70 of the
1,386 complaints about the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu are about the
braking system — 5% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
101,600 miles.
Brake lights malfunctioning due to faulty wiring in body control module, a prior recall 2 dealerships are currently refusing to honor; stating your recall has expired. According to the below link, recalls are never to expire. This condition creates an increased risk of rear end collisions, while the driver is completely unaware his or her brake lights are inoperable. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11647137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Huron, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
Came back from running an errand and when I went to go back out to the car to start it to run another errand it wouldn't turn over. The lights and alarm, the radio wipers a/c everything else would come on but it just wouldn't turn over! And I need my vehicle I have upcoming appointments and it's the only thing I have to get around. I've been without a vehicle for almost three weeks now. I need help, I'm low income and I need help getting it back on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11519948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westland, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
Driving at any speed the car will randomly brake on its own.
NHTSA complaint #11421999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesJackson, MSCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I LOST ALL POWER ASSIST IN MY STEERING WHEEL ON THE INTERSTATE. IT WAS SHOWING A RECALL FOR THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING BUT WHEN I CALLED CHEVROLET, THEY DIDN'T SEE IT.
NHTSA complaint #11388707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,388 milesFranklin, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
THE CAR IS HARD TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK, THE BREAK LIGHTS STAY ON WHILE DRIVING AND GO OFF WHEN PRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #11184220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSteelton, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE WEAK BRAKE PEDAL AND PRESSURE
NHTSA complaint #11180986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesEnola, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS CONTROL SYSTEM MODULE WEAK BRAKE PEDAL
NHTSA complaint #11180991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 222,248 milesDallas, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT 51 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS DISCONNECTED AND THE SCREW WAS LOOSE. MEGA MOTORS, INC. (565 S BUCKNER BLVD, DALLAS, TX) WAS CONTACTED, BUT REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY ISSUES DUE TO THE CONTACT PURCHASING THE VEHICLE 'AS IS'. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE ABSOLVED OF ALL LIABILITY. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 222,248.
NHTSA complaint #11118975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. BRAKES SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION RECALL NOTICES. *SMD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *SMD
NHTSA complaint #10715868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BREAKS ON MY CAR SIX TIMES IN TWO YEARS. I REPLACED EVERYTHING I CAN THINK OF AND THE BRAKES ARE WEARING OUT ONLY ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT.
NHTSA complaint #11022841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesMidland, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON A FEW OCCASIONS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE STOP LAMP, BRAKE LAMP HARNESS AND BRAKE LIGHT POSITION SENSOR ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
NHTSA complaint #10970459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,200 milesCedar Park, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE IT FEELS LIKE MY BRAKES ARE LOCKED UP THEY START VIBRATING IF I GO OVER 40 AND THE LEFT CALIPER IS REALLY HOT AND IT'LL HAVE PROBLEMS GETTING UP TO SPEED
NHTSA complaint #10957101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forney, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS THE FRONT WHEELS START TO WOBBLE AND SHAKE..AFTER A WHILE OF DRIVING THE BRAKES SEEM TO START BRAKING AND SLOWING DOWN THE CAR ON ITS OWN..ALSO YOU CAN SMELL A BURNT OR RUBBER SMELL FROM THE WHEELS ARE BRAKES ALL OCCURS AT THE FRONT OF THE CAR, VERY NERVE WRECKING. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY DUE TO THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10934870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 295,000 milesKirbyville, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REFUELED, THE FUEL SPEWED OUT THE FUEL FILLER PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 295,000.
NHTSA complaint #10930127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesSteger, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
POWER STEERING LOCKS UP DURING ACCELERATION AND SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT NEVER GOES OFF, AND AFTER NEW BRAKE ROTORS/PADS THE BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON. BRAKE FLUID LIGHT ON WITH FULL FLUID.
NHTSA complaint #10881889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maumelle, AR
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE TO REPLACE MY SIGNAL LIGHTS EVERY 2 TO 3 MONTHS AND THEY LOOK LIKE THEY MELTED INSIDE ALSO I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY FUEL LIKE MY CAR IS NOT GETTING FUEL WHILE DRIVING. AND I'M ANGRY BECAUSE I'VE HAD MY CAR FOR ABOUT 9 YEARS AND NO ONE HAS EVER MAILED A RECALL TO MY HOME FOR ANYTHING ON MY CAR AND I MAY BE PUTTING MY LIFE IN DANGER. I LEARNED ABOUT THESE RECALLS FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY.
NHTSA complaint #10874950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Centro, CACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY FAILED TO WORK. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHICH DID NOT RESPOND AND EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM IF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCONSCIOUS AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES, BROKEN WRISTS, A PUNCTURED AND COLLAPSED LUNG, AND ADDITIONAL INTERNAL INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HIS TEETH WERE FRACTURED FROM HIS MOUTH DUE TO THE IMPACT OF THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT ALSO RECEIVED SEVERAL RECALL NOTIFICATIONS PERTAINING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 14V153000 (STEERING), AND 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10734535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,300 milesLakewood, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS ON MY WAY TO SCHOOL. WHEN I TOOK MY EXIT (23 ON ROUTE 2), THE CAR SIMPLY TURNED OFF, LOCKING MY STEERING WHEEL. I LOST CONTROL, SPUNG TWICE AND LANDED ON THE RAMP OF THAT EXIT. THE CAR HAS BEEN USELESS SINCE THEN. I CALLED THE RECALL HOTLINE TO GET SUPPORT AND THEY DID NOTHING FOR ME. I'M LEFT WITH NO CAR AND NO SUPPORT BY THE GM TEAM THAT FORWARD ME ENDLESS RECALL LETTERS. I'VE HAD ENDLESS ISSUES WITH THIS CAR SINCE I FINANCED IT. ENDLESS REPAIRS, CLOSE ACCIDENTS ENCOUNTER BECAUSE OF CAR SENSOR ISSUES. BRAKES NO PROPERLY WORKING. TRACTION FAILING. IT HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE. HOW CAN I GET SUPPORT FOR A VEHICLE WHICH I LOVED SO DEARLY AND YET NEARLY COST ME MY LIFE?
NHTSA complaint #10733371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesMarriam, KS
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE SERVICE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #10706028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesGirard, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE SHIFTING INTO THE DRIVE POSITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. UPDATED 4/21/15
NHTSA complaint #10694022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tunica, MS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2005 CHEVROLET MAILBU. THE CONSUMER WAS DISSATISFIED WITH THE SERVICES OF THE RECALL. UPDATED 02/12/15*BF THE CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO RECALL NOTICES. RECALL# 14V252000 AND 14V224000.
NHTSA complaint #10683330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shreveport, LA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE STATING THE PARTS FOR THE VEHICLE ARE NOT IN STOCK. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THEY SHOULD WAIT FOR THE PARTS OR WILL THEY BE REWARDED A NEW VEHICLE. RECALL # 14V252000.
NHTSA complaint #10660663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesNEW Orleans, LA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #10667685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glenwood, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CUSTOMER DOES NOT OWN VEHICLE ANYMORE. WOULD LIKE TO STOP RECEIVING RECALL NOTICES.
NHTSA complaint #10658471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Council Bluffs, IA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATIONS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING), AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED WERE UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALLS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INFORM WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DELAY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10652991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cheboygan, MICrash
SERVICE BRAKES
MY DAUGHTER-IN-LAW WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE TO WORK, LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR, WENT OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE. HER BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND SHE LOST POWER IN THE STEERING FORCING HER TO GO OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE BUT IT IS NOT DRIVABLE, I STILL HAVE THE VEHICLE AT MY HOUSE.
NHTSA complaint #10650768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Castle, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATIONS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN), NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING), AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10638965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 141V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10638008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hazel Crest, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
I GOT AN IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL MESSAGE IN THE MAIL. SO I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND I WANT TO DO IT ONLINE. THE REASON FOR BEING RECALLED SHOULD BE IN YOUR RECORDS.
NHTSA complaint #10638177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesEdinburg, TXCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE AND SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10633556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.