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2005 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems

65 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
65
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
90,000
crashes
2
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    6
  • Driveline: driveshaft
    1
  • Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems in other years

1997200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Harsh shifting 38Jerking 23Won't shift 5Transmission failure 5

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported April 30, 2014 · 1,131,113 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
Risk
If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑553‑6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

Recall number 14V224000 · Recall details

What 2005 Chevrolet Malibu owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 10, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · MD

This problem has occurred many times and I have taken to the internet to find out what I could to try to remedy it myself as I don't have endless disposable income to have someone else fix it. I have not had it seen by a professional, only consulted with a manager of a gm dealership repairs department over the phone as well as various mechanics and locksmiths. As I said I don't have endless disposable money to throw at this. The car will completely shut off in the middle of driving, I lose all power. The antitheft system engages in the middle of driving. Then I get no crank no start. I get stuck in the middle of the road. In the past I was able to just turn the key off and remove it and let it sit for a while and then it would let me start it again, this began a year ago and has gotten progressively worse and more frequent since it first occurred and I am now at the point where the car is completely no crank no start and anti theft system will not disengage. From my own research online I've found many others complaining of similar problems and they say it's related to gm passlock system.

Filed Dec 14, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · TX

My 2005 malibu stirring wheel ; my my 2005 malibu maxx ls v6, stirring wheel locked up when I was getting on the interstate interstate, cruise control dosent work, and when im driving sometimes when I get up to a ceartain speed car shakes bad and it shakes when I use brakes. My stirring wheel makes noises sometimes and feel like its gonna brake sometimes. When I go over speed bumps car squeaks like front tire is gonna come off, electrical problems can get radiator fans to come on have to cut AC on in order for fans to work AC been stop working horn don't work I thought sunroof came up and most of time trunk wont open and when it does open it wont close. I'm scared to drive because of my stirring wheel locked up 4 times on me already about drive but I have to drive for my business to make delivers.

Filed Jun 29, 2020 · Electrical, Steering · 210,000 miles · NC

Wiring issues replaced everything new it the charging department 2 times and the problems kept arising thus the computer the PCM fired so idk what went wrong but it's something that needs to be discussed I will never own another chevrolet car

Filed Feb 25, 2020 · Driver assistance, Steering · 100 miles · CA

Traction control on and off. Feels hard and forced steering wheel assistance turns off, wheel too hard using too much gas.

Filed Mar 19, 2019 · Airbags, Body · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated. If the vehicle was too hot, the engine would not start and the gear shift did not move. The vehicle also leaked anti-freeze. The contact had to pump the brake pedal in order for the lever to operate. Also, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to east pat o'brien chevrolet (2810 bishop rd, willoughby hills, oh 44092, (440) 348-0553) where it was diagnosed that the hood release was fractured and the egl sensor was separated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was invalid.

Filed Sep 3, 2018 · Electrical, Transmission · 115,795 miles · PA

Well after a day of no issues I was driving went to park and I put my car into park the car died and reversed a little bit. It now won't turn over and won't make any noise under the hood. I tried jumping it but that didn't work and I tried to see if maybe the anti lock system shut it off but it's not that either. When I turn the key to the on position it says it's still in reverse and when I move the shifter it doesn't register on the dashboard. So my car still thinks I'm in reverse.

Filed Apr 2, 2018 · Transmission · FL

Called chevy multiple times. Went in for to have part replcaement recall, always get an answer of part is not available..

Filed Mar 8, 2018 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced trouble shifting in the intended gear. The failure occurred approximately three times. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission shift cable was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle had already been repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v224000 (power train). The manufacturer provided case number: 8-394-3260477. No further assistance was offered. The vehicle was taken to ed morse sawgrass buick gmc (14351 w sunrise blvd, sunrise, fl) where it was diagnosed that the shift cable assembly was defective and would have to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Filed Jan 25, 2018 · Transmission · 288,000 miles · MS

Reverse is not engaging.

Filed Dec 26, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 246,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. On several occasions, while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to flemington buick gmc cadillac at (908) 751-4316 (211 us-202, flemington, nj 08822) where no diagnostic failure codes were found and the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter and o2 sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 246,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Questions about the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu transmission

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 65 complaints about the transmission of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 14V224000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have bad transmission?

The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most transmission complaints are 2018 (171 complaints), 2016 (166 complaints) and 2017 (139 complaints).

Other 2005 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Steering 506Electrical 180Lights 153Brakes 70Fuel system 70Engine 66Seats 62Driver assistance 31Acceleration 27Airbags 25Suspension 21Locks 14Body 12Visibility 8Wheels 6Seat belts 5Tires 5

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