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: exterior lighting
132 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 15, 2021
I was driving to work with my son and sister in the car when the steering wheel suddenly got very tight and started jerking when I attempted to make a left or right turn. I then stopped at a gas station and as soon as I came to a complete stop the vehicle shut off before I could turn it off manually. I then attempted to turn the key on and start the vehicle but it would not turn over, it would only make a clicking sound. I called a friend that was close by to come and assist me so when they arrived I asked them to jump my vehicle off via jumper cables which did get my vehicle's engine to finally start. The car sounded very weak as if it was going to shut off again once we disconnected the jumper cables but it didn't shut off. Nothing was working inside the car or outside meaning I had no radio, no interior lights and nothing on my dash was working. The speedometer wasn't working, the rims Guage wasn't working, the temp Guage wasn't working nor was anything else working on my dash. The turn signals were not working for either side and none of my headlights or taillights were working either. And I still did not safely have control of the steering. The only warning lamp, which didn't appear until my friend jumped my car off, was what looked like a symbol of a vehicle with a symbol of a locked lock in front of it. This failure just happened so I have not taken the car to a certified mechanic to inspect it but the car is available for inspection at any time. I can not afford to put my car in the shop, I work part time at a restaurant in my town and I'm also disabled and I also care for my 8 year old son who is severely autistic so I have no extra money to fix these problems. Please I need help.
Exterior lighting, Aug 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and the engine running the contact noticed that their front driver and passenger headlight were very low in both low beam and high beam and that the light eventually burned out. The contact inspected the vehicle and saw that the light bulb sockets for both the front driver side and passenger had melted. The contact stated the cause of the failure is the wiring behind the headlight assembly that is causing the headlight socket to melt. The contact replaced the headlight bulb sockets themselves with aftermarket parts to repair the failure, however, the failure persisted and reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Feb 5, 2021
WELL MY IGNITION SWITCH WENT OUT I REPLACE THAT.NOW IT'S SHORTAGES IN WIRING AND LIGHTS HEAT ON AN OFF SOMETIMES SHOCKS
Steering, Exterior lighting, Jan 20, 2021
FIRST, THE CAR ROUTINELY BURNS OUT TURN SIGNALS, AND OVERHEATS THE TURN SIGNAL TO THE POINT THAT IT MELTS THE HOUSING THTA THE LIGHT BULB SNAPS INTO. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING/LAMP WIRINGS HARNESS MULTIPLE TIMES ALONG WITH MANY LIGHT BULBS. SECOND, THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. MY PARTICULAR VIN WAS RECALLED FOR AN ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SENSOR. THE POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT ON ME WHILE DRIVING TWICE, SO I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER. THEY INDICATED THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED,AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER AND RECALLS. THERE APPEARS TOBE NUMEROUS RECALLS ON GM VEHICLES RELATED TO THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING, AND REPLACING MOTORS FOR THAT MATTER, BUT THE DEALER HAS INDICATED THERE IS NO SUCH RECALL RELATED TO MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE/VIN. THIS SEEMS RATHER SUSPECT WITH THE NUMBER OF RECALLS RELATED TO THESE VEHICLES, AND FOR ME TO HAVE THE STEERING GO OUT, BUT MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN IT WENT OUT ONCE. I MADE IT HOME SAFELY, ALBEIT VERY HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL, AND THEN THE POWER STEERING WORKED AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND BACK ON AGAIN. IT WENT OUT AGAIN IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE CAR DEALER WHEN DROPPING IT OFF THE BE LOOKED AT.
Exterior lighting, Sep 3, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PORTER CHEVROLET (414 E CLEVELAND AVE, NEWARK, DE 19711) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OUT OF POCKET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 169,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 8, 2020
HAD TO REPLACE HEAD LIGHT BULBS HAS MELTED PLASTIC COVER DASHBOARD HAS WARNING LIGHTS THAT COME ON AND STAY ON
Steering, Exterior lighting, Engine, Apr 2, 2019
STEERING OUT OF WHACK. I HAVE HAD MY CONTROL ARM ON BOTH SIDES CHANGED ALONG WITH AXLES AND A ALIGNMENT. NO LUCK ITS STILL ALL OVER ROAD. I DRIVE FROM SYLVESTER GA TO TIFTON GA EVERYDAY. IT DOES THE SAME THING EVERYTIME. ALSO I HAVE HAD MY LIGHTS REPLACED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. WHY ARENT THE LASTING. GAS CAP KEEPS READING ERROR. WHOLE CAR. I CAN LET SOMEONE DRIVE IT TO SEE WHAT I AM SAYING.
Exterior lighting, Feb 8, 2019
THE DIM HEADLIGHT ON PASSENGER SIDE KEEPS GOING OUT. THE WIRES ARE MELTED WHERE IT PLUGS IN TO THE LIGHT
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
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Feb 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD TRANSMISSION WIPER LINKAGE BUSHING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WAS DIFFICULT AT TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
Exterior lighting, Apr 22, 2015
MY DRIVERS SIDE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY THE LIGHTBULB KEPT ON BURNING OUT AND FINALLY DEALERSHIP GOT ME A REPLACEMENT BULB BUT THAN THE BULB GOT REALLY HOT AND BURNED THE ORANGE COVER AND IT MELTED ON THE BULB AND EVEN GOT INTO WHERE THE LIGHTBULB GOES IN. SO I ENDED UP BUYING A WHOLE NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY FROM DEALERSHIP AND REPLACED IT. SO I THOUGHT IT FIXED THE PROBLEM NOPE HERE WE ARE IN APRIL 2015 AND SURE ENOUGH THE BULB IS GETTING TO HOT AND IS CAUSING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I'VE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER MALIBU MAX AND THEY ALSO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE SO WHEN IS CHEVROLET GOING TO RECALL THE MALIBU MAX FOR THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE? *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Exterior lighting, Feb 9, 2015
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. CONSUMER SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR PREVIOUS REPAIRS, PRIOR TO RECALL. *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOISY, THE WHEEL WAS LOOSE, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. AN ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED TWICE, SHE EXPERIENCED STEERING PROBLEMS DURING THE ENTIRE YEAR OF 2013. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE STEERING ISSUE, BUT SHE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND RACK AND PINION WERE REPLACED. ALSO, THE TURN SIGNALS AND SHIFTER CABLE WERE REPLACED. *JB
Exterior lighting, Jan 1, 2015
THE BACKLIGHTING ON THE MAIN DASH (BEHIND THE ODOMETER, SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE AND OTHER INDICATORS) FAILS TO ILLUMINATE. IT STARTED OUT AS ONLY A SMALL PART OF THE BACKLIGHTING, BUT HAS PROGRESSIVELY BECOME WORSE. WE JUST HAD THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE 3 UNRELATED RECALLS AND ASKED THEM TO "GIVE US AN ESTIMATE TO REPAIR". WHEN THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO US, THE LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE NEARLY THE ENTIRE DASH (WORSE THEN BEFORE IT WAS IN FOR SERVICE). WE WERE TOLD THE MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER (GM) TO BE REPAIRED/REPLACED AND THEN BE REINSTALLED AND WOULD COST OVER $350. NO IDEA HOW LONG THE CAR WOULD BE OUT OF SERVICE EITHER. THIS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR NIGHT DRIVING! *JS
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 17, 2014
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CUSTOMER STATES THAT HE HAS RECEIVED THREE RECALL NOTICES FOR VEHICLE IN JUNE 2014 AND JULY 2014. ALL THREE NOTICED INDICATED THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND HASN'T HEARD ANY RESPONSE SINCE. *TA
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
Exterior lighting, Nov 13, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, BOTH TURNING SIGNAL LIGHTS OVERHEATED. AS A RESULT, THE TURN SIGNAL HOUSING AND SOCKET MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHT BULB SOCKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 280,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 23, 2014
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GM RECALL #13036* LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL FIX, DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID NOT KNOW, IF THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORKED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL RARELY WORKED. THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS LIGHT WAS ON. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER. AN INSPECTION REVEALED A PROBLEM WAS SPEED SENSOR ON THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, WHICH WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE COST TO REPLACE THE SENSOR WAS $460. *JB
Exterior lighting, Sep 30, 2014
FRONT TURN SIGNALS HAVE BEEN CONSTANTLY OVERHEATING FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR. HAS 113000 MILES ON IT NOW AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TURN SIGNAL BULBS CONSTANTLY. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE LEFT FRONT TURN SIGNAL SOCKET BECAUSE OF SEVERE OVERHEATING. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Sep 15, 2014
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN KING ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2004 CHEVY MALIBU. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO FIX THE RECALLED COMPONENTS. THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKE LIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
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
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
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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 21, 2014
THE TURN SIGNALS AND FLASHER WORK INTERMITTENTLY. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Aug 11, 2014
WE HAVE RECEIVED THREE RECALL NOTICES FOR THE ABOVE MENTIONED PROBLEMS. ALL OF THE NOTICES SAY THAT THE CAR WILL BE FIXED FREE OF CHARGE BY THE DEALER BUT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THE CURRENT TIME. WHEN I GOT THE SECOND NOTICE I CALLED AND TALKED TO A WOMAN AT THE CHEVROLET DIVISION OF GM AND WAS TOLD THE PARTS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE WITHIN TWO WEEKS. A MONTH LATER WE GOT OUR THIRD NOTICE OF A DIFFERENT PROBLEM AND WHEN I CALLED AGAIN I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD NOT DETERMINED THE "ROOT" OF THE PROBLEM SO THEY DON'T KNOW WHICH PARTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO THEY COULD NOT TELL ME WHEN THE SOLUTION WOULD BE FOUND AND THEREFORE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION I WOULD THINK AN AMERICAN COMPANY LIKE GM WOULD BE HIRING AMERICANS TO ANSWER THEIR CUSTOMER'S COMPLAINTS. IT WAS PRETTY OBVIOUS THAT THE PERSON I TALKED TO TODAY WAS MOST LIKELY A CALL PERSON FROM INDIA. ANY IDEAS WHEN THESE PROBLEMS WILL BE SOLVED?? WHO SHOULD I COMPLAIN TO NEXT?? *TR