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 Maxx owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. Causing major damages to the front of my car. The other car was not affected nearly as much. It was like the car just stopped. No airbags was deployed.
Took car to the Chevrolet dealership, for NHTSA id: 14V252000/GM safety recall: 13036, to correct the issues in the body control module which impacted the brake apply sensor. Now rear top brake lights no longer illuminate when the brake pedal is being pushed. Front low-beam headlights goes on and off while driving. Replaced both low-beam lights on 12/6/2014. Front low beam headlights still goes off and on intermittently. Also upon visual inspection, the turn signal blinkers have melted the yellow plastic inside the headlight. Brought back to the same Chevrolet dealership on 1/2/2015, for vehicle recall NHTSA id: 14V224000/GM safety recall 14152 to have the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket installed. I notified the dealership that I was having issues with the electrical system tied to the exterior lighting system. They could not provide me the reason for the fault.
Ignition staying stuck alowing starter to continue to turn, day time no break lights , night time break lights stay lit up or flash on and off , fuel gauge drops to empty even when full bounces back and forth empty full , service air bag and check engine lights keep coming on even after they have been reset, cruise control will not engage , hard time to take car out of park even with brake depressed, lower gears on transmission will not engage into 3,2,1 speed, driver seat bracket broke in weld causing seat to be unstable, faulty ignition switch and more this car has less than 150 k on it 148 and some change,,, air bag service light keeps coming on as well as check engine light, this car will not pass any state inspection , and even states with out inspection would advise that the car be recalled
Regarding GM recall #13036 - micro corrosion on BCM terminals and relearn - dealership claimed that recall was performed. Issues with brake lights and cruise control remain after recall service. Upon vehicle inspection, found there was not an application of dielectric grease on c2 terminal ports as described in the process of the recall. I was able to apply the grease myself but, I am unable to perform the relearn process without the GM tech2 tool. Attached pictures of c2 connector port with and without dielectric grease. We went back to dealership to try and get the recall performed properly and the tech at service desk stated that the recall was serviced properly. My complaint is that the recall was not performed by the dealership. Address: 1820 capital blvd, raleigh, nc 27604.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that the key only turned in the ignition switch when turning and lifting at the same time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000. Updated 3/3/15 updated 03/17/15
Replaced a steering rod at 34000 & 73000 & 105,000 that was made of metal ln 05. GM went back to plastic the next year as this did not hold up. Second is the remote start problem. I had it repaired two different times at GM and does not work as of now. Was told it was a BCM problem each time.as it was an expensive fix temporary that is.as many other people have the same problem with this car!
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. While driving 35 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact also stated that both turn signals failed to function. The failures recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu maxi. The contact stated that the turn signals over heated, which caused the sockets to melt. The dealer and manufacturer denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage 65,000 and the current mileage was 140,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Upon acceleration power steering stops working and power steering warning message shows. GM dealer service center advised that it is the ignition coil. Replaced with a newer version of the ignition coil and added a ground strap based on the detected error codes and a service bulletin from GM. Updated 10/9/15 updated 11/13/2017
I purchased a 2005 Malibu Maxx from an used car dealer and the very next day the car lost the ability to accelerate and the traction control light turned on my instrument cluster. While the car was coming to a stop I noticed that it lost all power and the engine stopped running. The car would turn over but not start.
Electrical complaints in other Malibu Maxx years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, 12% of the model year's 326 complaints. The component named most often is starter assembly (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 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.