2005 Chevrolet Malibu

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

Chevrolet Malibu
Pictured: Chevrolet Malibu LT (IX, Facelift) – f 02112024. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan FWD Base, 4dr Sedan FWD Ls/Lt, Maxx 4dr Wagon FWD Ls/Lt
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
25 combined · 21 city / 32 hwy
Length
187.8–188.2 in
Curb weight
3,175–3,459 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2005 midsize car (20.6 MPG).

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints414 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 27 for similar models — most often about the steering.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2005 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.2L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 188 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,175 lb (4dr Sedan FWD Base).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 32 highway), 21% better than the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 414 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan FWD Base188.2 in70.1 in57.5 in106.3 in59.8 / 59.1 in3,175 lb63/37
4dr Sedan FWD Ls/Lt188.2 in70.1 in57.5 in106.3 in59.8 / 59.1 in3,296 lb63/37
Maxx 4dr Wagon FWD Ls/Lt187.8 in69.7 in58.3 in112.6 in59.4 / 60.2 in3,459 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Malibu2.2L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 32 / 25+21%$2,700355
Malibu3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 23+12%$2,900386
Malibu Maxx3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+27%$2,900386
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.6 MPG2005 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2005 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2005 Chevrolet Malibu (this car)25 MPGNot rated4
2005 Toyota Corolla31 MPGNot rated7
2005 Ford Mustang20 MPGNot rated4
2005 Honda Accord28 MPGNot rated11
2005 Toyota Camry25 MPGNot rated4
2005 Volkswagen Passat27 MPGNot rated0
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer26 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (4)

Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 3, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V400000 · 5,877,718 vehicles

Problem
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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
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. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · May 14, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V252000 · 2,440,524 vehicles

Problem
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 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Risk
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
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 charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · Apr 30, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V224000 · 1,131,113 vehicles

Problem
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. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
Risk
If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix
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. GM's number for this recall is 14152.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Mar 31, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V153000 · 1,373,177 vehicles

Problem
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. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Risk
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2005 Chevrolet Malibu is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

414Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
22Involved a crash
7Involved a fire
17Injuries reported
135,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering211
Electrical System95
Exterior Lighting40
Engine37
Unknown Or Other31
Power Train29
Fuel/Propulsion System26
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)25
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/03: 122/04: 122/05: 122/09: 122/11: 122/12: 123/05: 123/07: 123/09: 123/10: 123/12: 324/01: 124/02: 124/03: 124/04: 324/06: 125/01: 125/03: 125/05: 125/07: 225/08: 225/11: 125/12: 126/03: 122/0322/0923/0523/1024/0224/0625/0525/11max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2005 Chevrolet Malibu buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 211 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Electrical System — 95 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Exterior Lighting — 40 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 135,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Malibu years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2025 Malibu31193.7 in★★★★★112
2024 Malibu31193.7 in★★★★★244
2023 Malibu30193.7 in★★★★★272
2022 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★199
2021 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★290
2020 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★1199
2019 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★1195
2018 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★6711
2017 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★4726
2016 Malibu46193.7 inNot rated10865
2015 Malibu29191.7 inNot rated3267
2014 Malibu29191.7 inNot rated6330

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →