2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic recalls and problems

The 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic has 1 recall and 92 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is electrical system.

2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
Pictured: a 2004 model; the 2005 may differ in details. Photo: 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2005 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Highest complaint count among 8 Malibu Classic model years — 2nd most.

1recalls
92complaints
6crashes
1fires
5injuries
90,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
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1 recall

Electrical System

Jul 3, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V400000 · 5,877,718 vehicles

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.

Remedy & notes

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.

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.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2005: 1 complaints20052006: 5 complaints2007: 4 complaints20072008: 7 complaints2009: 6 complaints20092010: 7 complaints2011: 6 complaints20112012: 4 complaints2013: 1 complaints20132014: 18 complaints182015: 12 complaints20152016: 4 complaints2017: 5 complaints20172018: 4 complaints2019: 5 complaints20192020: 1 complaints2023: 1 complaints20232024: 1 complaints20241

2005 vs. other Chevrolet Malibu Classic years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2005. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign covering the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, the latest from Jul 3, 2014 (electrical system). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention electrical system (41), steering (20), engine (12). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.