Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
After taking my Chevrolet Malibu Classic 2005 into the dealership for the recall in which they put inserts on my key and a king ring, ridiculous if you ask me, my car has now done the same thing three more times I thought the recall was suppose to fix. While driving at different speeds ( 60 MPH., 45 MPH., 20 MPH) my cars shuts off as if I turned the key off. My power steering, brakes all electrical components are effected. I have to then turn my key to the off position and again start my car to continue driving. It does this with no warning, while driving down a highway, while turning, while driving down a hill which are all very much safety issues. Driving 60 on a highway and the car shuts down leaving you with no power steering no power brakes no warning lights etc. Very scary. …
The ignition cylinder on my 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic failed, and the key comes out of the ignition in the accessory position. The general motors recall to make the key hole smaller on the key itself to fix ignition problems is an incomplete repair. Upon contacting GM about the ignition problem, they immediately told me not to drive the vehicle, and they had the vehicle towed to gillman Chevrolet harlingen at their expense, but so far GM has refused to make a complete repair to the ignition. GM maintains that the recall to the ignition problem is only to fix the key hole, and does not want to authorize a complete repair for the ignition failure. Also, the shifter selenoid has failed, and the key won't return to the off position. The theft system also failed on this vehicle and won't allow the car to turn on. …
I have a 2005 Malibu - that is a money pit- thier is a wiring ignition problem - my car is an intermittent starter - I've changed fuses- alternator - fuel pump- been told this and that - I'm a single female - and can't drive this car anywhere - it stops when ever it wants to - in order he middle of the road - or going to the grocery store aaa has retired my towing - I'm online reading and everybody has went through my he same - I called last week before having my car towed again - to see if thier has been a recall and I heard no- I had it towed - spent 320 dollars being told it was the alternator after going through 2 batteries - for the same thing - I just got my car back - went out to get some coffee - come out and the car won't start again - would someone call me about this - 214 755 -3606
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that when the key was placed in the ignition, the engine failed to start and the pass lock warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the pass lock failed. The vehicle codes were reset; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed as pass lock sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,300. Ma 10/22/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that the anti-theft light illuminated and prevented the vehicle from starting. The failure recurred on a regular basis and the vehicle was towed to a mechanic. The mechanic was able to reset the anti-theft light; however, the failure persisted. The contact felt that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and stated that it had not been able to start since the last failure. The manufacturer was not notified and no further repairs were made. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle was unable to start and the anti-theft system warning light illuminated. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the anti-theft system prevented the vehicle from starting and needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,700.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact indicated that the anti theft sensor light had illuminated and stayed in the on position causing the ignition switch to become disabled which prevented the engine from starting. The contact indicated that failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The cause of the failure had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that after using the cigarette lighter, smoke started to emit from the holder. The contact stated that after inspecting the lighter he noticed more smoke coming from the wires that were attached to the radio, air conditioner, heater, which were also burned. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 194,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that the anti-theft system warning indicator flashed and the vehicle could not be started. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was defective. The fuel pump was replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 36,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. While attempting to start the vehicle, the anti-theft indicator illuminated and the engine would not start. Midway Chevrolet(381 12th st, plainwell, mi) was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014.
Electrical complaints in other Malibu Classic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, 45% of the model year's 92 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › anti-theft › control module (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-400 (ignition, Jul 3, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.