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, Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING), AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT WAS NOT CERTAIN OF WHEN THE PART AND REMEDY WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO SCHEDULE THE APPOINTMENT FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE SAFETY CONCERN WITH THE THREE RECALLS AND THE CONTACT WAS STILL WAITING FOR THE PARTS TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL APPOINTMENT. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Seats, Dec 5, 2014
MY DAUGHTER PURCHASED THIS CAR ABOUT A YEAR AGO, SHE STATED THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WOULD NOT ADJUST. I ASSUMED A BAD ADJUSTMENT MOTOR. WHEN I EXAMINED THE SEAT I DISCOVERED THAT THE WELDS ON THE FRONT CROSS-BAR AND THE REAR CROSS BAR WERE SEPARATED BETWEEN THE SEAT AND LOWER ADJUSTMENT FRAME, THIS CAUSES THE DRIVERS SEAT TO LEAN TOWARD THE CENTER CONSOLE AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FIRST EXAMINATION I THOUGHT THE WELDS HAD BROKEN, BUT ON CLOSER EXAMINATION IT APPEARS THAT THE WELD DID NOT PENETRATE THE METAL FAR ENOUGH AS THE WELD AND BAR WERE BOTH INTACT, EXCEPT FOR SOME SUPERFICIAL SCARING ON THE TUBING. THIS RESULTS IN A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM AS THE SEAT BELT IS ATTACHED TO THE SEAT AT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DRIVERS SEAT, NOT TO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. SHOULD THIS VEHICLE BE INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL CRASH THESE BROKEN WELDS RENDER THE SEAT BELT INEFFECTIVE AT BEST OR USELESS, DEPENDING ON THE WEIGHT OF THE DRIVER. IF THE AIR BAGS DO NOT DEPLOY THE DRIVER WILL BE THROWN FOREWORD ALONG WITH THE SEAT WITH THE APPEARANCE THAT THE DRIVERS WEIGHT BROKE THE SEAT, WHEN IN-FACT THE SEAT WAS EITHER BROKEN ALREADY OR SEVERELY WEAKENED BY INADEQUATE WELDS. A CURSORY ON LINE SEARCH REVEALED THAT THIS DEFECT EXISTS IN THE CHEVY MALIBU, MONTA CARLO, PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, PONTIAC G6, SATURN AURA AND ION. MODEL YEARS 1999 THROUGH 2009. I CONTACTED GM REF#[XXX] AND AS WITH MANY OTHER ON LINE COMPLAINTS WERE TOLD IN ESSENCE TOO BAD OUT OF WARRANTY YOUR PROBLEM NOT OURS. I AM FULLY CAPABLE OF WELDING THIS FRAME MY SELF, AND WILL DO SO HOWEVER, GM DEALERS CHARGE APP $1000. FOR THE REPAIR AND IF USING THE SAME STOCK FRAMES, WILL INSTALL A FAULTY FRAME. IN MY OPINION THESE FAULTY WELDS EXPOSE PEOPLE WITHOUT A PASSING FAMILIARITY TO MECHANICS, TO UNNECESSARY EXPENSE AS WELL AS AN UNNECESSARY SAFETY HAZARD. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Seats, Dec 3, 2014
DRIVER SEATS TILTS TO THE RIGHT AND CAN NOT ADJUST FORWARD OR BACKWARD. HAD IT REPAIRED AT MY LOCAL MECHANIC (RE-WELD) AT A COST OF $214.00. NOW IT IS BROKEN AGAIN. *JS
Steering, Nov 28, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REMEDIED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REMEDIED, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF A PARKED VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED HIS VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,123. UPDATED 2/1/15*CN UPDATED 9/7/2017*CN
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Nov 25, 2014, crash
WHILE TRAVELING IN A SCHOOL ZONE GOING APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES PER HOUR, I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A SCHOOL BUS. I COULD NOT STOP, OR STEER THE CAR TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH THE REAR OF THE BUS. MY CAR WENT UNDER THE REAR OF THE BUS, WHERE IT WAS CRUSHED IN THE FRONT END. THE CAR SEEMED TO JUST SHUT DOWN, HAD NO POWER STEERING AND BRAKING CONTROL. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED., EVEN THOUGH THEY SHOULD HAVE WITH THE TYPE OF IMPACT THAT THE CAR RECEIVED. WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THIS COMPLAINT, ON BEHALF OF OURSELVES AND ANY OTHER MOTORIST THAT MIGHT HAVE HAD SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES. THANK YOU. *TR
Service brakes, Nov 20, 2014
I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX BUT GENERAL MOTORS SAYS THAT IT IS NOT A RECALL UNDER MY VIN ON MY VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THERE ARE MORE RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH MY CAR AND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE'S VEHICLES BUT UNFORTUNATELY GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOT OWN UP TO THE FACT THAT THERE ARE MORE RECALLS ON THEIR PRODUCTS. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH AN ATTORNEY ABOUT MY CASE AND HE STATED THE SAME THING I AM SAYING ABOUT GENERAL MOTORS. I HAVE BEEN HAVING ONE PROBLEMS AFTER THE ANOTHER WITH MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND NONE OF THOSE ISSUES HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH MY DRIVING OR UPKEEP ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE MAINTAINED EVERYTHING ON MY VEHICLE AND REPLACED OVER $2,000 WORTH IN REPAIRS BECAUSE THERE WERE RECALLS OUT THERE ABOUT MY CAR AND I WASN'T NOTIFIED ABOUT THEM. GENERAL MOTORS DOES NOT WANT TO MAKE IT RIGHT THEY JUST WANT TO MAKE MONEY OFF THIS RECALL SITUATION! *TR
Seat belts, Seats, Nov 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT WELD FAILED CAUSING THE SEAT TO BECOME UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE SEAT WELD HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SENSOR AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SENSOR KEPT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE KEY AND GETTING THE KEY TO TURN OVER INTO AN ON POSITION TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH OCCURRED FREQUENTLY AND THE NOISE CONTINUED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND INDICATED THAT THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED FOR MONTHS AND WAS NOT ABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Electrical system, Nov 19, 2014, crash
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CAR WAS TOTALED AND JUNKED BEFORE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. REQUESTING TO BE REMOVED FROM LIST *CN
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Traction control system, Nov 19, 2014, crash
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU EXPERIENCING POWER STEERING PROBLEMS, ABS AND SHIFT CABLE, ALL REPLACED. *CW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP SEVEN TIMES, DUE TO POWER STEERING FAILURE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE STEERING LOCKING UP. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN TWO ACCIDENTS, IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A TRANSMISSION, STEERING AND BRAKE RECALL. HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *JB
Exterior lighting, Nov 13, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, BOTH TURNING SIGNAL LIGHTS OVERHEATED. AS A RESULT, THE TURN SIGNAL HOUSING AND SOCKET MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHT BULB SOCKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 280,000.
Electrical system, Nov 13, 2014
CONSUMER WRITING IN REGARDS TO 2004 CHEVORLET MALIBU RECALL. *KL
Seats, Nov 12, 2014
POSSIBLE DEFECT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FRONT SEAT. SEATBELT ATTACHED TO SEAT; NOW USELESS. NOTICED OTHER DRIVERS HAVE POSTED THE SAME ISSUE. FRONT SEAT TIPS TO THE RIGHT. WHILE DRIVING ,THE SEAT WOBBLES; SEAT APPEARS TO MOVE AS ACCELERATING AND MOVES WHEN BRAKING. POSSIBLE DEFECT IN SEAT. HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS; SAME ISSUE; WHERE IS THE RECALL LETTER? *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Nov 12, 2014
ON 12/2008 WHILE DRIVING FROM CALIFORNIA TO THE EAST COAST,ROUGHLY 3 HOURS INTO MY TRIP THE 'WRENCH IN THE CAR DISPLAY ON THE DASH LIT UP AND "POWER STEERING" WAS DISPLAYED ON THE RADIO. THE NEXT EXIT (BARSTOW) WAS APPROX 8 MILES AWAY.I AWOKEN THE NEXT MORNING TO FIND THAT THERE HAD BEEN A BLIZZARD THAT NIGHT. AFTER WAITING WHAT SEEMED FOREVER I GOT THE NEWS THAT THE STEERING COLUMN ( GM 15926870) AND THE IGNITION SWITCH (GM 15823541) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. LEFT BARSTOW AFTER LOSING 2-3 DAYS OF TRAVEL AND DROPPING $1150.00 TO THE DEALER, ALMOST $200.00 FOR HOTEL AND ABOUT $125.00 ON FOOD. AFTER RECEIVING THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS I GATHERED UP MY RECEIPTS AND TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE SUPPOSED WORK COMPLETED AND TURNED IN THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO THE DEALER. SIX DAYS LATER I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM.I CALLED THE DEALER AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION. THE SERVICE WRITER STATED THAT THEY'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM AFTER RECALL WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED. MONDAY MORNING I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN. THE SERVICE WRITER STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM DOESN'T USUALLY HAPPEN (OF COURSE THE GENTLEMAN THAT I SPOKE WITH ON FRIDAY WITH WAS NOT IN) AND THAT THEY WOULD CHECK TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL WORK THAT HAD BEEN PERFORMED. OF COURSE THEY SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL WORK THAT HAD BEEN PERFORMED, AND THAT TO FIX THE CURRENT ISSUE WOULD COST $850. THERE WAS ALSO A CHARGE OF $121.00 (LABOR@ $110 PLUS SHOP FEES AND TAX). AFTER ALL THESE YEARS GM KNEW OF THE DEFICIENCIES AND SHORT COMINGS WITH THEY'RE VEHICLES. THEY'VE HAD TIME TO PREPARE AND PREP THEIR PERSONNEL FOR ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND SCENARIOS. DAMAGE CONTROL.MY CONCERN IS THAT WHEN THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED, THE TECH DOING THE WORK DIDN'T FOLLOW PROPER PROCEDURES. A LONG CALL TO GM, MY ISSUE HAS BEEN ESCALATED TO THE NEXT STEP. *TR
Steering, Nov 8, 2014
THE VEHICLE HAS A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND, WHEN EVER TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. THE SOUND COMES FROM BELOW IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND IS HEARD CONSTANTLY INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT IN THIS VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST WITH THE OTHER 3 NOTICES TO THIS VEHICLE? *TR
Steering, Nov 6, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND GOING AROUND A CURVE, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS AN RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN AN INCLINE AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE LINE. THE CONTACT WAS AIR LIFTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS, SHOULDER INJURIES, A CONCUSSION, MEMORY LOSS, AND CUTS AND BRUISES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Seats, Nov 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOVED BACK AND FORTH INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS FOUND THAT DRIVERS SEAT ONLY HAD THREE METAL BRACKETS INSTEAD OF THE STANDARD FOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Steering, Nov 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN MAKING A TURN, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FLEX COUPLING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,759.
Electrical system, Nov 4, 2014, crash
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION KEY RECALL NOTICE AND CONSUMER SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT AND COMPENSATION FOR LOSS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL NOTICE ARRIVED, TOO LATE. HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING, WHEN THE VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB
Seats, Oct 31, 2014
I HAD SPUN OUT ON A TURN THE DAY AFTER XMAS DOING A 180 DEGREE TURN. I SAW A ROAD SIGN TO MY LEFT WHICH WAS DIRECTLY INLINE WITH MY DRIVERS DOOR. I SHOULD OF HIT THE SIGN AND ROLLED MY CAR BUT AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT, THE CAR TURNED AND JUST BACKED INTO THE ROAD DITCH....HOWEVER I DID SLIDE SIDEWAYS FOR A FEW FEET. MY TWO YEAR OLD WAS IN THE BACK SEAT.....SHE HIT HER HEAD ON A WATER BOTTLE, SO ONCE WE CAME TO A STOP I GOT OUT TO ACCESS THE DAMAGE. MY LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS OFF THE CAR AND LAYING SIDEWAYS UNDER IT. MY BACK DRIVER TIRE WAS GOING FLAT. WE MISSED THE ROAD SIGN BUT STOPPED ONLY FIVE FEET FROM A LIGHT POLE THAT WOULD OF KILLED MY DAUGHTER. BEHIND THAT POLE WAS A SET OF RR TRACKS. THE GARAGE FIXED MY CAR AND ALL SEEMED WELL BUT I KEPT HAVING BACK PROBLEMS....I WAS RELEASED A MONTH AGO BUT HAVE RELAPSED. TURNS OUT MY SEAT FRAME IN MY DRIVERS SEAT IS BROKE BUT INSURANCE WON'T COVER CAUSE ITS BEEN NINE MONTHS. I WAS QUOTED 750 FOR PART ALONE AND 300 SOME FOR LABOR. ITS NOT SAFE AND IT SHOULD OF BEEN CAUGHT. THEY DIDN'T HESITATE REPLACING A CAR SEAT. NOW I SEE MANY PEOPLE HAVING SAME ISSUES AND QUESTION GMS SAFETY. I AM A SINGLE MOM, ANYTHING HAPPENS TO ME WHO TAKES CARE OF MY GIRL? *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Wheels, Oct 31, 2014
SINCE 2012 I HAVE NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH MY MALIBU. POWER STEERING GOING OUT CAUSING THE WHOLE FRONT END TO BECOME UNSTABLE, CAUSING THE CAR TO PULL THE LEFT AND THE RIGHT. HARD TO KEEP IT CENTERED; CAUSING BUSTED BELTS IN TIRES, BAD BRAKES, TORN UP ROTORS. FUEL GAGE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, TRACTION CONTROL ON BREAK CENSOR GOING OFF AND ON. IGNITION SWITCH NOT WORKING PROPERLY, I HAVE RECEIVED 4 RECALL NOTICES SO FAR AND I KNOW THERE ARE MORE TO BE HAD. BUT NO DEALER SHIP SEEMS TO HAVE ANY PARTS TO FIX THIS CAR. THIS CAR IS A DEATH TRAP. I FEEL AS THOUGH EVERY TIME I STRAP MY SELF INTO MY CAR, I AM SETTING MYSELF UP TO BE HURT OR KILLED. I NEED TO GET THIS CAR FIXED. IF NOT I NEED SOMEONE TO GET ME NEW ONE. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 31, 2014
THE IGNITION SWITCH IS ACTING UP . I GOT INTO THE CAR TRIED TO START THE CAR BUT THERE WAS NOTHING, I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY BUT THAT WAS NOT IT. EVERYTHING WORKING. BUT WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY THERE WAS NOTHING, I TRIED IT 4 TIMES. ON THE 5TH TIME ITH TURNED STARTED. THIS HAS HAPPPENED 8 DIFFERENT TIMES. I KNOW THERE IS A RECALL ON THE IGNITION SWITCH BUT I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ONE. I NEED IT SO THAT IF I CAN EVER GET INTO A DEALER SHIP THAT HAD PARTS I CAN GET IT FIXED.. *TR
Other or unspecified, Oct 31, 2014
IN JULY 2014 I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE. STATING THAT IT MAY FRACTURE AT ANY TIME. I HAVE TRIED TO GET THE CAR IN TO GET THIS ISSUE FIXED BUT ONCE AGAIN, I'M BEING TOLD THAT THERE ARE NO PARTS IN YET. THIS COULD BE A EXTREMELY BAD THING. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 31, 2014
THE TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF. I'M NOT EVEN SURE THAT IT IS WORKING AT ALL I HAVE A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS ISSUE BUT ONCE AGAIN NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE ANY PARTS TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Service brakes, Oct 31, 2014
WITH THE SHAKING STEERING WHEEL AND THE POWER STEERING GOING IN AND OUT MY FRONT TIRES WHERE FEELING OUT OF BALANCE SO I PULLING INTO WAL-MART AND HAD THEM LOOK AT IT. BOTH OF MY FRONT TIRES HAD BUSTED BELTS IN THEM AND MY BREAKS WERE PRETTY MUCH GONE AND THE ROTORS WERE TORN UP. THE ALIGNMENT WAS WAY OFF CAUSING THE CAR TO NOT STEER . I WAS TOLD ALL THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, HOWEVER ITS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION AND WITH SO MANY OF THESE PROBLEMS I HAVE NO MONEY TO HAVE HE PROBLEMS FIXED. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE . THERE ARE SO MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR