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
1,697 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Jun 1, 2015, crash
BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER CAR.
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, May 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE FRACTURED AND LEAKED FUEL INTO THE MUFFLER. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,672.
Steering, Service brakes, May 27, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. LESS THAN A MONTH LATER, THE TORQUE SENSOR ASSEMBLY AND THE EPS UNIT FAILED. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (SERVICE BRAKES), THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FEEL AS THOUGH THE BRAKES WERE GRABBING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP AND THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT FELT THAT BOTH RECALL REPAIRS FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,500.
Power train, Electrical system, May 27, 2015
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE RECALL NOTICE AND IGNITION KEY ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE CABLE THAT CHANGED THE GEARS AND TO GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. WHEN SHE PICKED UP THE VEHICLE, SHE ONLY HAD ONE LOW GEAR, BUT THERE WAS SUPPOSSED TO BE THREE LOW HEARS AND THE KEY WAS STILL STUCK IN THE IGNITION. *JB
Electrical system, Seats, May 26, 2015
WHILE DRIVING I5 NORTH I ADJUSTED MY ELECTRONIC FRONT SEAT FOR MORE COMFORT, AND WHEN I DID I FOUND THE SEAT MOVING CLOSER TO THE DASH BOARD, I COULDN'T STOP IT OR REVERSE IT SO I FRANTICALLY WENT FROM THE FAST LANE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD ALMOST CRASHING INTO SOMEONE. WHEN I STOPPED I FOUND MYSELF ALMOST TRAPPED BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE SEAT MY LEGS WERE ALMOST JAMMED INTO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE DASH BOARD AND THE ELECTRONIC SEAT NON RESPONSIVE. WHAT I FOUND OUT WAS THAT THE SWITCH HAD COME OFF THE CONTROL KNOBS AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS THE SEAT WENT ALL THE WAY FORWARD AND YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER IT. SOMEBODY SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. THERE IS NO RECALLS FOR THIS BUT THERE SHOULD BE.
Seats, May 25, 2015
I HAVE OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX FOR A COUPLE YEARS. RECENTLY THE DRIVERS SEAT STARTED WOBBLING AND NOW SITS UNCOMFORTABLY CROOKED LEANING TO THE RIGHT. I HAD MY MECHANIC TAKE THE WHOLE SEAT OUT TO DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND HE SAID THAT THE FRAME HOLDING THE SEAT TO THE FLOOR HAD BROKEN IN 2 PLACES. HE SAID THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO FIX IT SAFELY FOR SEVERAL REASONS. HE SAID THAT THE MATERIALS FOR THE FRAME WERE WEAK AND INADEQUATE. HE SAID THAT IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO WELD BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WAY TO DO IT WITHOUT POSSIBLY STARTING THE SEAT ON FIRE. HE ALSO BROUGHT UP THE FACTS THAT IF A SEAT WASN'T SECURELY BOLTED TO THE FLOOR AND WAS LOOSE THAT IN A FRONT END CRASH THE SEAT WOULD THROW THE DRIVER FORWARD INTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE AIR BAG "MIGHT" HELP SLIGHTLY. OR - IF YOU WERE HIT FROM THE REAR WITH THE SEAT LOOSE THE SEAT WOULD COLLAPSE BACKWARD AND THROW THE DRIVER TO THE REAR OF THE CAR OR POSSIBLY THROUGH THE REAR WINDSHIELD. EITHER SITUATION COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO A DRIVER WITH THIS SITUATION. MY MECHANIC SUGGESTED REPLACING THE WHOLE SEAT BUT WHY WOULD I SPEND THE POSSIBLE $900 AND END UP WITH A SEAT WITH THE SAME INADEQUATE, WEAK FRAME ONLY TO BREAK AGAIN. THE SEAT BROKE BECAUSE OF CHEAP, WEAK, INADEQUATE MATERIALS THAT WERE USED. IT DID NOT HAPPEN FROM WEAR AND TEAR OR ABUSE. IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE THAT GM NEEDS TO RECALL AND FIX AT THEIR EXPENSE. I HOPE OTHERS READING THIS COMPLAINT WILL PURSUE THIS ISSUE WITH GM UNTIL A RECALL HAPPENS, AND BEFORE ANY OF US ARE KILLED!
Seats, May 24, 2015
I OWN A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT RECENTLY HAS STARTED UNCOMFORTABLY LEANING TO THE RIGHT AND SHIFTNG BACK AND FORTH. I WAS JUST INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE FRAME ON THE FRONT SEAT DRIVERS SIDE IS BROKEN. HE DID NOT RECOMMEND TRYING TO FIX IT DUE TO THE FACT THAT BY BREAKING IT HAS AFFECTED THE WHOLE INTEGRITY OF THE FRAME. HE ADVISED ME TO GET A NEW SEAT DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES IF BEING IN ACCIDENT OR CRASH. HE SAID THE SEAT COULD COME ALL THE WAY LOOSE AND CAUSE THE DRIVER TO FLY FORWARD AND SUSTAIN SERIOUS INJURY. ALSO, IT COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG TO INFLATE PREMATURELY. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE GM DO A RECALL DUE TO THIS BEING A SAFETY ISSUE. AND BY DOING RESEARCH ON THE COMPUTER I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF MALIBU OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD THEIR CAR SEAT FRAMES BREAK. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT DUE TO ABUSE OR EXTENDED WEAR. IT IS DUE TO AN INADEQUATE, DEFECTIVE PART. I NEED ADVICE AS TO HOW TO PROCEED WITH ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE WITH GM. THANK YOU.
Seats, May 22, 2015
POWER DRIVERS SEAT FRAME BROKE AT A WELD. THIS OCCURRED WHILE I WAS TRAVELLING AT 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. I STARTLED ME AND I SWERVED ALMOST HITTING ANOTHER CAR. I HAVE SEEN MANY PEOPLE COMPLAIN OF THE SEAT FRAME BREAKING IN THE EXACT SAME SPOT AT A WELD. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND BECAUSE THIS CAN BE A SAFETY ISSUE A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. ALSO - I BELIEVE THE SEATBELT IS CONNECTED TO THE SEAT. DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE SEEN COMPLAINTS FROM MANY PEOPLE OF VARYING SIZES/WEIGHTS. EVEN A SMALLER, 125LB WOMAN HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN.
Power train, Electrical system, Seats, May 17, 2015
REPORTING MULTIPLE ISSUES. INCREASED PROBLEMS AFTER RECALL WORK PERFORMED..ITEMS 2 AND 3. ITEM 1 FROM THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE AND NO GM SOLUTION ON WHAT HAS BEEN A WIDE SPREAD PART QUALITY PROBLEM DOCUMENTED. DRIVERS SIDE SEAT EARLY ON FROM PURCHASE DEALER WELDED BREAK ONCE. BROKE AGAIN DRIVING WITH BROKEN SEAT NOW LEG NERVE BACK PROBLEMS. CONCERN ON SAFETY IF IN ACCIDENT A..NO RECALL WHY NO OPTION TO GET REPLACEMENT PARTS OR SEAT WHY????? WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE POWER STEERING WENT OUT REDUCED ACCELERATION DASHBOARD VARYING LIGHTS RANDOM VARIES OFF AND ON ABLE TO COAST OUT OF TRAFFIC. NO ABILITY TO RESTART. TOWED DEALER INDICATED NEED TO REPLACE GENERATOR AND BATTERY BOTH PERFORMED VEHICLE DRAINS UNABLE TO START JUMP START RUNS FAILS AGAIN LATER - NO SOLUTION PROBLEM STARTED AFTER DEALERSHIP RECALL WORK DONE ON IGNITION SWITCH RELATED TO RECALL WORK???? SITTING IN DRIVEWAY - DO WE TOW BACK TO DEALERSHIP THAT HAD US REPLACE THE GENERATOR AS AN UNNECESSARY EXPENSE??? SELECTOR MALFUNCTION NOT WORKING SERVICED NOW NO ABILITY TO USE LOW GEAR SELECTION PUSH BUTTON. STAYS ON 3 WHY AGAIN RELATED TO RECALL WORK PERFORMED??? SOME SENSATIONS OF SLIPPAGE BETWEEN GEARS AS WELL. WHY?? LIKE THE VEHICLE AND WANT IT TO BE SAFE TO DRIVE AND KEEP IN SERVICE. LOYAL GM FAMILY MEMBER THAT IS CONSIDERING CHANGING MANUFACTURERS. SATURN OWNER - NO LONGER AVAILABLE PONTIAC OWNER GRAND AM NO LONER AVAILABLE PONTIAC VIBE OWNER CHEVROLET BLAZER OWNER CHEVROLET CAMERO. CHEVROLET IMPALA OUR FAMILY LIST GOES ON. MORE DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE FAMILY LOYAL DROP DOWN BOX ON VEHICLE NEVER DISPLAYED.
Other or unspecified, May 15, 2015
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, WHEN THE CAR SHUTS OFF. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON, BUT IF I WENT SLOWER THEN 10 MPH THE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF. I PULLED INTO A LOCAL GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT, AND THE CAR WAS RUNNING HOT. I CHECKED THE OIL AND FOUND THAT THE OIL WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY. I HAD CHANGED THE OIL JUST A WEEK BEFORE AND HAD NO ISSUES WITH THE OIL. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED HOME.I CHECKED THE OIL PLUG AND FILTER AND NOTHING SEEMED TO BE OUT OF THE ORDINARY. EVERYTHING WAS TIGHT AND IN PLACE. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR WOULD START, BUT HAD A HORRIBLE KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE MOTOR. HAVING TWO LITTLE BABIES, I HAVE NOT DRIVEN IT SINCE. I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE ON THIS PROBLEM HAPPENING AGAIN, NOR TO ANYONE ELSE.
Steering, Equipment adaptive/mobility, May 13, 2015
FOR SOME REASON THE ENTIRE INTERIOR TRIM ON THE DOOR PANELS HAVE COME UNGLUED AND DETACHED FROM THE DOORS. IT LOOKS TERRIBLE. I RECENTLY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING. OF COURSE, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS AND NOW THE NOTICE SAYS MY CAR MUST HAVE LESS THAN 150K MILES ON IT. I DARE SAY THERE ARE NOT MANY 2004 VEHICLES WITH LESS THAN 150K MILES? MINE IS AROUND 164K. WE USE TO SPRAY GREASE ON THE JOINT WHERE IT HITS WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. I HAD BEEN TOLD A DEALER WOULD WANT TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE RACK N PINION ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THAT WOULD NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. GUESS I AM JUST OUT OF LUCK.
Steering, May 12, 2015
DRIVING GRAND CHILDREN HOME FROM SCHOOL, TURNED IN DRIVEWAY AND CAR MADE LOUD CHATTER AND CLUNK SOUND LIKE SOMETHING WAS COMING APART OR FALLING OUT. WHEN THE NOISE HAPPENED STEERING WHEEL KEPT SPINNING FREELY! RECEIVED A LETTER SAYING THIS EXACT THING MAY HAPPEN WOULD BE FIXED FREE OF CHARGE UNDER 150,000 MILES. CAR IS AT 170,000 THEY WILL NOT REPAIR SAYING EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUE AND NOT RECALL. MIND BOGGLING HOW THEY CAN BE ALLOWED TO ISSUE RECALL FOR STEERING MOTOR THAT MAY CAUSE VECHILE TO STEER HARDER A SAFETY ISSUE AND WHEN YOUR IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING AND STEERING WHEEL SPINS FREELY ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE BUT EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUE. HAD WE BEEN TURNING AS WE WERE A SHORT TIME BEFORE THAT AT A BUSY INTERSECTION WE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED!! THIS SEEMS COMPLETELY IDIOTIC HOW HARD STEERING THAT COULD HAPPEN SUCH AS LIKE WHEN A CAR DIDN'T HAVE POWER STEERING WAS DECLARED SAFETY ISSUE BUT EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUE WHEN YOU LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER AND STEERING WHEEL JUST SPINS. HOW MANY INJURIES OR DEATHS HAVE TO OCCUR BEFORE THEY ARE MADE TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THEY WANT $900 FOR PART ALONE. HOW COULD THEY POSSIBLY PUT A MILE LIMIT OF 150,000 ON SOMETHING THAT CAN CAUSE CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH!!! THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION NEEDS TO BE MADE PUBLIC AND CORRECTED. BECAUSE MANUFACTURER NEGLECTED TO PUT AN UMBRELLA SEAL A VERY CHEAP PART PEOPLES LIVES ARE AT RISK AND IT IS A COSTLY REPAIR DUE TO NEGLECT ON MANUFACTURERS PART!!
Steering, May 8, 2015
I WAS LEAVING OUT OF WALMART TO ENTER ONTO HWY 301 WHEN I ACCELERATED MY STEERING WHEEL HAD TIGHTENED UP LIKE THE CAR WAS GOING TO SHUT DOWN. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON APRIL 24, 2015 SAME THING. THEY HAD A RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING (RECALL #14116). I HAD IT SERVICED ON 10/27/2014. WHICH I THOUGHT WAS CORRECTED UNTIL THIS HAPPENED. I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MAY 6, 2015,WHICH WAS STILL THE POWER STEERING, AND I END UP PAYING 525.76, FOR SOMETHING GMC WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE FIXED IN THE RECALL. I SURE I'M NOT THE ONLY WHO IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. BECAUSE I COULD'VE BEEN HIT NOT ONCE BUT TWICE. *TR
Electrical system, May 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS PERMANENTLY STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WOULD NOT EJECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, May 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN THE FUEL PUMP EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Steering, May 4, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE TIRES FAILED TO TURN. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
Steering, May 4, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN ACCELERATING, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
Suspension, Service brakes, May 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE TIE ROD AND FRONT BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Power train, Apr 29, 2015
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE *JB
Steering, Apr 27, 2015
WHEN TRYING TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT IT WON'T TURN AND MAKES A POPPING NOISE IN STEERING SHAFT ? UNDER CAR INSPECTION NOTICED THAT STEERING SPLINE OR SHAFT WHERE IT MEETS THE YOKE IT JUST SPINS WHEN TURNING WHEEL! WHEELS WILL NOT TURN. CAN'T DRIVE. THIS CAR IS MY DAUGHTERS AND I'M DOING THE RESEARCH FOR HER. *TR
Steering, Apr 27, 2015
MY POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON FRIDAY APRIL 24,2015 .AND WHERE I BOUGHT MY CAR SAID I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING IT FIXED. SO WHAT DO I DO BECAUSE I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL PAPER ON IT. BUT WHEN I LOOKED IT UP IT SAYS THEY HAVE BEEN RECALLED BUT NO ONE HAS NOTIFIED ME TO GET THIS CHECKED. *TR
Steering, Apr 26, 2015
WHEN COMING TO A STOP, I WENT TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN WHEN A SIGNAL AND A DASH LIGHT WENT OFF AND THE POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT, NO PREVIOUS WARNING. I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND WHEN IT WAS HOOKED UP TO HAVE THE DIAGNOSIS DONE, THE POWER STEERING JUST RESET ITSELF. HOWEVER IT WAS NOTED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING AND I SHOULD TAKE IT TO A DEALER. I WAS CHARGED $44.99 FOR THAT INFORMATION. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALER NEAR ME ABOUT A WEEK LATER WHICH WAS THE VERY FIRST APPOINTMENT I COULD MAKE. THERE WERE ACTUALLY 3 EXISTING RECALLS (TWO UNRELATED) ON MY CAR AND ALL THREE WERE ADDRESSED ON MARCH 24. I LEFT BELIEVING THAT MY CAR WAS NOW FIXED AND SAFE TO DRIVE. ON APRIL 16TH I DROVE OVER 30 MILES ONE WAY FROM MY HOME WITH THE FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY BECAUSE ON APRIL 18, THE POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT, AGAIN WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN. I TOOK THE CAR BACK ON APRIL 20 AND AFTER CHARGING ME $59.50, (THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME $118!!!) I WAS TOLD THE ISSUE WAS "UNRELATED TO THE RECALL" AND WAS NOT COVERED. I DID NOT HAVE IT FIXED DUE TO THE HIGH COST (QUOTE OF $889.ESTIMATED) AND I FEEL STRONGLY THAT IT IS ALL RELATED! MY PERSONAL MECHANIC RECOMMENDED I REPORT THE ISSUE TO GM AND FEELS THAT GM SHOULD FIX THE POWER STEERING ISSUES. THE RECALL ISSUE CAUSED A "TRICKLE DOWN EFFECT" WITH THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN. HE IS WILLING TO FIX THE CAR BUT NOTED THAT IF HE DOES I WOULD HAVE NO RECOURSE WITH GM AND THAT I SHOULD TRY GETTING IT COVERED BEFORE HE DOES ANYTHING TO THE CAR. NOW, NOT ONLY IS IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE, IT IS UNSAFE. NOT DRIVING THE CAR AS IT CAN CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WHERE EITHER MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE COULD BE INJURED OR KILLED AND CAUSE EXTENSIVE PROPERTY DAMAGE. I DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS TO FIX IT, A CAR TO GET TO WORK AND I AM MAKING PAYMENTS AND PAYING INSURANCE ON A CAR THAT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Seat belts, Seats, Apr 22, 2015
I SAT DOWN IN THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT WAS LEANING. I LOOKED ON LINE TO SEE IF I COULD FIX IT MYSELF. I FOUND A LOT OF COMPLAINTS THAT THE WELDS BREAK AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. I CONTACTED CHEVROLET AND THEY TOLD ME I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE CHECKED BY A CHEVY DEALER. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE SEAT WELDS DID BREAK. I AM NOT AN OVERLY HEAVY PERSON, SO I THOUGHT THAT EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS OLDER, THAT THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM, AND NOT AN AGE OR NEGLECT PROBLEM BY THE OWNER. CHEVROLET TOLD ME THAT SINCE THE CAR WAS TOO OLD, I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING IT FIXED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS IF I GET IN AN ACCIDENT WITH THE VEHICLE, THE FACT THAT THE SEAT BELT IS ATTACHED TO THE SEAT, AND THE SEAT IS NOT SECURED, I CAN BE HURT BADLY. IF I WERE THE ONLY PERSON WITH THE PROBLEM, I COULD SEE WHY I SHOULD FIX IT. SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES, IT APPEARS THAT IT IS A DESIGN FLAW, AND POOR QUALITY WORKMANSHIP FROM CHEVROLET. I HAVE ATTACHED THE WEB SITE THAT I SAW THE COMPLAINTS ON. IT IS: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/CHEVROLET/MALIBU/2004/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/SEATS.SHTML. SOME OF THOSE COMPLAINTS STATE THAT THEY FILED COMPLAINTS WITH YOU. PLEASE CHECK ON THIS AS THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM AND COULD CAUSE LIVES LOST. I WOULD APPRECIATE A REPLY TO TELL ME HOW I GO ABOUT GETTING THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED. THANK YOU *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 22, 2015
MY DRIVERS SIDE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY THE LIGHTBULB KEPT ON BURNING OUT AND FINALLY DEALERSHIP GOT ME A REPLACEMENT BULB BUT THAN THE BULB GOT REALLY HOT AND BURNED THE ORANGE COVER AND IT MELTED ON THE BULB AND EVEN GOT INTO WHERE THE LIGHTBULB GOES IN. SO I ENDED UP BUYING A WHOLE NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY FROM DEALERSHIP AND REPLACED IT. SO I THOUGHT IT FIXED THE PROBLEM NOPE HERE WE ARE IN APRIL 2015 AND SURE ENOUGH THE BULB IS GETTING TO HOT AND IS CAUSING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I'VE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER MALIBU MAX AND THEY ALSO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE SO WHEN IS CHEVROLET GOING TO RECALL THE MALIBU MAX FOR THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE? *TR
Electrical system, Apr 16, 2015
THE KEY CAUSED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO SEPARATE AND BECOME LOOSE. NOW THE IGNITION SWITCH IS OUT OF POSITION AND START OUT OF PLACE AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. I ASKED TOLD THEM ABOUT IT WHEN THEY WERE REPLACING THE RECALL KEYS. THEY REFUSE TO FIX OR LOOK INTO IT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE LAW SUIT. WHICH IT SHOULD HAVE BECAUSE THEY BOTH GO TOGETHER TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE AND NOT RESOLVE. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE MAIN PROBLEM ALONG WITH THE KEYS. *TR