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, Aug 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WHILE MAKING A TURN, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN INTO THE MEDIAN CAUTIOUSLY AND TURNED OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THERE WAS NO RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT. THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10018531 (STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER; ASSIST SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000. UPDATED 09/21/11*LJ UPDATED 10/03/11
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 1, 2011
IN THE MIDDLE OF MAKING TURNS, RIGHT AND LEFT, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING WILL DEACTIVATE CAUSING CAR TO JERK, THEN STEERING WILL BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. CAR CAN BE TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED AND THE ISSUE WILL STOP FOR A SHORT TIME. THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE ON OTHER GM MODELS BUT NOT MY MODEL. THIS ISSUE FIRST OCCURRED WHILE MY 16 YR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERN FOR MY DAUGHTER SAFETY WILL DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I TOOK THE CAR OUT SHORTLY AFTER THIS HAPPEN TO HER AND WITHIN 3 TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED, LIGHT ON DASH LIGHT, DISPLAY SHOWED POWER STEERING AND STEERING REVERTED TO WHAT CAN BEST BE DESCRIBED AS PREPOWER STEERING X 2. I AM A MUSCULAR 300 POUND MALE AND I HAD A DIFFICULT TIME GETTING THE CAR TO TURN SAFELY INTO THE LANE AND LATER OFF THE ROAD. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT WAS NO COVERED BY GM AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED. PLEASE REOPEN YOUR INVESTIGATION INTO THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Steering, Aug 1, 2011
FIRST STARTED AS AN OCCASIONAL STEERING PROBLEM AT LOW SPEEDS. THEN PROGRESSED TO MORE FREQUENT STEERING PROBLEM AT LOW SPEED. NEXT A BAD VIBRATION STARTED IN THE FRONT WHEN BREAKING. NOW A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. DIAGNOSIS BY MECHANIC IS DEFECTIVE RACK AND PINION, STEERING BOX, AND POSSIBLY POWER STEERING FAILURE. RESEARCH INDICATES THERE HAVE BEEN MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS, AND THAT THE 2005 MALIBU WAS RECALLED FOR EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM LAST SUMMER.
Steering, Jul 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD DEACTIVE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,850 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Steering, Jul 27, 2011
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AROUND 11 PM I WENT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE CAR STARTED BEEPING ABOUT THE POWER STEERING. THE NEXT DAY I GO TO HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED AND IT DRIVES NORMAL NO POWER STEERING LIGHTS ON. I HAVE CALLED TO FIND OUT IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS AND THERE ARE NOT THIS HAPPENS TOO OFTEN TO JUST BE IGNORED MY FATHER WAS THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND IT WAS HAPPENING TO HIM AS WELL. I HAVE REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION, CONTROL ARMS AND TIE RODS AND STILL NOTHING IS WORKING. *TR
Steering, Jul 23, 2011
STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ALMOST CAUSED HEAD ON CRASH. *TR
Steering, Jul 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY RESISTANT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Jul 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY LOSE POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,188.
Steering, Jul 17, 2011
POWER STEERING GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING, TWICE IN THE LAST TWO DAYS. *TR
Steering, Jul 7, 2011
2004 MALIBU MAXX HAS LOST POWER STEERING. WEEKS PRIOR THE STEERING TO THE LEFT IS LOOSE AND STEERING TO THE RIGHT IS TIGHT. MECHANIC CANNOT FIND AN ISSUE. FOUND OVER 40 COMPLAINTS IN ONLINE CAR BLOGS OF THE SAME ISSUE. SEVERAL HAD REPLACED STEERING COLUMN ONLY TO FIND THE ISSUE OCCURRED AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Jun 28, 2011
A CLUNKING NOISE WAS DISCOVERED DURING DRIVING MY NEW CAR. SEND IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS GREASED AND IT STOPPED FOR AWHILE. I HAVE HAD 4 DIFFERENT CHEVY DEALERSHIPS IN CENTRAL TEXAS LOOK AT IT SINCE IT WAS A NEW CAR. IT STILL HAS THAT NOISE AND 190,000 MILES ON IT. IF WHEN AND HOW CAN IT BE FIXED? *TR
Steering, Jun 28, 2011
POWER STEERING WENT OUT SUMMER 2010; REPLACED POWER STEERING @40,000 MILES. NOW AT 45,000 MILES HAVING SAME PROBLEM. POWER STEERING GOES OUT..NO WARNING; HAVE ALMOST HAD SEVERAL ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF IT. *TR
Steering, Jun 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FAIL WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT WOULD PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND RESTART IT. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER TAKEN TO ANY MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION ON THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Steering, Jun 22, 2011
MY POWER STEERING ON MY 2004 MALIBU MAXX LOCKS UP AT RANDOM TIMES, THROWS THE CAR TO THE LEFT, I WAS GETTING THE BATTERY LIGHT AND A DING WHEN THIS WOULD HAPPEN. I HAD THE SERPENTINE BELT CHANGED IN MARCH 2011 THEN THE TENSIONER IN JUNE 2011. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WOULD CURE THE PROBLEM, AS THESE COMPONENTS ARE LINKED TO THE ALTERNATOR AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP/MOTOR. THIS PROBLEM IS STILL HAPPENING, HOWEVER NOW, I DO NOT GET THE BATTERY LIGHT, JUST A DING WHEN THE STEERING LOCKS AND THE CAR VEERS TO THE LEFT. *TR
Steering, Jun 21, 2011
DRIVING THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT THE CHECK POWER STEERING MESSAGE FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THEN THE POWER STEERING JUST STOPPED FUNCTIONING. CAR WAS VERY HARD TO MANEUVER AND STEER. ONCE RESTARTED, POWER STEERING RESUMED. SINCE THAT INCIDENT, THE POWER STEERING FAILED ONCE AGAIN WHILE CAR WAS IN PARK ON 6/20/2011. THEN ONCE CAR WAS RESTARTED THE POWER STEERING RESET ITSELF. VERY VERY DANGEROUS!!!
Steering, Jun 20, 2011
WHILE DRIVING, THE SERVICE WARNING LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD GO AWAY. I AM LEFT WITH NO POWER ASSISTED STEERING. THIS IS A VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM TO HAVE. MOST OF THE TIME I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PULL OVER, SHUT OFF THE CAR, AND THEN STEERING WOULD COME BACK. THIS MORNING, THE STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON A CURVY ROAD. FIRST THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK WHILE ENTERING A TURN, THEN I ALMOST LOST CONTROL AND HIT ANOTHER CAR HEAD-ON WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR. AS I SEARCHED THE INTERNET I DISCOVERED THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED THOUSANDS OF TIMES. HOW CAN THIS NOT BE A RECALL? IS IT BECAUSE ENOUGH PEOPLE HAVEN'T DIED YET? *TT
Steering, Jun 18, 2011
ELECTRIC ASSIST POWER STEERING UNIT FAILED. NEARLY CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Jun 17, 2011
MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU IS HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM. YOU LOSE POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. I CONTACTED CHEVY OVER THIS AND THEY PRETTY MUCH SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. BUT THERE IS NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS. *TR
Steering, Jun 17, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING A RECURRING FAILURE IN WHICH THE POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. WHENEVER THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE WOULD BE NAVIGATED TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND SHUT OFF. AFTER ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO COOL DOWN IT WOULD RESTART AND FUNCTION NORMALLY. DURING THE FAILURE, A POWER STEERING SERVICE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED DURING WARM WEATHER AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED THE BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Steering, Jun 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ABNORMALLY AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL. HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE, STATING THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Steering, Jun 8, 2011
I OWN A 2004 MALIBU MAXX,IMY POWER STEERING GOES OUT CONSTANTLY,WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 30 MPH OR 60 MPH.I RECENTLY WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY CHILDREN AND IT WENT OUT WHILE I WAS MAKING A TURN AND I ALMOST WENT OFF THE ROAD .SCARED ME AND MY KIDS TO DEATH....SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS....I HAVE READ TOO MANY STORIES ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH VARIOUS PEOPLE..DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO LOOSE THEIR LIFE TO GET A RECALL ON THIS OR WHAT!!!!!!!! *TR
Steering, Jun 8, 2011
ON TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2011 THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LS SUDDENLY WENT OFF WHILE USING THE TURN SIGNAL TO CHANGE LANES AT 5-10MPH. A POWER STEERING PROBLEM WAS POSTED ON THE DIGITAL DISPLAY AND THE CAR ICON WITH A WRENCH LIT UP. STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT, WORSE THAN MANUAL AND FELT LOCKED. I WAS TERRIFIED AND IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO THE MECHANIC AND LEFT THE CAR FOR THEM TO INSPECT. THEY REPORTED THAT THE CAR STARTED UP PROPERLY AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING THAT THEY COULD DETECT. THEY DROVE IT SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE DAY BUT DID NOT EXPERIENCE THE POWER STEERING FAILURE. THEIR RESEARCH INDICATED THAT THERE WERE COMPLAINTS ON THIS MODEL AND THE STEERING COLUMN MAY BE DEFECTIVE. I ALSO CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS POTENTIALLY A SERIOUS ACCIDENT THREAT WITH POSSIBLE DEATH OCCURRING AND SHOULD BE RECOMMENDED FOR RECALL. *TR
Steering, Jun 1, 2011
2004 MALIBU MAXX STEERING FAILURE. VEHICLE PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER 2009. SPORADIC DIFFICULTY WITH POWER STEERING GOING OUT, HAS INCREASED TO A DAILY OCCURRENCE. WHEN ACCELERATING INTO A TURN, MUST HOLD ONTO STEERING WHEEL TIGHTLY AND LEAN HEAVILY INTO TURN TO NAVIGATE SUFFICIENTLY TO AVOID COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLES/OBJECTS/PEDESTRIANS. PROBLEM ALSO OCCURS ON HIGHWAY, CHANGING LANES, AND WHEN NAVIGATING EXIT RAMP WHEN THERE IS A CURVE. HAVE HAD STEERING WHEEL CLEANED AND GREASED, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE COLUMN CLICKS DURING THE TURN IF THE POWER STEERING HAS FAILED. I SEE THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE, AND AM LOOKING FOR RECOMMENDATION FOR REPAIR, AS MY RESEARCH HAS FOUND LITTLE TO REMEDY. A OLDER SENIOR FRIEND WITH THE SAME VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTY NAVIGATING A TURN IN EFFINGHAM NH A COUPLE MONTHS AGO, AND WENT OFF THE ROAD, RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE AND FORTUNATELY, MINIMAL INJURY TO THE DRIVER. *TR
Steering, May 31, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERMITTENT FAILURE IN WHICH THE POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. DURING THE FAILURES, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ORDER TO REGAIN POWER STEERING, THE VEHICLE WOULD BE RESTARTED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED A MODULE WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, May 25, 2011
MY MALIBU MAXX POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVER INTERMITTENTLY. I HAD THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED IN 2008 FOR ANOTHER ISSUE. I KNOW SOME DAY THE STEERING WILL FAIL AT A MOST CRITICAL TIME. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS AND OTHER STEERING COLUMN PROBLEMS CONTINUE TO OCCUR. I CAN NOT BUY ANOTHER CHEVY WITH THIS KIND OF WORKMANSHIP. NOT LOOKING GOOD FOR THE BAILOUT REPAYMENT PROMISE. *TR