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: steering
1,073 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Mar 4, 2014
BOUGHT CAR ON 2-6-14. WITHIN I MONTHS TIME, SENSORS REGISTERED 4 TIMES POWER STEERING PROBLEMS. GM HAS RECALLED THIS MODEL FROM 2005 AND UP . BUT NOT THE 2004 MODELS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE KELLY BLUE BOOK STILL HOLDS THE CAR AT $5300.00. JUST WONDERING IF SOMEONE CAN HELP ME OUT OF THIS JAM. BOUGHT THE CAR FOR MY 23 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND AFRAID THAT SHE MIGHT GET HURT OR KILLED. *TR
Steering, Mar 3, 2014
POWER STEERING SIMPLY WENT OUT AND AT SUCH A SLOW SPEED, IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER CAR... ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES DID GO OFF, A SECOND OR TWO BEFORE IT FAILED. NOT SURE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY - NOT SURE I WANT TO FIND OUT. TURNED OFF THE CAR, THEN BACK ON AND STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. WENT TO CHEVY DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIR, AND WANTS AN ADDITIONAL $100 JUST TO TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG.... NOT SURE WHY THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS CRITICAL ELEMENT OF THE CAR. IT SEEMS GM AND THE NHTSA ARE PLAYING "RUSSIAN ROULETTE" WITH OUR LIVES.... *TR
Steering, Feb 27, 2014
STEERING FAILED AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. THE STEERING WARNING SYSTEM HAS BEEN GIVING FALSE INDICATION THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR UNTIL IT DID FAIL. ALSO PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING HTTP://WWW.EDMUNDS.COM/CHEVROLET/MALIBU/2004/CONSUMER-DISCUSSIONS.HTML
Steering, Feb 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING SUDDENLY SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 20, 2014
RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT MULTIPLE TIMES. I LISTED THE MOST RECENT DATE. NOW THEY SAY IT WILL COST AROUND 1000 TO FIX. IF MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SHOULDN'T THEIR BE A RECALL? IF THE ROADS WERE ICY I COULD'VE CRASHED AND KILLED SOMEONE. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 19, 2014
I TURNED MY CAR ON, AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. COULDN'T STEER. TURNED CAR OFF AND ON, THEN MY STEERING WHEEL JERKS LIKE CRAZY FOR A WEEK. NOW DRIVING HOME FROM WORK MY STEERING DIED COMPLETELY. READING ABOUT THIS AND I SEE THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM FOR THE MALIBU AND MALIBU MAXX. CHEVY NEEDS TO DO A RECALL!!! *TR
Steering, Feb 12, 2014
A SLIGHT PULL TO THE RIGHT ON THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSES THE POWER STEERING TO PULL BACK TO THE LEFT IN A RANDOM PATTERN. IT CLEARLY HAPPENS AT A STOP IF YOU PULL SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT ON THE WHEEL. YOU CAN FEEL THE STEERING FIGHT YOU RANDOMLY (MULTIPLE PULLS WITHIN A FEW SECONDS) WHEN DRIVING AT SPEED ON A ROAD THAT HAS A CROWN TO THE LEFT. *TR
Steering, Feb 12, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING, THE POWER IN THE STEERING BEGAN TO LOCK, CAUSING ME TEMPORARILY LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 10-15 MPH AT THE TIME, BUT I COULD HEAR CLICKING SOUNDS UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AND A FEW LIGHTS FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE WHICH LIGHTS BECAUSE BY THE TIME I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND TRIED TO AVOID HITTING THE CURB, THE LIGHTS FLASHED OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Feb 11, 2014
MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS STOPPED AT A FOUR WAY INTERSECTION. AS SHE PROCEEDED TO TURN, SHE LOST HER ABILITY TO STEER THE CAR. SHE WAS ABLE TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER CAR AND GET HER CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE NOTICED THERE WAS A YELLOW DASH BOARD LIGHT THAT CAME ON WHEN SHE LOST THE STEERING BUT NO PRIOR WARNING OF ANY ISSUES OR WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR TO LOOSING THE STEERING ON THE VEHICLE. ONCE SHE GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, HER FOUR WAY EMERGENCY FLASHERS WOULD NOT WORK. MY HUSBAND WENT TO PICK HER UP. HE RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE STEERING WORKED FINE FOR HIM. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING ANY PROBLEM ON THE DASH BOARD. WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO OUR MECHANIC HE COULD NOT GET THE PROBLEM TO RESURFACE. HE DID NOTE THAT THE DIRECTIONAL TURN SIGNALS SEEMED TO BE "MESSED UP" AND HE CHANGED THE LIGHT BULBS. WHEN SHE LOST HER STEERING A SECOND TIME WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC WHO TOLD US THIS WAS A CHRONIC DEFECT ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE/BRAND OF VEHICLE AND THAT IT NEEDED A NEW ELECTRONIC COMPONENT IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH WOULD COST US $900.00. I RESEARCHED THIS INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS VERY ISSUE. IT OCCURS AT DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF MILEAGE. IT OCCURS ON THE VEHICLES WHEN THEY WERE PURCHASED BRAND NEW AND PURCHASED USED AS IN OUR CASE. THIS IS NOT YOUR NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR TYPE OF VEHICLE ISSUE. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE WHICH IS AN ENGINEERING/DESIGN FLAW IN THE VEHICLE. I HAVE CALLED THE GM CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE. OUR CASE # IS 71-127-262-2441. WE NOW HAVE TO BRING THE CAR TO OUR LOCAL CHEVY DEALER AND THEY HAVE TOLD US THAT IT COULD COST WAY MORE JUST TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM THAN TO REPAIR IT. UNBELIEVABLE...PLEASE HELP LOOK INTO THIS SAFETY ISSUE AS MY DAUGHTER COULD OF BEEN KILLED HERSELF AND OR COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURY TO SOMEONE ELSE WITHOUT ANY FOREWARNING. *TR
Steering, Feb 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN VARIOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS, SPEED AND WITH OUT WARNING HIS VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER STEERING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTION UNTIL THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 46,000 MILES.
Steering, Jan 30, 2014
I'VE HAD MY CAR FOR FIVE YEARS AND THE POWER STEERING HAS WENT OUT AND REPLACE 4 TIMES!! I AM A MOTHER WITH THREE KIDS DRIVING IS VERY DIFFICULT I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY TO REPLACE THE SAME PART OVER AND OVER THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS STEERING PROBLEM THERE ARE TO MANY COMPLAINTS FOR IS NOT TO BE AN ISSUE! *TR
Steering, Jan 27, 2014
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. IT WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN THE VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AFTER THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. THERE WAS NO WARNING BEFORE THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. LUCKILY, I WAS NOT IN A CURVE AND WAS ON THE INTERSTATE GOING STRAIGHT. DUE TO THE INABILITY TO EASILY TURN THE VEHICLE, GETTING OFF THE INTERSTATE RAMP SAFELY WAS CLOSE TO IMPOSSIBLE. THIS MAKES THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN 2009. THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I HAD A NEW STEERING COLUMN PUT IN ON 7/14/2009 (AT 69,000 MILES AND OUT OF MY OWN POCKET). IT WAS PRE-OWNED WHEN I BOUGHT IT, SO I HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY TIMES THIS HAS BEEN REPLACED SINCE 2004, BUT I AM GUESSING THIS IS WHY IT WAS TRADED IN. *TR
Steering, Jan 26, 2014
DRIVING AT 55MPH OUT OF NOWHERE POWERSTEERING LOST POWER. HAD NO CONTROL OF STEERING AS WELL AS THE VEHICLE. FINALLY POWER STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. CHECKED FOR ERROR CODES AND FOUND OUT THE CODE IS FOR A SENSOR FOR THE ELECTRONIC STEERING FOR THIS VEHICLE. MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. WHY HAS NO RECALL BEEN PUT IN PLACE FOR THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. WILL BE GOING TO SEE AN ATTORNEY TOO FILE A LAWSUIT. YOU WOULD THINK THAT THE STEERING OF THE CAR WOULD BE A NUMBER 1 PRIORITY FOR ANY CAR MAKER . *TR
Steering, Jan 23, 2014
BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND STEERING WHEEL VERY HARD TO TURN, NEXT TIME VEHICLE STARTED PROBLEM WAS NOT THERE, HAPPENED AGAIN TWO DAYS LATER AT STOP SIGN, ALMOST TURNED INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. 2005 AND UP RECALLED WHY NOT 2004? *TR
Steering, Jan 12, 2014
I HAD JUST GOTTEN INTO TOWN AND PASSED MY ROAD I NEEDED SO I PULLED INTO THE NEXT ROAD TO TURN AROUND AND IT WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN. I THOUGHT I LOST MY POWER STEERING SO I TURNED THE CAR OFF ONLY TO REALIZE IT WAS STILL RUNNING. I STARTED IT BACK UP AND IT SEEMED TO LOOSEN UP SO I PULLED BACK OUT ON THE MAIN ROAD AND AGAIN COULD NOT GET THE WHEEL TO TURN EITHER WAY AT ALL. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED AT A SPEED HIGHER THAN 20MPH, THERE WOULD BE NO WAY TO AVOID A WRECK. I WAS STUCK ON THE MAIN ROAD WITH NOWHERE TO GO AND WAS COMPLETELY BLOCKING TRAFFIC IN NOT GREAT ROAD CONDITIONS. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON MY WAY TO THE DESTINATION, I WOULD HAVE HAD NO CONTROL AND WOULD HAVE WENT OFF THE ROAD AND PROBABLE DEATH ON THE ROAD I WAS TRAVELING. AFTER REVIEWING SEVERAL SITES ONLINE, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. I FEEL IT SHOULD BE A PRIORITY 1 RECALL. THERE WERE A COUPLE OF PEOPLE WHO WRECKED BECAUSE OF IT. IF THIS CANNOT BE FIXED, WE WILL HAVE NO OTHER OPTION THAN TO GET RID OF THE CAR AND WARN OTHERS OF THIS SAFETY RISK. PLEASE CONSIDER LOOKING INTO THIS AS I REALLY DO LIKE MY CAR BUT I HAVE A FAMILY OF 4 TO CONSIDER AND ONE CHILD THAT WILL BE GETTING HIS LICENSE IN A FEW MONTHS. *TR
Steering, Jan 9, 2014
FIRST OF ALL I DON'T REALLY EXPECT THIS ISSUE TO BE FIXED AS IT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 10 YEARS NOW WITH NOTHING HAPPENING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION FROM EITHER THE GOVERNMENT OR CHEVROLET,IM DOING THIS LIKE OTHERS IM SURE TO BRING THE PROBLEM TO THE FRONT DOOR AND TO MAKE MYSELF FEEL A LITTLE BETTER,THIS CAR WAS MEANT TO BE A FIRST CAR FOR MY DAUGHTER AND STILL IS .WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IS AT LEAST NOTIFY BUYERS THAT THE MALIBU HAS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING BEFORE THEY BUY IT AND THAT EXPECT TO PAY AT LEAST 700.00 DOLLARS ONCE IF YOUR LUCKY.BUT MOST LIKELY AT LEAST THREE TIMES THAT AMOUNT ACCORDING TO OWNERS AND THAT CHEVROLET HAS CREATED A POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT WILL FAIL AND HOPEFULLY NOT ONLY KILL THE PERSON DRIVING IT BUT OTHERS AS WELL, AND NOBODY SEEMS TO CARE OR DO ANYTHING, WHAT'S REALLY BAD IS EVEN IF ITS FIXED,THE PROBLEM WILL LIKELY OCCUR AGAIN AS THIS PROBLEM ISN'T EVEN FIXABLE BY THE SAME COMPANY THAT CREATED IT WELL I HOPE SOMEONE READS THIS BUT I DOUBT IT AND HOPEFULLY THERE'S SOMEONE WITH MORALS STILL OUT THERE THAT HAS MORE POWER TO DO SOMETHING THAN THE AVERAGE CONSUMER CAN WHO KNOWS THIS PROBLEM IS THE MOST OBVIOUS CASE OF CORPORATE GREED AND LARCENY I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE YET THEY ARE STILL GETTING AWAY WITH IT.GO USA. *TR
Steering, Dec 31, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE FRONT WHEELS WOULD NOT RESPOND OR TURN IN RESPONSE TO STEERING ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Steering, Dec 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING COLUMN WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Steering, Dec 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND CHANGING LANES, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT TAKEN FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,500.
Steering, Dec 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND COMPLETING A TURN WHEN THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED, MAKING THE STEERING WHEEL EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILURE SENSOR WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Steering, Dec 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE IF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Steering, Dec 7, 2013
WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY CARS POWER STEERING SUDDENLY WENT OUT AND THE ALARM CAME ON, ON THE RADIO "POWER STEERING" . SOMETIMES IT GOES OUT JUST BY PUTTING MY CAR REVERSE OR DRIVE. IT ALSO WILL GO OUT WHILE TURNING! THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AS I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND THIS CAN CAUSE A WRECK. THIS IS MY ONLY WAY OF GOING I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX GMS MISTAKE! *TR
Steering, Nov 14, 2013
WHILE DRIVING, HEARD WARNING SIGNAL, SAW WARNING LIGHT (WRENCH I THINK), THEN DIGITAL READ ON RADIO SAID "POWER STEERING." TRIED TO CHANGE LANES TO EXIT FREEWAY, STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE. REALIZED I HAD NO POWER STEERING. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS ALL HAPPENED VERY QUICKLY. *TR
Steering, Nov 13, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD HEADING TO WORK, AND WENT AROUND A CURVE AND ALL THE SUDDEN THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I COMPLETELY LOST MY POWER STEERING. I MANAGED TO PULL OVER AND SHUT MY CAR OFF, TURN IT BACK ON AND WENT ON MY WAY. THE POWER STEERING CAME BACK AT THIS POINT. THE NEXT MORNING, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, AND WAS GETTING READY TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. AS I ROUNDED THE CORNER, I LOST MY POWER STEERING YET AGAIN. I ONCE AGAIN KILLED THE ENGINE AND IT CAME BACK. BOTH TIMES, I LATER DROVE THE CAR HOME FROM WORK WITH NO INCIDENTS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. *TR
Steering, Nov 13, 2013
TURNED LEFT AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN THE A CHIME SOUNDED AND THE SERVICE LIGHT ON THE DASH APPEARED. THEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE CAR VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND ONTO THE SIDEWALK. THE CAR WAS PLACED INTO PARK AND THE IGNITION TURNED OFF. THE IGNITION WAS IMMEDIATELY TURNED BACK ON AND THE POWER STEERING WAS RESTORED. THIS HAPPENED LAST WINTER, THEN THREE TIMES ALREADY THIS WINTER. *TR