2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Apr 16, 2021 · Steering · 45,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu maxx. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a clunking sound was coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that the steering column was previously replaced however, the failure persisted. The local dealer john elway chevrolet located at 5200 s. Broadway, englewood, co 80113 and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed Mar 19, 2012 · Steering · 112,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu maxx. The contact heard a loud clunking noise when attempting a right or left turn at low speeds. The dealer advised the contact to replace the stabilizer bar. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. No repairs were performed. The current mileage was 138,000 and the failure mileage was 112,000.

Filed Jun 3, 2011 · Steering · 101,754 miles · CT

I have a 2005 chevrolet malibu maxx. We had experienced loss of power steering at 87017 miles. Dealer replaced power steering column under policy 10183. Car has again had the same problem now at 101754 miles. Policy 10183 states that gm will pay for repairs but only up to 100,000 miles. I'm 1754 miles over this. However it was repaired before only 14,737 miles ago. Is gm repairing this defect with the same defective components? If so this endangers everyone and is unethical. This car has had numerous front end issues including replacing the steering rack several times (clunking noise when turning - now also back again), wheel hub and bearing issues and steering column replaced at 50425 miles for a failed torque sensor. We are concerned that the vehicle may not be safe to drive. Gm should be re-engineering these components and replacing the failed ones with new design. This needs to be a recall for all impacted models before someone is killed or injured due to loss of power steering which can be very sudden and dramatic. Gm claims it is not a safety issue. However, someone unprepared or without upper body strength can get into serious trouble very quickly. Who will make the decision to do the right thing with this problem? Apparently this is well documented with other gm products as well.

Filed Mar 30, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · 24,547 miles · GA

The steering has a heavy clunk sound when turning left in reverse, no sound when going to the right. Then at just over 50k miles, the steering on the vehicle started having issues with power while turning to the right under power, to the left was just fine. The head lamps also have gotten severely cloudy which limits visibility during night time driving. Front turn indicator lights also had a problem with loose sockets, causing the lights to short out and eventually fail because of sparking residue on the contacts. Also, for some reason the rear window wiper randomly turns on for no apparent reason. The vehicle also has a starting problem where at times, the vehicle will crank and not start. Looking around, quite a few folks have that problem as well, where some people have had to short out the hood safety switch to make the car work... Now that is crazy to have to short out something to start your car. Apparently though, the electrical system is severely sensitive to voltage issues in general, more so then most vehicles on the road.

Filed Jun 11, 2010 · Steering · IL

Loose/clunky steering. The clunky sound and feel can be heard/felt whenever the steering wheel is moved. There is also some space between when the steering wheel is turned and when the wheels actually turn. Feels unsafe to me. I'm very easy on the turns, it scares me that something is going to break when I turn. Don't know if that's the case I'm not a mechanic, but it feels and sounds awful. It started months after I bought the care. I purchased it april 2006, basically a new car, but after a few months the problem started. I took it to the dealership they fixed it, but it started up again after a few months. I took it in again to the dealership they said they were installing a new improved steering gear or something like that. It lasted a little longer this time, but the problem started again. This should be a recall repair. The warranty is over so I'm not taking it in again. It isn't worth the expense - a temporary fix is not the solution. This will probably be my last chevy. It's disappointing. My cars have always been at least 6 years old when purchased. This was my newest car purchased. It was exciting, but then ended up being so disappointing. My next newer car purchase will be nissan. I miss my old nissan.

Filed Mar 5, 2010 · Steering · 38,000 miles · MS

What are you going to make gm do concerning 2005 malibu maxx steering system. Power assist pumps failing, steering shafts, etc. Mine started the clunking noise and getting progressively worse and of course it's out of warranty, which is what gm desires.

Filed Dec 24, 2008 · Steering · 43,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu maxx . When driving low speeds ranging from 0 to 10mph there is a clunking noise in the steering wheel column. When he made a left and right turn or drove in reverse the noise was present. The manufacturer informed him to take the vehicle to the dealer to diagnosis the failure and perform a possible repair. An appointment was scheduled for the end of december 2008. The failure mileage was 43,000.

Filed Dec 1, 2008 · Steering · 33,000 miles · MI

Clunk, knock or rattle noise from front of vehicle while driving or turning over bumps at low speeds. Dealer fixed clunk. The clunk came back. Dealer did not mention what parts were replaced or fixed.

Filed Oct 16, 2008 · Fuel system, Steering · 20,000 miles · SC

I own a 2005 malibu maxx and after one year old it began making clunking noises in the front. I took it to the dealership and they said they had to replace a part of the steering shaft. They did what they did and the noise was gone. They also replaced struts. A few months later it did it again. This time they replaced tie rod ends. By this time my warranty had expired. Then 2 months later it did it again! They lubed something and now it has been 8 months and it has not returned yet. Now my engine light is on and I keep getting a message to check my gas cap. I check it and nothing is wrong.

Filed Oct 16, 2008 · Steering · 40,050 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu maxx. Whenever the contact turns the steering wheel in either direction, he hears a clunking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The failure has occurred three times. The current and failure mileages were 40,050.

Filed Oct 9, 2008 · Steering · SC

Under warranty my 2005 malibu maxx developed a clunking noise that you also feel in the steering. Mostly turning left. Going forward or reverse. The dealership replaced the steering gear and it fixed the problem. Not a sound turning left ,right or whatever. I was very satisfied but 10 months and 12,500 miles later guess what ! It's baaack ! Include me in the list !

Filed May 5, 2008 · Steering · 6,000 miles · MI

Shortly after purchasing my 2005 malibu maxx, a clunk developed in the front end when turning. The first time I took it in, they replaced the gear box. The second time I took it in they replace the rack & pinion steering. Now it has developed a third time. I will be taking it in again. After it is fixed this time I am seriously considering trading it in. I bought a new car to drive, not to spend my time taking it back to the dealer to have it fixed.