2005 Chevrolet Malibu: check engine light

Filed Dec 4, 2023 · Steering · VA

Issue started at ~80K while driving 60-65 mph, the steering wheel would unexpectedly shake violently. After hitting brakes, the steering system would return to normal. Had car evaluated by mechanic specializing in steering/suspension and could not recreate the issue. This issue has been returning intermittently for the past year (99,800 mileage now). Now the engine light is on indicating “POWER STEERING “ on dashboard and loss of power steering. I’m issuing this report because my vin number shows no outstanding recalls but there’s a known issue (14V15300) against this vehicle.

Filed Jul 11, 2020 · Acceleration, Electrical · 225,000 miles · FL

Steering is not working, making it too hard to turn the wheel. Vehicle was in motion when it happened, while in a highway; has some electrical issues like check engine light on and speed control is not working properly

Filed Nov 5, 2019 · Steering · 200,000 miles · MN

I was driving through my school campus parking lot. Nothing new. I made a sharp turn onto a different aisle. Mid turn, my steering wheel jerked out of my hands in the opposite direction. I slammed on my break to avoid crashing. After that, I had no power steering and the wheel continued to jerk. Luckily I wasn't far from my parking spot. The next day (today), I went to check it out. But after starting the car, all seemed fine. I drove it around the campus a bit without any noticeable issues. So then I decided to run some errands. Less than two miles away the lights on my dash started to go crazy. All the lights were taking turns flashing and beeping (check engine light, battery light, brake light, etc). Then the steering went out again while I was on the main road. I was able to manhandle the wheel enough to get it into a grocery store parking lot. I was able to get it back home, but I'm scared to drive anywhere. I found some people with the same exact issue. And all of them said it was resolved after filing at the federal safety agency.

Filed Aug 3, 2018 · Acceleration · 154,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. While driving with the cruise control engaged at 40 MPH, the check engine indicator illuminated. When the cruise control was disengaged, the tachometer remained at approximately 4500 and the vehicle failed to decelerate. The vehicle was taken to metering motorplex (1949 hart st, vincennes, in 47591, 812‑882‑5367) who diagnosed the vehicle, but were unable to find any failure codes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

Filed Apr 18, 2018 · Fuel system · 92,000 miles · NJ

Starting around two years ago, fuel gauge after filling tank and then starting car would fall to empty along with low fuel light coming on. When restart car was okay. So, did not fill tank anymore, alleviated problem for a year. In past year got worst, and check engine light would come on until using up until at least 2 gallons was used when gasoline was added. Then engine light went off. As time went on, fuel gauge acting up more, never reading accurately how much gas is in car. In last month, no matter how much or little fuel is added, reads full for a long time, then gauge drops suddenly to empty and low fuel light comes on, and check engine light comes on. Had checked, indicates the fuel sensor is entirely not working now /or fuel pump may not work soon. So every 100 miles, guess how much fuel to add. Not knowing, could run out of gas anytime, and car shut down. Could not live with condition anymore. So, have the combined fuel senor/fuel pump replaced. My opinion, this safety issues should result in general motors issuing a recall for this problem, and reimbursing any owner with same problem; should they had the problem repaired previously.

Filed Dec 12, 2017 · Airbags, Engine · 175,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. While driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. Also, the air bag and check engine indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

Filed May 8, 2017 · Fuel system · 134,000 miles · CA

Gas gauge reads incorrectly and bounces erratically from full to empty and back again turning on the check-engine light and setting off the audible low fuel warning. This happens have every fill-up. In between fill-ups, gas gauge "sticks": to some arbitrary intermediate value. It never displays accurate fuel-remaining. I must used the odometer mileage to know when to get gas. This erratic behavior occurs when vehicle is in motion or stopped at a red light.

Filed Apr 10, 2017 · Fuel system · 139,200 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the fuel sensor level failed, and the fuel sensor and check engine indicator illuminated. The contact mentioned that the fuel tank would be full, but the fuel level sensor showed half a tank. In addition, the vehicle failed the state inspection due to the fuel sensor and codes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,200.

Filed Mar 4, 2017 · Fuel system, Seat belts · 38,000 miles · NC

Replaced canister purge valve and solenoid as well as gas cap twice. 2006 and 2012. Dealer service no warranty. Check engine light still does not stay off. Scares you when you are driving because you don't know if car will stop or get you home. Could cause problem if there is leak or mechanical issue. #2 seat belt light comes on and off every 3 to 5 miles. Dealer can't find issue.

Filed Jun 27, 2016 · Engine · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. Four days after purchasing the vehicle, the check engine light illuminated while driving at an unknown speed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that there were "156 issues with the vehicle". The technician advised the contact to return the vehicle to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer refused to take the vehicle back, stating that it was sold as is. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The contact reported the matter to the ftc, but was advised to file a complaint with the federal safety agency. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.

Filed Jun 19, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 150 miles · SC

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.

Filed Mar 25, 2016 · Engine, Fuel system · 109,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. After the vehicle was filled with fuel, the contact had to make several attempts to start the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and failed to start the following day. The check engine warning indicator illuminated permanently and the fuel gauge fluctuated between empty and full. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but did not register any failure codes. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.