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, Exterior lighting, Jan 21, 2013
AS FOR THE LIGHTING I CANNOT COUNT HOW MANY LIGHT BULBS I HAVE REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE TO THE POINT THAT I HAD THE AUTO SHOP REPLACE THEM SINCE I THOUGHT I WAS DOING SOMETHING WRONG. THEY ONLY LAST ABOUT A MONTH OR TWO AND BURN OUT WHICH IS REALLY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW IF WILL WORK OR NOT. THE STEERING ISSUE IS A MUCH MORE DANGEROUS PROBLEM, THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR AND SHE GOT STUCK LEAVING THE HOUSE AND PHYSICALLY COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH SHE DESCRIBED AS LOCKING UP. I CAN NOT IMAGINE IF SHE WERE TO BE TURN DOWN A BUSY INTERSECTION ON NOT BEEN ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE PROPER LANE. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM AS THE 2005'S WERE!!! *TR
Exterior lighting, Seats, Service brakes, Jul 12, 2012
THE DRIVER SEAT ON THIS CAR HAS COME OFF THE RAILS ON RIGHT SIDE CAUSING IT TO TILT. IF THE SEAT IS NOT MOVED TO THE LOWEST SETTING THE TILTS WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE CAR. I HAD THE SEAT REPAIRED ONCE; IT FAILED AGAIN AFTER ABOUT 6 MONTHS. AT THE SAME TIME I HAD THE EMERGENCY BRAKE REPAIRED. WHEN SETTING THE BRAKE, I HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE REPAIR FAILED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO FOR THE SECOND TIME. I AM ALSO GOING THROUGH NEW BRAKES ON THIS CAR AT AN ALARMING RATE - THREE BRAKE REPLACEMENTS ALREADY AND THE CAR HAS 90,000 MILES. THE CAR IS AGAIN BEGINNING TO SHIMMY/SHUDDER WHEN GOING DOWN STEEP HILLS AND THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THE CAR SEEMS NOT TO SLOW DOWN AT ALL (I.E. SHIFTING GEARS) WHEN GOING DOWN HILL OTHER THAN BY THE BRAKES - IT FEELS LIKE A FREE FALL. THE SIGNALS, HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ALSO NEED FREQUENT REPLACEMENT. I TYPICALLY HAVE TO REPLACE AT LEAST ONE OF THESE AT EACH OIL CHANGE AND HAVE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS NEEDED TO MAKE REPLACEMENTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. I WOULD ESTIMATE THE HEADLIGHTS/BLINKERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES. THE REAR LIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED PERHAPS TEN TIMES. CURRENTLY THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT IS OUT AND CANNOT BE REPAIRED WITHOUT TAKING OFF THE INTERIOR COVER OF THE CAR TO ACCESS THE WIRING - THE BULB IS NOT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 1, 2012
THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING INCIDENT WITH ONE OR BOTH TURN SIGNALS LAMPS FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS. THE TURN SIGNAL LAMPS THEMSELVES DO NOT APPEAR BURNED OUT BUT THE LAMP SOCKET WIRE MELTS THE PLASTIC HOUSING FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT AND CAUSES A BREAK IN THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT. I HAVE MADE MULTIPLE BULB REPLACEMENTS OVER THE TWO PLUS YEARS ONLY TO HAVE THE TURN SIGNAL SOCKET PLASTIC HOUSING FAIL REPEATEDLY. THIS SITUATION MAY BE A SOLDER JOINT CRACKING CAUSED BY RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS. IF SOLDER JOINT CRACKING OCCURS AND RESULTS IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT, THE TURN SIGNALS LAMPS BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE. CONSEQUENCES: WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 2, 2012
I BOUGHT A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU IN 2008, SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT TURN SIGNALS APPROX. 6 TIMES DUE TO THE PLASTIC ON THE SIGNAL BULBS, MELTING AND COVERING THE WIRE S THAT GO OVER THE PLASTIC THAT MAKE CONTACT WITH THE PLUG THE BULB GOES INTO. *KB
Exterior lighting, Jan 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TURN SIGNAL, RUNNING LIGHTS, AND HAZARD LIGHTS AND NOTICED THEY WERE NOT ILLUMINATING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Exterior lighting, Dec 19, 2011
RIGHT FRONT SIGNAL BULB SOCKET AND BULB OVER HEATING (MELTING) AND RESULTING IN INOPERATIVE FRONT TURN SIGNAL. REPEATEDLY OCCURRING - HAVING TO REMOVE MELTED PLASTIC AND REPLACE BULB. 4 TIMES SINCE FIRST OCCURRENCE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 17, 2011
REAR TURN SIGNAL BULBS BURN TOO HOT AND MELT BULB CONNECTION. FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULBS BURN TOO HOT AND MELT LENS HOUSING, CAUSING SEVERE DISCOLORATION IN HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. HEADLAMP BECOMES VERY HOT TO TOUCH, COULD POSSIBLY START A FIRE. I HAVE READ MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE AND CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL BY GM. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED. *TT
Exterior lighting, Jun 27, 2011
HAZARD/TURN SIGNAL WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE INDICATOR PANEL WHEN NOT WORKING. WILL WORK FOR PART OF A TRIP AND THEN STOP OR NOT WORK AT ALL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED AND THEN WORK 20 MINS. LATER. THE SPEED/WEATHER CONDITIONS DO NOT SEEM TO HAVE AN EFFECT AS TO WHEN IT WORKS. CONSEQUENCE COULD BE A TICKET. THE TOWN OF AMHERST HAS MADE THE NEWS FOR HOW MUCH THEY TICKET AND A PLEA DOWN TO A PARKING TICKET WOULD COST A PERSON $200+. I HAVE HESITATED TO REPLACE IT AS I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM OF CHEVY MALIBU'S. THESE CARS NEED SO MANY REPAIRS THAT I HATE TO PUT MORE MONEY (YET AGAIN) INTO SOMETHING THAT WILL NOT WORK. *TR
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Jun 2, 2011
2004 CHEVY MALIBU LT FRONT LEFT & RIGHT AMBER HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES ARE MELTED. LEFT SIDE IS 9 MONTHS OLD AND ALREADY MELTED THROUGH. RIGHT SIDE LOOKS LIKE ORIGINAL, HAS PLASTIC AMBER BULB MELTED ON TOP. ON LEFT SIDE BULB SOCKET IS BURNT. I AM USING THE APPROPRIATE BULBS REQUIRED FOR THE FRONT AND THEY WERE INSTALLED CORRECTLY. THIS CAN BE A FIRE HAZARD. *TR
Exterior lighting, Seats, Mar 23, 2011
MY FRONT SEAT BROKE ON ONE SIDE CAUSING ME TO SIT LOP SIDED WHILE DRIVING. MY MECHANIC REPAIRED 3 TIMES AND SAID IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FRONT AND REAR BLINKERS CONTINUOSLY GO OUT. THE BULBS ARE FINE THE CONNECTION IS JUST LOOSE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Mar 16, 2011
BOUGHT 2004 MALIBU MAXX BRAND NEW. SWITCH IN AC FIRST TO GO AT JUST UNDER 10000 MILES. 18000 MILES BRAKES AND ROTORS HAD TO REPLACE COST ALMOST $800.00. HEADLIGHTS BURNED UP REPLACE WIRING HARNESS ON BOTH ANOTHER $1000.00. REPLACED BOTH HEAD LIGHTS COULD NOT SEE THROUGH EITHER OF THEM ANOTHER $385.00 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND COME TO FIND OUT THERE WAS NOT A FUSE IN THE EMISSION SPOT. REPLACED THAT ANOTHER $400.00 WHEN THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM. LEAKS IN THE HATCH WHEN IT RAINS OR CAR IS BEING WASHED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WILL NOT RESET. DRIVER SEAT SUPPORTS ARE BROKEN AND EVERYONE THAT I KNOW THAT HAS THIS CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AND NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON THIS, GUESS WHEN THERE IS AN ACCIDENT AND SOMEONE REALLY GETS HURT THEN SOMETHING WILL BE DON. IT IS ASHAMED THAT YOU PAY SO MUCH FOR A VEHICLE AND THIS IS WHAT YOU GO THROUGH. I AM A FIRM BELIEVER IN OIL CHANGES AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND NO ONE FROM THE COMPANY SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT PROBLEMS THAT IS FAULT OF THE MANUFACTURING OF THIS CAR AND IT SEEMS THAT NO ONE WANTS TO REPLACE WHAT IS WRONG. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 10, 2011
THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK AFTER ONLY 8,00 MILES AND THEN THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL DIDN'T WORK AFTER ONLY 15,000 MILES. THERE WAS A RELAY SWITCH THAT WAS REPLACED AT 8,000 MILES THAT COST $125.00 INCLUDING PARTS AND LABOR AND THEN AT 15,000 MILES THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL DIDN'T WORK AND AFTER TWO DAYS IN THE SHOP THEY "REPAIRED AND RECRIMPED TERMINAL AT BCM". NO PARTS, JUST LABOR $459.80. BOTH OF THESE JOBS WERE DONE AT CHEVY DEALERSHIPS. IT TURNS OUT THAT THESE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ESPECIALLY THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON BUT IT TOOK THE DEALERSHIP TWO DAYS TO FIX IT. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Dec 28, 2010
12/24/2010 WHILE DRIVING A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING AND IT MADE A SUDDEN JERKING STOP. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED BUT IT SCARED BOTH MY DAUGHTER AND I. THEN IN ADDITION TO KEEP REPLACING MY HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS PRETTY MUCH EVERY OTHER MONTH THEY BLOW OUT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. FOR BOTH INCIDENTS A LOCAL MECHANIC WAS CONSULTED AND HE RECOMMENDED THAT I CONTACT A GM DEALER SHIP TO CHECK FOR RECALLS. I DID THAT AND RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL FOR THE CURRENT SITUATIONS BUT THERE HAS BEEN MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL CAR AND WAS REFERRED ME TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP TO BE CHECKED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, Oct 23, 2010
HAZARD SWITCH IS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSING THE DIRECTIONALS NOT TO WORK. THE EXTERNAL LIGHTS , FRONT AND BACK FAIL TO WORK ALSO, AND ITS CREATING A HAZARD WHERE THE CARS COMING IN FRONT US OR THE CARS IN BACK OF US DON'T SEE OUR BLINKER. WE THOUGHT THEY WHERE WORKING AND THEY ARE NOT. IF WE TURN ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHER AND THEN TURN ON THE DIRECTIONAL EVERYTHING WOULD WORK ONLY TO FAIL NEXT TIME YOU MAKE A TURN. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 14, 2010, fire
THE FRONT PASSENGER BULB STOPPED WORKING. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE THE BULB, NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTING ASSEMBLY WAS MELTED AND INOPERABLE. WAS ADVISED BY A MECHANIC THAT THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 4, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHT BULBS OF THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WERE TOO HIGH IN VOLTAGE THAT THEY WERE LEAVING BROWN BURN MARKS. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE FAILURE DUE TO THE MILEAGE AND AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
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
Fuel system, Other, Exterior lighting, Sep 9, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS CONSTANTLY TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOPS AND DEALERSHIPS SEVERAL TIMES. THE BULBS WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE HEADLIGHT BULB RECENTLY MELTED TO THE WIRING HARNESS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD FLUCTUATE BETWEEN FULL AND EMPTY AND DID PRODUCE CORRECT READINGS. ON THREE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT RAN OUT OF FUEL BECAUSE OF THE FAULTY GAUGE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED FOR THIS PROBLEM AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD , DUE TO HIGH MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST HER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
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
Exterior lighting, Aug 3, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE TURN SIGNAL BULBS CONTINUOUSLY FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE AMBER LENS OF THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.
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
Exterior lighting, Jun 23, 2010
I AM EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH BOTH OF MY TURN SIGNALS. THEY ARE CURRENTLY NOT WORKING AT 100%. SOMETIMES THEY COME ON AND SOMETIMES THEY DO NOT. ALSO, THEY HAVE TURNED ON AND IMMEDIATELY STOPPED WORKING. THIS HAS CAUSED GREAT CONCERN BECAUSE I AM NOT ALWAYS ABLE TO SIGNAL TO CHANGE LANES WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. NOTHING HAPPENED DIRECTLY BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. ONE NIGHT WHEN A FRIEND WAS FOLLOWING ME SHE NOTICED THAT I HAD "STOPPED" USING MY TURN SIGNALS WHEN IN FACT I NOTICED LATER THAT THEY WERE NO LONGER WORKING. THE NEXT DAY, THEY WORKED ON AND OFF THROUGHOUT THE DAY. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER AND REPORTED THAT PROBLEM AND ASKED ABOUT THE RECALL, THE DEALER STATED THAT MY 2004 MALIBU WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL THOUGH IT WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS PREVIOUS MODELS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 3, 2010
PURCHASED A USED 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU IN APRIL 2009 AT A SATURN DEALER. A MONTH AFTER THE PURCHASE THE FRONT LEFT TURN SIGNAL STOPPED WORKING. I REPLACED THE BULB WITH THE PART NUMBER IDENTIFIED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. A FEW WEEKS LATER IT STOPPED WORKING. I CONTINUED TO REMOVE AND/OR REPLACE THE LIGHT BULB UNTIL IT WORKED FOR A FEW DAYS OR WEEKS. AFTER SEVERAL TIMES OF REPLACING THE BULB I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SATURN DEALER IN AUGUST 2009. THEY SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED THE ENTIRE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY WHICH COST SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS. THE ISSUE SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN RESOLVED UNTIL JUNE 1 2010 WHEN THE LIGHT BULB STOPPED WORKING. AFTER INVESTIGATION I NOTICED THE LEFT TURN LIGHT BULB WAS MOSTLY WHITE IN COLOR AND THE TURN SIGNAL AMBER COLORED LENS WAS MELTED WITH A HOLE IN IT. IT SEEMS THAT DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS WHEN IT IS HOT THE LAMP IS OVERHEATING. MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT IS CURRENTLY NOT WORKING. THE SATURN DEALER WENT OUT OF BUSINESS AND CLOSED. AFTER RESEARCH I FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 MALIBU (URL BELOW). PLEASE INVESTIGATE TO SEE IF A RECALL EXISTS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND IF THIS CAN BE PERMANENTLY FIXED BY A CHEVROLET DEALER. HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2004/CHEVROLET/MALIBU/?Q=TURN+SIGNAL. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 4, 2010
EXPERIENCING LOSS OF FUNCTION OF FRONT AND REAR, TURN, STOP OR DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (DRL). HAVE REPLACED OR REPOSITIONED BULBS ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OVER THE YEARS. RECENT EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT FRONT TURN SIGNAL LENS IS MELTING ON BOTH SIDES. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 27, 2010
THE FRONT YELLOW SIGNAL LIGHT SEEN TO GET VERY HOT MELTING THE INNER COVER WHICH IS LOCATE INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT IN BOTH OF THEM IT SEEN THAT MOST OF THESE CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.