2004 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,697 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 81 involved a crash and 15 involved a fire. 55 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
SteeringJul 21, 2014
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
Campaign 14E044000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 14, 2014
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.
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 14V252000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 30, 2014
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 14V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMar 31, 2014
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 14V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpFeb 28, 2011
TI AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS, PART NUMBERS TU456 AND TU303, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AS AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.
A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.
TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON TO WWW.RECALLRESPONSE.COM.
Campaign 11E009000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleApr 19, 2004
SOME OF THESE PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) THAT MAY CALCULATE A HIGHER THAN ACTUAL VEHICLE SPEED BECAUSE OF AN ERRATIC REAR-WHEEL SPEED SENSOR SIGNAL, AND CAUSE ABS ACTIVATION WHERE IT IS NOT NEEDED OR NEEDED ABS ACTIVATION TO BE EXTENDED DURING BRAKING AS THE VEHICLE SPEED DROPS TO ABOUT 3 MPH.
UNEXPECTED ABS ACTIVIATION COULD INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE UP TO ABOUT 11 FEET DPENDING ON THE GRADE OF THE ROAD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS CONTROLLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Campaign 04V190000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageApr 16, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, ANALYSIS OF AN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH TEST CONDUCTED BY THE NHTSA;S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) INDICATED THAT THE OUTBOARD ANCHORAGE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT COULD DISCONNECT BECAUSE OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE SEAT TRIM AND THE ANCHORAGE CONNECTOR WHEN THE SEAT WAS ADJUSTED TO ITS LOWEST POSITION.
IF THIS OCCURRED IN A CRASH, THE DRIVER COULD RECEIVE GREATER INJURIES.
DEALERS WILL INSERT A RETAINER ON BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S BELT ANCHORAGES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Campaign 04V188000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 24, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ADVANCED OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AORS) HAVE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISORS WITH AORS LABELS. THE AORS LABELS DO NOT INCLUDE STATEMENTS AND THE ILLUSTRATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 208 FOR VEHICLES WITHOUT AORS.
OWNERS WILL BE SENT REPLACEMENT LABELS WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO INSTALL THEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Campaign 04V094000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
43 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Air bags, Mar 24, 2024, crash
The Grumman LLV was hit by the driver of the Chevy Malibu. The Grumman LLV had seatbelt issues with impact. The LLV was forced over on two wheels with left side impact from the driver of Chevy Malibu. [XXX] was the driver of the USPS Grumman LLV at the time of accident sustaining neck injuries requiring medical attention. Multiple medical procedures paid out of pocket followed to include surgeries The driver of Chevy Malibu was injured and received coverage by State Farm insurance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, May 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that after he turned off and restarted the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Bruce’s auto body shop where it was diagnosed that the air bag side impact sensor failed to reset and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified by the dealer and the contact was informed that the parts were no longer being manufactured and was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.
Steering, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, May 24, 2019
THE RACK AND PINION WENT OUT WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS IN CITY SETTING. STEERING WHEEL TURNED BUT WHEELS DID NOT. FELT A JUMPING IN THE WHEEL. GEARS IN RACK WERE STRIPPED WHEN MAKING A HARD LEFT TURN. STEERING WHEEL SPUN 3/4 AND RUINED AIR BAG AND NO CRUISE CONTROL. IVE HAD TO GET A NEW RACK AND PINION.
Air bags, Mar 27, 2019, crash
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND WAS REAR-ENDED BY A CAR GOING 15-20 MPH (THE AT-FAULT DRIVER WAS DISTRACTED BY THEIR PHONE). I WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS AND HAD A BUMP OVER MY LEFT EYE FROM HITTING SOMETHING. I HAD A CONCUSSION. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICY REPORT WAS FILED. I STILL SUFFER MID AND LOWER BACK PAIN (DISC BULGES AND FISSURES). AFTER THE WRECK, I STARTED TO GET A WARNING ABOUT NEEDING TO SERVICE THE AIRBAGS.
Steering, Air bags, Jan 29, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, A POPPING NOISE WAS PRESENT AND THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT PULLED OUT OF THE RACK. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. ELM CHEVROLET (301 E. CHURCH ST, ELMIRA, NY) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Dec 19, 2018
TAKATA RECALL. MY RADIO STARTED DISPLAYING A SERVICE AIR BAG MESSAGE AND MY HORN STOPPED WORKING. THE WIRING IN THE CAR HAS STOPPED WORKING. I BEGAN TO REPLACE LIGHTBULBS THINKING THEY WERE BLOWN BUT JUST WILL NOT WORK. HEARD THIS CAR WAS RECALLED FOR THESE EXACT PROBLEMS I AM HAVING BUT FOR SOME REASON MY CAR HAS NO RECALLS. MY STEERING WHEEL MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN TURNING VERY SHARP. SOUNDS LIKE A PIECE IS BROKEN KNOCKING AROUND
Steering, Air bags, Oct 19, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING LOST POWER. IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S AIR BAG EXPLODED AND STRUCK THE DRIVER IN THE FACE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 3, 2018
MY AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED EVEN THOUGH I REPLACED THE AIRBAGS. MY BREAK LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ME PUSHING THE BREAKS. MY CAR FOR SOME REASON WON'T COME OUT OF PARK AT TIMES. IT'S LIKE IT DOESN'T KNOW THAT'S IT'S IN PARK. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED. I LOOKED UP RECALLS ON MY TYPE OF CAR AND THERE ARE RECALLS THAT MATCH THE DESCRIPTION I'M SAYING BUT WHEN I PUT IN MY VIN NUMBER IT SAYS I HAVE 0 WITH MY CAR. I'M WONDERING IF I DO HAVE RECALLS ON IT BUT NONE THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED YET. EVEN IN PARK MY CARS BREAK LIGHTS WILL BE ILLUMINATED AND I CAN NOT PULL IT OUT OF PARK. ALSO FUSES BURN OUT IN MY CAR LIKE A CIRCUIT PROBLEMS. IF I TURN MY CAR OFF AND THEN ON TO SEE IF IT REGISTERS THAT IT'S IN PARK AT TIMES MY CAR WILL MAKE A STALLING SOUND LIKE IT'S NOT GETTING GAS OR SOMETHING TO RESTART THE CAR. I WOULD CLICK MORE ON AFFECTED PARTS BUT ONLY ALLOWS 3.
Air bags, Feb 10, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE SPED INTO THE CONTACT'S LANE AND CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS SHAKEN UP, BUT WAS UNINJURED. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED, BUT DRIVABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Steering, Power train, Air bags, Nov 21, 2016
INFLATED.
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 17, 2016, crash, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 23 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT BARRIER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. TWO DAYS LATER, THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING IN THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED OR TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.
Air bags, Apr 28, 2016
AIR BAG LIGHT WARNING LIGHT STAYING ON WHILE IN MOTION
Power train, Air bags, Dec 30, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST BRAKING AND STEERING FUNCTIONS. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BUT IT WAS UNKNOWN IF IT WAS DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 315,000.
Air bags, Nov 12, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, DROVE DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, AND CRASHED INTO A CREEK. DURING THE CRASH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000.
Air bags, Aug 10, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND COMING TO A STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 TO 70 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND THE OTHER DRIVER SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Nov 25, 2014, crash
WHILE TRAVELING IN A SCHOOL ZONE GOING APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES PER HOUR, I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A SCHOOL BUS. I COULD NOT STOP, OR STEER THE CAR TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH THE REAR OF THE BUS. MY CAR WENT UNDER THE REAR OF THE BUS, WHERE IT WAS CRUSHED IN THE FRONT END. THE CAR SEEMED TO JUST SHUT DOWN, HAD NO POWER STEERING AND BRAKING CONTROL. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED., EVEN THOUGH THEY SHOULD HAVE WITH THE TYPE OF IMPACT THAT THE CAR RECEIVED. WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THIS COMPLAINT, ON BEHALF OF OURSELVES AND ANY OTHER MOTORIST THAT MIGHT HAVE HAD SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES. THANK YOU. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Traction control system, Nov 19, 2014, crash
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU EXPERIENCING POWER STEERING PROBLEMS, ABS AND SHIFT CABLE, ALL REPLACED. *CW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP SEVEN TIMES, DUE TO POWER STEERING FAILURE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE STEERING LOCKING UP. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN TWO ACCIDENTS, IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A TRANSMISSION, STEERING AND BRAKE RECALL. HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *JB
Air bags, Service brakes, Oct 16, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE STUMP AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CHEST INJURY THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE BODY DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Air bags, Sep 15, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH A STOP SIGN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE ADDITIONAL ITEMS ON THE KEY RING AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISED KNEE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Engine, Sep 10, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TWICE WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE TO PREVENT A CRASH. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED THE SECOND TIME, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND EMITTED WHITE POWDER, WHICH IMPAIRED THE CONTACT'S VISION. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND SHOULDER INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 10/08/14*LJ UPDATED 05/18/2015 *JS
Air bags, Service brakes, Aug 26, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOP IN A PARKING LOT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO CONTACT VEHICLE AND THE HORN MALFUNCTIONED. AS RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ALERT THE OTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE INTERMITTENTLY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURES. THE FAILURES RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSE OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Electrical system, Child seat, Jul 27, 2014
FIRST OF ALL IM WAITING ON PARTS FOR TWO RECALLS FOR MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU. I FIND IT A LITTLE DANGEROUS AND FOR SOME REASON NOBODY HAS BEEN ABLE TO GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION ON WHAT I NEED TO DO OR HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THE PARTS ARE GOING TO BE AVAILABLE. MY SEAT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FEELS LIKE IT IS DETACHED ON ONE SIDE. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE. MY CAR RANDOMLY DECIDES TO ACCELERATE SOMETIMES. I CANNOT GIVE YOU MILEAGE OR TELL YOU EXACT TIMES WHEN IT HAPPENS BECAUSE IT'S ABOUT FIVE TIMES A YEAR. I THINK IT'S WHEN I'M ON CRUISE CONTROL SO I FIND IT BIZARRE THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR STARTS SPEEDING. I HAVE HAD MY CAR SERVICED AND EVEN A NEW ENGINE PUT IN AND RESET BUT MY SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT IS STILL ON? MY HORN WILL WORK RANDOMLY BUT NOT ALL THE TIME AND THIS MAKES ME FEEL A LITTLE UNSAFE BECAUSE A HORN IS NEEDED FOR WARNING PEOPLE OF DANGER. THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *JS
Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jun 20, 2014, crash
LADY LOST CONTROL OF CAR AND HIT A TRUCK AND SMASHED PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SECTION AND AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. SHE DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY THE TOW COMPANY SO SHE LET THEM HAVE THE CAR. I FOUND THIS INFORMATION ON CAR FACTS ONLINE. MY SON LIVES IN MO AND PURCHASED THE CAR AND I PURCHASED THE CAR DUE TO THE LOW MILES ON THE CAR AND NOW HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING THE AIR BAGS TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. I ALSO CALLER DEERY BROTHERS CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND THEY CHECKED MY VIN AND THIS CAR DOES HAVE A RECALL ON IT. *TR
Steering, Air bags, Apr 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING STOP WORKING AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Steering, Air bags, Aug 15, 2013
I WAS DRIVING HEARD A POP AND THEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I THEN NOTICED THE WHEEL WAS TURNED HALF WAY AND I WAS STILL GOING STRAIGHT. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS THANK GOD I WAS ON A STREET ALONE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER (HOVE) THEY TOLD ME MY EXTENDED WARRANT HAD EXPIRED DUE TO MILEAGE AND IT WAS 1300.00 TO FIX. ON TOP OF THE ISSUE OF SAFETY I ALSO DON'T HAVE THE CASH AND I NEED MY CAR. I HAVE SEEN ALL THE REPORTS FROM THIS PROBLEM AND STRONGLY FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A RECALLED PIECE. *TR