2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

○ Not enough data
2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
BUILT 2026-10-10

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
326
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2005

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

59% of complaints

Complaints per year

2004: 434 complaints 2004 2005: 326 complaints 2005 326 2006: 270 complaints 2006 2007: 44 complaints 2007
2004: 434 complaints 2004 2005: 326 complaints 2005 326 2006: 270 complaints 2006 2007: 44 complaints 2007
2004: 434 complaints 2004 2005: 326 complaints 2005 326 2006: 270 complaints 2006 2007: 44 complaints 2007

2005: 326 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2004434
2005326
2006270
200744

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

59% · 191 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system and rack and pinion.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Takata recall I was driving on route 19 just before the maple fork exit the light was red and I began to slow down. All of a sudden the brakes and steering would not work and the car hit the rear end of the car in front of me.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-16

Also filed under Electrical system and air bags

2005 Malibu Maxx hydraulic seat malfunctioned and the back seat unlocked. *kb ***nar*** the drivers seat would not stay in the upright position.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-06-21

Also filed under Seats

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated while driving on several occasions, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and the vehicle lost power steering functionality.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-05

Exterior lighting

16% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing turn signal and headlights.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while parked, he noticed that a hole was melted into the amber turn signal headlight lens, exposing the housing unit. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-01

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that the front driver and passenger side turn signals failed. The contact stated that the lenses were melted on both sides.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-17

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs melted and the headlight assemblies filled with smoke.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-25

Electrical system

12% · 40 reports

Most commonly citing starter assembly and control module.

CRASHFIRE

Seats

12% · 39 reports
CRASHINJURY

Service brakes

6% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2009-03-20Engineering analysisClosed 2010-08-12 Turn Signal Lamps
  2. R
    2014-06-27Power train14V224000 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.

    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.

  3. R
    2014-07-17Steering14V153000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014.

  4. R
    2014-08-18Electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control14V252000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6...

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of...

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 191 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 51 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 40 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 14V224000 · Power train
  • Recall 14V153000 · Steering
  • Recall 14V252000 · Electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control

FAQ

Is the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.