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
Exterior lighting, Jul 12, 2008
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU WITH 47,000 MILES. AFTER 2 WEEKS OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WENT OUT. AFTER REPLACING THE BULB, I NOTICED THAT A HOLE HAS BURNED THROUGH THE YELLOW, PLASTIC LENS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 8, 2008
I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR APPROX. 12 MONTHS...RECENTLY TOOK A LONG TRIP-11 HOURS DRIVING STRAIGHT THROUGH-UPON RETURNING I NOTICED THE LEFT FRONT TURN SIGNAL NOT WORKING, I IMMEDIATELY PURCHASED REPLACEMENT BULB AND UPON REPLACING I NOTICED THE INTERNAL AMBER LENS CUP FOR THE SIGNAL HAD A HOLE MELTED/BURNED THROUGH IT. NOTICING THIS I IMMEDIATELY CHECKED THE RIGHT SIDE AND IT ALSO HAS A HOLE STARTING TO COME THROUGH. I TRAVELED AT NIGHT, OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 62-68 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT FOR THE BETTER PART OF THE TRAVEL. THE BASE OF THE BULB THAT WAS REPLACED SHOWS SLIGHT MELT, THEIR IS NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO THE SOCKET. I HAVE SAVED THE OLD BULB. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 16, 2008, fire
FRONT BLINKER LIGHTS HAVE MELTED NICKEL SIZED HOLES IN THE TOPS OF THE AMBER PLASTIC GLOBES THE LIGHT BULBS GO INTO. MELTED PLASTIC DRIPPED ON THE LIGHT BULBS CAUSING BULBS TO FAIL. STRONG MELTED/BURNT PLASTIC ODOR IN THE CAR. SMOKE FROM THE MELTED PLASTIC HAS DISCOLORED HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES. HAVE TO REPLACE FRONT AND BACK BLINKER LIGHTS AT LEAST MONTHLY. FRONT CASINGS ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT CAUGHT FIRE, BURNED THROUGH THE ORANGE GLOBISH COVER THROUGH TO THE OUTSIDE COVER. THE LIGHTS BURNING OUT STARTED WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR BUT THE FIRE DID NOT START UNTIL 2006. I SEE MORE MALIBU'S ON THE ROAD WITH ONLY ONE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHT WORKING AT A TIME. IT HAS TO BE A KNOW PROBLEM BUT THE DEALERSHIP DENIES IT EVERY TIME I'VE CALLED OVER THE YEARS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 13, 2008
FRONT BLINKER LIGHTS HAVE MELTED NICKEL SIZED HOLES IN THE TOPS OF THE AMBER PLASTIC GLOBES THE LIGHT BULBS GO INTO. MELTED PLASTIC DRIPPED ON THE LIGHT BULBS CAUSING BULBS TO FAIL. STRONG MELTED/BURNT PLASTIC ODOR IN THE CAR. SMOKE FROM THE MELTED PLASTIC HAS DISCOLORED HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 28, 2008
TURN SIGNAL BULB BURNING THROUGH THE PLASTIC CASING RESULTING IN INEFFECTIVE TURN SIGNALS. TOOK TO GM DEALER IN NOVEMBER 2007 AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. I REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS IN DECEMBER. TURN SIGNAL BULB BURNING THROUGH PLASTIC CASING ON BOTH HEADLIGHTS YET AGAIN RESULTING IN INEFFECTIVE TURN SIGNALS. *TR
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
Steering, Exterior lighting, Structure, Apr 26, 2008
MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR - LEFT TURN SIGNAL DOES NOT WORK - CAR IS ALIGNED AND STILL WANTS TO GO LEFT (ELECTRICAL STEERING ISSUES I AM TOLD) - ADJUSTABLE PEDALS DO NOT ADJUST - VISOR MIRROR IS BROKEN - *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 16, 2008
FRONT LEFT TURNING SIGNAL IS NOT WORKING. I HAVE BOUGHT MANY LIGHT BULBS REPLACING LIGHT BULB AFTER BULB. EVERYTIME I CHANGE THE BULB IT WOULD WORK BUT AS SOON AS I DRIVE FOR LITTLE AND TURN THE SIGNAL IT GOES OUT AGAIN. SEEM AS THOUGH IT MAY HAVE A SHORTAGE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 29, 2008
TURN SIGNAL BULB DOES NOT WORK OR WORKS PERIODICALLY IN THE FRONT. BOTH SIDES HAVE STOPPED WORKING AT TIMES CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE UNABLE TO SIGNAL ONGOING TRAFFIC OF TURN. CAR HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER WHO AT FIRST REPLACE BULB THAN WHEN IT FAILED AGAIN SAID IT WAS A "SHORT". SAME THING OF RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES. *CN
Exterior lighting, Dec 31, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. BOTH OF THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LENSES HAVE A ONE HALF INCH HOLE BURNED INTO THE TOP OF THE PLASTIC. THE PLASTIC HAS COMPLETELY MELTED AND TURNED BROWN. THE SHINY MATERIAL HAS TURNED A DULL WHITE. THE DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 82,000. UPDATED 02-14-08. *KB
Exterior lighting, Dec 13, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS WORK RANDOMLY, ESPECIALLY IN CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD LIGHTS, HE WOULD HEAR THE LIGHTS FLICKER, BUT THEY WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE CONTACT FOUND A RECALL ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURES. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
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
Exterior lighting, Aug 8, 2007
BOTH YELLOW DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT COVERS ARE MELTED. THERE IS A BURN MARK SURROUNDING THE HOLES OVER EACH LIGHT BULB -- ON BOTH THE RIGHT AND THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CLEAR PLASTIC SHELL AROUND THE HEADLIGHT IS DISCOLORED AS A RESULT OF THE EXCESS HEAT. *JB
Exterior lighting, Jul 20, 2007
MY WIFE AND BOUGHT A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU IN JULY 2004. IN MARCH 2007 MY TURN SIGNALS BEGAN TO FAIL, BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES. ALSO, THE RIGHT SIDE AMBER COVER ON THE RUNNING LIGHTS HAS A HOLE BURNT IN THE TOP OF IT AND THE LEFT SIDE IS BEGINNING TO BURN THRU NOW. I REPLACED SEVERAL BULBS AND ALSO TOOK IT THE DEALERSHIP THAT WE PURCHASED IT FROM; THE FIRST TIME THEY REPLACED THE BULBS AND THE TURN SIGNALS WORKED FOR ABOUT 1 HOUR AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE THE SOCKETS REPLACED, THE SOCKETS WERE REPLACED AND EVERYTHING WORKED FINE FOR 2 MONTHS AND THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN, SO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP I WENT AND THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE BOTH COMPLETE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES REPLACED. THERE'S OBVIOUSLY A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. SOONER OR LATER THIS SITUATION WILL RESULT IN A FIRE AND POSSIBLY BODILY INJURIES AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. WHAT IS GOING TO TAKE BEFORE GM WAKE UP? THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE.... *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 19, 2007
THE LEFT FRONT TURN SIGNAL HAD TO BE REPLACED AROUND 9 TIMES IN THE THREE YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. *AK
Exterior lighting, May 17, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S EXTERIOR FRONT TURN SIGNAL CONSISTENTLY FAILS. THE VEHICLE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 46,793 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,532.
Exterior lighting, Apr 22, 2007
AUTO: 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS - FRONT TURN SIGNAL-DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MELTED A HOLE IN THE AMBER LENS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. GRAND PRIZE CHEVROLET OF MIAMI REPLACED BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY'S . HAVE SEEN OTHER MALIBUS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THIS IS GOING TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEM. I HAVE NOTICED THAT ON NEWER MODELS THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE NOW THE HEADLIGHTS INSTEAD OF THE TURN SIGNAL LAMPS. *TR
Power train, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Seats, Equipment, Steering, Mar 15, 2007
2004 MALIBU CUSTOMER HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING AND WANTS OUT OF THE LEASE WITHOUT PENALTY**CC THE RADIO WAS INOPERATIVE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE AT TIMES, IT WOULD TURN OFF, BUT NOT ENGAGE. THE PCM WAS REPLACED. THE PASSENGER SIDE DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BULBS. THE HEATED SEATS CAME ON BY THEMSELVES. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS REPLACED, BECAUSE THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES WERE LEAKING, THE REAR DEFOGGER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS INOPERATIVE. WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ON INTERMITTENT, THEY WOULD GO FULL SPEED BY THEMSELVES. *JB
Exterior lighting, Dec 2, 2006
AFTER ONE YEAR OF DRIVING OUR 2004 MALIBU (ABOUT 20, 000 MILES), THE SIGNAL LIGHTS BEGAN FAILING. REPLACEMENT OF THE BULBS BY A GM DEALER SOLVED EACH PROBLEM (4 INCIDENTS). THEN ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO THE RIGHT FRONT SIGNAL REVEALED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS, WHICH WAS REPLACED AT OUR EXPENSE. TODAY THE LEFT REAR SIGNAL SOCKET AND HARNESS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT IN THE SIGNAL LIGHT SYSTEM. *NM
Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, Nov 17, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE CONTACT HAD TO HOLD THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH UP ALL THE WAY TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. LATER, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE TAIL LIGHTS STAYED ILLUMINATED ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, AND THE BATTERY HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED TO SHUT THE TAIL LIGHTS OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER.
Exterior lighting, Sep 25, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY MELTED FROM THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT BULBS. THE LAMP FOGGED UP AND CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 10/18/2006 - *NM
Exterior lighting, Aug 30, 2006
DRIVING TO WORK NORMALLY, TURN SIGNALS WORKED NORMALLY, THEN TRIED TO SIGNAL A TURNING AFTER 5 MORE MINUTES OF DRIVING, TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM WAS COMPLETELY DEAD (COULD NOT SIGNAL TURN). SYSTEM STAYED DEAD FOR 5 MINUTES. APPLIED BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES TO PARK. WHEN PARKED, TURN SIGNAL SYSTEMS WORKED OK. OTHER POSTERS ON THE WWW.EDMUNDS.COM CHEVROLET MALIBU FORUM HAVE REPORTED SAME PROBLEM. *NM
Exterior lighting, Jul 4, 2006
I HAVE REPLACED THE LEFT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB THREE TIMES IN THREE MONTHS. THE FILAMENTS ARE OK BUT THE CONNECTING WIRE ON THE BULB IS BURNT THROUGH. IT APPEARS THAT THE BULB DO NOT SEAT PROPERLY INTO THE SOCKET AND VIBRATION CAUSES THE CONNECTION TO ARC. I EXPECT THIS PROBLEM TO CONTINUE UNTIL THE SOCKET IS REPLACED BY THE DEALER (ASSUMING I CAN CONVINCE THE DEALER TO DO SO UNDER WARRANTY). *JB
Exterior lighting, Jun 5, 2006
LEFT FRONT TURN SIGNAL/LIGHT ASSEMBLY. I REPLACED THE AMBER BULB THREE TIMES IN THE SPACE OF 3 MONTHS. THE FILAMENTS WERE FINE, BUT THE PART WHERE THE BULB MEETS THE ASSEMBLY WAS BURNED. ON MAY 20TH, THE ENTIRE LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. *NM
Exterior lighting, May 19, 2006
I BOUGHT A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU IN AUGUST OF 2004. SINCE THAT TIME ALL 4 SIGNAL LIGHTS AND ONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAVE BURNT OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LEFT REAR SIGNAL LIGHT IS NOW INOPERABLE. MAKING THIS THE 5 TIME I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SIGNAL LIGHTS. I HAVE ASKED THEM (CHEVROLET SERVICE DEPARTMENT) TO CHECK THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM EVERY TIME AND EVERY TIME THEY TELL ME THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED. SEVERAL TIMES THE WORK INVOICE COPY SAID, "REPLACED SIGNAL LIGHT BULB" THERE APPEARS TO BE A MORE SERIOUS ISSUE TO THIS PROBLEM AND I SEE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT IT HAS HAPPENED TO. ALTHOUGH NO FIRE HAS OCCURRED, I FEEL THAT THERE IS DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD WHEN IT UNEXPECTEDLY STOPS OPERATING BECAUSE YOU ARE UNABLE TO SIGNAL OTHER DRIVERS THAT YOU ARE TURNING. *JB