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
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 17, 2010
GETTING "POWER STEERING ERROR" INTERMITTENTLY SINCE LAST ONE YEAR. THE ERROR MESSAGE GOES AWAY AT RESTART, BUT COMES BACK AGAIN LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS MATTER AS IT COULD MEAN LOSS OF POWER TO THE STEERING AND MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. PLEASE INVESTIGATE IT AND HAVE IT RECALLED BEFORE SOME ONE GETS KILLED. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT TIMES AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO SUDDENLY STOP WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING. SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED SEVERAL TIMES AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE A PASSLOCK SENSOR WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000. UPDATED 01/06/11*LJ
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 24, 2010
FAILURE OF POWER STEERING WHILE ACCELERATING VEHICLE. STEERING DIRECTION BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE UNTIL ACCELERATION CEASES. THIS HAS SUPPOSEDLY BEEN FIXED BY THE DEALERSHIP TWO TIMES PREVIOUS TO TODAY. THE LAST TIME IT WAS FIXED WAS ONLY TWO WEEKS AGO AND WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE KIDS INTO SCHOOL THIS MORNING, THE STEERING LOCKED UP, THE DINGING SOUND TURNED ON, AND THE MESSAGE BOARD READ POWER STEERING ALONG WITH A TOOL THAT LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 18, 2010
INTERMITTENT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE. THERE IS NO CAUSE OR EFFECT. SOME DAYS THEY WORK SOME DAYS NOT. SOMETIMES THEY WORK OR NOT IN THE SAME DAY. WE HAVE FOUND NO SHORTS IN THE SYSTEM AND EVERYTHING ELSE WORKS FINE ON THE SELECTOR SWITCH WITHOUT FAIL. WE TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC TWICE WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 2, 2010
MY FRIEND HAS A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU, SHE ASKED ME TO CHECK HER FRONT TURN SIGNALS AS THEY WERE NOT WORKING. I NOTICED THE LIGHT BULBS WERE COVERED BY A ORANGE PLASTIC GLOBE. I WAS AMAZED TO SEE THE PLASTIC GLOBES HAD BURN HOLES IN THEM AND THE MELTING PLASTIC WAS DRIPPING ON THE LIGHT BULBS AND DESTROYING THEM. I ALSO NOTICED BURN MARKS ON THE HEADLAMP LENSES ON BOTH SIDES. I REMOVED THE PLASTIC GLOBES AND PUT NEW BULBS IN. THE GLOBES ARE WAY TOO CLOSE TO THE HOT BULBS WHICH ARE BURNING THE PLASTIC. IT IS HAPPENING ON HIGHER MILEAGE MALIBUS THAT HAVE HAD TIME TO MELT THE PLASTIC. I FEEL THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM. GM HAS NO BULLETINS ON THIS MATTER. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 1, 2010
THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING IN MY VEHICLE IS FAULTY. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL MOVE BY ITS SELF WHILE DRIVING OR IN PARK. ALSO MY POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP DUE TO POWER STEERING I HAVE A VERY HARD TIME TURNING AND CONTROLLING CAR. I HAVE BARELY AVOID SEVERAL ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I HAVE TAKEN CAR TO DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF CAN BE FIXED BECAUSE WHEN I CALLED GM I WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE WARRANTY THAT WOULD HAVE FIXED ISSUE BUT BECAUSE IT WAS PAST THEIR RECALL TIME THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST ME AND THE DEALER WANTS 800.00 TO FIX AND THEY SAY THAT EVEN FIXING THE STEERING COLUMN AND OR THE ASSIST MOTOR THAT I WILL MORE THEN LIKELY HAVE THE SAME ISSUES! MY CAR IS A 2004 WITH ONLY 44,462 MILES ON IT. I GOT THE CAR USED FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR (2010) AND DIDN'T KNOW THAT IT WOULD BE A NIGHTMARE AND A DEATH TRAP FOR MY FAMILY! I HAVE VIDEO OF THE WHEEL MOVING BY ITS SELF AS WELL AS VIDEO SHOWING THAT WHEN I LOSS POWER STEERING THE CAR IS HAZARDOUS. I AM REALLY AFRAID THAT I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THIS ISSUE AND WILL ONE DAY LOSS COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE CAR AND HURT MYSELF AND POSSIBLY OTHERS! CHEVROLET NEEDS TO FIX THIS ISSUE FOR GOOD OR REPLACE THE CARS ALL TOGETHER BECAUSE ITS REALLY ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS ISSUE BITES THEM IN THE BUTT! I REALLY LIKE MY MALIBU BUT I REALLY THINK THAT I SHOULD HAVE NEVER GOT IT BECAUSE OF ALL THE ISSUES LOSING POWER STEERING, PULLS BAD TO LEFT AND RIGHT, LOOSE SHIFTER KNOB, & THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY DOESN'T WORK RIGHT. I HOPE BY FILING THIS COMPLAINT WITH YOU THAT MAYBE IT WILL BE RESOLVED. I WANT TO HAVE PIECE OF MIND WHILE DRIVING MY FAMILY IN CAR NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE CAR BEING A DEATH TRAP ON 4 WHEELS THAT WILL LOSS CONTROL WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT AND KILL MY FAMILY AND MYSELF. I KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE ISSUES WITH THE MALIBU AND CHEVROLET REALLY NEEDS TO STEP UP AND MAKE THESE ISSUES RIGHT FOR US THE CONSUMERS FAST! *TR
Electrical system, Aug 28, 2010
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS, THE LEFT TURN, PARKING, & DRL BULB OVERHEATED AND CAUSED A FIRE THAT MELTED THE AMBER PLASTIC LENS INSIDE IF THE HEADLIGHT ASSY CAUSING IT TO SCORCH THE INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT ASSY AROUND THE AMBER PART. THE RIGHT SIDE HAD PREVIOUSLY JUST MELTED THE TOP OF THE AMBER LENS. THESE WERE THE ORIGINAL HEADLIGHT ASSYS WITH 3157 BULBS THAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE VERY BRIGHT ALL THE TIME. THE BULB CAUSED A FIRE THAT WENT OUT BY ITSELF THAT IS THE SAFETY PROBLEM. BOUGHT CERTIFIED REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT ASSYS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 22, 2010
WIFE STARTED UP HER CAR AFTER WORK ON JUNE 30TH, COME TO FIND OUT, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED AND, GOOD THING, SHE WASN'T DRIVING WHEN IT WENT OUT OR ELSE THERE COULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. NOW, IT FAILS EVERY ONCE AND AWHILE, STILL STEERABLE, BUT VERY HARD TO STEER. IF YOU SHUT THE CAR OFF, THEN, IT GOES A WAY FOR A WHILE BUT THEN POWER STEERING FAILS AGAIN LATER ON. WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND IT DID THE SAME THING WHILE GOING 75MPH. WE'RE TRYING TO RESEARCH ON IF THIS IS A RECALL OR WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE, I'VE SEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THE CHEVY MALIBU ABOUT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILING. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 21, 2010
I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU & IM HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM. THIS CAUSES MY CAR NOT TO START & TO SHUT OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING. I HAD THIS HAPPEN WHILE GOING DOWN A MOUNTAIN WITH MY 7 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE BACKSEAT!!! I CAN NOT BELIEVE CHEVY HAS NOT DONE A RECALL ON THIS YET!!! EVERYDAY MY CAR DOESN'T WANT TO START & I HAVE TO TURN THE IGNITION ON & SIT AND WAIT FOR THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM TO RESET! BY THE WAY ITS ALMOST 100 DEGREES THIS SUMMER!!! *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 21, 2010
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU - BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHTS ASSEMBLIES ARE MELTING FROM THE HEAT COMING OFF OF THE TURN SIGNAL/MARKER LIGHT. THE PLASTIC BULB HOUSING IS ACTUALLY MELTING ENOUGH TO DRIP ONTO THE BULB CAUSING THEM TO BREAK AND NEED REPLACED. THIS IS DEFINITELY A FIRE HAZARD. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 2, 2010
THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON FOR 2004 CHEVY MALIBU FOR ONE DAY. CAR WOULD NOT START THE NEXT DAY. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALED OVER 33,000 COMPLAINTS FOR THEFT SEARCH. ON CHEVY CARS. FOR $616 PLUS TAX, TIM LALLY CHEVROLET IS CHARGING ME FOR: IGNITION CYLINDER, WIRING AND CONNECTOR. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE STEERING RACK HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRES TO BECOME WORN WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR COST WAS $657 SINCE THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS OR VALID WARRANTIES. THE WIRING IN THE HORN WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND IT WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE FOR $200. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 23,800. UPDATED 11/15/10 *CN UPDATED 11/24/10
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 17, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE ATTEMPTING A TURN AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 10-15 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BARELY AVOID CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR CONCERNS OF THE POWER STEERING FAILING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING COLUMN, IGNITION SWITCH AND THROTTLE BODY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Electrical system, Jun 4, 2010
INTERMITTENT TURN SIGNALS AND HORN CONTINUALLY GOES OFF HAVING TO REMOVE FUSE. *TR
Electrical system, May 18, 2010
2004 CHEVY MALIBU THEFT SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR
Electrical system, May 1, 2010
MY CAR SUDDENLY WOULDN'T START THIS MORNING WHILE TRYING TO GET TO WORK. AFTER RESEARCHING A LITTLE BIT ON THE INTERNET I CAME TO REALIZE THAT THIS HAS TO DO WITH THAT ANNOYING ANTI-THEFT LIGHT THAT IS ALWAYS LIT UP IN THE CORNER. SO I GO BACK OUT TO MY CAR, HOPING THAT THE 10 MINUTE PROCEDURE WILL WORK FOR ME AS WELL. BUT AS I AM SITTING THERE WITH MY CAR IN THE "ON" POSITION MY BATTERY DIES ON ME. SO NOW I AM STUCK HERE WITH A CAR THAT WONT TURN ON, AND NO WAY TO GET TO WORK! I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS AS WELL RELATED BUT ABOUT 2 MONTHS PRIOR MY POWER STEERING HAD GONE OUT. MECHANICS THOUGHT IT WAS A BAD FUEL PUMP AND HAD TO HAVE THAT FIXED. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 1, 2010
THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER WOULD RESET THE TIME. IT ALSO DISPLAYED "SERVICE AIR BAG" AS SOON AS THE CAR TURNS ON. WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, MY STEERING WHEEL LOST ITS POWER STEERING AND THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER DISPLAYED "POWER STEERING" ALONG WITH A CAR AND WRENCH LIGHT FLASHING FROM THE GAUGE WINDOW. THIS HAS NOT BEEN FIXED DUE TO READING A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM THAT AFFECTED CERTAIN 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU'S. SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A DEFECT THAT THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF. A REAL SCARE WHEN DRIVING ON THE ROAD, LET ALONE ON THE FREEWAY. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Equipment, Nov 23, 2009
I HAVE REPORTED TWO PREVIOUS INCIDENTS REGARDING NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LS. THE SAME NOISE IS AGAIN OCCURRING IN THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT IS A STEERING ISSUE. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO JACK PHELAN CHEVROLET, THEY DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT END/STEERING. I BELIEVE THEY AREN'T TELLING ME BECAUSE THIS WILL BE THE 3RD COMPLAINT REGARDING STEERING PARTS. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 5, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER UNIT IN THE VEHICLE BURNED INTO PIECES. SHE USED THE LIGHTER REGULARLY AND WHEN THE LIGHTER POPPED BACKED OUT TO BE USED, THE ENTIRE UNIT OVERHEATED AND BURNED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OR ISSUES WITH THE LIGHTER UNIT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SCARRING FROM THE FAILURE. SHE STATED THAT HER VEHICLE MAY BE AT RISK OF CATCHING FIRE OR EXPERIENCING OTHER ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Electric, Jul 17, 2009, crash
THIS CAR IS TERRIBLE. NOT ONLY DID MY BRAKES NOT WORK WHICH MADE MY CAR CRASH THROUGH THE FRONT OF MY HOUSE THE STEERING HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS MAJOR PROBLEMS. THE BLINKER BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE LENS COVER AND MAKES THE HORN, DOORS AND LIGHTS NOT WORK. I HAVE CONTACTED GM SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS AND THEY DON'T CARE BECAUSE THE WARRANTY IS OUT. THEN YOU READ HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. THEY GOT THEIR BAILOUT HOW ABOUT A BAILOUT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO BOUGHT GM PRODUCTS. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO HELP FOR THE CONSUMER. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 2, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THEFT SYSTEM IN HER VEHICLE WOULD ACTIVATE AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE NOT TO START. THE FAILURE WORSENED AND RECENTLY BEGAN TO OCCUR EVERY TWO DAYS. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PLACE THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND TURN IT SO THAT IT WOULD RESET AND THE THEFT DETERRENT LIGHT WOULD DIM. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE CENTER, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,450 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 19, 2009
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILURE WITH NO WARNING. I STARTED UP MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU AND AS I WAS BACKING UP OFF THE DRIVE WAY, MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO LOCK UP. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM, WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH WAY SPEEDS! HERE IS A LINK TO THIS PARTICULAR CONCERN THAT I FOUND ONLINE. HTTP://WWW.LEMONLAWCLAIMS.COM/MALIBU_BRAKE_AND_STEERING_PROBLEM.HTM I HOPE YOU GUYS CAN BE ABLE TO CHECK IT OUT AND MAKE IT SAFE FOR THE DRIVER AND THE PUBLIC TO DRIVE IN PEACE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 9, 2009
THE THEFT SYSTEM COMES ON IN MY CAR ABOUT EVERY 3 TIMES I USE IT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I NEED TO WAIT TEN MINUTES BEFORE STARTING ME CAR. IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS AT NIGHT IN MY PARKING DECK. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Apr 8, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. WITHIN THE PAST YEAR, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITH THE WINDOWS. THE WINDOWS WORK AT RANDOM AND, OCCASIONALLY, RISE VERY SLOWLY AS IF THE MOTOR IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE IS ALSO EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH THE TURN SIGNALS. MOST OF THE TIME THEY DO NOT WORK AT ALL, BUT OTHER TIMES THE SIGNALS WORK FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THE ISSUE IS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND SHOULD BE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR. THE DEALER WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000. UPDATED 5/7/09 *CN UPDATED 05/12/09*JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, Jan 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY OF 2007, THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD LOSE POWER INTERMITTENTLY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50-60 MPH, THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS LOST POWER AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE TURNED OFF AND PARKED THE VEHICLE FOR A WHILE AND EVENTUALLY THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR LATER, SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS LOSING POWER INTERMITTENTLY. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED A MONTH LATER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.