Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the theft alert warning light flashed on the instrument panel as the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled to the side of the roadway but was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence due to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 120,947.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. While the vehicle was stationary and while driving various speeds, the air bag, ABS, and traction control indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the traction control would not engage. An unknown dealer in fairbanks, alaska was contacted about the failure, but did not answer the phone. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,309.
We purchased our 2006 mailbu Maxx in November 2005. Two months later there was a violent shake in the front end, the dealership turned the rotors because they were warped. Then we started having trouble with the electrical system right after the warranty ran out.the rear wiper comes on by itself, interior lights blow constantly as well as headlights. Door locks work when they want to. Keyless has not worked for three years even with new remote batteries. Since the car has had 40,000 miles on it the power steering has been acting up. My wife has hit our garbage cans and even my truck pulling into the driveway. We cant even trade this piece of crap in because everybody knows the problems with this car. Our Malibu has 78,000 miles on it and we have put 4 sets of brakes on the front with heavy duty rotors and three sets on the rear. GM is not concerned with the safety of their customers. …
The fuel gauge is not functioning properly. When I fill the car up completely with gas, the dashboard indicator reads zero and I get a low-fuel warning message. When this problem started, after driving 15-20 minutes, the gauge would then read 'full' again, but the 'check engine' light would come on, and during this time the remote start function would not work. Now the car reads empty at all times, the engine light is on, and the remote start does not work. This LED me to run out of gas. I am worried about the car stalling while on the road, as I have read happening to other GM vehicle models, and I am worried about running out of gas again. Fuel system problems seem to be very common with GM vehicles, especially the Malibu, and I would like to see the problem addressed.
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.
First my horn fuse continued to blow. I replaced the fuse multiple times. Then my turn signal light went out. I looked at it and noticed that both sides had holes burnt through the amber globe. I was out of town and didn't want to receive a ticket for non working light so I had it replaced, however within a day the bulb blew again and the horn fuse blew again. I took it to the dealer and they said they had no clue what was causing it however I had to pay over $500 to have the headlight parts replaced on both sides. I have an extended warranty and they denied the claim b/c they don't replace lights, however the fact that the car is burning up I don't think I just wanted new lights. I do not feel I should be out money for a problem that has obviously occurred on other vehicles and now mine. …
No steering,steering turns around and around without stop turning in either direction,right or left. Second time this happened,spent approximately $1200.00 before. Car this time ended in a tow pound yard. Triple aaa moved my car to a shop called quick stop where I wanted to get my car fixed at only to discover they didn't do electrical work which they discovered was the problem among others. Again the towing company triple aaa carried it to webb Chevrolet suggested by this shop. Webb Chevrolet discovered also electrical issues. My insurance notified me after I contact them for a claim report. An estimator was sent to webb Chevrolet also they discovered after a tear down diagnosis that it is a recall issues. Now you are being notified by me,ruby wells of these problems. This is why im notifying you of the recalls found on this make,model and year 2004 vehicle. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Malibu Maxx years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (40), 2004 (37), 2006 (28) and 2007 (7) model years. Electrical complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Malibu Maxx electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Chevrolet Malibu Maxx model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Malibu Maxx electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the starter assembly (6 mentions), followed by the instrument cluster/panel (3).
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.