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: service brakes
85 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Air bags, Mar 24, 2024, crash
The Grumman LLV was hit by the driver of the Chevy Malibu. The Grumman LLV had seatbelt issues with impact. The LLV was forced over on two wheels with left side impact from the driver of Chevy Malibu. [XXX] was the driver of the USPS Grumman LLV at the time of accident sustaining neck injuries requiring medical attention. Multiple medical procedures paid out of pocket followed to include surgeries The driver of Chevy Malibu was injured and received coverage by State Farm insurance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 15, 2021
POWER STEERING UPON IGNITION LIGHTS UP AND LOCKS POWER STEERING. TURN OFF AND RESTART SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE OPERATIONAL. ABS LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON WHILE DRIVING. ELECTRIC ASSIST POWER STEERING. BOTH IN STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING IN CITY AND HIGHWAY.
Service brakes, May 30, 2019
ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY, 8, 2019 MY 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU, VIN [XXX] HAD TO BE TOWED OFF OF THE ROAD AND HOME BECAUSE THE FRONT BRAKES WERE LOCKING AND THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING FROM THE SAME ORIGINAL LOCATION. ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2019 THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SOUTH CHARLOTTE CHEVROLET, THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2019 KB FROM SOUTH CHARLOTTE CHEVROLET INFORMED ME THAT THE FRONT CALIPERS, BRAKES AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I EXPLAINED THAT THE WORK WAS DONE ONLY THREE AND A HALF MONTHS AGO BY LANCASTER MOTOR COMPANY. KB INFORMED ME THAT THE PREVIOUS TECHNICIAN AT LANCASTER MOTOR COMPANY INSTALLED THE PARTS INCORRECTLY AND AS A RESULT THE SAME PROBLEM WAS OCCURRING AND THAT I NEEDED TO CONTACT CHEVROLET/GMC REGARDING MY WARRANTY. CHEVROLET/GMC IS NOT HONORING THEIR WARRANTY AND THE FAILED ROTORS ALMOST CAUSED MY DAUGHTER TO BE IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON FEBRUARY 8, 2019. THE SAME VEHICLE WAS TAKE TO LANCASTER MOTOR COMPANY, SC FOR A FRONT BRAKE CONCERN; SMOKE AND SCREECHING ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2018. I RECEIVED A FOLLOW UP CALL FROM THE LANCASTER MOTOR COMPANY, SC SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON OCTOBER 6, 2018 THAT THE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL THE BRAKES WERE REPAIRED AND THAT THEY COULD NOT RETURN IT ME BECAUSE IT WAS "UNSAFE TO DRIVE". THE TECHNICIAN; TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE KEEPING THE CAR AND THAT THEY WOULD FOLLOW UP WITH ME ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2018. DURING A DISCUSSION WITH LANCASTER MOTOR COMPANY THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 8, 2018 I WAS INFORMED BY [XXX] THAT MY FRONT CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. THE INVOICE NUMBER [XXX] TOTALED $1114.29 FOR THE 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR TWELVE (12) MONTHS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Apr 17, 2019
CLUNKING SOUND THAT YOU CAN FEEL IN THE FOOT PEDAL AND WHEN YOU ROCK STEERING WHEEL BACK IN FORTH AND CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT ENDIN STEERING WHEEL AND UNABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE FELLING OVER LOOSING CONTROL OF CAR
Steering, Service brakes, Nov 14, 2017
WHILE DRIVING ON ROUGH ROADS OR BREAKING NOISES RATTLES AN SEVERE SHAKE IN STEERING COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN AN AN STEERING BINDING WHEN FIRST STARTING CAR HARD TO TURN WHEELS STRANGE NOISES WHEN APPLYING BREAKS
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 27, 2016
THERE WAS A RECALL ON FUEL SYSTEM MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND HAD IT DIAGNOSED AND ITS READING I NEED A FUEL PUMP CANT UNDERSTAND WHY WHEN WORK WAS ALREADY DONE SOMETIMES WHEN I ACCELERATE TO 25-30 STUTTERS AND PUTTS
Service brakes, Feb 3, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC ANTI-LOCK CONTROL WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Service brakes, Jun 1, 2015, crash
BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER CAR.
Steering, Service brakes, May 27, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. LESS THAN A MONTH LATER, THE TORQUE SENSOR ASSEMBLY AND THE EPS UNIT FAILED. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (SERVICE BRAKES), THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FEEL AS THOUGH THE BRAKES WERE GRABBING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP AND THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT FELT THAT BOTH RECALL REPAIRS FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,500.
Suspension, Service brakes, May 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE TIE ROD AND FRONT BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Service brakes, Apr 2, 2015, crash
ONE NIGHT WHEN IT WAS SNOWING, I WAS LEAVING WORK AND THREE LIGHTS CAME ON WHEN I WENT TO STOP MY VEHICLE. THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON AND I HAD TROUBLE STOPPING MY VEHICLE. AFTER THIS LITTLE INCIDENT I NOTICED THE BRAKES WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. TOOK THE CAR TO AUTO ZONE AND PUT IT ON THE CODE READER. A CODE POOPED UP, BUT COULD NOT BE TOLD WHAT IT WAS. THEY SAID YOU WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT THE DEALER FOR THEM TO TELL YOU WHAT THE CODE IS. I HAD TO GO TO WORK, SO DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO TAKE IT THERE. WELL I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE LIGHTS POOPED BACK ON AND WHEN I WENT TO HIT MY BRAKES THERE WAS NONE. I HIT A TRUCK THAT STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Jan 23, 2015, crash
THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING ON A TWO LANE ROAD AND CAME TO A CURVE IN THE ROAD AT WHICH TIME SHE REPORTED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT SLOW OR STOP THE CAR AND THE CAR BEGAN TO VEER IN AN UNINTENDED (AND UNSTEERED) DIRECTION. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE CAR'S PATH AND SPEED AND IT WENT OUT OF CONTROL STRIKING FOUR CARS, CROSSING A DIVIDER AND IMPACTING HEAD ON WITH A 4 X 4 TRUCK. THE DRIVER COMMENTED THAT THE "CAR WENT WILD". *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 17, 2014
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CUSTOMER STATES THAT HE HAS RECEIVED THREE RECALL NOTICES FOR VEHICLE IN JUNE 2014 AND JULY 2014. ALL THREE NOTICED INDICATED THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND HASN'T HEARD ANY RESPONSE SINCE. *TA
Service brakes, Nov 20, 2014
I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX BUT GENERAL MOTORS SAYS THAT IT IS NOT A RECALL UNDER MY VIN ON MY VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THERE ARE MORE RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH MY CAR AND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE'S VEHICLES BUT UNFORTUNATELY GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOT OWN UP TO THE FACT THAT THERE ARE MORE RECALLS ON THEIR PRODUCTS. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH AN ATTORNEY ABOUT MY CASE AND HE STATED THE SAME THING I AM SAYING ABOUT GENERAL MOTORS. I HAVE BEEN HAVING ONE PROBLEMS AFTER THE ANOTHER WITH MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND NONE OF THOSE ISSUES HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH MY DRIVING OR UPKEEP ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE MAINTAINED EVERYTHING ON MY VEHICLE AND REPLACED OVER $2,000 WORTH IN REPAIRS BECAUSE THERE WERE RECALLS OUT THERE ABOUT MY CAR AND I WASN'T NOTIFIED ABOUT THEM. GENERAL MOTORS DOES NOT WANT TO MAKE IT RIGHT THEY JUST WANT TO MAKE MONEY OFF THIS RECALL SITUATION! *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Traction control system, Nov 19, 2014, crash
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU EXPERIENCING POWER STEERING PROBLEMS, ABS AND SHIFT CABLE, ALL REPLACED. *CW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP SEVEN TIMES, DUE TO POWER STEERING FAILURE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE STEERING LOCKING UP. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN TWO ACCIDENTS, IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A TRANSMISSION, STEERING AND BRAKE RECALL. HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *JB
Steering, Service brakes, Nov 12, 2014
ON 12/2008 WHILE DRIVING FROM CALIFORNIA TO THE EAST COAST,ROUGHLY 3 HOURS INTO MY TRIP THE 'WRENCH IN THE CAR DISPLAY ON THE DASH LIT UP AND "POWER STEERING" WAS DISPLAYED ON THE RADIO. THE NEXT EXIT (BARSTOW) WAS APPROX 8 MILES AWAY.I AWOKEN THE NEXT MORNING TO FIND THAT THERE HAD BEEN A BLIZZARD THAT NIGHT. AFTER WAITING WHAT SEEMED FOREVER I GOT THE NEWS THAT THE STEERING COLUMN ( GM 15926870) AND THE IGNITION SWITCH (GM 15823541) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. LEFT BARSTOW AFTER LOSING 2-3 DAYS OF TRAVEL AND DROPPING $1150.00 TO THE DEALER, ALMOST $200.00 FOR HOTEL AND ABOUT $125.00 ON FOOD. AFTER RECEIVING THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS I GATHERED UP MY RECEIPTS AND TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE SUPPOSED WORK COMPLETED AND TURNED IN THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO THE DEALER. SIX DAYS LATER I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM.I CALLED THE DEALER AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION. THE SERVICE WRITER STATED THAT THEY'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM AFTER RECALL WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED. MONDAY MORNING I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN. THE SERVICE WRITER STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM DOESN'T USUALLY HAPPEN (OF COURSE THE GENTLEMAN THAT I SPOKE WITH ON FRIDAY WITH WAS NOT IN) AND THAT THEY WOULD CHECK TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL WORK THAT HAD BEEN PERFORMED. OF COURSE THEY SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL WORK THAT HAD BEEN PERFORMED, AND THAT TO FIX THE CURRENT ISSUE WOULD COST $850. THERE WAS ALSO A CHARGE OF $121.00 (LABOR@ $110 PLUS SHOP FEES AND TAX). AFTER ALL THESE YEARS GM KNEW OF THE DEFICIENCIES AND SHORT COMINGS WITH THEY'RE VEHICLES. THEY'VE HAD TIME TO PREPARE AND PREP THEIR PERSONNEL FOR ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND SCENARIOS. DAMAGE CONTROL.MY CONCERN IS THAT WHEN THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED, THE TECH DOING THE WORK DIDN'T FOLLOW PROPER PROCEDURES. A LONG CALL TO GM, MY ISSUE HAS BEEN ESCALATED TO THE NEXT STEP. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 31, 2014
THE TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF. I'M NOT EVEN SURE THAT IT IS WORKING AT ALL I HAVE A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS ISSUE BUT ONCE AGAIN NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE ANY PARTS TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Service brakes, Oct 31, 2014
WITH THE SHAKING STEERING WHEEL AND THE POWER STEERING GOING IN AND OUT MY FRONT TIRES WHERE FEELING OUT OF BALANCE SO I PULLING INTO WAL-MART AND HAD THEM LOOK AT IT. BOTH OF MY FRONT TIRES HAD BUSTED BELTS IN THEM AND MY BREAKS WERE PRETTY MUCH GONE AND THE ROTORS WERE TORN UP. THE ALIGNMENT WAS WAY OFF CAUSING THE CAR TO NOT STEER . I WAS TOLD ALL THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, HOWEVER ITS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION AND WITH SO MANY OF THESE PROBLEMS I HAVE NO MONEY TO HAVE HE PROBLEMS FIXED. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE . THERE ARE SO MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 23, 2014
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GM RECALL #13036* LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL FIX, DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID NOT KNOW, IF THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORKED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL RARELY WORKED. THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS LIGHT WAS ON. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER. AN INSPECTION REVEALED A PROBLEM WAS SPEED SENSOR ON THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, WHICH WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE COST TO REPLACE THE SENSOR WAS $460. *JB
Air bags, Service brakes, Oct 16, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE STUMP AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CHEST INJURY THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE BODY DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Service brakes, Oct 15, 2014
THE TRACTION LIGHT, ABS BRAKE LIGHT, AND SERVICE LIGHT ARE COMING ON AND DO NOT GO OUT. THE SHIFT GEAR ALSO HAS A PROBLEM. *TR
Service brakes, Sep 29, 2014
WHEN I APPLY MY BRAKES TO STOP OR SLOW DOWN MY BRAKES SEEM TO GO OUT OR NOT WORK INTERMITTENTLY. MY HUSBAND THINKS IT HAS TO DO WITH THE ABS. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HIT THE VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME SO I MUST LEAVE A RATHER LARGE STOPPING DISTANCE BETWEEN MYSELF AND THE FRONT CAR WHICH IS FINE BUT WHEN I MUST MAKE A QUICK STOP TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT MY BRAKES CUT OUT. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE BRAKES ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), BUT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Sep 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES, STEERING, AND ELECTRICAL WIRING FOR THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED SINCE 2004. WHILE MAKING LEFT TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN SUBMITTING COMPLAINTS TO THE MANUFACTURER SINCE 2004. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 10/23/14*CN UPDATED 4/13/2015 *JS
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Aug 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.