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 30, 2010
POWER STEERING FAILURE. WHEN I START CAR AND MAKING SHARP TURNS, IN ADDITION TO JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. HERE CLICKING IN THE FRONT RIGHT END WHEN GOING UP HILL. TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT IT IS A PROB WITH THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM AND RACK AND PINION. ODDLY ENOUGH THERE WAS AND 2006 MAILBU IN AT THE SAME TIME WITH THE SAME PROBLEM MECHANIC FELT IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE. ALSO HAVE ISSUE WITH THE TURN SIGNALS FAILING I HAVE REPLACED MANY TIMES. I ALSO HAVE A HOLE THAT MELTED ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE IN THE PLASTIC HOUSING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 25, 2010
2004 CHEVY. MALIBU TURN SIGNAL BULB/DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS MELT THROUGH THE PLASTIC AMBER COVER AND CONSTANTLY BURN OUT THE 3157 LIGHT BULBS. THE COMPANY HAS SEVERAL REPAIR REPORTS FOR THIS VIN; NOW I REPLACE THE BULBS MYSELF. GM DOES NOT WANT TO RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM. MY HEADLIGHTS ARE RUINED, THE LENS COVERING THE ENTIRE HEADLAMP HAS CRACKED FROM THE HEAT AND IS STAINED FROM HEAT DAMAGE. THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR THAT GM WILL NOT PERFORM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 15, 2009
PROBLEM WITH OUR 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU: BOTH PARKING LIGHTS HAVE BURNED THROUGH/MELTED THE HEADLIGHT COVERS. WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT IT'S NOT POSSIBLE TO JUST REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT COVER; THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR AN APPARENT ENGINEERING DEFECT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 1, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS INOPERATIVE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AMBER COVER WAS BURNED WITH A HOLE IN IT. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED; HOWEVER, HE HAS NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41, 140 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,167.
Exterior lighting, Sep 14, 2009
EXTERIOR LAMP SOCKET OVERHEATED, MELTED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 31, 2009
THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS/TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS ON MY 2004 MALIBU MAXX ARE MELTING THROUGH THE AMBER COLORED HOUSING AND STARTING TO MELT THE CLEAR HOUSING THAT COVERS THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT. I THINK AT SOME TIME THIS MIGHT LEAD TO A FIRE. THE PROBLEM WAS JUST NOTICED AT A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND MAY HAVE BEEN MELTING FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE IT WAS REALIZED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 6, 2009
THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TURN SIGNAL / PARK LAMP WAS NOT WORKING. I REMOVED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY TO ACCESS THE TURN SIGNAL BULB. BEFORE REMOVING THE BULB I NOTICED; A) THE OLD BULB GLASS WAS WHITE. B) THEOUTER CLEAR PLASTIC AND CHROME REFLECTIVE SURFACE OF THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY ARE DISCOLORED, DIRECTLY ABOVE THE TURN SIGNAL BULB, FROM HEAT. C) THE ROUND AMBER LENS DIRECTLY AROUND THE TURN SIGNAL BULB WAS MELTED AT THE TOP AND A MELTED PIECE OF THIS PLASTIC EXTENDED DOWN AND WAS MELTED TO THE TOP OF THE TURN SIGNAL BULB. CURRENTLY ALL I HAVE DONE WAS TO REPLACE THE BULB. NOTE: BOTH FRONT HEAD LAMP HOUSINGS HAVE THE SAME HEAT DISCOLORATION AND MELTING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 8, 2009
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX LT BOTH FRONT PARKING LIGHT / TURN SIGNAL LIGHT HOUSINGS ARE MELTING, BOTH LAMPS HAVE FAILED, BOTH LAMP SOCKETS ARE SCORCHED. *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
Exterior lighting, Mar 13, 2009
INTERMITTENT TURN SIGNAL PROBLEMS. FRONT AND REAR BULBS STOP WORKING, THE BULBS ARE FREQUENTLY REPLACED BUT THE FLASHERS STILL STOP WORKING. WHEN WE TAKE THE OLD BULB OUT THE ELEMENT IN THE BULB IS INTACT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH CAUSES THE TURN SIGNAL AND EMERGENCY FLASHERS NOT TO WORK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE; THEREFORE, HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT WENT TO THE DEALER TO PURCHASE THE PARTS AND HANGE THE SWITCH HIMSELF. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 03/18/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/19/09. *JB
Exterior lighting, Feb 16, 2009
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THE REAR AND FRONT LIGHT BULBS IN MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU IN THE PAST NINE MONTHS. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM A CHEVY DEALER IN 2006. TWO WEEKS AFTER OWNING IT THE LITTLE MALIBU EMBLEM ON THE DASH BOARD FELL INTO THE DASH AND SHREDDED WHEN WE TRIED TO GET IT OUT TO REPLACE IT. LITTLE THINGS THAT HAPPEN AD UP AND ARE VERY FRUSTRATING TO AN OWNER WHO THOUGHT THEY WERE GETTING A GOOD QUALITY CAR. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 8, 2009
REAR LIGHT BULBS KEEP BURNING OUT ON DRIVER SIDE HAVE TO REPLACE BULBS EVERYTIME IT RAINS OR GETS COLD. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 6, 2009
I AM SIMPLY ADDING TO AN EXISTING COMPLAINT.#PE08062 I AM REPORTING MY CONCERN IN HOPES A DECISION WILL BE MADE TO PROCEED WITH A RECALL. I AM SADLY DISAPPOINTED THAT NOT ONLY DID THIS OCCUR WITH MY 1997 MALIBU, THIS IS NOW CONTINUING WITH MY 2004. I LOVE CHEVY AND I HAVE ENJOYED BOTH MY MALIBUS, HOWEVER AN ISSUE OF THIS MAGNITUDE SHOULD BE RESEARCHED. I WILL ALSO MAKE A COMPLAINT ON CLOSE #EA04018 & #PE04031 AS I JUST EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE TODAY. CHEVY HAS A NAME TO UPHOLD AND I FIND IT CONCERNING THAT ISSUES CAN GO ON OCCURRING WHEN CUSTOMERS TRULY HAVE CONCERNS. PLEASE DETERMINE WISELY IF AND WHEN A RECALL WILL BE ISSUED FOR MY CHEVY MODEL. I BELIEVE THAT GM WOULD BE MAKING A WISE DECISION TO SECURE THEIR CUSTOMER'S TRUST IN THEIR COMPANY BY LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.. CONCERNED CHEVY OWNER *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 18, 2009
RIGHT REAR TURN SIGNAL BULB WENT OUT AND WAS REPLACED. REAR WENT OUT A SECOND TIME AND THEN THE FRONT WENT OUT AS WELL. THEN THE BACK WENT OUT A THIRD TIME, ALL HAPPENING WITHIN TWO MONTHS. NOW ABOUT A MONTH LATER THE LEFT REAR BULB HAS DONE THE SAME THING. MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT AND SAID WAS NOT NORMAL. NO PARTS WERE RETAINED AFTER REPAIR, HOWEVER WILL KEEP NEXT TIME REPLACED. *TR
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.
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
Exterior lighting, Oct 20, 2008
FRONT TURN SIGNALS HAVE BURNED OUT NUMEROUS TIMES. THE PLASTIC HOUSING FOR THE BULBS HAS MELTED THROUGH. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE 2004 MALIBU. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 15, 2008
THE TURN SIGNAL ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE (DRIVER'S SIDE) IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IT WAS BLINKING FASTER THAN NORMAL WHICH USUALLY MEANS THE BULB NEEDS REPLACED. I REPLACED THE BULB, BUT THAT DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THE ENTIRE MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS 54000 MILES AND IT IS A CHEVROLET MALIBU LS V6 2004. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 26, 2008
WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNALS THE DASH BLINKERS OPERATED VERY FAST. UPON CHECKING THE TURN SIGNAL BULBS, BOTH FRONT BULBS WERE BURNED OUT AND THE AMBER LENS ON EACH HAD HOLE IN THE TOP OF THE LENS WHERE THEY HAD MELTED. THERE APPEARS TO BE FLASH BURNS ON THE OUTER LENS COVER. THIS IS A FIRST OCCURRENCE AT ABOUT 68000 MILES. THE BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND NOW OPERATE OK. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 20, 2008
MY HUSBAND TRAVELS 200 MILES A DAY,MOSTLY INTERSTATE TRAVEL. AT LEAST .ONCE A DAY HIS TURN SIGNALS FAIL TO WORK. MOST OF THE TIME IF HE MESSES AROUND WITH THE HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON FOR A FEW SECONDS THE TURN SIGNALS WILL FUNCTION AGAIN,BUT NOT ALWAYS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. ONE MECHANIC SAID IT IS MORE THAN LIKELY A SHORT IN THE WIRING BUT WILL E EXPENSIVE TO FIND LET ALONE FIX. I FEEL THERE IS ALSO A POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE TURN SIGNALS FAIL. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE, BUT HAS NOT BEEN SERVICED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,957 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Exterior lighting, Aug 11, 2008
THE TURN SIGNAL LENS A PART OF THE FRONT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS APPARENTLY MELTING FROM HEAT CAUSED BY THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BULB. THE LENS IS MOUNTED INSIDE OF THE CLEAR HEADLAMP LENS AND IS MADE OUT OF AMBER COLORED PLASTIC. THIS MELTING IS OCCURRING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE AND HAS CAUSED SEVERAL LIGHT BULB MALFUNCTIONS TO OCCUR. THIS PROBLEM NOT ONLY CAUSES THE FAILURE OF THE TURN SIGNAL BULB BUT ALSO CREATES THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE TO BREAK OUT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 31, 2008
LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNALS/DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE OVERHEATING AND CAUSING THE YELLOW PLASTIC LENS SURROUNDING THE BULB TO OVERHEAT AND MELT. THE MELTING PLASTIC IS DRIPPING DOWN ONTO THE HOT BULB WERE IS IT BURNING. ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT SEEN IT SMOKE OR FLAME THE DAMAGE AND CAUSE IS OBVIOUS. THIS IS A MAJOR FIRE HAZARD YET WHEN I CONTACTED GM THEY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. CITING THE AGE AND MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. IT IS A 2004 WITH 55,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE CHECKED OUT MANY OTHER MALIBU'S AND THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING ON THE MAJORITY OF THEM. WITH MOLTEN PLASTIC DRIPPING DOWN ONTO A HOT BULB OR ITS METAL BASE IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL A FIRE OCCURS. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ON BOTH SIDES. THIS IS A DESIGN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Jul 16, 2008
FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR, THE RIGHT FRONT TURN LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO OUT. WE HAVE REPLACED THE BULB MANY TIMES. SOMETIMES IT WILL LAST A FEW WEEKS AND SOMETIMES ONLY A FEW DAYS. *TR