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, Nov 13, 2013
I WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AND WENT TO MAKE AN EXIT, TURN AND LOST THE POWER STEERING AFTER THE WRENCH DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD. PER THE DEALER THEY ADVISED THE SENSOR IS BAD/FAULTY. I REVIEWED THE OTHER COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO MY EXPERIENCE PER CHEVY MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE INVESTIGATION # PE04031 I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE MATTER FURTHER RESEARCHED IF IM HAVING THE EXACT ISSUES AS THE OTHER MALIBUS IM NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY GM WOULD REPAIR THE ISSUE ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Nov 13, 2013
I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY IN A PARKING LOT AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED COMPLETELY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. IT WAS VERY DIFICULT TO NAIGATE IN THE PARKING LOT AT SUCH LOW SPEEDS. WHEN I LEFT THE PARKING LOT AND ACCELERATED, I WAS ABLE TO MANAGE STEERING WITH SOME FORCE. AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTING, THE POWER STEERING WORKED FINE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF. I WAS CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND WORRIED I WOULD HAVE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO DIFFICULTY STEERING. *TR
Steering, Nov 5, 2013
POWER STEERING WENT OUT IN MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU. CONTACTED DEALER - THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. VERY DANGEROUS THE POWER STEERING IS VERY INTERMITTENT, LOCKS UP AND STAYS FROZEN/LOCKED UP UNTIL YOU CUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN I CUT THE CAR BACK ON IT IS UNFROZEN/UNLOCKED AND THE STEERING WORKS - HOWEVER IT GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY AND ALWAYS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLES STEERING, WHICH IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. I HAVE HEARD THAT THERE WERE RECALLS ON SOME OF THE 04 MALIBUS, BUT NOT ALL OF THEM FOR THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. *TR
Steering, Oct 25, 2013, crash
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. I WAS TURNING INTO MY APARTMENT COMPLEX AND MY STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED UP. I RAN INTO THE MEDIAN THAT DIVIDES THE ENTRANCE AND THE EXIT OF A COMPLEX. DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS A MESSAGE ON MY RADIO DISPLAY THAT SAID POWER STEERING. AFTER I HIT THE MEDIAN, I TURNED MY CAR OFF TO GET OUT AND SEE THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND THE PROPERTY. WHEN I GOT BACK INTO MY CAR AND STARTED IT AGAIN THE STEERING WAS FINE AGAIN. A FEW DAYS LATER I EXPERIENCED IT THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN WHILE DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND THERE SEEM TO BE NO FIX IF THE DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT IF THEY WERE TO TAKE MY WORD AND FIX THE STEERING COLUMN AND THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM I WOULD BE OUT OF $1000+ DOLLARS. THIS IS THE ONLY PROBLEM THAT I HAVE EVER HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THERE NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. FAST!! *TR
Steering, Oct 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING ALARM CHIMED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Steering, Oct 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ACCOMPANIED BY A WARNING CHIME. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. IN ADDITION, AN UNKNOWN FUSE WAS REMOVED FROM UNDER CONSOLE AND CLEANED. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN AND MODULE WERE BOTH REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. ...UPDATED 11-18-13 *BF UPDATED 11/26/2013 *JS
Steering, Oct 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Steering, Oct 4, 2013
WHILE OUT DRIVING DOING REGULAR ERRANDS, I NEEDED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION AND REALIZED THAT THE WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE. I HAD TO FORCE THE STEERING WHEEL TO MOVE IN ORDER TO MAKE THE TURN. I WAS AFRAID TO GO ANY FURTHER BECAUSE I WAS ON A RELATIVELY BUSY STREET AND DID NOT WANT TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED MY SON WHO TOLD ME THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AFTER I CALMED DOWN, I DROVE THE CAR APPROXIMATELY TWO MILES BACK TO MY HOME. I HAVE INFORMED CHEVROLET OF THE PROBLEM. *LN
Steering, Sep 26, 2013
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU; STEERING PROBLEMS; I HAD ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING REPLACED 8/2011. DID OK UNTIL SPRING 2012, WHEN WEATHER BECAME WARMER. FROM SPRING TO LATE FALL, I HAVE NO POWER STEERING. THIS IS DANGEROUS. I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE GOING OUT. MY CAR ONLY HAD @45000 MILES ON IT WHEN IT HAPPENED. THIS IS JUST UNCALLED FOR. I HAVE A YOUNG SON; THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION; AND IT IS DANGEROUS. MY CAR ONLY HAS 64,000 MILES ON IT NOW. I HAVE CONTACTED EVERY AGENCY I AM AWARE OF, AND CANNOT GET A RECALL IN PLACE NOR ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. PLEASE...NEED A RECALL! *JS
Steering, Sep 25, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AND WHEN I WENT TO TURN THE CORNER MY STEERING WENT OUT. I COULD BARELY TURN IT. I ENDED UP PULLING OVER AND SAT FOR A WHILE BUT THEN WHEN I STARTED DRIVING AGAIN IT DIDN'T DO IT BUT THAN IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON 9/08/2013. *JS
Steering, Sep 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND PERFORMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE HAD A POWER STEERING MOTOR REPLACEMENT PREVIOUSLY BUT THE PROBLEM HAD SINCE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR INSPECTED SINCE THE RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
Steering, Sep 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE CONTACT ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO SIT FOR SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE THE POWER STEERING ASSIST RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Steering, Sep 6, 2013
POWER STEERING LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY OVER THE LAST 5 MONTHS. TODAY MY POWER STEERING FAILED COMPLETELY. WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. AFTER TURNING VEHICLE OFF THEN BACK ON IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN, THEN FAILED AGAIN. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR.
Steering, Sep 5, 2013
I WAS DRIVING TO A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. VERY SCARY INCIDENT CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING AND I WAS IN MID-TURN. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING AND APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE. I TURN THE CAR OFF AND LOOKED IT OVER AND NOTHING SEEMED TO BE OBVIOUSLY WRONG , SO I RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE SERVICE LIGHTS ON THE DASH DISAPPEARED AND THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED AND THE POWER STEERING WAS BACK TO PROPER FUNCTION. I AM NOW A LITTLE NERVOUS DRIVING THE CAR, BECAUSE I HAVE READ A LOT OF PEOPLES INPUT AND STORIES AND IT REPEATS ITSELF FREQUENTLY ONCE IT HAPPENS FOR THE FIRST TIME. THERE HAS BEEN A MOTION FOR A RECALL, BUT THEY STILL HAVE NOT RECALLED THIS MODEL. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND COULD VERY EASILY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION YOU ARE IN WHEN THE MALFUNCTION HAPPENS. I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME RESEARCHING THIS MATTER. *JB
Steering, Sep 1, 2013
1ST INCIDENCE ON HIGHWAY, 2 YRS. AGO STEERING TIGHTENED UP AND LIGHT WITH CAR/WRENCH CAME ON. IT RESOLVED ON ITS OWN QUICKLY SOON AFTER CALLING ON STAR FOR ASSISTANCE. JUST RECENTLY MORE RANDOM INCIDENCES OF LIGHT COMING ON WITH NO NOTICEABLE STEERING DIFFICULTY. TODAY, WHILE PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, STEERING FROZEN, CAR/WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON, STUCK IN MIDDLE OF THE STREET. TURNED CAR OFF AND RESTARTED. STEERING LOOSENED UP THEN FROZE AGAIN, COULD NOT TURN WHEEL AT ALL, STILL STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. TURNED CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN. IT LOOSENED UP AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT WITHOUT FURTHER LIGHT OR STIFFNESS. PLANNING ON VISITING THE DEALERSHIP THIS WEEK FOR A CHECK UP. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED ALONG WITH THE RECALL FOR 2005 MALIBU SINCE IT IS THE POWER STEERING ISSUE. *JS
Steering, Aug 27, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE INTERNAL STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
Steering, Aug 25, 2013
STARTED MY CAR AFTER WORK AND MY POWER STEERING WAS SUDDENLY GONE AFTER WORKING FINE FOR 2 DAYS (JUST BOUGHT THE CAR). I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE DID A TROUBLE CODE SEARCH. THE COMPUTER KEPT DISPLAYING TORQUE SENSOR ERROR. TOOK IT TO GM AND FOUND OUT THAT THEY WILL NOT COVER THE COST TO REPLACE IT BECAUSE I HAVE A V6, NOT A V4 ENGINE. APPARENTLY GM EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE V4 STEERING COLUMNS, BUT NOT THE V6. DROVE BACK HOME AND LET THE CAR SIT FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS. WENT AND STARTED IT UP AND THE POWER STEERING WAS BACK. TURNED THE CAR BACK OFF AND IT OVERNIGHT. STARTED AGAIN THIS MORNING AND THE POWER STEERING IS GONE AGAIN! VERY UNHAPPY SINCE I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR! *TR
Steering, Aug 24, 2013
ENTERING EXPRESSWAY FROM RAMP AND MERGING ONTO EXPRESSWAY, THEN WITH LEFT TURN SIGNAL ON I HAD A CLEAR LANE TO MERGE LEFT AND WHEN I DID THIS THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP. LUCKILY, I WAS IN THE LANE I INTENDED TO BE IT, BUT IT SCARED ME HALF TO DEATH. STILL DRIVING FORWARD, AND UNSURE IF THE STEERING WOULD BE OK AGAIN, THEN THE STEERING COLUMN SEEMED TO EASE UP AND "UNLOCKED" AND I WAS ABLE TO STEER IT AND TURN IT NORMALLY AGAIN. IT WAS ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT NORMALLY AND EVENTUALLY TURNED BACK INTO THE RIGHT-HAND LANE TO EXIT THE EXPRESSWAY TO GET TO MY DESTINATION. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL/COLUMN "LOCKING UP" HAPPENED AGAIN ABOUT A WEEK LATER, WHEN I WAS AGAIN ENTERING AN EXPRESSWAY FROM A RAMP AND TRYING TO MERGE ONTO THE EXPRESSWAY AND TRYING TO MERGE LEFT TO GET INTO THE MOVING TRAFFIC. I TOOK THE CAR TO A CHEVY DEALERSHIP BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND A "CODE" REGISTERED FOR THE STEERING WHEEL/COLUMN LOCKING UP AND THE MECHANIC DROVE THE CAR AND IT DIDN'T HAPPEN WITH HIM. IS ANYONE AT GM OR THE CHEVY ENGINEERS OR THE NHTSA LOOKING IN TO THIS? I'M JUST NOW CHECKING THE NHTSA WEBSITE TO FIND OUT IF ANYONE ELSE IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. I SEE A FEW REPORTS, BUT NO REAL ANSWERS FOR OWNERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SERIOUS AND VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. A STEERING WHEEL/COLUMN LOCKING UP EVEN FOR A FEW SECONDS CAN CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND POSSIBLY A FATALITY. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT IS BEING DONE TO CORRECT THIS AND WHAT CAN I TELL MY CHEVY DEALERSHIP TO GET THEM TO "FIX" MY CAR SO I FEEL SAFE IN IT AGAIN?? *TR
Steering, Air bags, Aug 15, 2013
I WAS DRIVING HEARD A POP AND THEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I THEN NOTICED THE WHEEL WAS TURNED HALF WAY AND I WAS STILL GOING STRAIGHT. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS THANK GOD I WAS ON A STREET ALONE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER (HOVE) THEY TOLD ME MY EXTENDED WARRANT HAD EXPIRED DUE TO MILEAGE AND IT WAS 1300.00 TO FIX. ON TOP OF THE ISSUE OF SAFETY I ALSO DON'T HAVE THE CASH AND I NEED MY CAR. I HAVE SEEN ALL THE REPORTS FROM THIS PROBLEM AND STRONGLY FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A RECALLED PIECE. *TR
Steering, Aug 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND THE WRENCH WARNING ICON ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
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, Seat belts, Jul 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND IT BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT BECAME LOWER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO ADJUST THE FRONT OR BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR BOTH FAILURES WHERE THE FAILURES WERE UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000. *TR
Steering, Jul 10, 2013
POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND WITHIN SECONDS I LOST ALL POWER STEERING UNTIL I STOPPED THE VEHICLE SHUT IT OFF AND RESTARTED ENGINE. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE BUT IN THE PARKING LOT AND RANDOM MALFUNCTION INDICATORS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A MALFUNCTION THAT THESE CARS ROLLED OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE WITH. GM CHOOSES NOT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND IF I END UP PAYING OVER $1,000.00 FOR THE REPAIR I VOW TO NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLE AGAIN. *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, Electrical system, Jul 10, 2013
WE BOUGHT THE CAR USED WITH 34,000 MILES ON IT IN 3/2006.THERE WAS A CLUNKING IN THE STEERING WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN ON 12/2007 WITH 66,000 MILES. THE CLUNKING WAS STILL THERE AND WE WERE TOLD THAT THIS IS NORMAL. SINCE THEN THE STEERING HAS GOTTEN WORSE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED TO FIND THE PROBLEM BUT SAYS IT CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG. YET SOMETIMES THE STEERING WILL LOCKUP AT LOW SPEED WHEN BACKING UP OR TURNING WHILE STOPPED. IT HAS NOT DONE THIS WHILE DRIVING AT ROAD SPEED (OR I WOULD NOT DRIVE IT). HOWEVER AT ROAD SPEED THE STEERING IS VERY VAGUE. IT REQUIRES AN ALMOST QUARTER TURN OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO GET THE CAR TO RESPOND TO A STEERING INPUT TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THIS IS NOT SAFE. THERE IS ALSO WARNING LIGHTS THAT COME ON THE DASH, AND WARNING BELLS THAT SOUND, AND SOMETIMES THEY GO BACK OFF OTHER TIMES CAR NEEDS TO SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED AND IT IS OK THEN. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON MOST OF THE TIME, AGAIN DEALERSHIP CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. SOMETIMES THE WHOLE DASH CLUSTER GOES OUT, THE CAR STAYS RUNNING AND THEY COME BACK ON AFTER A TIME AND AGAIN IF YOU CUT OFF AND RESTART THE CAR IT IS OK AGAIN FOR A WHILE. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 150,000 ON IT AND I HAVE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CHECKING IT OVER TO SEE IF HE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM. THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG TO FIX IT, OR SO THEY SAY. *TR