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, Jul 1, 2010
2004 CHEVY MALIBU AT 30,000. MILES THE STEERING WENT OUT CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I TURN AT 42K IT DID IT AGAIN AT 68K IT DID IT AGAIN THIS TIME CHEVY WOULD NOT PAY FOR REPAIRS NO MORE WARRANTY IT HAPPENED AGAIN IN 2009 AND NOW IT'S IN THE SHOP FOR ANOTHER STEERING PROBLEM COST 1622.00 TO REPAIR PLUS RENTAL AR FOR THREE DAYS. CHEVY SAYS MY FAULT THE PROBLEMS ARE NOT RELATED. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND IT'S NOT ONE TWO OR EVEN THREE TIMES IT MANY TIMES.. *TR
Steering, Jun 28, 2010
POWER STEERING FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Jun 24, 2010
POWER STEERING FREQUENTLY CUTS OUT - HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. CONSTANT CRUNCHING SOUND WHEN TURNING - MOST OFTEN WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT. STEERING REPLACED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY - WHEN QUESTIONED AGAIN LATER - VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY (36,000 MI). SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED VEHICLE WARRANT OFFERED WAS 100,000 MILES. *TR
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 21, 2010
I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU WITH 80,000 PLUS MILES. MY POWER STEERING COLUMN MOTOR SHORTED OUT AND THEREFORE MY POWER STEERING HAS ENABLED MY CAR TO BE DRIVEN; AND THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY WHEN I JUST FILLED IT WITH GAS. I DID AN ON-LINE RESEARCH AND SAW THERE WERE SO MANY OTHER CONSUMERS THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS I HAVE AND I CONTACTED GM AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. IT IS SAD WHEN WE PURCHASE 'MADE IN AMERICA' PRODUCTS THAT THE COMPANIES DO NOT STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS. I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A TOTAL RECALL ON ALL THESE CARS BEFORE WE END UP WITH MAJOR ACCIDENTS. SHAME ON GM TO GET THE POWER STEERING FIX IS NOT CHEAP. GM KNOWS OF THESE PROBLEMS AND IS EXTREMELY NONCHALANT ABOUT RECTIFYING THE SITUATION. TOYOTA STEPPED UP AND RECALLED THEIR CARS TO CLEAR UP THE PROBLEMS , WHOSE GOING TO MAKE GM DO THE SAME? *TR
Steering, Jun 17, 2010
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER SUDDENLY LOST ALL ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE WITHOUT WARNING MAKING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STEER. THERE IS NO ALLEGE TO THIS ISSUE IT HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THIS IS ADDRESSED? I AM HOPING IT IS NOT MY DAUGHTER. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 17, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE ATTEMPTING A TURN AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 10-15 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BARELY AVOID CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR CONCERNS OF THE POWER STEERING FAILING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING COLUMN, IGNITION SWITCH AND THROTTLE BODY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Steering, Jun 15, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WERE WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT INSPECTED. THE FAILURE AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 83,500. UPDATED 8/9/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. UPDATED 08/11/10
Steering, Jun 12, 2010
I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU AND RANDOMLY MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND A POWER STEERING WARNING WILL COME ON. THE POWER STEERING IS USUALLY OKAY AND I CAN CONTINUE DRIVING, BUT ONE DAY WHILE I WAS IN A TURN LANE IT WENT OUT. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OR TURN WHEN YOU DO NOT HAVE POWER STEERING. TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP BUT BECAUSE IT IS INTERMITTENT, IT WAS NOT HAVING THAT ISSUE WHEN I TOOK IT IN AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I'M WORRIED MY POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT AGAIN AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Jun 8, 2010
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER REQUESTS THAT THE INVESTIGATION TO COMPLAINTS BE REOPENED *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER AND UPON INSPECTION, THEY STATED THE STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING CONTROL MODULE HAD GONE BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IF IT WASN'T REPLACED, THE CONSUMER WOULD LOSE POWER STEERING. THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AT HER EXPENSE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR THIS MODEL. *JB
Steering, Jun 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP AND IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. WITHIN A FEW TRAVELED MILES, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE RECURS INTERMITTENTLY AND HE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE AT LEAST TEN TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,596 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,600.
Steering, Jun 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CHIMING IN THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN SECONDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 54,000.
Steering, May 31, 2010
WHILE COMING OFF THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED I NO LONGER HAVE POWER STEERING. THE ENTIRE REST OF THE WAY HOME, NO POWER STEERING. I SEARCHED ON LINE TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RESERVOIR TO PUT MORE POWER STEERING FLUID IN, AND THERE APPEARS TO BE NONE AND I WILL HAVE TO FORK OUT OVER $500 FOR A NEW STEERING COLUMN. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF ANY PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND A POWER STEERING PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, May 31, 2010
WE HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LT. SHORTLY AFTER WE BOUGHT IT, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON TWO OCCASIONS. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS "SUPPOSEDLY" REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE TO THIS DAY ALWAYS VEERS TO THE LEFT, EVEN AFTER AN ALIGNMENT. THIS PAST MONTH THE STEERING WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON THREE TIMES; AND AFTER PAYING $100 JUST FOR THE DIAGNOSIS, I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED FOR $1000 ! IT IS MORE THAN OBVIOUS THAT THIS DEFECT IS INSTRINSIC WITH THE MALIBU, AS IT IS WITH THE CHEVY COBALT, AND REQUIRES A RECALL. READ THE INTERNET ! I REPORTED THIS DEFECT TO GM AND RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I AM REPORTING IT TO THE NHTSA. YOU MUST DEMAND THAT GM RECALL THIS DEFECT ON THE MALIBU. *TR
Steering, May 19, 2010
MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU POWER STEERING IS LOCKING WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT LET WHEEL TURN. I WAS DRIVING AND WHEN I WENT TO MAKE A TURN THE CAR WHEEL LOCKED AND WOULD NOT TURN IT WAS CONTINUING STRAIGHT I HAD TO TURN IT WITH ALL MY STRENGTH TO AVOID HITTING A WALL.I PHONED CHEVY CORPORATE AND THEY SAID IT IS NOT UNDER RECALL BUT THERE WAS 2 INVESTIGATIONS DONE ON THIS IN 2004 AND CURRENTLY 2005 - 2010 COBALTS MADE BY THEM HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL UNDER WAY RIGHT NOW FOR THAT MODEL AND IT IS THE SAME ISSUE I AM HAVING WITH MY MODEL CAR. THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT GOING TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE BECAUSE THERE IS NOT A CURRENT RECALL ON THIS MODEL. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF AND HAVE BEEN AWARE OF AND THEY ARE CHOOSING NOT TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MALFUNCTION IN THE POWER STEERING. THEY ARE CHOOSING TO IGNORE THIS SAFETY DEFECT. THIS HAS OCCURRED THE LAST THREE TIMES I HAVE USED THE CAR THIS WEEK. *TR
Steering, May 18, 2010
POWER STEERING ISSUES WITH 2004 MALIBU LT. I HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH MY FIRST MALIBU AND MY NEW MALIBU IS STARTING TO SHOW THE SAME TELL TALE SIGNS OF POWER STEERING FAILURE. IT BEGINS WITH A CLICKING NOISE WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. AT ANY TIME THE POWER STEERING WILL COMPLETELY GO OUT. TURNING OF THE MOTOR AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE WILL TEMPORARILY SOLVE THE PROBLEM. MY FIRST MALIBU WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN TWICE. THE MALIBU I CURRENTLY HAVE IS UNFORTUNATELY NOT STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT I FEEL THIS IS AN ONGOING SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE THERE ARE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATHS. THERE ARE MANY ONLINE SITES OF OWNERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS ONGOING PROBLEM AND IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE LIMITED TO THE 2004 MODEL BUT ALSO NEWER MODELS. GM NEEDS TO MAKE THIS RIGHT WITH ALL THE MONEY WE ARE SPENDING TRYING TO KEEP JOBS IN THE USA. *TR
Steering, Equipment, May 14, 2010
2004 MALIBU: FEB 2005 VEHICLE CHIMED; POWER STEERING DISPLAYED ON DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER, LOST POWER STEERING WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. DEALER REPLACED STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE I HAD A LETTER FROM GM SAYING THAT MY VEHICLE MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A STEERING COLUMN SENSOR THAT CAN WEAR UNEVENLY AND PRODUCE AN ERRATIC ELECTRICAL SIGNAL. DEALER SAID THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL BUT I INSISTED THAT I HAD EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM AND DIDN'T CARE IF MY NUMBER WAS ON THE LIST I WANTED IT REPLACED. MAY 2010: THREE DAYS IN A ROW CHIME SOUNDED AND POWER STEERING DISPLAYED ON DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER; STOPPED VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT, RESET ITSELF. TOOK IN TO DEALER AND HAD A DIAGNOSTIC TEST RUN ($100.00). TEST INDICATES THAT I NEED THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AND A SHAFT KIT (CLUNKING) COST $990.65, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS STEERING COLUMN DEFECT IS NOT UNCOMMON AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER! PLEASE READ THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS BLOG HTTP://CARBLOG.CLASSIFIEDS1000.COM/RECALL_ISSUES/20090114-133923-POWER_STEERING_PROBLEMS_ON_CHEVY_MALIBU_SEEKING_RECALL. *TR
Steering, May 3, 2010
WHILE I'M DRIVING WHETHER IT'S ON A CITY STREET OR A HIGHWAY, MY POWER STEERING WILL OUT OF NOWHERE STOP WORKING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE GOING 55MPH. SOMETIMES STOPPING THE CAR AND STARTING IT BACK UP FIXES THE PROBLEM, SOMETIMES NOT. *TR
Steering, Apr 30, 2010
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY 2004 MALIBU STARTED JERKING TO THE LEFT THEN A WARNING BELL WENT OFF AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING CAME ON. THEN THE CAR PULLED LEFT AND THE STEERING WENT OUT. I TOOK IT THE A CHEVY DEALER THEY TRIED TO CHARGE ME $1125.00 DOLLARS TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE WARRANTY ONLY COVERED THE STEERING COLUMN UNDER THE HOOD AND NOT INSIDE OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE PROBLEM HAS INCREASED IN FREQUENCY AND GETTING WORSE. *TR
Steering, Apr 27, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 20 MPH IN A PARKING LOT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED A TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED AND WOULD NOT MOVE. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE RACK AND PINION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V073000 (STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM) BUT WAS ADVISED HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED WITH THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
Steering, Equipment, Apr 26, 2010
BROUGHT CAR IN FOR MAINTENANCE OF OTHER SORTS AND MECHANIC NOTICED CLICKING IN STEERING WHEEL. A CLICKING THAT HAD BEEN PRESENT SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL IN THE MALIBU BY TWO DEALERSHIPS AND AN OUTSIDE MECHANIC (WHOM I NO LONGER GO TO). THE NOISE HAD GOTTEN WORSE OVER TIME, BUT WAS REASSURED THAT IT WAS NO ISSUE. MY NEW MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM AND CONTINUING TO DRIVE WITH IT WOULD BE DANGEROUS. I HAD IT REPLACED (12-4-2008). IT HAS BEEN SLIGHTLY OVER A YEAR NOW AND THE NOISE IS BACK AND PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE THAN BEFORE. IT COSTS NEARLY $1000+ TO REPAIR AND DOESN'T LAST A YEAR?! IT IS A LATE MODEL 2004 MALIBU, MEANING IT IS THE 2005 MALIBU MADE IN 2004. I'VE READ MANY REPORTS/COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF ASAP. *TR
Steering, Apr 21, 2010
THE 1ST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS ABOUT 11 MONTHS AGO. I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY AVENUE WHEN I LOST ALL STEERING CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. NO WARNINGS JUST THE INABILITY TO STEER MY VEHICLE AT ALL. I FIGURED IT WAS A FLUKE AND DISMISSED IT FOR THE MOMENT. UNTIL IT STARTED HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME I ENDED UP IN A DITCH ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TERRIFIED! I BOUGHT 2004 CHEVY MALIBU NEW FROM THE DEALER SO I BROUGHT IT TO THEM. AFTER THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE VEHICLE AND DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING I FELT RELIEF, ASSUMING THE DEALER KNOWS BEST AND THEIR WAS NOTHING WRONG ACCORDING TO THEM. I CONTINUED DRIVING THE CAR WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME I TOOK IT TO AN OUTSIDE MECHANIC WHO DID YET ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND FOUND THE STEERING SHAFT WAS BAD. IT WAS REPLACED AND AGAIN I ASSUMED THE PROBLEM WAS CURED. UNTIL YET ANOTHER INCIDENT OCCURRED. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE TURNING LEFT AT AN INTERSECTION AND JUST BARELY AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE OUTSIDE REPAIR SHOP WHO EXPLAINED THAT WE SHOULD TRY CHANGING THE STEERING MOTOR AND SEE IF THAT WORKS. TRY WAS NOT A SATISFACTORY ANSWER TO ME SO I DID A LITTLE RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT A ALOT OF PEOPLE SHARED SIMILAR STORIES. I CALLED GM AND ASKED FOR THERE ASSISTANCE. THEY DENIED EVEN BEING AWARE THAT ANYONE ELSE HAD REPORTED SUCH A PROBLEM BEFORE ME, BUT SINCE THEIR WAS NOT A RECALL AND MY WARRANTY WAS UP, THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE, SO I AM SOMEWHAT OF A PRISONER IN MY OWN HOME IF I CAN NOT BORROW ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND I CAN'T EVEN THINK OF SELLING THE VEHICLE SINCE I FEEL IT IS SUCH A DANGER. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO BE OVERLOOK BY THE NHTSA FOR THE FACT THAT NO ONE HAS BEEN KILLED AS OF YET. IT THAT WHAT IT TAKES FOR A RECALL? TO DATE THEIR ARE OVER 650 COMPLAINTS FILED FOR THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. WHEN WILL IT BE ADDRESSED BY GM AS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE MADE THE RECALL LIST. *TR
Steering, Apr 20, 2010
I WAS DRIVING MY 1 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER TO HER DR APPOINTMENT. I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN IN MY 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS V6 WITH 68,000 MILESON IT WHEN MY CHIMES CHIMED THE ORANGE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH THE WRENCH CAME ON AND MY DISPLAY ON THE RADIO SAID POWER STEERING I THEN LOST MY POWER STEERING WHILE I WAS MAKING THE TURN I PROCEED TO HER DR APPOINTMENT WITHOUT POWER STEERING. I GO INSIDE TO HER APPOINTMENT COME BACK OUT AND THE ENGINE LIGHT IS NOT LONGER ON AND I HAVE POWER STEERING. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE PUTS IT ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND HE CAN'T FIND ANY CODES OR ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL HE ALSO SAID THAT IF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOT ON THEN HE COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WHICH THE ENGINE LIGHT IS NOT ON CURRENTLY. I CAME HOME AND DID SOME TYPING ON THE COMPUTER FOR 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU STEERING PROBLEMS AND I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THIS PROBLEM MANY PEOPLE HAVE SPEND LOTS OF MONEY AND THE DEALER SHIP HAS CLAIMED TO FIX THIS ISSUE BUT IT IS STILL GOING ON AFTER IT HAS BEEN FIXED. I FEEL THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM THAT NEEDS BROUGHT TO SOMEONE'S ATTENTION AFTER ALL THE TOYOTA ISSUES WE NEED SOMEONE ON OUR SIDE I CALLED THE GM HEADQUARTERS AND THEY BASICALLY BLEW ME OFF. I ALSO KNOW THIS IS THE VERY FIRST ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FROM GM AND THAT THE 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU WAS THE VERY FIRST VEHICLE TO RECEIVE THIS AND WE ALL KNOW FIRST YEAR STUFF ALWAYS HAS ISSUES. MY DAUGHTER AND I ALMOST LOST OUR LIVES TODAY IF IT WASN'T FOR THE OTHER PERSON IN THE OTHER LANE WHO HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES WE WOULD HAVE HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION. IT TOOK ALL MY MIGHT TO STEER THIS VEHICLE THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE LOOSES THEIR LIFE. I'M TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE NOW BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER'S LIFE OR SOMEONE ELSE'S THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM EVEN IF ONLY A HAND FULL OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS GET LIKE THE TOYOTA RECALLS LISTEN TO PEOPLE WHO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AND KNOW THIS PROBLEM IS REAL AND IS VERY SCARY. *TR
Steering, Apr 17, 2010
CHEVY MALIBU MAXX 04 STEERING CATCHES IN HARD LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS WITH SHIFTING AND GRATING SOUNDS. COMPLAIN SINCE NEW WITH STEERING SHAFT REPLACED (ABOUT 40,000) AND OTHER WORK. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. CAR HAS 90,0000 NOW AND THE NOISE AND STEERING ISSUES HAVE BEEN GETTING WORSE. DEALER SAYS ABOUT $300 TO REPLACE WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT IT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. I FEEL IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. *TR
Steering, Apr 12, 2010
WE HAVE A CHEVY MALIBU MAXX, WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING ON THIS VEHICLE. I KNOW THE CAR HAS ELECTRONIC STEERING AND THIS IS WHAT I,M WORRIED ABOUT. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN TOWN THE POWER STEERING SOMETIMES GOES OUT AND OTHER TIMES IT SEEMS LIKE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING ALL TOGETHER.THE STEERING ALSO BECOMES VERY TIGHT AND THEN VERY FAST IT BECOMES VERY LOOSE ALMOST CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL. A FEW DAYS AGO ON THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE AND BEGAN PULLING FROM SIDE TO SIDE FOR MANY MILES, WE HAD TO PULL OVER AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THIS DID NOT HELP THE STEERING PROBLEM ANY.THE CAR WOULD ALSO START PULLING FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER ON ITS OWN. WHEN I WOULD TRY TO CORRECT THE STEERING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION IT WOULD THEN PULL TO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION ALMOST CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO WRECK. EVEN WHEN GOING AT LOW SPEEDS THE VEHICLES STEERING IS BECOMING A REAL PROBLEM. IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE ABOUT TO LOSE CONTROL AT ANY MINUTE. I HAVE READ THAT MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WE ARE AND THAT WORRIES ME VERY MUCH , BECAUSE WE HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN WHO RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE OFTEN. IS THIS ISSUE SOMETHING THAT CHEVY IS LOOKING INTO OR WILL IT TAKE A COUPLE OF ACCIDENTS OR EVEN A DEATH FOR THEM TO RECALL THIS CAR FOR REPAIRS. I HOPE YOU WILL TAKE THIS MATTER VERY SERIOUSLY BEFORE SOMETHING VERY DEADLY HAPPENS. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS MECHANICAL ISSUE THAT CHEVY DESPERATELY NEEDS TO TAKE A LOOK AT. *TR
Steering, Apr 8, 2010
I HAVE A 04 CHEVY MALIBU AND SOMETIMES THE POWER STEERING WITH GO OUT WHILE I AM DRIVING. NEXT TIME I USE THE CAR ITS FINE. I SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING IN MALIBUS AND IT CAN CAUSE A WRECK IF ITS NOT TAKEN CARE OF. I BOUGHT THE CAR A YR AGO AND IT HAS HAPPENED A COUPLE TIMES THROUGH THE YEAR. *TR