My 2005 malibu is extremely hard to start. It also cuts off without warning. This is very dangerous, as well as frustrating. In cold weather, it will crank after only a few tries. In warm weather or after driving the car, it can take up to 30 minutes to crank. It spins but does not start without a major hassle. When the car finally starts, I have to hold down the gas pedal to prevent it from cutting off again. Frequently, it still cuts off when I put it into gear & I have to go through the starting process repeatedly. It is not reliable & has resulted in my being late to work, as well as leaving me stranded. A female being stranded is not safe. If it should happen to cut off in traffic, I will have no control of the vehicle which could result in an accident. I have tried the suggestions related to this common issue which is blamed on the theft deterrent system, but I continue to have the same problems. This is an every day occurrence, forcing me to start cranking my car 30-45 minutes before I have to leave for work & causing me to sit alone in parking lots trying to start my car so I can go home. The check engine light is on and I had it connected to a computer to be tested. The code number said "no part, no fix" & the mechanic who checked it said he had never seen that so had absolutely no idea what it meant. Reading online forums, I have found that this is a very common complaint from malibu owners, yet nobody knows how to fix the problem. Chevrolet needs to recall and resolve this issue before someone dies due to it.
2005 Chevrolet Malibu electrical complaints
Page 3 of 7: complaints 41 to 70 of 180, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My key will not turn in the ignition and I checked for recalls. I called the dealer to fix the recall on the ignition, and was notified that they would only put a piece of plastic over key and would not fix the ignition to turn. I can hardly even start my car because the key won't turn. The key is going to break off in the ignition. The horn and radio do not work either. Not having a horn for incoming traffic towards my vehicle is very dangerous. The turn signals only work at random times and that is very dangerous when switching lanes into traffic. Also, something in the back of the car squeaks for no reason when going down the road at random and when going over speed bumps. This car also drains the battery with unknown electrical problems. The drivers side back passenger window wont go down either. This car has way too many safety issues for only 137,000 miles on it.
Therft deterrent will not let car start issue is geeting worst. Car will not start. This happens alot car is parked.
Bought car used at 136,000 miles. Car radio does not light up or work, and horn doesn't work. Drivers side back window won't go down. First day driving the car, turn signals stopped blinking and then started blinking again. Suspension in the back squeaks badly when driving at random and going over speed bumps. Did not drive the car for more than one day and now car won't start at all (no crank, no start). These are major safety issues including serious electrical problems. The battery is only one year old on the car when purchased, so should be good. These electrical issues need to be recalled. Now I am stuck with a car that has so many problems and won't start and is definitely not safe to drive.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The battery and starter were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the alternator was tested, and was found to be in perfect working order. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.
I'm having an issue where's I'm scared I will be in a car accident. My engine light comes on then my tc light then my car say engine power reduce in the car will just shut off.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the anti-theft warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Takata recall. Steering locked up while driving going around a corner and took a few minutes to get it to unlock. Happened to my wife with our son in the car. This happened before we got the recall. Got the recall fixed and now the power steering warning light is coming on. Headlight are constantly blowing bulbs. The headlight will go out so I will go to replace the build and then it comes back on. Front right turn signal goes out a lot and if I tap on it then it comes back on. The same with the rear tail light goes out often. This summer the traction control would ding and the button would not turn it on or off. When did this happen question doesn't make sense. It is a on going events.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. While driving at low speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake lights would not illuminate and the cruise control seized without warning. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, service brakes, vehicle speed control), but the repair did not remedy the failures. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
I returned from picking up my grand daughter from school which is about 2miles one way. Once at home I turned off my car went inside to get paper work and noticed it was time to get my son from his bus stop, which is right around the corner from my house... As I turned on the car I noticed/smelled smoke inside the car, so I turned it off and got out, I called out to my kids and my daughter told me that I have to pop the hood, I was afraid... So my daughter poped the hood and then we saw the small fire, so my daughter grabbed the water shoes and attempted to put it out and my other daughter called the fire department and then a ball of fire fell to the ground up under the car...then she put that out...so as they were calling the fire department, I had to run around the corner to get my son from the bus stop, as we were on our way back, the fire department was coming.... So they checked it out and in hooked the battery and checked to make sure the fire was all the way out...told me that the car was unsafe to drive, cause it may spark a flame all over again and be worse then what just happened... Prior to this I have have small problem's... Like my dome light stop working a year in half ago, I tryed to change the fuse, but every attempt they burned out to the touch, so I gave up...then my front light would keep burning out ever month or two...to wear it melt the yellow covering of the bulb and melts the area were the light bulb sits in...to were I replaced the whole front light cover. Then recently my back break light went out... I thought it was the bulb or fuse after changing them, come to find out it was break relay switch... So I had it replaced in july 2015...and also within a year I had to replace my starter, luckly its under a lifetime warrenty ....then shortly after that I got my oil change ect..done. All this happened 6 weeks before the fire.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start when attempting to turn on. In addition, the anti theft warning light illuminated. The vehicle would not start until the anti theft warning light un-illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
I am hoping these pics come threw this time. It would not go threw last time so I cropped the pic to show you the bulb and covering from the day light/turn signal socket on the drivers side. My previous compaint did not allow the pics so trying again. I have to change the bulb every 2 weeks due to the socket getting to hot. The date is only apx. Since it has been going on for at least a yr. I really hope the pics come threw, it shows proof of what is happening. Updated 11/18/15*lj updated 05/23/18
I have a chevy malibu 2005, the daylight running light/turn signal keeps burning out and have to replace it every 2 weeks, the socket gets so hot and burns the bulb out. It is happening on the drivers side.I am getting tired of this. I feel chevy should do a recall on this, when it burns out then I have no turn signal and tired of replacing the bulb. It gets so hot that the connector on the bulb actually melts and looks like the reflector covering has either gotten so hot it melts or something and now before it blew this time, I went to change the bulb once again after just changing it 2 weeks ago and found/saw that it now melted the covering, the yellow reflector covering. I think this is what it is called. Somebody has to do something about this. And if I don't fix it I have a chance of getting a ticket for not having it working. I don't feel like I have to replace the socket since that is the problem as the pictures will show you. The date I picked is only apx. This has been going on for @ least a yr. I hope the pics help you to make a decision the right way. I am getting no where with chevy. Updated 11/18/15*lj updated 05/23/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. While parked, the vehicle was not able to start. The contact mentioned that it took two attempts to start the vehicle. In addition, after switching off the vehicle, the key would get stuck and the vehicle had to be restarted in order to remove the key. The failure recurred intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000. Updated 01/27/16*lj the ignition switch tumbler was replaced. Updated 02/09/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. While driving 40 MPH, the anti-theft system indicator illuminated and caused the vehicle to lose power. This was a recurring issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 98,000.
My car has electrical problems!!! Kicking off all kinds of sensor alarms I.e map,tps,maf... Just to name a few I've replaced all of them about 6 times now!!!! My car feels like it's in "limp" mode it keeps losing power and won't allow me to go over 20!!! It's been burning through oil and I know it's slowly going destroy my engine!! This wiring issue need fixed asap!
The park light/daytime running lights are constantly melting the amber lens. The bulb socket melts causing the turn signal not to work. Every few months I have to remove headlight lamp and fix bulb so it will work. I have seen a number of people with the same problem with their malibus. Chevrolet needs to fix this problem. This should be a recall as many as are having this problem.
The front driver turn signal does not work, it has melted the plastic inside. I have changed the bulb several times and it continues to burn out. The passenger turn signal is now blinking very fast and then slow so I'm guessing it won't be long before that one doesn't work. Also the drivers side rear blinker and brake light do not work. All of this is a hazard when driving and could easily cause an accident. I have heard of numerous people having these same issues and this needs to be resolved. Clearly this is a manufacturer problem. I would appreciate your prompt response and resolution. Thank you.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle lost all electrical power to the instrument panel and other electrical systems. As a result, the contact could not read the speedometer and other electrical gauges. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the ignition module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The failure recurred on fourteen separate occasions at any given speed being driven. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the ignition switch was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
I was driving as normal with no incident, parked went into home and came out 10 minutes later, car would not crank, as if battery was dead.. Went back in to get a multi-meter and checked battery, showed 12.3 volts. Went back into car and it cranked right up , no hesitation. Next day went to get my grand-daughter (2 years old) and parked at her home. Loaded the baby-seat, and went to start car, dead battery symptom again. Jumped the car from my daughter and went tom walmart to have battery checked. Battery and charge system checked fine. Tried to start the car after test, acted like a dead battery again. Walmart tech said looks like a bad starter motor. I purchased a new starter and installed. Cranked on first hit. Checked charging amps while running, 13.4 volts. Went 25 miles to town. Parked and after 2 hours came back to car and would not crank. (turned motor once then click click. Click.) got a ride home and checked internet for probable cause, seems like hundreds (thousands) have the same situation. I feel the anti-theft system is cutting off power to car. I tried the fix that I found, lock, unlock, lock unlock car with key then wait 10 minutes and crank the car. It worked. I pulled away from my lodge and went down the road. Stopped, made a right turn heading for a traffic light and the car died in the middle of the road. Could not turn the steering wheel, no electrical signs other than anti theft light flashing on dash. Tried repetitively to start the car but again just click click. Click. If I had been on the thru-way, it would probably been an accident. Further search on internet shows this a major problem, but no recall is found. Why???
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently and the security alert warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition pass lock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,115.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the anti-theft warning lamp flashed up to three times and that the key would not turn over to start the vehicle. The contact indicated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the anti-theft module, ignition switch, bcm, and additional components needed to be replaced due to the failure. The vehicle was also included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v224000 (power train), but the contact had not received notification of the safety recall to schedule the repair. The vehicle was not repaired and the contact was not able to get the key to turn over to start the vehicle. The anti-theft warning lamp continued to flash three times or more and the vehicle was unable to be driven. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 185,445.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the engine after multiple attempts. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and diagnosed for electrical code failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
The turn signal bulbs get too hot and melts into the socket which makes the connection go bad. Even if you change the bulb the connection is bad so the socket has to be changed. This has happened on both of the front bulbs
Head lamp bulbs and turn signal bulbs have repeatedly burnt out. Bulbs have been replaced by certified gm shop only to burn out again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 65 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the cruise control deactivated and the brake lights illuminated without warning. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the brake lights turned off. The contact powered the vehicle off and back on and the brake lights resumed normal operation. The vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake light switch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 199,000.
After a few days of owning this car I noticed there was an issue with the brake lights turning on while driving. When this happens it also shuts off the cruse control too. When you first press the brakes the lights shut off. Press them again and they work for a few minutes. I searched the internet for help, and noticed gm posted a service bulletin on this issue. Gm advised to clean, and grease contacts for bcm. I did just that. The cleaning was only a temporary fix because the issue returned days later. Around may of 2014 I received notice that gm issued several recalls. The car had been broke down until february of 20015, and in april it was sent to my local chevrolet dealer to have the recalls fixed. Shortly after fixing the recall issues the brake light issues returned. I contacted gm/ chevrolet and they contacted my local dealer who agreed to look at the car again for free. After they inspected it I was told the brake switch needed replaced. On may 28, 2015 my local chevy dealer replaced the switch. On may 30, 2015 the brake light issue returned. This is a family car and im afraid that someone will end up hitting us. Can you please help.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle would overheat and failed to turn off. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was repaired; however, the failure recurred. In addition, the contact received notifications for the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 14v252000 (electrical system), 14v153000 (steering), and 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control); however, the parts needed to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 139,855.
My wife and I have contacted chevy dealer a long time ago about safety recalls on this vehicle a long time ago and have not received any info. On when these recalls can be done. Most of these recalls state that the parts have not been sent. What can your company do about getting these resolved.
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