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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Power train, Apr 5, 2015
VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO SMOOTHLY SHIFT INTO PARK POSITION TO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE TURNED OFF. CERTIFIED MECHANIC STATED THE SHIFTER CABLE IS MOST LIKELY THE DEFECT. MANY MODELS HAVE ALREADY BEEN RECALLED. THE CAR IN NOT ABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK TO ALLOW TURNING OF THE KEY IGNITION SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION SO THAT THE CAR BATTERY TURNS OFF. SIFTER CABLE COULD POSSIBLY MALFUNCTION DURING NORMAL DRIVING/OPERATION, STARTING/STOPPING. *TR
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2015
CAR CURRENTLY HAS 3 RECALLS. CALLED LOCAL CHEVY (650-994-2400) AND WAS TOLD 2-3 DAYS TO FIX. WILL NOT PROVIDE LOANER AND I DO NOT HAVE ANY OPTIONS FOR WORK TRANSPORTATION WITHOUT IT FOR 3 DAYS. SO I'M FORCED TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT WITHOUT GETTING THE PARTS FIXED ANYTIME SOON. ALL 3 RECALLS ITEMS CAN BE DONE IN 1 DAY BASED ON APPROXIMATIONS BUT CHEVY CAN'T GUARANTEE IT WILL BE DONE IN 2 DAYS AND THEY REFUSED TO SETUP AN APPOINTMENT TIME TO BRING IN TO SCHEDULE TASKS ACCORDINGLY. GROSS NEGLIGENCE BY GM TO GIVE NO PRIORITY FOR CARS THEY SOLD BUT CUSTOMERS THEY CAN'T PROFIT OFF OF. FILING THIS COMPLAINT INCASE I GET INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO RECALL PARTS AS I WILL WANT THEM TO BE HELD LIABLE. THANKS. *TR
Seats, Apr 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT MOVED INTERMITTENTLY AND LEANED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME SECTION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 5/29/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED AN INSPECTION REVEALED TWO WELDS WITHIN THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME BROKE AWAY CAUSING THE SEAT TO WOBBLE. UPDATED 06/04/15*JB
Seats, Apr 2, 2015
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT FELL DOWN OFF THE TRACK ON THE RIGHT SIDE. LIKE WHERE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN WELDED BETTER. *TR
Service brakes, Apr 2, 2015, crash
ONE NIGHT WHEN IT WAS SNOWING, I WAS LEAVING WORK AND THREE LIGHTS CAME ON WHEN I WENT TO STOP MY VEHICLE. THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON AND I HAD TROUBLE STOPPING MY VEHICLE. AFTER THIS LITTLE INCIDENT I NOTICED THE BRAKES WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. TOOK THE CAR TO AUTO ZONE AND PUT IT ON THE CODE READER. A CODE POOPED UP, BUT COULD NOT BE TOLD WHAT IT WAS. THEY SAID YOU WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT THE DEALER FOR THEM TO TELL YOU WHAT THE CODE IS. I HAD TO GO TO WORK, SO DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO TAKE IT THERE. WELL I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE LIGHTS POOPED BACK ON AND WHEN I WENT TO HIT MY BRAKES THERE WAS NONE. I HIT A TRUCK THAT STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
Steering, Apr 1, 2015, crash
VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN GM POWER STEERING RECALL . CAR STILL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AFTER BEING FIXED BY DEALER . CONTACTED CHEVY AND THEY ARE UNCOOPERATIVE AT BEST . *TR
Electrical system, Mar 30, 2015
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SWITCH REPLACEMENT RECALL REPAIRS AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT. *SMD UPDATED 10/23/2017*JS
Steering, Mar 22, 2015
I'VE HAD LOTS OF PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT ON MY 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. I CALLED GM MANY TIMES ASKING IF THERE WERE ANY TYPE OF RECALLS. THERE WERE NONE. HAD POWER STEERING FIXED AT MY COST. SEVERAL YEARS LATER I RECEIVED RECALLS ABOUT THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. TWO MONTHS AGO I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A GM DEALERSHIP TO BE CHECKED. THE POWER STEERING PARTS WERE REPLACED. TODAY I WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT IN MY CAR AGAIN. THIS TIME IT WAS WORSE THAN EVER BEFORE. TODAY THE POWER STEERING NOT ONLY LOCKED UP, BUT THEN THE STEERING WHEEL POPPED BACK IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION WITH FORCE AND A LOUD NOISE. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED HOME BECAUSE IT WAS ON A SUNDAY AND NOW GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY. FOR 4 YEARS I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH MY POWER STEERING. VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE GRANDCHILDREN IN THE CAR!!! *TR
Seats, Mar 21, 2015
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH ON FLAT STRAIT ROAD WHEN THE DRIVERS SEAT SUDDENLY DROPPED DOWN, BACK AND TOWARD THE RIGHT. UPON INSPECTION I SEE THAT THE WELD ON THE BRACE/FRAME OF THE SEAT HAS BROKEN. THE SEAT IS NOW UNSTABLE AND SLOPING TO THE RIGHT. I FEAR THE OTHER SIDE MAY SNAP AS WELL. I SEE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEBODY IS SERIOUSLY HURT. *TR
Steering, Mar 19, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY TURNED LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING BOX ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Seats, Mar 18, 2015
NOTICED SEAT MOVED AND TENDED TO LEAN DRIVER TOWARD CENTER CONSOLE. UPON INSPECTION THE SEAT FRAME BROKE AT THE RIGHT REAR. WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATES THE SEAT ROCKS BACKWARD FOR SEVERAL INCHES. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER. *TR
Engine, Mar 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. WHILE AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.
Power train, Mar 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Electrical system, Mar 12, 2015
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE DASHBOARD LIGHT ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SOME OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD DID NOT WORK. *JB
Seats, Mar 7, 2015
NOTICED THE DRIVER'S SEAT NO LONGER ALIGNED PROPERLY: RIGHT SIDE IS DOWN AND BACK. INSPECTION SHOWS A SEAT FRAME WELD BROKEN AT THE FORWARD CROSS BAR WHERE IT IS WELDED TO THE SIDE FRAME. THE METAL CROSSBAR TUBE BROKE AWAY LEAVING THE WELD INTACT ON THE FRAME, INDICATING INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH IN THE DESIGN AND MATERIALS, BASED ON MY PROFESSIONAL MECHANICAL ENGINEERING BACKGROUND. INTERNET RESEARCH INDICATES BROKEN WELDS ON THESE DRIVER SEATS TO BE A GROWING PROBLEM, OFTEN LEAVING THE SEAT UNSTABLE, AND NEGATIVELY AFFECTING THE DRIVER'S CONTROL ON THE VEHICLE. THIS SHOULD BE A PRIME SAFETY RECALL ISSUE! *TR
Electrical system, Mar 7, 2015
THE 2004 CHEVY MALIBU CLASSIC IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME BRAKE APPLY SENSOR (BAS) CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION AS OTHER 2004 GM VEHICLES LISTED IN GM RECALL 13036. THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PUSHED, EVEN THOUGH THE LIGHT BULBS ARE BRAND NEW. I AM ASKING GM TO INVESTIGATE AND CONSIDER ADDING THE 2004 CHEVY MALIBU CLASSIC TO THE LIST OF VEHICLES TO BE RECALLED IN RECALL 13036. THE CONDITIONS THAT THE 2004 MALIBU CLASSIC ARE EXPERIENCING ARE IDENTICAL TO THE CONDITIONS STATED IN THE RECALL. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND POWER STEERING WAS LOST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Steering, Power train, Feb 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V153000 (STEERING) AND 14V224000 (POWERTRAIN) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED WERE UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INFORM WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Seats, Feb 25, 2015
WHEN SEAT WAS MOVED, IT BECAME VERY LOOSE AND ROCKS BACK AND FORTH AS WELL AS SIDE TO SIDE. DEALER TECH SAID THERE WAS AN INFERIOR WELD WHICH CONNECTS THE SEAT TO THE BASE AND IT IS BROKEN. TOLD ME IF WE WELD IT BACK TOGETHER IT CANCELS THE WARRANTY ON IT AS WE'RE PUTTING A NEW WELD ON TOP OF AN INFERIOR ONE AND IT MAY NOT HOLD. HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX IT. COST IS TOO MUCH AND NOT GUARANTEED. I HAVE THE SEAT PROPPED UP WITH WOODEN BLOCKS AND IT IS ALWAYS MOVING SO NEEDS CONTINUAL ADJUSTING WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO GET JUST RIGHT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS THIS SEAT WILL MOVE IN A SUDDEN STOP OR SHARP TURN. ONLY SEAT BELT WILL HOLD ME AND SEAT IN PLACE. COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO ME. I LISTED THE PART ABOVE BUT IT WOULDN'T STAY THERE. I BELIEVE IT IS THE DRIVER SEAT ASSEMBLY. THIS CHANGE IS URGENT - DON'T KNOW WHY GM WON'T FIX IT SINCE IT WAS A MISTAKE IN THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS AND IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WITH THE SEAT CONSTANTLY MOVING. IT'S LIKE SITTING ON A BALL. *JS
Power train, Feb 24, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Electrical system, Feb 24, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO RELEASE OUT OF THE ACCESSORY MODE INTO THE OFF POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE KEY REMAINED IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER AND THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE IGNITION CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,808.
Steering, Feb 24, 2015
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR STEERING COLUMN RECALL NOTICE REPAIRS. *SMD THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND RACK AND PINION WERE REPLACED. *JB
Steering, Feb 23, 2015
I LOST POWER STEERING AND GOT A MESSAGE IN THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER TELLING ME THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING. I WAS DRIVING ON ROUTE 1 IN NEW JERSEY AND GOING ABOUT 45-50 MPH. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE CAR, HOPING IT WAS JUST AN ELECTRONIC GLITCH. THAT SOLVED THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, I LEARNED READING THE NYTIMES THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MAXX AND IN FACT THERE HAD BEEN A SAFETY RECALL ON THE CAR. I CALLED A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER TO HAVE IT FIXED AND FOUND THERE ARE THREE OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON MY CAR. IN ADDITION TO THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM, THERE ARE ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE AND THE BRAKE LAMP. ALL THESE RECALLS WERE MADE IN APRIL AND MAY OF LAST YEAR AFTER ALL THE BAD PUBLICITY ABOUT COVERING UP DEFECTS THAT RESULTED IN DEATHS. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE CARE OF ALL THREE PROBLEMS, BUT THIS IS MY LARGER CONCERN: I DON'T KNOW WHY, BUT I RECEIVED ONLY ONE RECALL NOTICE (NOT THREE) AND THAT ONE NOTICE (WHICH WAS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION CABLE) SAID THAT THE PARTS WEREN'T AVAILABLE AND THEY WOULD NOTIFY ME WHEN THEY WERE AVAILABLE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED, BUT APPARENTLY THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AND HAVE BEEN FOR SOME TIME. MY QUESTION FOR YOU: WHAT IS NHTSA DOING TO MAKE SURE THAT INDIVIDUAL CONSUMERS RECEIVE ACCURATE INFORMATION ABOUT SAFETY RECALLS? I WAS LUCKY. I WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD IN AN URBAN AREA -- AND NOT TAKING A CURVE ON A MOUNTAINSIDE -- WHEN MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. WHY WASN'T I TOLD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM EARLIER? WHY DID I HAVE TO WAIT TILL READING ABOUT IT IN THE NYTIMES? AND WHY DIDN'T I RECEIVE A FOLLOWUP LETTER WHEN THE PART BECAME AVAILABLE FOR THE TRANSMISSION CABLE? THANK YOU. *TR
Steering, Feb 22, 2015
STEERING WHEEL APPEARS TO LOCK UP AND POWER STEERING LOST. STEERING COLUMN APPEARS LOOSE. HAPPENS DAILY AND APPROX. TEN TO TWELVE TIMES WEEKLY. OFTEN NOISE RATTLING LIKE IN LOWER OR BASE STEERING SHAFT AREA. SOMETIMES HAPPENS A MINUTE OR TWO AFTER WE START CAR AND VEHICLE MOVES. SOMETIMES AT ABOUT 20-45 MPH IN CITY DRIVING. OTHER TIMES WHEN CAR IS GOING 50-75 MPH IN HIGHWAY DRIVING. IT IS INTERMITTENT AND UNPREDICTABLE. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE OFTEN ON POT HOLED OR OTHERWISE ROUGH ROADS. OUR ONLY KNOWN STEERING RELATED GM RECALL WAS COMPLETED RECENTLY BY GMC DEALER. HOWEVER, PROBLEMS CONTINUE. *TR