Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact's vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering), NHTSA campaign number: 14V224000 (power train), and NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). Shortly after the repair, the vehicle stalled without warning, the power steering failed, a clunking noise was heard in the front end, and the vehicle independently veered to the left. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that the recall repair could not be performed again. In addition, the dealer stated that the steering column and suspension would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In previous years, the contact had to replace the gear box and rack and pinion nut on two separate occasions at a dealer. …
I've had my car for almost three years. I've had multiple issues with it and the local dealership whiteheads Chevrolet where I had my recalls fixed is by far the worst dealership anyone could take their car too. I took them my car and they were going to fix the recalls the steering shaft inadequate support of u joint transmission shift cable steering loss of electric power steering they had my car for a couple days but when I got it back it seemed like nothing was fixed I took it back 3 different times for the same recalls the last time I picked up my car the airbag light came on all of a sudden I called them and told them about it they said to bring it in so I did they had it for another day I went back got it and drove straight home later that day I needed to go get my daughter some diapers I got in the car started it and the airbag light was on again I called the dealership told them …
First I have had nothing but steering issues and have had parts replaced previously on this vehicle. Now I have to replace struts, axles and needless to say new tires because of the wear on them due to the steering issues. However, I have a recalled shift cable and have been waiting since last year in August or September. I asked isn't this a safety issue and they stated , they all are. So I am still waiting for the call that they have this shift cable and can only pray nothing happens, like a bad accident. If something were it probably wouldn't be good for you all. Anyway when will this part be in so I can get it taken care of. Went to [redacted] in kansas city ks. Bought the vehicle from them and have had nothing but issues with the car. Please advise. By the way the seat broke, the automatic locks stopped working and I'm not real happy. …
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. When turning the steering wheel, the contact heard a popping sound. The failure began six months ago and now it is causing the power steering to fail. The failure was very subtle at first, but now the power steering fails for days at a time. The air conditioning would activate on and off, but now it does not work at all. The dealer stated that the power steering module and air conditioning resistor needed to be replaced. The contact also stated that the control panel is warm to the touch after driving for some time. The vehicle is currently with the dealer and the repair will cost over $900. The current mileage was 70,000 and failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 09/10/08. The consumer stated the shocks went bad, the tie rod ends had to be replaced, the cd became stuck in the cd player. …
My 2005 Malibu stirring wheel ; my my 2005 Malibu maxx ls v6, stirring wheel locked up when I was getting on the interstate interstate, cruise control dosent work, and when im driving sometimes when I get up to a ceartain speed car shakes bad and it shakes when I use brakes. My stirring wheel makes noises sometimes and feel like its gonna brake sometimes. When I go over speed bumps car squeaks like front tire is gonna come off, electrical problems can get radiator fans to come on have to cut ac on in order for fans to work ac been stop working horn don't work I thought sunroof came up and most of time trunk wont open and when it does open it wont close. I'm scared to drive because of my stirring wheel locked up 4 times on me already about drive but I have to drive for my business to make delivers.
The power steering goes out a few times each week on this 2005 Malibu with the electric power steering. It started happening only occasionally, but now much more frequently. I reset it by turning off engine and restarting when I am able to stop. It usually happens fairly soon after starting when cold. Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 restarts to keep it working. In addition, the problems that many others are experiencing are also present... Like the drift at highway speeds, and the clunking sounds in the front end. So far, the dealer has not been helpful. They just want to replace parts and charge around $800 to repair. This is definitely a safety issue on the Malibu as well as other models (like the cobalt) which already have recalls issued for these parts.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. Since purchasing the vehicle, the anti theft device has failed repeatedly, the engine makes a ticking sound, the steering wheel is slipping or loose, and oil leaks from the engine. While driving 45 MPH, the dashboard . Vibrates. The contact hears a noise in the radio when the vehicle is turned on, the engine service light is illuminated on the instrument panel, the interior lights failed, the remote start would not start the vehicle, and the engine shakes roughly. The current mileage was 12,030 and failure mileage was 100. Updated 09/24/08. The consumer stated there was a problem with the entire suspension. The shocks and bearings made a noisy. The hazard lights failed. Updated 09/30/08.
2005 Chevy Malibu ls steering began to lock up on slow turns. There was no warning, just a sudden locking of the steering column. (it would not turn. Literally lock the steering wheel until additional speed could be maintained. The problem started intermittently 2 weeks ago & steadily worsened. Happening 10-12 times a day this week. Hit 2 curbs, nearly jumped one curb & nearly hit a car. We had to put the car in reverse to straighten the steering prior to completing the turn. Car has 85000 miles on it. Mechanic shop replaced rack/pinion steering & both front end rear tie rod rings. This defect is apparent on Malibu's according to the numerous complaints seen on the internet.
At 45000 miles I noticed a popping noise in the front end (passenger side) when I made a left turn. I took it into my mechnic and he said the cv shaft was going out, but it would take awhile before it did. It didnt get worse for awhile, now at 62000, the front end has a horrible shaking, pulls to the right side, pops all the time and the tire on that side makes a weird flapping noise, it almost feels like the tire itself is out of round or something, and it is wearing smooth on the inside of the tire. I have been doing some research and it seems other Malibu owners are having the exact same problems, is this a safety issue that needs to be under recall? Is GM aware of this issue?
Dt: the consumer rented a vehicle from alamo rental in orlando, fl at the airport. The consumer stated that without warning he was just driving at 35 MPH and the vehicle jerked to the left. He said the steering wheel was not turned and he lost control and almost flipped over in the median where it also dismounted the front passenger tire from the rim. The consumer said the rear passenger tire was inserted about 6 inches like it was turned in towards the vehicle. Alamo was called and they offered to fix a flat but the consumer wanted a different vehicle because of safety reasons. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet. Caller feel this is a factory defect.
Suspension complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the suspension of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, 2% of the model year's 975 complaints. The component named most often is front › macpherson strut (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Malibu suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.