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: power train
89 reports, newest first. Show all
Parking brake, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WOULD MALFUNCTION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL AWAY WHEN PARKED ON AN INCLINE OR A FLAT SURFACE. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY HESITATE WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD BECOME STUCK IN FIRST GEAR AND BEGAN TO EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL JERKING MOTION. THE KEY WOULD ALSO BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FAIL TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V252000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000....UPDATED 09-05-14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAD ISSUES WITH SWITCHING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE EXTERIOR AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT DURING HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND AN ALARM WOULD SOUND, WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WOULD BE FILLED WITH GAS THE LOW FUEL ALARM WOULD SOUND, AND THE BLINKER LIGHTS WOULD BURN OUT PREMATURELY. UPDATED 09/15/2014 *JS
Power train, May 22, 2014
WHEN IN REVERSE, BUT NOT MOVING, THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR SHIMMIES AND MAKES NOISES. THE AFFECTED PART WAS JUST REPLACED (SUPPOSEDLY) IN FEB. 2012. NOW THEY SAY THAT THE PARTS AGAIN MUST BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY ARE JUST FINDING IT NOW, A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. *TR
Power train, May 15, 2014
HI I WAS WONDER HOW LONG CHEVY GOING TO LAG ON GETTING PEOPLE MALIBU FIXED AND WHEN THEIR GOING TO START RAGING VIN TO CAR I NEED THE MONEY THAT I DID NOT HAVE IN THE FIRST PLACE TO PAY UP SO I WANT IT BACK NOW. *TR
Steering, Power train, Seats, Apr 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE SEAT FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,987 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 09/26/2014*LJ UPDATED 02/27/2015 *JS
Steering, Power train, Jul 23, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT TOTALLY OUT. I HEARD A CHIME, SAW THE WRENCH LIGHT UP ON THE DASH AND A POWER STEERING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE MESSAGE PANEL. I NOTICED THE STEERING WAS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT AND THEN WENT OUT ALL TOGETHER. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN AND THE PROBLEM WAS TEMPORARILY RESOLVED ONLY TO REAPPEAR LATER AGAIN. I KNOW THAT THE 2005 WAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND THINK THIS ONE NEEDS TO BE ALSO. IT IS NOT SAFE AT ALL TO DRIVE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jul 10, 2013
DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, STEERING GOT STIFF AND MY DASH LIGHT (WRENCH) LIT UP AND CHIMED. I'M GLAD I HAD BOTH HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL OR ELSE IT COULD HAVE TAKEN ME FOR A JOY RIDE. HAD MY WIFE AND MY INFANT SON AT THE TIME WITH ME. THIS DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE ATTENDED TO BECAUSE IT'S A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. NOW, I HAVE 100,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND IT'S STILL DOING THE SAME THING. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO REPLACE SUCH A THING. THIS NEEDS TO PUSHED WITH GM TO HAVE RECALLED! *TR
Steering, Power train, May 23, 2013
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL THIS MORNING, AND EVERYTHING SEEMED TO BE FINE. SHE PULLED OUT OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND INTO THE TURNING LANE ON A FAST MOVING STREET TO TURN INTO HER SCHOOL PARKING LOT. AS SHE WENT TO TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP RIGHT AS SHE WAS TURNING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. SHE SAID IT TOOK EVERYTHING IN HER TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL ENOUGH JUST SO SHE COULD GET ONTO THE CURB AND OUT OF THE WAY. SHE THEN WENT TO PARK AND COULD BARELY MAKE IT INTO A PARKING SPACE. SHE SAID WHEN SHE FIRST STARTED TO TURN, A SOUND WENT OFF; AND A GOLD WRENCH SIGN APPEARED UNDERNEATH HER RPMS. SHE TURNED OFF THE CAR ONCE IN HER PARKING SPACE AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STILL LOCKED. SHE DID IT ONE MORE TIME, AND IT FINALLY UNLOCKED. HER, MY OTHER DAUGHTER, AND MY FRIEND'S TWO KIDS WHO WERE ALSO IN THE CAR, WERE EXTREMELY SHAKEN AND ON THE VERGE OF TEARS. IT WAS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE FOR THEM ALL. MY MOST PRECIOUS THINGS IN LIFE WERE ALMOST IN A SERIOUS (PERHAPS EVEN DEADLY) ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS POWER STEERING FAILURE. I KNOW THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED BECAUSE I FOUND NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF THIS EXACT SAME THING HAPPENING ONLINE. IT'S TIME CHEVROLET FINALLY STEPS UP, TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS, AND RECALLS ALL THESE VEHICLES TO GET THIS POWER STEERING FAILURE FIXED BEFORE IT TAKES A LIFE (OR LIVES)! *TR
Power train, Apr 25, 2013
WHEN I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN, LIKE WHEN HAVING TO LET A CAR TURN IN FRONT OF YOU. WHEN THE CAR SHIFTS GEARS IT JERKS REALLY HARD, AND WILL DO THIS IN ALL GEARS IT SHIFTS INTO. *TR
Steering, Power train, Apr 20, 2013, crash
ONE EVENING WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY @ APROX 55MPH THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND THREE CHIMES THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH THE CONCRETE WALL CAUSING SUSPENSION DAMAGE AND BODY DAMAGE TO A TUNE OF OVER $3600.00! STEERING AND STOPPING ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN GOING! GM NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR
Steering, Power train, Mar 4, 2013
I STARTED THE CAR, PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND ACCELERATED. WHEN I WENT TO TURN THE WHEEL, A LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASH (LOOKS LIKE A WRENCH) AND ON THE RADIO DISPLAY SAID POWER STEERING. I LOST ALL POWER STEERING. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. I PULLED OUT ON TO ANOTHER ROAD AND WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING, I LOST MY POWER STEERING. I HAD TO PULL OVER INTO A PARKING LOT, WHICH WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO DO SINCE I DID NOT HAVE POWER STEERING. TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED THE CAR. THE LIGHT WENT AWAY AND MY POWER STEERING CAME BACK. THE CAR IS VERY UNSAFE BECAUSE THE FAILURE HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. MY HUSBAND CALLED CHEVY DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THIS CAR IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE SERVICE RECALL NOTICE!! *TR
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Feb 19, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD, AND THE YELLOW WRENCH POPPED UP,THE WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. ALSO, WHILE TURNING THE CAR THE WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS AT LEAST 3-4 TIMES A YEAR. MY BRAKE PEDDLE ACTS UP IN THE SNOWY MONTHS. WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE PEDDLE-THE PEDDLE JUMPS PUSHES UP AND DOWN INTO MY FEET. WHEN IT SNOWS, I WORRY ABOUT RUNNING INTO A CAR. *TR
Steering, Power train, Feb 3, 2013
I WAS DRIVING MY SONS 2004 MALIBU WHEN SUDDENLY THERE WAS A FEW DINGS FOLLOWED BY THE CAR SYMBOL LIGHT WITH THE WRENCH INSIDE IT ON THE DASH LIGHT UP. THE WHEEL IMMEDIATELY BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN . IT'S AS IF THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. I DROVE TO A SAFE LOCATION, TURNED OFF THE CAR AND THE PROBLEM WAS GONE. THIS DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT TO ME. PLEASE HAVE GM RECTIFY THIS ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Feb 1, 2013
2004 MALIBU LS-DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY TODAY AND THE BELL GOES OFF, THE YELLOW WRENCH APPEARS AND THE RADIO SHOWS POWER STEERING. THE POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT ALL AT ONCE AND I ALMOST RAN INTO A TRUCK. CALLED THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THIS AND IT IS ALSO NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. NHTSA PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS POWER STEERING PROBLEM BEFORE IT CAUSES SOMEONE TO LOOSE THEIR LIFE. I HAVE A 1998 MALIBU LS AND A 2004 MALIBU LS AND THEY BOTH HAVE GAVE ME PROBLEMS. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Oct 16, 2012
I CAME TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT AND 3 SECONDS LATER I HEARD A CHIME AND A CAR WITH A WRENCH THROUGH IT APPEARED ON MY DASH. MY WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK IT WAS TO TURN THE CARE OFF AND BACK ON. THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT. *TR
Power train, Sep 10, 2012
CAME HOME FROM WORK ON 9/10/12 AND PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY. WHEN I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK IT DID NOT GO INTO PARK AND THE CAR KEPT ON ROLLING ALMOST HITTING MY OTHER VEHICLE. I TRIED PUTTING INTO OTHER GEARS BUT THEY WERE OFF (SHIFT TO DRIVE IT MIGHT BE IN NEUTRAL, SHIFT TO REVERSE IT MIGHT BE IN NEUTRAL TOO). IT'S LIKE IT DOESN'T KNOW WHAT GEAR IT IS IN AND YOU HAVE TO KINDA PLAY WITH IT TO GET IT INTO THE RIGHT GEAR. ALSO, SINCE IT'S NOT READING THAT IT'S IN PARK I CANNOT PULL THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION. THANK GOD MY KIDS WERE NOT IN FRONT OF MY CAR WHEN I GOT HOME....PRETTY DANGEROUS AS YOU DON'T KNOW IF IT'S IN PARK OR NOT AND THE CAR WILL JUST ROLL. *TR
Power train, Feb 8, 2012
GEAR SHIFT PROBLEM. TRIED TO PLACE CAR IN PARK AND GEAR SHIFT STAYED IN DRIVE, ALTHOUGH GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR ON DASHBOARD SHOWED OTHERWISE. STUCK IN DRIVE AND COULD NOT SHIFT IT OUT. WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL I CALLED CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP FOR ADVICE. THEY ADVISED ME TO PUT EMERGENCY BRAKE ON TO SHUT CAR OFF, AND CALL FOR A TOW TRUCK. *TR
Power train, Nov 15, 2011
I READ YOU ARE LOOKING INTO 2004 MALIBU SHIFT CABLES. OUR CABLE BROKE A FEW MONTH BACK RESULTING IN AN INABILITY TO START THE CAR OR SHIFT GEARS. WE REPLACED THE CABLE. I HAVE THE OLD CABLE IF YOU WOULD LIKE IT. *TR
Power train, Oct 7, 2011
UPON TRYING TO START CAR IMMEDIATELY HAD "WRENCH" SIGN ON THE LEFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL WITH A MESSAGE ABOVE THE RADIO STATING POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE LOOKED AT IMMEDIATELY, HOWEVER, LATER THAT NIGHT INDICATED WAS WORKING SO DROVE THE NEXT WEEK OR SO,. TOOK INTO DEALER ON SEPTEMBER 28 WHO RAN DIAGNOSTICS ON IT AND FOUND CODE C0545 BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY DID INDICATE THAT IT WAS COMMON TO THE 2004 MODEL. ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 1, 2011 IT REPEATEDLY EXHIBITED THE SAME PROBLEM SO HAVE NOT DRIVEN IT SINCE. ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011 WE DID HAVE TO MOVE IT FOR LAWN CARE PURPOSES. IT STARTED FINE AND DID NOT SHOW THE PROBLEM HOWEVER, AFTER READING OTHER COMMENTS ON-LINE WHERE IT INDICATED POWER STEERING HAD GONE OUT WHILE DRIVING HAVE NOT BEEN DRIVING IT UNTIL MORE CAN BE FOUND OUT. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS SOMETHING GM/CHEVROLET NEEDS TO CORRECT. SHOULD WE HAVE CORRECTED AND THEY WERE TO LATER COME OUT WITH A RECALL WOULD WE BE REIMBURSED? *TR
Power train, Sep 28, 2010
I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR A MILE FROM HOME, AND WHILE SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT THE CAR ALERT SOUND HAPPENED, I LOOKED DOWN AT THE RADIO, AND THE DISPLAY READ "POWER STEERING". I TURNED INTO THE NEXT BUSINESS PARKING LOT, AND HAD A GREAT DEAL OF DIFFICULTY CRANKING THE WHEEL TO TURN THE CAR. I DECIDED TO RETURN HOME WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF, ENLISTED SOME HELP TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, THE POWER STEERING WORKED PROPERLY AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP RAN A DIAGNOSTIC AND DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS REPLACING. CAR WILL BE REPAIRED WHEN PART COMES INTO DEALERSHIP - ON BACKORDER. *TR
Steering, Power train, Apr 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED CONTINUOUSLY. WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED, THE WHEEL WOULD MAKE A CLICKING SOUND WHEN THE CONTACT MADE A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE DEALER GREASED THE STEERING COLUMN; HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,500. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,400. THE FIRST TIME, THE STABILIZER LINK BUSHING WERE REPLACED, THE SECOND TIME, THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS REPLACED AND THE THIRD TIME, THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE SEAL WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 05/24/10*JB
Power train, Mar 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN THE CONTACT DRIVES THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED HE NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT SMOOTHLY. A LOUD NOISE COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT HAD THE TRANSMISSIONS COMPUTER UPDATED AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT SEALS WILL ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 53600.
Steering, Power train, Sep 25, 2009
I OWN A 2004; 4 CYL; CHEVY MALIBU WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. THE SYSTEM FAILED WHILE I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE. I NARROWLY ESCAPED CAUSING A COLLISION BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE. WHEN TOWED TO CHEVY "... THEIR COMPUTER SHOWS NO PROBLEM...". BALONEY, I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT BY GOING ON-LINE THAT LOTS OF CHEVY MALIBUS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. CHEVY WILL NOT OWN UP TO IT BECAUSE IT IS A MAJOR EXPENSIVE REPAIR. *TR
Power train, May 11, 2009
THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY ON MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU. THIS TENDS TO HAPPEN DURING SUMMER MONTHS, PARTICULARLY JULY-SEPTEMBER WHEN THE WEATHER IS MORE HUMID THAN ANY OTHER TIME OF THE YEAR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A TRUSTED AUTO MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THAT WHEN HE CONNECTED THE CAR TO HIS DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER THERE WAS A READING STATING THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE DONE NOTHING SINCE THAT TIME WHICH WAS AROUND THE SUMMER OF 2007. *TR
Steering, Power train, Mar 5, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS. SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND SHIFT INTO PARK. SHE DROVE TO THE DEALER AND THEY ASSISTED HER IN PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND SHUTTING IT OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. WHILE AT THE DEALER, A TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $206. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,378 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,382. UPDATED 03-30-09 *BF UPDATED 03/31/09. *JB UPDATED 11/22/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE DEALER STATED THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 03/05/12