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: electrical system
247 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Oct 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START PROPERLY ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNCERTAIN WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL LOCKS FAILED AND THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK. IN ADDITION, THE WINDOWS FAILED TO OPEN OR CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical system, Sep 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE BRAKES ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), BUT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Electrical system, Sep 25, 2014
ON 7/13/09 WITH 28500 MILES & AGAIN AT 5/21/14 WITH 43500 MILES THE REAR HATCH SOP ACTUATOR FAULTY INTERNAL FAILURE LOCK /SOLENOID #15145724 DESCRIPTION LATCH #12.242 CAR DELIVERED 2/11/04 7/13/09 LOCK FAIL COST $159 LABOR $230 =$390 5/12/14 FAILS LOCK $353.63 LABOR $240 =$ 594 CHEV GARAGED & MAINTAINED DEFECTIVE PART NEVER UPGRADED & GM REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE DESIGN EFFECT TOTAL COST $984 PRICE A RIP OFF GOOD BY GM. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING AND TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, THE KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
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.
Electrical system, Sep 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START PROPERLY MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EJECT THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, THE KEY FAILED TO TURN ALL THE WAY TO THE OFF POSITION. THE KEY WAS ABLE TO TURN FROM ACCESSORY TO THE ON POSITION AND VICE VERSA, BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN TO THE OFF POSITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH AND KEYS COULD BE REPLACED FOR A FEE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Sep 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES, STEERING, AND ELECTRICAL WIRING FOR THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED SINCE 2004. WHILE MAKING LEFT TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN SUBMITTING COMPLAINTS TO THE MANUFACTURER SINCE 2004. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 10/23/14*CN UPDATED 4/13/2015 *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO SHIFT GEARS FROM DRIVE INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS LATER NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 14V153000 (STEERING), AND 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW WIRING HARNESS. UPDATED 12/04/14 THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED. UPDATED 02/04/15. *JB
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Aug 29, 2014
I HAVE 3 RECALL LETTERS AND EACH STATES THE PARTS AREN'T AVAILABLE. THOSE RECALLS ARE:14116,14152;13036. THESE RECALL REPAIRS STATE THAT THEY AFFECT THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE AND YET WE ARE FORCED TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH POSSIBLE LIFE THREATENING ISSUES WHILE THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY ISSUES ASIDE, THE RECALLS AFFECT THE VALUE OF THIS PRODUCT BY THE IMPLICATION IT'S DEFECTIVE. THESE ISSUES SHOULD BE DEALT WITH SWIFTLY AS TO MINIMIZE POSSIBLE FATALITIES AND IF NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE, THEN A SAFE RENTAL VEHICLE OF LIKE KIND SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AT NO COST TO THE OWNERS. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2014
IN SUMMER 2013 I ELECTED TO REPLACE BOTH HEADLAMP CASING WITH A NEW HEADLAMP KIT BECAUSE OF INTERNAL DISCOLORATION AND YELLOW LIQUID FLUID SEEPING FROM DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP. APPROXIMATELY 1 WEEK LATER THE NEW DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP CASING MELTED AND BURNT THE NEW BULB. THE BULB WAS REPLACED AT NO COST. AT MY NEXT SERVICE 5-6 MONTHS LATER I INQUIRED ABOUT REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE HEADLAMP CASING BECAUSE THE BULB ON BOTH DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP BURNT THROUGH ITS PLASTIC CASING, AGAIN CAUSING INTERNAL DISCOLORATION OF HEADLAMP KIT. I WAS TOLD WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE DEALERSHIP SENT AN INQUIRE TO GM REGARDING SUCH DEFECT BUT I AM TOLD THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM GM AND I HAVE NO RECOURSE. I NO LONGER USE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP. I PURPOSELY SHUT OFF THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (WHICH DEFEATS THE PURPOSE) FOR FEAR THE BULB WILL CONTINUE TO MELT THE CASING CAUSING FURTHER DISCOLORATION AND BURN THE BULB. THIS IS NOT HOW THE PRODUCT SHOULD BE MADE; POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP AND POOR WORKMANSHIP. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Aug 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 27, 2014, crash
AFTER PURCHASING MY MALIBU I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE INCIDENTS WHERE I WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK MY DOORS ELECTRICALLY FROM INSIDE/OUTSIDE (AFTER A FIGHT WITH THE DEALER THAT ISSUE WAS FIXED AFTER BEING TOLD I NEEDED TO BRING THE CAR BACK AND FORTH FOR 3 WEEKS), SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY TURN SIGNAL BULBS ONCE A MONTH, MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL SOCKET LOOKS LIKE IT HAS BEEN BURNT AND IS VERY BLACK IN COLOR, STILL CANT GET GM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THIS ON THESE MALIBU'S EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS ISSUE. NEXT I HAVE HAD MY DIC SYSTEM SHOW ME MESSAGES SAYING LOCKED AND MY RADIO SHUTS OFF ERRATICALLY AND MY IGNITION WILL SHUT OFF. GM DEALER WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY, NEXT I HAVE HAD THE MESSAGE ON MY DIC SHOW NO POWER STEERING AND 3 OUT OF THE 4 TIMES I HAVE LOST STEERING ALL TOGETHER AND LUCKILY WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, HAD TO SHUT CAR OFF AND WAIT FOR SYSTEM TO GIVE ME BACK STEERING CONTROL. THE 4TH TIME I VEERED INTO A GUARD RAIL GOING ABOUT 25 MPH AND CRUNCHED MY FRONT PASSENGER QUARTER PANEL WHEN THE PS ASSIST FAILED AND I HAD NO STEERING. AGAIN, SHUT CAR OFF AND HAD TO WAIT FOR SYSTEM TO RESET AND AGAIN HAD STEERING CONTROL. I AM NOW HAVING ISSUES WHERE MY ENTIRE CONSOLE IN THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS HOT TO THE TOUCH AND MY IGNITION SWITCH INSIDE THE CAR IS EXTREMELY HOT EVEN RIGHT AFTER THE CAR IS STARTED. GM WILL NOT ADDRESS THIS ISSUE EITHER WHEN I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. I AM NOW HAVING STEERING ISSUES WHERE MY MALIBU WANTS TO GO LEFT WHEN I AM ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN IT WANTS TO GO WAY LEFT ALL BY ITSELF. I HAVE MULTIPLE RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AND TO NO AVAIL THEY ARE NOT BEING ADDRESSED. I AM WONDERING IF I HAVE TO BE IN A WORSE CRASH AND BE INJURED SEVERELY OR ANOTHER PERSON IN ORDER TO GET ANYONE TO FIX THESE ISSUES OR TAKE THIS CAR BACK. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND MULTIPLE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS OR ANY OTHER TERRAIN. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, BUT THE KEY WOULD NOT EJECT. THE KEY WOULD CONTINUOUSLY BECOME STUCK BETWEEN THE OFF POSITION AND AUXILIARY POSITION AND WOULD NOT RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE LOCK ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. UPDATED 01/12/15*LJ UPDATED 08/28/2017*CT
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND EXCESSIVE FORCE ON THE STEERING WHEEL WAS REQUIRED. THE SERVICE SOON WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE UNAVAILABLE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE DEALER WAS UNCERTAIN WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 21, 2014
THE TURN SIGNALS AND FLASHER WORK INTERMITTENTLY. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Aug 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FAILED TO ROLL DOWN. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES, AIR CONDITIONING, AND RADIO FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Electrical system, Aug 14, 2014
THEFT SYSTEM DID NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO START. THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT APPEARS INTERMITTENTLY. FOLLOWING THE "WAIT 10 MINUTES" PROCEDURE DESCRIBED IN OTHER COMPLAINTS RESULTS IN START ON SOME OCCASIONS BUT DOES NOT WORK ON OTHERS. CONSIDERING THE GM IGNITION PROBLEM RECALLS, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN THE SUBJECT OF ONE. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2014
KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. *TR
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
Electrical system, Jul 20, 2014
UPON SHUTTING CAR OFF MY CAR KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT IGNITION AFTER DANGLING THE KEY I CAME OUT BUT THE IGNITION WASN'T IN THE OFF POSITION. LM ATTEMPT TO PUT THE KEY BACK IN TO TURN IT TO OFF POSITION IT DIDN'T BUDGE. THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WOULDN'T START I HAD TO GET A JUMP AND THEN THE FOLLOWING MORNING THE CAR WOULDN'T START I HAD TO GET A JUMP. I WENT ADVANCE AUTO PARTS AND WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE THE CAR IS NOT IN OFF POSITION COMPLETELY ITS DRAINING MY BATTERY, I ALSO WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE THAT I WASN'T AWARE OF. I WILL TAKE TO DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY. THE OTHER PROBLEMS I HAVE IS THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW AFTER LETTING DOWN WONT COME BACK UP. TURN SIGNALS NOT WORKING ONE MINUTE POP ON OTHER MINUTE. I CHECK THE FUSE BOX IT WAS FINE. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2014
MY COMPLAINT IS THAT I HAVE RECEIVED TWO LETTERS INFORMING ME OF RECALLS ON MY BRAKES, AND THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING. I RECEIVED THE FIRST LETTER A MONTH AGO REGARDING THE ( EPS), I CALLED GM AND I ALSO CALLED CHEVROLET, I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING, NOW I RECEIVE A LETTER TWO DAYS AGO RECALLING (BCM), (BAS), I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW YOU CAN SEND OUT LETTERS STATING THERE ARE RECALLS BUT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, BUT YOU ARE CONCERNED. PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND THIS, THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS IF TRANSPORTATION AND I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT HOW THIS IS BEING HANDLED. NOW I AM IN FEAR IF WHAT COULD HAPPEN WHILE I'M DRIVING AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS AND PREVENT MY DEATH OR SOMEONE ELSE'S. I HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED THE (EPS) PROBLEM TWICE TO BE EXACT, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON, SO, I WOULD APPRECIATE SOMEONE CONTACTING ME WITH SOME INFORMATION IN HOW QUICKLY THESE PROBLEMS CAN BECOME RESOLVED. I AM REALLY CONSIDERING CONTACTING A LAWYER, BECAUSE NOTHING IS BEING DONE. MY LIFE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE LETTERS YOU SEND SAYING YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY, THAT IS A JOKE. THANKS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE AND HOPEFULLY I WILL GET SOME KIND OF RESPONSE. *TR
Parking brake, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WOULD MALFUNCTION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL AWAY WHEN PARKED ON AN INCLINE OR A FLAT SURFACE. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY HESITATE WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD BECOME STUCK IN FIRST GEAR AND BEGAN TO EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL JERKING MOTION. THE KEY WOULD ALSO BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FAIL TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Electrical system, Jul 10, 2014
I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF SLOWING DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WHEN MY CAR JUST DIED. I HAD TWO KIDS IN THE CAR WITH ME. SOMETHING BAD COULD HAVE HAPPENED. GOOD THING IT THE CAR DIED AT A RED LIGHT. I WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND THE CAR STARTED UP. I HAD THE CAR TESTED FOR ANY CODES AND NOTHING SHOWED FOR A REASON WHY THE CAR DID THIS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. *TR