What is the biggest problem with the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx?

Steering issues dominate, making up 63% of all complaints (402 of 640) across the 2005-2007 model years, with 2005 and 2006 both listing steering as the top problem area.

Which Malibu Maxx year has the most reported problems?

The 2005 model year has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints (326), including 13 crashes and 10 fires reported to NHTSA.

Is any Malibu Maxx year rated Avoid or Best?

No year in this data carries a formal Avoid or Best verdict. The complaint index ranks 2005 as the highest-risk year and 2007 as the lowest, with indexes of 100 and 0 respectively.

Does the Malibu Maxx have any recalls?

NHTSA lists a total of 4 recall campaigns across the 2005-2007 years, with 3 in 2005, 4 in 2006, and 3 in 2007, none classified as do-not-drive recalls.

At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?

Median mileage at failure was 85,000 for 2005, 82,956 for 2006, and 75,000 for 2007, based on NHTSA complaint data.

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Best and Worst Years (2005–2007)

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx model years 2005-2007 show no years formally rated Avoid or Best. Based on NHTSA data, 2005 has the highest complaint index (100) with 326 complaints, while 2007 has the lowest (0) with 44 complaints. Steering problems account for 63% of all complaints across the three years.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Model years: 3; 2005–2007
NHTSA complaints: 640
Recall campaigns: 4
Crashes reported: 25
Fires reported: 12
Top problem area: Steering

Malibu Maxx Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	No verdict	100	326	13	10	3	Steering	23	—
2006	No verdict	50	270	12	1	4	Steering	20.5	—
2007	No verdict	0	44	0	1	3	Airbags	19.5	—

Most common Chevy Malibu Maxx problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Steering402 (63%)
Electrical System119 (19%)
Brakes57 (9%)
Structure & Body56 (9%)
Engine32 (5%)
Airbags30 (5%)
Fuel System22 (3%)
Transmission & Powertrain21 (3%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires20 (3%)
Other9 (1%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest problem with the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx?: Steering issues dominate, making up 63% of all complaints (402 of 640) across the 2005-2007 model years, with 2005 and 2006 both listing steering as the top problem area.
Which Malibu Maxx year has the most reported problems?: The 2005 model year has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints (326), including 13 crashes and 10 fires reported to NHTSA.
Is any Malibu Maxx year rated Avoid or Best?: No year in this data carries a formal Avoid or Best verdict. The complaint index ranks 2005 as the highest-risk year and 2007 as the lowest, with indexes of 100 and 0 respectively.
Does the Malibu Maxx have any recalls?: NHTSA lists a total of 4 recall campaigns across the 2005-2007 years, with 3 in 2005, 4 in 2006, and 3 in 2007, none classified as do-not-drive recalls.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?: Median mileage at failure was 85,000 for 2005, 82,956 for 2006, and 75,000 for 2007, based on NHTSA complaint data.