steering locked up when the brakes were pressed and the steering wheel was turned to avoid crashing with another car. The result is the crash happened and damage to both cars. Thankfully traffic was only going around 10 mph. If this had happened at high speed my son may have been seriously…

Read all 975 complaints

Owner-reported

2005 Chevrolet Malibu mileage at failure

744 of the 975 complaints on file for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Steering	Median 95,000 miles	Middle half 50,000–140,000 miles	Based on 409 complaints
Electrical System	Median 105,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–140,000 miles	Based on 118 complaints
Exterior Lighting	Median 80,000 miles	Middle half 55,000–105,000 miles	Based on 110 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System	Median 100,000 miles	Middle half 65,000–135,000 miles	Based on 53 complaints
Service Brakes	Median 100,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–150,000 miles	Based on 43 complaints
Engine	Median 95,000 miles	Middle half 55,000–135,000 miles	Based on 43 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA09-004: Turn Signal Lamps
Closed August 12, 2010

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Steering Shaft Inadequate Support of U-Joint

NHTSA #14E044000 · Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported July 21, 2014 · Dorman Products, Inc.

Potentially affected: 7,304 vehicles

Repair completion: 30.35% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified September 8, 2014

Defect description

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.

Safety consequence

A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Brake Lights may or may not Randomly Illuminate

NHTSA #14V252000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported May 14, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 2,440,524 vehicles

Repair completion: 59.64% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 13036 · Owners notified August 18, 2014 · Vehicles built March 30, 2004 – July 29, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Safety consequence

Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Transmission Shift Cable may Fracture/Rollaway

NHTSA #14V224000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported April 30, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 1,131,113 vehicles

Repair completion: 53.63% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14152 · Owners notified June 27, 2014 · Vehicles built May 16, 2003 – October 5, 2007 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

General 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, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.

Safety consequence

If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the PARK position, the transmission may not be in PARK. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering

NHTSA #14V153000 · Steering — Electric Power Assist System · NHTSA notice

Reported March 31, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 1,373,177 vehicles

Repair completion: 60.08% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N140115 · Owners notified July 17, 2014 · Vehicles built March 30, 2004 – July 29, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Safety consequence

If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS

NHTSA #11E009000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported February 28, 2011 · TI GROUP AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LLC

Potentially affected: 4,887 vehicles

Owners notified February 22, 2011

Defect description

TI AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS, PART NUMBERS TU456 AND TU303, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AS AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.

Safety consequence

A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.

Manufacturer remedy

TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON TO WWW.RECALLRESPONSE.COM.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY GENERAL MOTORS.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS

NHTSA #09E012000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported April 7, 2009 · SABERSPORT

Potentially affected: 16,270 vehicles

Owners notified May 11, 2009

Defect description

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Safety consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

2005 Chevrolet Malibu 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

1 investigation

2005 Chevrolet Malibu w/SAB 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

1 investigation

975 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu.

Steering

ODI #11723407

Incident: March 10, 2026 · Filed: March 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to the U-joint in the steering column, which made the vehicle difficult to control. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

Steering

ODI #11704639

Incident: November 23, 2025 · Filed: December 12, 2025

Power steering failing. As I was driving down the road I got a power steering message and chime. No dash light came on and I lost all ability to turn my vehicles steering wheel. I went to add power steering fluid just to learn that my 2005 Chevy Malibu maxx LS comes equipped with EPS(electric power steering). Then I check on NHTSA for safety recalls and there is a safety recall for the Chevy Malibu maxx including the 2005 Chevy Malibu maxx. I was pulling safely out of store parking lot into traffic and I had to hit the ditch luckily I didn't get T-boned. Thanks to my reaction time being fast I made it safely outta the road. I am available to have car inspected if needed. It just started on 11/23/2025 I bought the car used a year prior in Nov. 2024.

Steering

ODI #11700534

Crash

Incident: November 13, 2025 · Filed: November 20, 2025

The steering locked up when the brakes were pressed and the steering wheel was turned to avoid crashing with another car. The result is the crash happened and damage to both cars. Thankfully traffic was only going around 10 mph. If this had happened at high speed my son may have been seriously injured or even killed. The mechanic is working on it now and has reported the power steering module and power steering motor has to be replaced.

Steering

ODI #11678786

Incident: August 4, 2025 · Filed: August 6, 2025

The car has a recall for power steering the recall covers the torque sensor in the steering assembly I had the recall done about 6-8 weeks ago & now I’m dealing with another power steering issue I took the car to Chevy & the whole power steering motor has failed they say it is not covered under the recall although it should be other Malibu models are this is very frustrating & unacceptable as I just got a recall for steering done & now I can’t even drive my car

Steering; Electrical System

ODI #11678257

Incident: January 1, 2024 · Filed: August 4, 2025

The EPS began sporadically and severely jerking the steering very powerfully while driving and stationary and draining the battery at an accelerated rate necessitating multiple replacements of and charging 2 batteries to get to and from my job and anywhere else making everyday life very difficult beginning in early 2024. A couple months before this issue became a daily and constant occurrence in in February 2024 between the 6th and 13th I had a stabilizer link and control arm on the right side replaced and an alignment done at Firestone, on the document for the alignment it states no manufacturers recommended services necessary on suspension. The mechanic who replaced the parts told me that the EPS issue is a likely cause for the steering system damage as a vehicle is not meant to remain stationary while the wheels are forcibly turned as is the case when the EPS takes over and jerks the wheel often to the extremes of its function. I have video of this on multiple occasions and it can be inspected still occuring. I took it to Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission in April 2024 and explained the services done recently and the mechanics opinion on the EPS. They held my vehicle for 3 days not saying it would take so long, during which I had to use a truck I had just bought and was not ready to be driven to get to work, it's transmission blew and has sat since. They called me to come pick it up and only once there told me they had refused to replace the recalled EPS unit "due to loose steering" as quoted from the document Given to me. I asked them to reconsider since this was the only vehicle I had running and charging batteries and being nearly forced off of the road or into other cars daily was very concerning, they simply told me to take it to another dealership for "a second opinion" I stated I didn't have time for another dealer to hold my car for days because my truck had just gone OOC, they held their position and I drove it until forced to buy a new car in 03/2025

Steering; Unknown or Other

ODI #11675929

Incident: July 24, 2025 · Filed: July 24, 2025

POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND WATER PUMP

Steering; Traction Control System

ODI #11672661

Incident: June 11, 2025 · Filed: July 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 60-70 MPH, the steering wheel turned to left and to the right independently. The traction control warning light was illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

Steering

ODI #11661092

Crash

Incident: May 12, 2025 · Filed: May 15, 2025

The electric power steering has failed on me numerous times. From being completely locked and having to restart the car 5 times just to free it up, to it locking up while i'm going 70 down the freeway multiple times. one of those times was while i was merging lanes and my wheel got locked slightly left and it sent me into the median wall, luckily no more damage than some missing paint and scratches but this is a problem that needs fixed. I searched my vin and there is no recall but it is the exact same make and model and has the exact same EPS issues the other 05 malibus do. what are my options before i get into a really bad accident because of this?

Service Brakes

ODI #11647137

Incident: February 28, 2025 · Filed: March 8, 2025

Brake lights malfunctioning due to faulty wiring in body control module, a prior recall 2 dealerships are currently refusing to honor; stating your recall has expired. According to the below link, recalls are never to expire. This condition creates an increased risk of rear end collisions, while the driver is completely unaware his or her brake lights are inoperable. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering

ODI #11633659

Incident: January 2, 2025 · Filed: January 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a turn, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The message "Service Electronic Power Steering" was displayed. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The electronic power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

Other Chevrolet Malibu model years

Check your 2005 Chevrolet Malibu VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Chevrolet Malibu at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Chevrolet VIN