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, May 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO APPLY EXTREME FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND MANEUVER THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Steering, May 24, 2011
I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ITS 48K SERVICE AND HAD STEERING TROUBLE EVER SINCE. THE PROBLEM STARTED OUT EASY TO TURN ONE WAY AND HARD TO TURN THE OTHER, THEN THE DIFFICULTY WOULD GO AWAY. AFTER A WEEK OF THIS, IT WENT OUT COMPLETELY WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT. I HAD NO POWER ASSISTED STEERING AT ALL AND ALMOST HIT A PARKED CAR. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND STARTING IT BACK UP AGAIN, IT STARTED WORKING. DID BILL GATES HELP BUILD THIS CAR??? SEARCHING THE WEB I FOUND MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME TYPE OF CONCERN. ONE PERSON LOST CONTROL AND HIT A GUARDRAIL. THIS HAS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. THANK YOU! *TR
Steering, May 13, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTING MOVING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD ALSO OCCUR WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE STEERING RACK WAS REPLACED BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BECOMING UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND HE WAS FEARFUL THAT THE FAILURE WOULD CAUSE A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Steering, May 13, 2011
I BOUGHT MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO FROM A USED CAR LOT. A DAY AND A HALF AFTER I GOT THE CAR I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING. IT WOULD JUST LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. IT IS ALL I CAN DO TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I COULD BE KILLED AND SO COULD MY KIDS WHILE RIDING WITH ME. I HAD A USED POWER STEERING MOTOR PUT ON, NOW I FIND OUT THAT I REALLY SHOULD HAVE HAD THE WHOLE POWER STEERING STUFF REPLACED. ALL TOGETHER THE POWER STEERING HAS DONE THIS ABOUT 6 TIMES SINCE I GOT THE CAR. AFTER DOING A LOT OF RESEARCH ONLINE, I FIND THAT THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR THERE TO BE A RECALL. DOES THERE HAVE TO BE A LOT OF DEATHS BEFORE SOMEONE WILL DO SOMETHING. IT IS A SHAME THAT GM DOES NOT CARE MORE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS THAN THEY DO THEMSELVES. *TR
Steering, May 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS NOT RECEIVING THE MESSAGE TO ACTIVATE AND CAUSED THE MALFUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Steering, May 6, 2011
WAS MAKING A SHARP RIGHT TURN FROM A FULL STOP AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE POWER STEERING CEASED WORKING AS WE TURNED INTO TRAFFIC. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED (5/3/2011), BUT WE HAVE ONLY OWNED THE CAR SINCE 3/11/11. I HAVE A MECHANIC LOOKING INTO THE ISSUE, BUT ONLINE SEARCHES REVEAL THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 2004 CHEVY MALIBU'S AND WAS PART OF THE REASON FOR RECALLS OF THE 2005 MODEL. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AS THE STEERING BECOMES ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE AND THE ONLY KNOWN REMEDY IS TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART AFTER WHICH THE POWER STEERING COMES BACK. *TR
Steering, May 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD LOCK MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,500.
Steering, May 3, 2011
IN APRIL OF 2004 I PURCHASED A CHEVY MALIBU WITH APPROX.12 MILES ON IT,IT RAN FINE FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS UNTIL OUT OF NO WARNING AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED..THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN,AND IT WORKED FINE ,THAT IS UNTIL NOW,SEVEN YEARS LATER THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED,NOW THIS TIME I REALIZED SOME HOW IF I RESTART THE CAR THE STEERING RESETS. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW,I HAVE NO WARRANTY ,AND I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL,BECAUSE MANY OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR
Steering, May 2, 2011
MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. THE POWER STEERING GOES ON AND OFF (WORKING SOME DAYS AND NOT ON OTHERS). THE POWER STEERING IS CURRENTLY OUT AND I CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP STATES THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE MALIBU BUT SINCE IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY I WILL HAVE TO COVER THE COST. *TR
Steering, Apr 30, 2011
I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU AND LOST POWER STEERING ON THE HIGHWAY ALMOST CRASHED INTO THE DIVIDER. MY PREGNANT WIFE WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME AT THE TIME. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THE WEB I FIND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL CHEVY MALIBU'S WHY IS THERE NO RECALL!!! SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED IN ONE OF THESE CARS LUCKY ENOUGH IT WASN'T MY PREGNANT WIFE OR I !!!! THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH AND LOST ALL STEERING ABILITIES PULLED OVER THE VEHICLE AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT WAS AS IF THE PROBLEM HAD GONE AWAY DROVE ABOUT ANOTHER MILE AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED. WE HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN ONCE ALREADY, NOW IT LOOKS LIKE WE WILL HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN. WHY IS THE AUTO MAKER NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AS STATED ABOVE IT CONTINUES TO BE AN ON GOING PROBLEM IN ALL CHEVY MALIBU"S REGARDLESS OF THE YEAR!!! *TR
Steering, Apr 28, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN THE DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTED IT, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY FOR TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A FAULTY SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Latches/locks/linkages, Vehicle speed control, Seats, Electrical system, Steering, Apr 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD BECOME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND THE WHEEL WOULD SPORADICALLY SHAKE WHEN DRIVING OVER 50 MPH. IN ADDITION THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED IN 2007. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED FOR THE RECENT FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING, KNOCKING AND RATTLING SOUND WHEN DRIVEN AT A LOW GRADE SPEED AND WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE VEHICLE ALSO SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE DRIVER SEAT DIDN'T TO STAY ON TRACK AND WAS DIFFICULT TO ADJUST FORWARD AND BACKWARD. THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WERE INOPERATIVE. THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS NO LONGER ADJUSTED. THE SAFETY LOCKS DID NOT LATCH AT TIMES WHEN THE BUTTON WAS PUSHED AND THE GAS CAP CONTINUED TO OPEN AFTER IT WAS LOCKED CAUSING THE ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. UPDATED 02/01/12
Steering, Apr 23, 2011
I HAVE A 2004 MALIBU MAXX AND I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND LOST MY POWER STEERING IN THE VEHICLE WHILE EXITING ON A RAMP THAT TURNED 360 DEGREES... I SUDDENLY HAD TO FIGHT WITH ALL MY MIGHT TO KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD AND NEARLY CRASHED. I'VE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE AND IT IS A HIGHLY KNOWN ISSUE ON THE INTERNET. IF I TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT MOMENTS LATER IT WILL WORK FOR A WHILE THEN FAIL AGAIN UNEXPECTEDLY... DANGEROUS!!! VERY DANGEROUS! I'M IN THE PROCESS OF CONTACTING A GM SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR A FIX... BUT PLEASE HELP THE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DRIVERS ON THE ROAD WHO ARE UNSUSPECTING OF THIS KNOWN ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Apr 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20- 60 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED AND THEN RELEASES INDEPENDENTLY WITHIN SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Apr 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED SPORADICALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE AND POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD RESET ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Steering, Apr 20, 2011
THE ELECTRONIC STEERING HAS FAILED WHILE TURNING OR ACCELERATING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THE STEERING RETURNS ONCE THE RPM S SETTLE OUT. THE STEERING SYSTEMS HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND WORKED ON SEVERAL TIMES. CHEVY HAS ISSUES BEING ABLE TO SUPPLY REPLACEMENT PARTS AND RESOLVING THIS ISSUE.
Steering, Apr 12, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AROUND A CURVE AND THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO RESPOND WHILE MAKING A TURN FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE SECONDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY REPLACED THE STEERING SHAFT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,123.
Steering, Apr 8, 2011
I HAVE A 2004 MALIBU, DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY AND STEERING WHEEL WHOULD NOT MOVE. I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY CAR. MY RADIO DISPLAYED POWER STEERING. I TOOK TO THE SHOP TO CHECK ISSUE. THE SHOP STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE AND RESET. THE CAR SHOP DID TELL ME AND THE WARRANTY THAT IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I CALLED GM AND CAR DEALER NOT THERE ISSUE TO FIX! THIS IS A DEFECT? PLEASE HELP! *TR
Steering, Apr 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MALIBU MAX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTIONED AS THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME TIGHTENED. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED JUST BEFORE THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED A MINIMUM OF THREE TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING SENSOR FAILED AND WOULD NEED REPAIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 5, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THERE WAS A SLIGHT LOSS OF POWER STEERING FOR A FEW SECONDS. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATING THAT THE FUEL CAP WAS OPEN. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR SPORADICLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THREE DIFFERENT TIMES FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 114,000.
Steering, Mar 29, 2011
THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 45 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE SUDDEN DROPPED ALL THE WAY DOWN AND THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN SLID IN CAUSING THE CAR TO SWERVE SOME. I PULLED OVER AND AFTER ATTEMPTING TO LOCK THE STEERING COLUMN BACK INTO PLACE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET IT TO LOCK INTO PLACE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST MONTH. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF I'M DRIVING OR BACKING IT JUST ALL THE SUDDEN DOES IT. IF YOU TOUCH THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE THE CAR IS TURNED OFF IT WILL DROP DOWN. AND IF IT IS IN A DOWN POSITION IT WILL SLIDE IN AND OUT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I FEAR THAT THE NEXT TIME I MIGHT NOT BE SO LUCK TO KEEP CONTROL. I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE BECAUSE AS I WAS TURNING TO WHEEL IT MOVED OUT OF POSITION CAUSING THE TURN TO GO ANOTHER DIRECTION.
Steering, Mar 21, 2011
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY,MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT MY CAR OFF AND STARTED IT UP AGAIN AND IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN.GM HAS RECALLED OTHER MODELS FOR DOING THE SAME THING,BUT NOT THE 2004 MALIBU. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SOMEBODY IS GOING TO GET KILLED UNLESS GM TAKES CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE 2004 CHEVY. MALIBU HAS ELECTRIC ASSISTED POWER STEERING. THE THING IS THAT GM,THE DEALERS AND NHTSA ALL KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM,BUT ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING UNTIL PEOPLE ARE HURT AND KILLED. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF IT. *TR
Steering, Mar 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME FIRM AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF AND WHEN RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING WAS RESET AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 03/24/11*LJ UPDATED 04/07/11*LJ
Steering, Mar 1, 2011
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION. *TR
Steering, Mar 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THE CONTACT TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE VEHICLE THEN STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.