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.
Steering, Feb 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.
Steering, Feb 14, 2015
AFTER I TOOK MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU IN TO GET FIXED UNDER THE RECALLS, MY CAR KEEPS FLASHING THE MAINTENANCE LIGHT AND ON MY RADIO THE "CHECK POWER STEERING" COMES ON FOLLOWED BY A CHIME. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Exterior lighting, Feb 9, 2015
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. CONSUMER SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR PREVIOUS REPAIRS, PRIOR TO RECALL. *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOISY, THE WHEEL WAS LOOSE, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. AN ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED TWICE, SHE EXPERIENCED STEERING PROBLEMS DURING THE ENTIRE YEAR OF 2013. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE STEERING ISSUE, BUT SHE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND RACK AND PINION WERE REPLACED. ALSO, THE TURN SIGNALS AND SHIFTER CABLE WERE REPLACED. *JB
Steering, Feb 4, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CURB AND A POLE. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF ANY INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED OR IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Power train, Feb 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 15 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND FLICKERED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION FLUID BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BURNING DOOR DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 3, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AFTER TEN MINUTES OF DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FLASHED AND THE STEERING WHEEL RESUMED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14R044000 (STEERING) BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED OR NOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 03/30/15*LJ UPDATED 10/21/2015 *JS
Seats, Feb 2, 2015
FIRST OFF, EVERYWHERE I LOOK ONLINE SOMEONE HAS PROBLEMS REGARDING THE CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX'S SEATS. I WAS GOING ABOUT 30MPH AND I HEARD A POP CONE FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT FRAME WHEN I TURNED A CORNER. THE WELD ON ONE OF THE SUPPORTING BARS POPPED OFF AGAIN AFTER TRYING TO WELD IT AGAIN WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE METAL BAR THAT BROKE WAS TO WEAK AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN PUT IN AT THE FACTORY.I BELIEVE VERY STRONGLY THAT THESE SEATS SHOULD BE FIXED BECAUSE IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD AND A FINANCIAL BURDEN ON THOSE SEEKING TO GET IT FIXED. THANK YOU FOR READING MY CONCERNS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 1, 2015
JULY 18 - DRIVING TO WORK, HEARD AND FELT A CLUNK. ON THE RADIO DISPLAY POWER STEERING WAS NOW DISPLAYED AND THE MECHANICS SYMBOL ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. JULY 28- MCCLUSKEY IS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE TROUBLE WITH CAR, THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS ANYWAY. AUG. 6 - VM CAR IS READY. WHEN WE ARRIVED TOLD US THERE IS A PROBLEM, THEY HAVE USED NON-APPROVED GM PARTS, THEY NEED TO TAKE THOSE PARTS OUT AND PUT IN APPROVED GM PARTS TO BE PAID. REAR QUARTER OF THE CAR WAS DAMAGED. AUG.14 - PASSENGER SIDE LOWER FRONT BUMPER IS NOW DAMAGED AUG. 21 - PICKED UP MALIBU FROM THE BODY SHOP, REALIZE SEAT IS BROKEN CALL THE BODY SHOP BACK WITHIN 5 MIN. OF LEAVING THE LOT, I WENT AROUND A CORNER AND I AM THROWN INTO THE DOOR. IN OCT. RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER AGAIN, DEALERSHIPS NOW HAVE PARTS, TAKE YOUR VEHICLE IN AND HAVE THE REPAIR COMPLETED. IF THIS WAS DONE IN AUGUST WHY DID I JUST RECEIVE A LETTER? NOV. 27, WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE CAR THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT WORK AGAIN, MAKING A TURN AT SLOW SPEED THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPOND AND ACTED AS IF HE HAD HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE ACCELERATOR AT THE SAME TIME, AS IF HE WAS POWER BRAKING, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE, THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE, COMPLETELY UNSAFE. DEC. 3 BORCHERDING BUICK CALLS ME AND TELLS ME THE RECALLS ARE NOT THE ISSUE AND CANNOT BE COMPLETED UNTIL THE STEERING COLUMN ISSUE IS FIXED.THE CAR HAD 57635 MILES ON JULY 18TH THE DAY THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MCCLUSKEY CHEVROLET, ON AUGUST 22ND THE MORNING AFTER I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM MCCLUSKEY CHEVROLET THE CAR HAS 58135. THE CAR BECAME UN-DRIVABLE WITH 60890 MILES. I HAVE A RECEIPT THE POWER STEERING WAS REPLACED IN 2005 UNDER A RECALL/WARRANTY AND THEN AGAIN THE POWER STEERING WAS REPAIRED IN 2009 WITH GM PAYING HALF WE PAID HALF DUE TO THE LOW MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11E009000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,629.
Electrical system, Jan 29, 2015
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. VEHICLE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. *MW THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. IT WAS DETERMINED THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND SUBMITTED DOCUMENTATION ALONG WITH THE REIMBURSEMENT CLAIM. THE CONSUMERS REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT WAS DENIED. ACCORDING TO CHRYSLER, HIS CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT WAS NOT VALID, THEREFORE IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. *JB
Seats, Jan 28, 2015
THE TRACK WELD AND BRACE ON DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT IS FRACTURED/BROKEN CAUSING EXTREME UNEVEN SLOPING IN SEAT. THE SEAT MOVES WHILE DRIVING. MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE WITH THIS CAR, WHY NO RECALL ON A FAULTY FRAMING DESIGN? *TR
Steering, Jan 28, 2015
I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND AS I ACCELERATED AND MADE A LEFT TURN THE STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY HALF WAY THROUGH MY TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SPIN FREELY IN EITHER DIRECTION AND IT IN NO WAY ALLOWED ME TO STEER. MY VEHICLE WENT INTO THE DITCH BY THE TIME I STOPPED. I HAD JUST MINUTES BEFORE GOTTEN OFF THE INTERSTATE. HAD SOMEONE BEEN WALKING ALONG THE ROAD THAT DAY I COULD HAVE HIT AND KILLED THEM. THIS FAILURE CAME WITHOUT WARNING. THE STEERING HAD A SMALL AMOUNT OF PLAY BEFORE THE INCIDENT, HOWEVER NO MORE THAN I FELT WAS NORMAL FOR A CAR OF THIS AGE. THE ISSUE WAS FOUND TO BE THAT THE STEERING SHAFT PULLED OUT OF THE RACK AND PINION. I HAVE A PICTURE OF THE PART AFTER THE FAILURE, BUT BEFORE IT WAS REPLACED THAT I CAN SEND IF YOU WISH. IF THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO THE OWNERS AND THOSE AROUND THEM. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Jan 23, 2015, crash
THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING ON A TWO LANE ROAD AND CAME TO A CURVE IN THE ROAD AT WHICH TIME SHE REPORTED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT SLOW OR STOP THE CAR AND THE CAR BEGAN TO VEER IN AN UNINTENDED (AND UNSTEERED) DIRECTION. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE CAR'S PATH AND SPEED AND IT WENT OUT OF CONTROL STRIKING FOUR CARS, CROSSING A DIVIDER AND IMPACTING HEAD ON WITH A 4 X 4 TRUCK. THE DRIVER COMMENTED THAT THE "CAR WENT WILD". *TR
Seats, Jan 17, 2015
ELECTRIC POWER SEATS FRAME BROKE. SEATS WON'T ADJUST, AND LEANS TO THE SIDE. *TR
Power train, Jan 16, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GEARS FAILED TO SHIFT PROPERLY AND THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS THE GEAR SLIPPED FROM DRIVE AND UPON TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, THE VEHICLE WENT TO THE LEFT AND CRASHED INTO A BARRIER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
Steering, Jan 9, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ATTEMPTING TO AVOID A DOG, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE DOG. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO NEAREST INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS TO THE DAMAGED FRONT END. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 03/17/15*LJ UPDATED 9/12/2017*CN
Exterior lighting, Jan 1, 2015
THE BACKLIGHTING ON THE MAIN DASH (BEHIND THE ODOMETER, SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE AND OTHER INDICATORS) FAILS TO ILLUMINATE. IT STARTED OUT AS ONLY A SMALL PART OF THE BACKLIGHTING, BUT HAS PROGRESSIVELY BECOME WORSE. WE JUST HAD THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE 3 UNRELATED RECALLS AND ASKED THEM TO "GIVE US AN ESTIMATE TO REPAIR". WHEN THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO US, THE LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE NEARLY THE ENTIRE DASH (WORSE THEN BEFORE IT WAS IN FOR SERVICE). WE WERE TOLD THE MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER (GM) TO BE REPAIRED/REPLACED AND THEN BE REINSTALLED AND WOULD COST OVER $350. NO IDEA HOW LONG THE CAR WOULD BE OUT OF SERVICE EITHER. THIS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR NIGHT DRIVING! *JS
Steering, Power train, Engine, Dec 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED BEFORE SHIFTING INTO GEAR AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V153000 (STEERING) AND 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
Electrical system, Dec 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Steering, Dec 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING), BUT THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 27, 2014
I AM WRITING THIS FOR MY DAUGHTER WHO IS AT THE END OF HER ROPE. THE SHIFT CABLE BROKE BACK IN JULY, WHEN SHE FOUND OUT THE CABLE WAS ON A RECALL SHE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO RIVERHEAD CHEVY. SHE WAS TOLD THERE ARE 3 RECALLS THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF. AROUND MID SEPTEMBER WHEN SHE CALLED SHE TOLD THEM HER FARTHER WANTED GM'S CONSUMERS NUMBER. THE MAN THEN GAVE HER TWO NUMBERS TO CALL, WHEN TRIED TO CALL THEM I FOUND OUT THEY WERE SEX LINE NUMBERS. WHEN SHE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY WERE SORRY. THIS IS NOT THE WAY A DEALERSHIP SHOULD RUN A BUSINESS ! NOW IN THE MEANTIME I HAD TO HELP HER BUY ANOTHER CAR SO SHE COULD GET BACK AND FORTH FOR WORK (SHE IS A SINGLE MOM NOT LIVING AT HOME). BACK IN SEPT. SHE WAS TOLD THE PARTS WOULD BE IN AROUND LATE OCT. NOW SHE WAS TOLD NOT UNTIL AFTER DEC. THIS HAS GONE ON FOR 5 MONTHS WITH COUNTLESS PHONE CALLS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND GM HOT LINE, HOW AND WHY IS GM ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH THIS. I AM A MECHANIC AND HAD A REPAIR SHOP FOR MORE THEN TEN YEARS. I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN COURT A LONG TIME AGO IF I TRIED TO DO THIS. ON DEC. 26 WE RECEIVED THIS RECALL #14V224 AFTER SITTING IN A PARKING LOT FOR 5 MONTHS HOW GOOD WILL THE OIL, BATTERY, TIRES, AND GAS BE? *TR
Seats, Dec 24, 2014
DRIVER SEAT RAIL BROKE... I BARLEY MOVE THE SEAT.. I'M 5'3" AND MY DAUGHTER IS 5'2" SHE JUST STARTED DRIVING AND TRIED TO MOVE THE SEAT UP JUST A LITTLE THEN WE HEARD A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND THE SEAT DID MOVE UP, BUT IT WAS SLOW.. THAT'S WHEN I CHECK TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG AND THE RAIL THE SEAT IS ON WAS BROKE. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM, SO CLEARLY IT'S NOT OUR FAULT. AND WHY DOES IT COST SO MUCH TO GET FIXED? HTTP://WWW.AUTOMOTIVEFORUMS.COM/T919217-DISCUSS2004_CHEVY_MALIBU_MAXX_BROKEN_POWER_SEAT.HTML. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 17, 2014
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CUSTOMER STATES THAT HE HAS RECEIVED THREE RECALL NOTICES FOR VEHICLE IN JUNE 2014 AND JULY 2014. ALL THREE NOTICED INDICATED THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND HASN'T HEARD ANY RESPONSE SINCE. *TA
Seats, Dec 11, 2014
NOTICED THE SEAT TILTED TO THE RIGHT AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH TO DISCOVER A BROKEN WELD ON THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER OF THE SEAT FRAME. MY WIFE IS A PETITE WOMAN AND DRIVES IT MOST OF THE TIME. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT, IT WAS JUST A POOR WELD. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START OR WOULD STALL SHORTLY AFTER BEING STARTED. THE CONTACT VEHICLE WOULD ONLY RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REMOVE THE EXTRA WEIGHT FROM THE KEY HOLDER IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. UPDATED 1/28/15*CN UPDATED 9/8/2017*CN