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 4, 2004
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, I NOTICED A "SCRAPING" SOUND FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND ON THE DATE THAT I WAS TAKING THE CAR TO HAVE THE PROBLEM INVESTIGATED, THE ENTIRE POWER STEERING WENT OUT (WHILE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 35 MPH) AND I HAD EXTREME DIFFICULTY MANAGING THE VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY ARRIVE IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE DEALERSHIP. I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR 3 DAYS FOR THIS PROBLEM TO BE REMEDIED AND HAVE YET TO RECEIVE MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THEY WILL PROBABLY NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN, ETC. I'M STILL WAITING FOR THE RESULTS. I REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY GM HASN'T NOTIFIED CUSTOMERS THAT THERE IS THIS POTENTIAL SINCE IT SEEMS THAT IT COULD BE DANGEROUS. *AK EA04018_ CAT
Steering, Aug 2, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND WOULDN'T TURN IN ANY DIRECTION. WHEN THIS OCCURRED A WRENCH ICON ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. CONSUMER VEERED OFF THE HIGHWAY, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, AND RESTARTED IT. THIS UNLOCKED THE STEERING WHEEL. A SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED THAT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES,THAT RESULTED IN ACCIDENTS. *AK EA04018_CAT
Steering, Aug 1, 2004
ISSUES THAT AROSE WITH MY 2004 MALIBU JULY 7, 2004. THESE ISSUES ARE STILL WORRISOME TO ME EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE FORT WAYNE KELLEY CHEVROLET SERVICE PEOPLE. EA04018_CAT. *AK I ENCOUNTERED SEVERAL DANGEROUS ISSUES WITH THE AUTOMOBILE. THE FIRST ISSUE OCCURRED AT A STOP SIGN. I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO PULSATE UNCONTROLLABLY. UPON ACCELERATION IT SEEMED TO SUBSIDE UNTIL I TRIED TO TURN LEFT AND AT THAT TIME I HAD NO CONTROL OVER MY STEERING. I WAS ABLE TO GET INTO THE CORRECT LANE FINALLY AND THANKFULLY I WAS ONLY 1 MILE FROM MY HOME. AS I TURNED INTO MY NEIGHBORHOOD THE STEERING ONCE AGAIN BEGAN TO PULSATE LEAVING ME WITHOUT STEERING POWER AND I HAD TO BREAK UPON SOMEONES YARD IN ORDER NOT TO HIT A CHILD PLAYING IN THE STREET. THIS IS A HUGE CONCERN. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED KELLEY CHEVROLET. WE WERE ADDRESSED COURTEOUSLY YET I WAS STILL VERY ANXIOUS ABOUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED&ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING MY DAUGHTER HAD A MALIBU JUST LIKE OURS. I HAVE A GRANDDAUGHTER WHO RIDES IN THAT CAR AND I WAS VERY NERVOUS ABOUT THE FACT THAT THIS MAY ALSO HAPPEN TO MY DAUGHTER. KELLEY DID ADDRESS THE PROBLEM PROMPTLY AND GAVE US INFORMATION CONCERNING DOCUMENT ID# 1521111 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU SERVICE INFORMATION ( NOISY STEERING COLUMN, LACK OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, DTCS C0460 AND C0545, STEERING WHEEL MOVES SLIGHTLY BY ITSELF #04-02-35-009-MAY 24, 2004) MY STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT JUST NOISY, IT WAS PULSATING TO THE POINT I COULD HARDLY HOLD IT. ALSO THE ISSUE OF THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES SLIGHTLY BY ITSELF IS ALSO A HUGE UNDERSTATEMENT. MY STEERING WHEEL COULD BE MOVED BY ME, HOWEVER, MY WHEELS DID NOT TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF MY STEERING. THIS IS SOMETHING GM MUST ADDRESS. KELLEYS TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT I AM EXTREMELY APPREHENSIVE ABOUT MY CAR OR EVER GETTING ANOTHER CHEVROLET WITH ELECTRONIC STEERING. EA04018_CAT
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 30, 2004
THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHEN CAR WAS FIRST STARTED IN THE MORNING, THE CAR HAD 1,000 MILES AT THAT TIME. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND WHEN HE CAME TO PICK IT UP THE POWER STEERING WORKED FINE, HE SAID THAT THE COMPUTER MIGHT HAVE BYPASSED IT WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED, I CONTACTED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE CAR HAD TO BE MALFUNCTIONING AT THE TIME THEY CHECKED IT OR THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE SECOND TIME THE POWER STEERING FAILED THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN AROUND 6 MI., THE CAR WAS IDLING AT THE TIME AND SHE TURNED THE MOTOR OFF AND TOOK THE KEY OUT AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR THE STEERING WORKED OK THEN. THE THIRD TIME THE POWER STEERING FAILED WAS WHEN I WAS BACKING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE, AT THIS TIME THE CAR HAD 2,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN I RESTARTED IT THE POWER STEERING WORKED OK. I CONTACTED MONTGOMERY CHEVROLET AND TALKED TO THE SERVICE MAN THERE AND HE SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T DO ANY THING ABOUT IT UNLESS IT WAS ACTING UP AT THE TIME AND IT WASN'T. HE SAID THAT I COULD LEAVE IT. IT WAS 1,000 MILES BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED AND AROUND 100 MILES MORE ON THE THIRD TIME. WE WERE LUCKY THAT ALL OF THE FAILURE HAPPENED IN OUT DRIVEWAY OR IN THE GARAGE. *AK PE04031_CAT *SC
Steering, Jul 19, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS HARD TO STEER. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT. THE STEERING LIGHT DID NOT APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT THE CONSUMER CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR TESTING. THE CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE. *AK PE04031_CAT GM RECOMMENDED THAT THE CONSUMER REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN. *SC *JB
Steering, Jul 15, 2004
WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED. A LIGHT FOR THE STEERING WHEEL FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK PE04031_CAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. *SC *JB
Steering, Jul 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED POWER STEERING FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO HAVE DIFFICULTY IN STEERING, BUT WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK EA04018_CAT
Steering, Jul 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH OR LESS AND MAKING A LEFT TURN CONSUMER NOTICED DASHBOARD INDICATOR LIGHTS FLASHING. THEN, LOST POWER STEERING. *AK EA04018_CAT
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO JERK BACK AND FORTH, THIS WOULD HAPPEN WHEN TURNING RIGHT. AT LOW SPEEDS. I ALSO HAD THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT COME ON INTERMITTENTLY, THE DEALERSHIP WAS ABLE TO VERIFY THE BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM DUE TO A RECALL AND THE STEERING ALSO WAS VERIFIED. THIS RESULTED IN REPLACEMENT OF THE "RACK IS WHAT THE DEALER CALLED IT." I HAVE NOTICED THIS IS A PROBLEM ON MANY 2004 MALIBUS. CHEVROLET HAD BETTTER LOOK INTO THISAND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION BEFORE IT RESULTS IN DEATH AND MAJOR LEGAL ACTION. EA04018_CAT. *LA
Steering, Jul 12, 2004
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. SPORT CHEVROLET SAID THEY HAD HEARD OF THIS DEFECT BEFORE. THEY TOLD MY WIFE TO TURN THE CAR AND THEN TURN THE CAR ON AGAIN. THIS SOLVED THE PROBLEM. THIS "FIX" LEAVES SOMETHING TO BE DESIRED, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. EA04018_CAT. *LA
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 9, 2004
TRAVELING DOWN STREET AT LOW SPEED WHEN A SUDDEN BUT LIGHT JOLT FROM THE ENGINE IS FELT. MOMENTS LATER SLOWING DOWN FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT TOTAL LOSE OF ELECTRICAL POWER. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. VEHICLE IS IN FOR REPAIRS ON THIS DATE. *AK EA04018_CAT
Steering, Jun 24, 2004
DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN THE ROAD AT 45 MPH. EVERYTHING WAS OPERATING NORMALLY AND ALL DRIVING WAS NORMAL. THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED MOVING VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT, PULLING THE WHEEL FROM MY HAND. WHILE TRYING TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN TO TURN OFF THE ROAD, THE STEERING WAS LOST. I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. APPROXIMATELY 15 SECONDS LATER; THE CAR CHIMED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND ON THE COMPUTER DISPLAY ON THE STEREO THE WORDS "POWER STEERING" WERE DISPLAYED. AT THIS TIME I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD BY USING GREAT FORCE ON THE WHEEL. I DID NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE ROAD WAS STRAIGHT AND HAD PLENTY OFF ROOM AND LITTLE TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE IS NEW, PURCHASED IN FEB 2004 AND HAS 10,500 MILES ON IT. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.*AK EA04018_CAT
Steering, Jun 22, 2004
COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING, WHILE DRIVEING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS (65 MPH). *AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, Jun 15, 2004
THE CONSUMER FELT SEVERE VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED NORMALLY BY THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE ALREADY HAD THREE STEERING COLUMNS REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE SINCE FEBRUARY. THE STEERING COLUMN RECENTLY LOCKED UP AND CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO JUMP THE CURB AND ALMOST STRUCK SEVERAL PEDESTRIANS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES INVOLVED BUT THERE WAS SOME DAMAGE DONE TO THE VEHICLES BUMPER. *LA PE04031_CAT
Steering, Jun 11, 2004
I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND MY CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ENGAGED, MY CENTER INFORMATION CONSOLE READ "POWER STEERING", AND MY STEERING BECAME VERY STIFF. I MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MY HOME (LESS THAN 1 MILE AWAY), AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO BOB BELL CHEVROLET (EAST POINT) LOCATION. THE CAR WAS OUT OF SERVICE UNTIL JANUARY 29, 2004, AT WHICH TIME I SIGNED A REPAIR ORDER THAT STATES THAT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOUND "CODE 0545", AND REPLACED THE POWER STEERING COLUMN. THIS SERVICE AS COVERED BY MY FACTORY WARRANTY, SINCE THE CAR WAS ONLY 90 DAYS OLD. ON JUNE 7, 2004, AGAIN WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION (PHILADELPHIA ROAD AND ROSSVILLE BLVD IN ROSEDALE, MD), MY POWER STEERING FAILED IN THE SAME EXACT MANNER AS THE PREVIOUS OCCURANCE. HOWEVER, THIS WAS MORE SERIOUS BECAUSE I NEARLY HIT A FORD F-150 HEAD ON. I HAD THE VEHICLE AGAIN TOWED TO BOB BELL CHEVROLET-EASTPOINT. THEY ARE NOW STATING THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED AGAIN, BUT I AM NOT PICKING THE CAR UP BECAUSE I AM TOO SCARED TO DRIVE IT. I HAVE FILED A CLAIM WITH THE BBB, SENT A CERTIFIED LETTER TO GMAC (RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED), AND VERBALLY FILED A CASE WITH GMAC CUSTOMER RELATIONS (1-224-501-301).*AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, Jun 9, 2004
POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION. OCCURRED APPROX. 10 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE 6 MONTHS AGO. POWER STEERING USUALLY RESUMES AFTER VEHICLE TURNED OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES. NO DAMAGE/INJURIES. LEFT VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP MAY 26, 2004. AFTER TWO DAYS, SERVICE DEPT. CLAIMED THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE, THEREFORE THEY COULD NOT RESOLVE. TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK WHEN IT HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY. AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, POWER STEERING FAILED APPROX 5 TIMES BETWEEN 5/26 & 6/3. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP 6/7, WHERE IT REMAINS. SERVICE DEPT. NOW SAYS IT'S A "KNOWN ISSUE" AND PLACED AN ORDER FOR A NEW STEERING COLUMN. PE04031_CAT. *AK
Steering, Equipment, Jun 8, 2004
I PURCHASED MY 2004 MALIBU FROM FRANK PARRA CHEVROLET IN DALLAS, TX. I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE ADVISOR THERE TO INFORM THEM OF THE STEERING ISSUE. WHEN YOU TURN EITHER DIRECTION THE CAR WILL CONTINUE IN THAT DIRECTION UNLESS YOU MANUALLY TURN IT TO CENTER YOUR SELF. THE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT IT COULD BE ONE OF TWO THINGS 1) THE CONTOUR OF THE ROAD, 2) HOW THE CAR WAS TIED DOWN ON THE DELIVER TRUCK THAT HAS CAUSED THE ALIGNMENT TO BE OUT OF WACK. IF THE SECOND RESPONSE IS TRUE THEN WAIT FOR 500 MILES, IF THE STEERING DOESN'T CHANGE THEN THEY WILL PERFORM A ALL WHEEL ALIGNMENT ON IT. WELL 500 MILES CAME AND WENT AND THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN THE STEERING. THE ADVISOR SAYS THE THE HEAD TECHNICIAN STATED DUE TO THE STEERING BEING ELECTRICAL THAT IS HOW IT WILL DRIVE, IT IS PERFECTLY NORMAL. I DIDN'T LIKE THAT RESPONSE SO I SPOKE WITH THE MANAGER OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND HE SUGGESTED THAT I TEST DRIVE ANOTHER VEHICLE TO SEE IF THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE. I DID THAT AND THE NEWER VEHICLE DROVE TOTALLY DIFFERENT THAN MINE BUT THE ADVISOR REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT SO A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER THE STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MILES PER HOUR. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO POWER TO THE STEERING. FORTUNATELY I WAS ON MY WAY TO ANOTHER DEARLERSHIP AND THEY CHECKED IT OUT FOR ME BUT ONCE YOU TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON AGAIN THE POWER CAME BACK. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD THE MAINTENANCE LIGHT COME ON FOR SERVICE. IT HAS BEEN CHECKED OUT AND SERVICED. THE STEERING IS STILL RETURNING TO CENTER AFTER DIRECTIONAL TURNS. PE04031_CAT. *AK
Steering, Jun 6, 2004
I HAVE A 6 MOS OLD 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LTV6 (10,000 MILES). THE ELECTRIC STEERING IS GIVING ME SOME CONCERNS. WHEN I'M AT A STOP LIGHT THE WHEEL WANTS TO TURN. NOT FAR JUST MORE LIKE A SHAKE BACK AND FORTH. IF YOU LET GO YOU CAN SEE AND HEAR IT RATTLE. PROBABLY MOVES 1/4 INCH. BACK AND FORTH. THEN IF YOU REALLY PAY ATTENTION YOU CAN FEEL IT WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING. FINALLY, THE POWER STEERING CUT OFF ALL TOGETHER AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS ALL HAPPENED AFTER THE CAR SAT IN A PARKING LOT FOR 8 DAYS. ANY IDEA'S? *AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, Jun 4, 2004
I HAD NOTICED WHILE DRIVING THAT THE WORDS "POWER STEERING" HAD COME ACROSS MY DISPLAY AND AN ORANGE LIGHT WITH A WRENCH CAME UP ON THE DASH IN THE BOTTOM LEFT CORNER. WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THIS PROBLEM A FEW MONTHS AGO, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THEY TOLD ME THE SENSORS WERE FAULTY, AND THEY NEED TO REPLACE THEM. TO MY KNOWLEDGE THEY REPLACED THE SENSORS IN THE STIRRING COLUMN. I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. TODAY WHILE I WAS SITTING STILL IN A DRIVE THROUGH AT A RESTAURANT, THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN ,AND I SAW "POWER STEERING" COME ACROSS THE DISPLAY AGAIN. MY CAR BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN AND I DROVE IT TO THE NEAREST CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP WHICH WAS ABOUT 2 MILES AWAY FROM THE RESTAURANT. ONE OF THE WORKERS AT THE DEALERSHIP DROVE MY CAR INTO THE AREA WHERE THEY REPAIR THEM AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF, BUT CAME BACK ON. I AM STILL WAITING TO FIND OUT WHAT CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY AIR CONDITIONER BUTTON GETTING STUCK IN POSITION.*AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, Jun 4, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONSUMER EXPLAINED THAT THE STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. *AK PE04031_CAT A COMPONENT WAS REPLACED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *SC THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER STEERING IS ELECTRICAL. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Jun 4, 2004
THERE IS A RATTLING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE. DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE TWICE BEFORE HEARING THE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP INDICATED A PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND ORDERED THE PART. THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR 4 MONTHS FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO RECEIVE THE PART AND INSTALL IT. *AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, Jun 1, 2004
STOPPED AT A SERVICE STATION TO REFUEL,WHEN I RESTARTED THE AUTO AND STARTED TO LEAVE,THE "SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LIGHT" CAME ON, A CHIME SOUNDED, AND THE"DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER DISPLAYED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE"POWER STEERING" THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. I TURNED OFF THE AUTO AND RESTARTED. EVERYTHING APPEARED NORMAL BUT A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE PROBLEM REPEATED. I WAS ONLY 1 MILE FROM HOME AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME BUT WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY STEERING.THE FOLLOWING DAY I STARTED THE CAR AN LET IT RUN FOR 10 MINUTES BUT THE PROBLEM DID NOT REPEAT. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE 5/29/2004. ON 06/01/2004 I DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALER(DISTANCE:1-1/2 MILES) JACKSON CHEVROLET, SOUTH MAIN ST MIDDLETOWN, CT. 06457 THE PROBLEM DID NOT OCCUR. I AM PRESENTLY WAITING FOR THE SERVICE DEPT. TO CALL ME.THE REASON I AM SENDING YOU THIS COMPLAINT BEFORE I HEAR FROM THE DEALER, IS: I HAVE READ 25 OTHER COMPLAINTS ON YOUR WEB SITE ABOUT 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU ELECTRIC ASSIST POWER STEERING AND IT APPEARS THAT NEITHER THE DEALERS OR CHEVROLET DIVISION OF GENERAL MOTORS REALLY KNOWS WHY THIS IS HAPPENING OR HAS A 100% FIX! THERE IS NO DOUGHT IN MY MIND THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND I HOPE YOU GET CHEVROLET DIVISION OF GENERAL MOTORS TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED FAST OR GET THESE MALIBU'S OFF THE ROAD BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR STILL WORSE, GETS KILLED!!*AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, May 25, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING WHICH MADE IT TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE POWER STEERING, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *NM PE04031_CAT
Steering, May 17, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED STEERING WHEE SHOOK VIOLENTLY FOUR TIMES IN FOUR WEEKS. DEALER HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND WILL REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN. *AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, May 17, 2004
WHILE DRIVING POWER STEERING FAILED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND REPLACED STEERING COLUMN TWICE.*AK PE04031_CAT