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.
The worst 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical41
- Steering20
- Engine12
- Fuel system9
- Brakes6
- Lights6
- Airbags5
- Driver assistance5
- Acceleration3
- Suspension2
- Transmission2
- Visibility2
- Body1
- Seats1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
Recalls 1
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 14V400000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic 129
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Unknown or other
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field...
- Unknown or other
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding...
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
What 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v224000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 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.
Compare the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
Other model years
Questions about the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic reliable?
Owners have filed 92 complaints about the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, 5.8 times a typical Malibu Classic model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic year score?
The 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic scores 12 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Malibu Classic: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic?
Electrical system, with 41 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles. Next is steering (20).
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic have?
1 recall, covering electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 14V400000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chevrolet Malibu Classic have the most electrical problems?
The Chevrolet Malibu Classic model years with the most electrical complaints are 2004 (59 complaints), 2005 (41 complaints) and 2001 (12 complaints).
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