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

Steering leads with 711 complaints. The electrical system follows with 261.

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

Yes. The by-year data shows 4 recalls for this model year. See the Recalls section on this page for the list.

How many owner complaints does the 2005 Malibu have?

NHTSA has 1,393 complaints on file.

What is the gas mileage of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu?

See the fuel economy section on this page for the figures.

Is the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Owner reports are mixed. There are 1,393 complaints on file, led by steering. Check the recalls and by-year sections too.

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 1,393 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu^[1]. Steering has the biggest share, with 711 complaints^[2].

1,393owner complaints^[1]

4recalls^[3]

23–25MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed complaints across several parts of the car. Here are the groups, biggest first.

Steering. 711 complaints^[2]. Owners describe a wheel that feels loose, power steering that cuts out for a while, and a car that drifts on its own to one side. Some stories mention repeat dealer visits and a replaced steering column.
Electrical system. 261 complaints^[5]. In the stories we read, owners describe an engine that is slow to crank, keys that stick in the ignition, and warning lights or gauges that act up for a while and then clear.
Exterior lighting. 210 complaints^[6]. Owners describe bulbs that burn out again and again, plus a headlight that needed replacing. This group also lists 30 fires^[6].
Seats. 102 complaints^[7]. Owners describe driver seats that tilt or will not stay upright, and seat frames with broken welds.
Brakes. 94 complaints^[8]. Brake complaints in this group include 10 crashes^[8].
Engine. 87 complaints^[9]. The median mileage at failure is 100,000^[9].
Power train. 70 complaints^[10].
Fuel and propulsion system. 46 complaints^[11].

These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2005 Malibu is necessarily included.

Electrical System › Ignition (14V400), July 2014. About 5,877,718 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[12]
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (14V252), May 2014. About 2,440,524 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift (14V224), April 2014. About 1,131,113 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, the car rolling away. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Steering › Electric Power Assist System (14V153), March 2014. About 1,373,177 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, steering problems.^[15]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Malibu, 2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[4]	21 / 32 / 25	$2,700
Malibu, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[16]	20 / 29 / 23	$2,900
Malibu Maxx, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[17]	20 / 28 / 23	$2,900

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: 4-DR None^[18], W/SAB 4-DR None^[19].

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
MALIBU 4DR SEDAN FWD BASE^[20]	188 in	70 in	57 in	106 in	3,175 lb
MALIBU 4DR SEDAN FWD LS/LT^[21]	188 in	70 in	57 in	106 in	3,296 lb
MALIBU MAXX 4DR WAGON FWD LS/LT^[22]	188 in	70 in	58 in	113 in	3,459 lb

How 2005 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Malibu model year. The 2005 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1997	446	4
1998	981	3
1999	793	1
2000	933	3
2001	734	2
2002	583	2
2003	585	2
2004	1,697	7
2005	1,393	4
2006	1,387	6
2007	1,036	3
2008	1,017	4
2009	1,534	5
2010	1,365	3
2011	978	3
2012	907	2
2013	924	11
2014	363	6
2015	270	3
2016	865	10
2017	725	4
2018	711	6
2019	195	1
2020	199	1
2021	90	2
2022	99	1
2023	71	2
2024	43	2
2025	11	1

NHTSA's counts for the Malibu show 1,393 complaints and 4 recalls for 2005^[3]. Among the 29 model years listed, 26 have fewer complaints than 2005 and 2 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2025 (11) and the most are for 2004 (1,697)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2005 Malibu?

The 2005 Malibu has a long complaint record, with 1,393 reports on file^[1]. Steering stands out by a wide margin at 711 complaints^[2]. Electrical trouble comes next at 261 complaints^[5]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a guide to what owners reported. Check the recalls and by-year sections on this page before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu?: Steering leads with 711 complaints^[2]. The electrical system follows with 261^[5].
Does the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?: Yes. The by-year data shows 4 recalls for this model year^[3]. See the Recalls section on this page for the list.
How many owner complaints does the 2005 Malibu have?: NHTSA has 1,393 complaints on file^[1].
What is the gas mileage of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the figures.
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?: Owner reports are mixed. There are 1,393 complaints on file, led by steering^[1]^[2]. Check the recalls and by-year sections too.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Chevrolet Malibu

2005 this page
2009 1,534 complaints, 5 recalls
2010 1,365 complaints, 3 recalls
2011 978 complaints, 3 recalls
2012 907 complaints, 2 recalls
2013 924 complaints, 11 recalls
2014 363 complaints, 6 recalls
2015 270 complaints, 3 recalls
2016 865 complaints, 10 recalls
2017 725 complaints, 4 recalls

Compare all model years of the Chevrolet Malibu

Other Chevrolet models from 2005

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier 287 complaints, 0 recalls
2005 Chevrolet Colorado 356 complaints, 3 recalls
2005 Chevrolet Corvette 537 complaints, 6 recalls
2005 Chevrolet Express Passenger 59 complaints, 8 recalls
2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 1,466 complaints, 2 recalls
2005 Chevrolet Venture 42 complaints, 1 recall

All Chevrolet models

Similar cars from 2005: large cars

2005 Buick LeSabre 77 complaints, 0 recalls
2005 Ford Crown Victoria 193 complaints, 5 recalls
2005 Lincoln Town Car 119 complaints, 3 recalls
2005 Mercury Grand Marquis 488 complaints, 4 recalls
2005 Toyota Avalon 228 complaints, 7 recalls

All large cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 1,393 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu (65 mention a crash, 45 a fire, 69 injuries, 3 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
711 complaints name the steering component group (29 crashes, 1 fires, 26 injuries, median mileage at failure 89,250). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Malibu model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Malibu, 2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 32 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
261 complaints name the electrical system component group (8 crashes, 13 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 97,500). NHTSA vehicle records
210 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (2 crashes, 30 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 81,019). NHTSA vehicle records
102 complaints name the seats component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 91,000). NHTSA vehicle records
94 complaints name the brakes component group (10 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
87 complaints name the engine component group (8 crashes, 2 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,000). NHTSA vehicle records
70 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 94,051). NHTSA vehicle records
46 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 105,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 14V400, filed July 3, 2014: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V252, filed May 14, 2014: Electronic Stability Control (Esc). NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V224, filed April 30, 2014: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V153, filed March 31, 2014: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Malibu, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 29 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Malibu Maxx, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, W/SAB 4-DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MALIBU 4DR SEDAN FWD BASE: length 188 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,175 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MALIBU 4DR SEDAN FWD LS/LT: length 188 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,296 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MALIBU MAXX 4DR WAGON FWD LS/LT: length 188 in, width 70 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 3,459 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2005 Chevrolet Malibu: problems, recalls and fuel economy