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, Exterior lighting, Jan 5, 2009, fire
FIRST MY HORN FUSE CONTINUED TO BLOW. I REPLACED THE FUSE MULTIPLE TIMES. THEN MY TURN SIGNAL LIGHT WENT OUT. I LOOKED AT IT AND NOTICED THAT BOTH SIDES HAD HOLES BURNT THROUGH THE AMBER GLOBE. I WAS OUT OF TOWN AND DIDN'T WANT TO RECEIVE A TICKET FOR NON WORKING LIGHT SO I HAD IT REPLACED, HOWEVER WITHIN A DAY THE BULB BLEW AGAIN AND THE HORN FUSE BLEW AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NO CLUE WHAT WAS CAUSING IT HOWEVER I HAD TO PAY OVER $500 TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHT PARTS REPLACED ON BOTH SIDES. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THEY DENIED THE CLAIM B/C THEY DON'T REPLACE LIGHTS, HOWEVER THE FACT THAT THE CAR IS BURNING UP I DON'T THINK I JUST WANTED NEW LIGHTS. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD BE OUT MONEY FOR A PROBLEM THAT HAS OBVIOUSLY OCCURRED ON OTHER VEHICLES AND NOW MINE. I FEEL THAT A CAR THAT IS ACTUALLY MELTING/BURNING IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN....BUT I GUESS UNTIL A FEW PEOPLE BLOW UP IN THERE VEHICLES PEOPLE WILL BE OUT MONEY TO PAY FOR A FAULTY AUTOMOBILE. I WISH I STILL HAD MY FORD..IT NEVER GAVE ME THE PROBLEMS THIS CAR HAS. I STARTED WITH STEERING GOING OUT, THEN BACK HATCH NEVER OPENED, CAR REMOTE SYSTEMS DOESN'T WORK (AND I WON'T PAY TO REPLACE THAT), NOW THE CAR IS BLOWING FUSES, LIGHTS, AND BURNING UP MELTING THE PLASTIC. I THINK THEY SHOULD JUST START REPLACING THE 2004 WITH SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE SAFE....LIKE A FORD. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 11, 2008
AFTER RADIO WAS REPLACED I EXPERIENCED MY BLINKERS DO NOT WORK CONSISTENTLY. I HAD A WARRANTY AT THAT TIME TOOK IT TO DEALER THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM TOLD ME COME BACK WHEN IT STARTED AGAIN, HOWEVER THE DEALER SAID THAT IF I JIGGLED THE HAZARD BUTTON THE BLINKERS WOULD WORK THAT THEY HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM MANY TIMES AND THAT THEY THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A RECALL MATTER. OF COURSE THE SITUATION CONTINUED MY WARRANTY RAN OUT AND I'M STUCK WITH THIS DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE A/C IS ALSO AFFECTED, IT COMES ON AND OFF AND IT SEEMS THE HAZARD BUTTON SOMEHOW HELPS TO RESET THE PROBLEM SOMETIMES SO IT COMES BACK ON JUST LIKE THE BLINKERS WILL STAY ON IF I HOLD THE LEFT CORNER OF THE HAZARD BUTTON. IF ANYONE OUT THERE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW IT WAS CORRECTED. HELP! *TR
Electrical system, Sep 30, 2008
CAR WOULDN'T START SO TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND REMOVED BATTERY AND THEN REPLACED IT AND CAR STARTED. INFORMED US HE HAS WORKED ON OTHERS THAT HAD SAME PROBLEM AND IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE THAT HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. THE CAR STARTED AND RAN FOR 3 DAYS THEN IT WON'T START AGAIN. SO HAD IT TOWED TO THE CHEVY DEALER. MECHANIC TALKED TO ON THE PHONE INSTANTLY KNEW THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE HAD TO REPAIR IT ON MANY CARS. TOLD US IT WAS THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE AND THE ONLY WAY AROUND IT WAS TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CAR IS STILL CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERS SO CANT GIVE A TOTAL ACCOUNT YET OF WHAT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I'VE HAD TO MISS DAYS AT WORK BECAUSE OF THIS AND WONDERING IF IT IS SUCH A COMMON PROBLEM WHY SOMETHING ISN'T BEING DONE ABOUT IT. HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE BEFORE BUT CAUSED A DIFFERENT PROBLEM. IT WENT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND DIDN'T LET ME USE CRUISE CONTROL, AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. IT ALSO WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP. I HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND WAIT A FEW MINUTES. THEN IT STARTED BACK UP AND HAD NO PROBLEMS TILL NOW. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 14, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL BULBS OFTEN BLOW OUT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BULB AND SOME WIRES. RECENTLY, HE NOTICED THAT THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL COVERING BURNED. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,900. UPDATED 10/03/08 *BF THE DEALER STATED THE WIRING HARNESS HAD MELTED. UPDATED 10/07/08.*JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 12, 2008
WE OWN A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LS SEDAN WITH 66,000 MILES ON IT. IN MARCH WE HAD THE FRONT RIGHT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BULB REPLACED, AND WITHIN A WEEK WE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR LEFT TURN SIGNAL. THEN ON MAY 1ST, WE WERE ON A TRIP WHEN THE REAR RIGHT TURN SIGNAL WENT OUT, SO WE REPLACED THAT. THE NEXT DAY THE FRONT LEFT TURN SIGNAL WENT OUT FOR FOUR HOURS, STARTED TO WORK AGAIN FOR A WHILE, AND WENT ON AND OFF AGAIN FOR TWO DAYS. WE BROUGHT IT INTO OUR DEALERSHIP BECAUSE WE SUSPECTED THAT THERE MIGHT BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE SERVICE PERSON CALLED US TO REPORT THAT WE HAD TO REPLACE THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS WHICH HAD BEEN CUT (SOMEHOW) AND IT WOULD COST A LARGE SUM OF MONEY. AS WITH ANY FEAR OF MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IN AN AUTOMOBILE, WE GAVE HIM PERMISSION TO REPLACE IT. HOWEVER ON THE BILL IT ONLY STATES THAT THE BULB WAS REPLACED FOR A LESSER COST AND SAID NOTHING ABOUT THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS THAT HE HAD MENTIONED (WHICH WE NEVER EVEN KNEW EXISTED). WE ARE GOING BACK IN TO TALK WITH THE HEAD SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT THIS. OUR CONCERN IS THAT THERE ARE SO MANY REPORTS LISTED HERE ABOUT TURN SIGNAL PROBLEMS. WE ARE REPORTING THIS TO CHEVROLET AND HOPE OTHER PEOPLE WILL CONTACT CHEVROLET AT SO THEY WILL BE AWARE OF AND LOOK INTO THESE PROBLEMS. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 8, 2008
THE 2004 CHEVY MALIBU CLASSIC WILL NO START FOR 10 MINUTES EVERYTIME I GET IN THE CAR. I WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT WAS TOLD BY A CHEVY DEALER THAT IT WOULD COST $400.00 BUT IT IS A HIT OR MISS SITUATION. I WOULD LOVE IF GM RECALLED IT. I WORK IN CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES AND CHILDREN LIVES CAN BE AT RISK IF I CAN'T GET TO A FAMILY IN TIME. IF GM WILL NOT RECALL THE CAR COULD THEY PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM THAT WILL HAVE MONEY AND LIVES. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 27, 2008
I TRIED TO START THE CAR AND, WHILE THE STARTER MOTOR OPERATED, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. EVENTUALLY I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED, AND THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED. IF HAD KNOW, I COULD HAVE LEFT THE KEY ON FOR 10 MINUTES AND PERHAPS IT WOULD HAVE STARTED. BUT THIS INFO WAS BURIED IN THE OWNER?S MANUAL UNDER THE HEADING PASSLOCK AND NOT FOUND UNTIL AFTER THE CAR WAS REPAIRED. I WOULD HAVE BEEN AFRAID TO SIT IN AN UNLOCKED CAR FOR 10 MINUTES IN ANY EVENT. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 8, 2008
MY PROBLEM IS WITH A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU CLASSIC...SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT THIS CAR I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER THREE TIMES BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT START IN THE COLD WEATHER..AND NOW I MY CAR IS NOT STARTING BECAUSE OF A THEFT PASSLOCK MODULE ISSUE...THIS CAR HAS LEFT ME STRANDED EVERYWHERE AND IM A SINGLE MOTHER AND NEED TO GO TO WORK AND THIS CAR IS UNDEPENDABLE DUE TO THE FAULTY THEFT SYSTEM..I HAVE SPENT OVER 2000 DOLLARS ALREADY FOR NOTHING, BECAUSE THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS ALL OVER AGAIN...PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SITUATION...THERE IS A NEED TO FOR A RECALL.... *TR
Electrical system, Jan 15, 2008
SOME TIME IN DECEMBER OF 2007 THE SPEEDOMETER OF MY 2004 CHEVY IMPALA BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. IT IS VERY ERRATIC IN THAT SOMETIMES THE NEEDLE DOESN'T MOVE, SOMETIMES IT SHOWS 100+MPH, SOMETIMES IT APPEARS TO BE ACCURATE, AND SOMETIMES IT JUST STAYS FIXED ON A SPEED AND DOESN'T MOVE. WE HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND HE SAID ONLY A DEALER COULD FIX IT AND IT WOULD MOST LIKELY COST OVER $1,000 TO DO SO. WE HAVE CHOSEN TO LIVE WITH IT IN HOPES THAT CHEVROLET WILL PUT OUT A RECALL. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 7, 2007
I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU WITH THE FACTORY THEFT SYSTEM. THIS THEFT SYSTEM HAS CAUSED THE CAR TO NOT START AND THUS MAKING ME LATE FOR MANY APPOINTMENTS. THE SYSTEM WILL RESET AFTER 10 MINUTES, BUT I FEEL THAT THIS IS SOMETHING GENERAL MOTORS NEEDS TO LOOK AT AND MAYBE ISSUE A RECALL. THANK YOU *TR
Electrical system, Steering, Nov 13, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT IS CO-OWNER OF A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING POWER. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND THEN PULLED HARD TO THE LEFT, ENTERING INTO TRAFFIC AND STRIKING TWO VEHICLES. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE TWO OTHER DRIVERS ALSO SUSTAINED INJURIES, BUT THE CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW TO WHAT EXTENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED APPROXIMATELY $2,600 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND TOWED TO A DEALER. INVESTIGATION NUMBER EA04018 WAS ISSUED, BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL AS OF YET. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 37,000. UPDATED 12-12-07. *KB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 22, 2007
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH MY STEERING COLUMN THAT HOPEFULLY NOW HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. MY MOST RECENT PROBLEM IS RELATED TO THE HEADLIGHTS. THE FRONT MARKER LIGHTS HAVE BURNED THROUGH THE PLASTIC CASING. IT HAS OVERHEATED MY BULB RESULTING IN TURN SIGNAL GOING OUT. IN THE PROCESS OF REPAIRING. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 3, 2007
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU WITH NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL CUSTOMER STATES THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING FOR 2 YEARS WITHOUT CORRECTION FROM THE DEALERSHIP**CC THE DEALER REPLACED VARIOUS PARTS IN THE STEERING, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM REMAINED THE SAME. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START. THE DEALER FOUND THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD SHORTED OUT INTERNALLY. THE HORN WAS REPLACED. THE CD PLAYER MADE A CLICKING SOUND. *JB
Steering, Electrical system, Interior lighting, Jul 26, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VEERS TO THE RIGHT DUE TO STEERING FAILURE, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATE AND DIM AT RANDOM, AND THE STARTER ON THE VEHICLE WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE FAILURES GENERALLY OCCUR WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE MAIN FAILURE, HOWEVER, IS THAT THE VEHICLE FAILS TO START OCCASIONALLY. WHEN SHE STARTS THE VEHICLE, IT SOUNDS AS IF IT IS ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE, BUT NEVER DOES. THE VEHICLE ALSO MAKES A CRANKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY 8-10 TIMES. THE DEALER WILL MAKE A REPAIR, BUT THE FAILURES ALWAYS CONTINUE. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,900 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Jun 28, 2007
CAR LEASED BRAND NEW IN AUGUST 2004. AS OF TODAY ON UNE 28,2007 CAR HAD BRAKES REPAIRED 4 TIMES AT THE DEALER. ROTORS HAVE BEEN MACHINED EACH TIME, AND TODAY BRAKE PADS REPLACED..CAR HAS 27,180 MILES ON IT, AND IT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED,GARAGED, KEPT, AND NO ONE HAS BEEN ROUGH ON THE BRAKES. THE LAST TIME WE HAD THE CAR TO DEALER FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS WAS JULY OF LAST YEAR. AT THAT TIME WE WERE TOLD THAT A BRAKE LINE WAS CRIMPED AND ONLY FOUND IT BECAUSE WE WERE HAVING TIRES ROTATED. ALSO, TOLD THAT THIS WAS THE LAST TIME ROTORS COULD BE MACHINED. WELL TODAY THEY MACHINED THEM ONCE AGAIN AS I HAD SAID PREVIOUSLY FOR THE FOURTH TIME. I DID SOME RESEARCH ,AND I MAY BE WRONG BUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CAR FOR ABS PROBLEMS IN APRIL 2004 PRIOR TO OUR PURCHASE OF THE CAR.. I CALLED GM , AND WAS TOLD THAT OUR CAR WAS INVOLVED, BUT WAS LATER TOLD BY OWNER OF DEALERSHIP THAT THERE HAD BEEN A COMMUNICATION ERROR AND OUR CAR WAS INVOLVED IN ANOTHER RECALL CONCERNING SEAT BELTS OR SOMETHING ALONG THOSE LINES. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE BRAKES AT THIS POINT AFTER SO MANY CONFLICTING STORIES..I FEEL VERY FRUSTATED, AND HAD TO SPEND ALMOST $500.00 BECAUSE THE BRAKE PADS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY AS THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PREVIOUS ROTOR/BRAKELINE PROBLEMS OR SO I WAS TOLD..WE HAD COMPUTOR SENSOR PROBLEMS,SHORT SOCKETS ON BOTH REAL TURN SIGNALS, LOOSE TIE ROD, IGNITION PROBLEMS ,WHICH THEY COULD NOT DETECT..FAULTY GAS CAP ETC. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 11, 2007
TRYING TO START THE CAR, THE CAR SOMETIMES DOESN'T START. YOU CAN HEAR IT TURNING OVER BUT IT JUST DOESN'T START. YOU CAN TRY AND TRY AND THEN, MAGICALLY, IT JUST STARTS. THEN, YOU TRY LATER AND IT STARTS AS IF THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM. IT IS INCREDIBLY UNRELIABLE, UNPREDICTABLE AND FRUSTRATING AS THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A PATTERN FOR THE CAR NOT STARTING. *TR
Electrical system, May 29, 2007
THE HORN ON MY VEHICLE FAILED. THIS LED TO A NEAR COLLISION AS I WAS UNABLE TO UTILIZE THE HORN TO ALERT THE OTHER DRIVER TO MY PRESENCE. I TOOK MY 2004 MALIBU TO MY MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE FUSE. THE HORN WORKED FOR ABOUT A DAY AND THEN WHEN BEING OPERATED BY ANOTHER DRIVER, HE TRIED TO USE THE HORN WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT AND THE HORN DID NOT WORK. PER THE MECHANIC THE FUSE BLEW AGAIN. HE RAN A CHECK ON SERVICE NOTICES FOR THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT CONDENSATION FORMS IN THE LOCATION OF THE HORN DUE TO A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE LOCATION. GM IS AWARE OF THIS, BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE MECHANIC STATES THAT IT CAUSES THE HORN TO QUIT SUDDENLY AND THE AVERAGE CONSUMER WILL BELIEVE IT IS THE FUSE, REPAIR THAT ONLY TO HAVE THE HORN FAIL AGAIN WITHIN DAYS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Mar 8, 2007
I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TRADED MY SATURN VUE FOR THE 2004 MALIBU MAXX. WHEN I TEST DROVE THE CAR, AFTER THE ACCELERATION REACHED 4RPMS, THERE WAS A HIGH PITCHED WHINE FROM THE ENGINE CLOSEST TO THE TIRE. THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THAT IT WAS A LOOSE BELT. SO I BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY SAID TO BRING IT THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP TO GET IT FIXED. I TOOK IT IN AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO I HAD TO RIDE WITH THEM. ALSO, MY SEAT HEATERS WERE TURNING ON AUTOMATICALLY, CAR CONSTINTLY PULLS TO THE RIGHT, I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY OVER FOR A LONG TIME TO GET THE CAR TO FULLY START UP. THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE ANY OF THE PROBLEMS SO I AM STILL DEALING WITH ALL OF THEM. FOR THE WHINING NOISE, THEY SAID IT IS A DRIVE BELT THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, BUT IT IS OUT OF STOCK. HOW CONVIENIENT. *JB
Steering, Electrical system, Equipment, Oct 5, 2006
THREE ISSUES WITH MY 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS V6... 1. THE STEERING GEAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT 48,000 MILES. 2. THE STARTER STAYS ENGAGED PERIODICALLY OR HAS TROUBLE TURNING OVER TO START THE CAR. 3. A/C NOT COOLING VEHICLE. ENTIRE UNIT EVENTUALLY REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN NUMEROUS (13) TIMES TO VARIOUS GM DEALERS AND ONLY HAS 48,000 MILES. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A SHORT CIRCUIT CAUSED ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S LIGHTS TO BLINK AT THE SAME TIME VERY RAPIDLY. ALSO, THE HORN SOUNDED RAPIDLY, THEN THE VEHICLE POWERED DOWN CAUSING ALL OF THE LIGHTS TO DIM AND THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A COASTING MODE. UNTIL THE VEHICLE POWERED BACK UP AGAIN, AND THE COMPUTERS OVERRODE EACH OTHER, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED ALL OF THE LIGHTS THREE TIMES. THIS INCLUDED TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS AND ANY OTHER LIGHTS TO TRY AND REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE FUEL PUMP WAS CHANGED BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP THOUGHT THE FUEL PUMP MAY BE OVERRIDING THE MAIN COMPUTER. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ALSO REPLACED BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP THOUGHT MAYBE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATING THE SYSTEM, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT IN USE WHEN THE SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURRED. UPDATED 10/4/2006 - *NM
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Structure, Jun 27, 2006
2004 MALIBU ANTI THEFT LIGHT AND RADIO LOCK LIGHT ILLUMINATES, PROBLEM WITH SEAL ON THE REAR LEFT WINDOW. *TS THE STEERING WAS STIFF, THE MOLDING ON THE LET REAR WINDOW CAME OUT OF PLACE WHEN THE WINDOW WAS ROLLED UP. THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING. THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES, THE TEMPERATURE AND FUEL GAUGE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN PROPERLY WHEN USING THE REMOTE. THE VEHICLE STARTED BY ITSELF AND ALL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHICH CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DIE. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2005
THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH REMOTE START, WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO START THE VEHICLE FROM THE KEY REMOTE. ON FRIDAY 8-19 THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT" CAME ON BRIEFLY WHEN VEHICLE WAS STARTED BUT DID NOT COME BACK ON AFTER I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED. THE FOLLOWING MONDAY 8-22-05 AFTER MAKING A STOP, SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE, AND GETTING OFF THE CAR THE ENGINE STARTED ON ITS OWN AND STAYED ON FOR APPX A MINUTE, IT THEN SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED IN LESS THAN A MINUTE. THIS CYCLE REPEATED FOR ABOUT 8 MINS OR SO ON ITS OWN. I GOT BACK ON THE CAR AFTER DROPPING MY CHILD OFF AT SCHOOL AND DROVE AT HWY SPEEDS WITH THE CRUISE ON, AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF HWY SPEEDS THE CRUISE CONTROL SHUT OFF AND WAS NON RESPONSIVE. I GOT OFF THE HWY PARKED AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. AGAIN THE ENGINE STARTED ON ITS OWN, THIS TIME STAYING ON FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE DEPT REPLACED THE KEYLESS ENTRY MODULE AND REPROGRAMMED THE BRAKE ECU AS THEY SAID THE KEYLESS MODULE WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND CAUSING THE ENGINE TO START USING THE REMOTE START FEATURE. THEY ALSO SAID THE BRAKE MODULE COULD HAVE CAUSED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO BE NON RESPONSIVE. THIS MALFUNCTION CONCERNED ME GREATLY AS THE VEHICLE WAS GARAGED KEPT UNTIL THIS HAPPENED AND I NO LONGER TRUST TO PUT THE CAR IN THE GARAGE IN FEAR OF POSSIBLE CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING FROM THE ENGINE STARTING ON ITS OWN WHILE IN THE GARAGE, SPECIALLY AT NIGHT WHILE ASLEEP.
Electrical system, Jun 20, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE HORN IS NOT WORKING. CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW HOW LONG SHE HAS BEEN DRIVING WITHOUT A HORN. SHE NOTICED IT ON SATURDAY JUNE 18, 2005. THE CONTACT HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. GM STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE FOR HER. EVERY SINCE GM CLOSED THE FILE FOR HER ACCOUNT SHE WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 16, 2005
DRIVING VEHICLE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 13,890 MILES, MADE APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE, WORK WAS DONE ON CAR, DROVER 150 MILES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE DEALERHAS H MY CAR FOR THREE WEEKS NOW AND THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY HAD TO HAVE AN EGINEER FOR THE MANUFACTURING PLANT COME WORK ON THE CAR. TODAYS DATE IS JUNE 16 2005, I AM GETTING VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THIS MATTER I JUST WISH THE MANUFACTURE WOULD BUY THIS CAR BACK. SO I CAN BUY ANOTHER CAR.
Electrical system, Jun 6, 2005
KEY IS NOT RELEASED FROM IGNITION UNLESS SHIFT LEVER IS PUT AGAIN BACK IN DRIVE AND THEN PARK AFTER CAR IS OFF. GM HAS REPLACED BOTH IGNITION COMPONENTS AND SHIFT COMPONENTS BUT HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM SINCE CAR WAS NEW, MALIBU 2004 LT, AND IT MEANS SOMETIMES HAVING TO LEAVE CAR WITH KEY IN IGNITION IF CAN'T REMOVE IT.