2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic recalls and problems

The 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic has 1 safety recall and 92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
92
Crashes / fires
6 / 1
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic recalls

Recall 14V-400: Electrical System

Reported Jul 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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 agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System43
Steering20
Engine8
Exterior Lighting6
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)5
Air Bags5
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Vehicle Speed Control3
Suspension2

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module — 5
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper — 2
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 1
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
  • Suspension › Front — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 90,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Jan 21, 2024
While driving on the interstate while using the cruise control, the vehicle started increasing speed and rpm’s. 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 rpm’s, 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 rpm’s again.
Air Bags · reported Sep 4, 2023
driving the car it just shuts off which results in no power no steering and no brakes possibly an ignition switch problem.
Electrical System · at 190,000 miles · reported Sep 18, 2019
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.
Electrical System · at 36,000 miles · reported Aug 14, 2019
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.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 140,000 miles · reported Jun 12, 2019
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.

Other Chevrolet Malibu Classic years

Compare all Chevrolet Malibu Classic years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic: 14V-400 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (43 reports), followed by steering (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 90,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.