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, Sep 27, 2014
I WAS ENTERING THE FREEWAY, ACCELERATING TO GET INTO LANE, THERE WAS A BIG TRUCK ON THE SIDE OF ME AND AS I TRIED TO MANEUVER MY CAR, I FOUND I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE! I THOUGHT IT MIGHT HAVE DIED. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF IGNITION. THEN RESTARTED AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE A BIT BEFORE THE SAME THING HAPPENED. LATER I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING FOR MY VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR ALMOST TWO MONTHS! THERE ARE ALSO TWO OTHER RECALLS ON MY CAR; ONE FOR IGNITION/TRANSMISSION WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE CAR TURNING OFF AND THE OTHER IS A BRAKE LAMP ISSUE WHICH COULD RENDER THE BRAKE LAMPS USELESS IN CASE OF STOPPING, OR USING THE CRUISE CONTROL COULD RESULT IN FAULTY BRAKE LIGHTS TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS. SO AFTER CALLING GENERAL MOTORS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, EACH TIME BEING TOLD A DIFFERENT STORY - THERE IS NO PARTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN MY VEHICLE CAN BE REPAIRED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME THE SAME THING. HOWEVER, I WAS PLACED ON A "LIST" AND GIVEN THE NUMBER "175" TO BE IN LINE TO WAIT REPAIRS. EVEN THOUGH THEY DO NOT HAVE A PART YET. MY FRUSTRATION LIES IN THE FACT THAT MY CAR IS AN INVESTMENT. I BOUGHT IT IN GOOD FAITH WITH THE DEALER, AND HAVE MADE MY PAYMENTS ON TIME . NOW I AM PAYING A CAR PAYMENT AND CAR INSURANCE FOR A CAR THAT IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY! I ALSO HAVE TO PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR INDEFINITELY AND IT IS CAUSING FINANCIAL HARDSHIP BECAUSE I AM UNEMPLOYED AT THIS TIME AS WELL. NO ONE WILL HELP ME , OR GIVE ME AN ANSWER! WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS? I REALLY NEED ADVICE. GM HAD A "DISTRICT SPECIALIST" CALL ME LAST WEEK TO TELL ME THE SAME THING THE LAST 8 PEOPLE FROM THEIR COMPANY HAVE SAID WHICH IS BASICALLY - NOT A [XXX] THING. CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE ME??? *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE BRAKES ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), BUT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Electrical system, Sep 25, 2014
ON 7/13/09 WITH 28500 MILES & AGAIN AT 5/21/14 WITH 43500 MILES THE REAR HATCH SOP ACTUATOR FAULTY INTERNAL FAILURE LOCK /SOLENOID #15145724 DESCRIPTION LATCH #12.242 CAR DELIVERED 2/11/04 7/13/09 LOCK FAIL COST $159 LABOR $230 =$390 5/12/14 FAILS LOCK $353.63 LABOR $240 =$ 594 CHEV GARAGED & MAINTAINED DEFECTIVE PART NEVER UPGRADED & GM REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE DESIGN EFFECT TOTAL COST $984 PRICE A RIP OFF GOOD BY GM. *TR
Power train, Sep 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING SOUND WHENEVER A TURN WAS MADE. THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.
Steering, Sep 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E044000 (POWER STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE POWER STEERING FLUID NEEDED TO BE REFILLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Electrical system, Sep 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING AND TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, THE KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Steering, Power train, Sep 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING ON AN OFF RAMP AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN RECALL BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. ALSO, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL 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). HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Sep 15, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH A STOP SIGN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE ADDITIONAL ITEMS ON THE KEY RING AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISED KNEE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Sep 15, 2014
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN KING ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2004 CHEVY MALIBU. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO FIX THE RECALLED COMPONENTS. THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKE LIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Electrical system, Sep 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START PROPERLY MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EJECT THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, THE KEY FAILED TO TURN ALL THE WAY TO THE OFF POSITION. THE KEY WAS ABLE TO TURN FROM ACCESSORY TO THE ON POSITION AND VICE VERSA, BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN TO THE OFF POSITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH AND KEYS COULD BE REPLACED FOR A FEE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Sep 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES, STEERING, AND ELECTRICAL WIRING FOR THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED SINCE 2004. WHILE MAKING LEFT TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN SUBMITTING COMPLAINTS TO THE MANUFACTURER SINCE 2004. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 10/23/14*CN UPDATED 4/13/2015 *JS
Seats, Sep 11, 2014
MY WIFE'S 2004 CHEVY MALIBU DRIVER'S SEAT IS BROKEN AND BOBBLES UP AND DOWN AND TOWARD THE RIGHT. ACCORDING TO INFO I'VE BEEN READING ON WEBSITES, MANY OTHER DRIVERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. IT APPEARS THAT THE WELDING HAS BROKEN LOOSE AND CAUSES THE SEAT TO BOBBLE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY GM. THE FOLLOWING LINK WILL SHOW ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MODEL MALIBU. HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2004/CHEVROLET/MALIBU/SEAT
Seats, Sep 11, 2014
UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER SEAT COLLAPSED, LEAVING THE SEAT LEANING BACKWARD AND TO THE RIGHT. THERE APPEAR TO BE BROKEN FRAME WELDS ON THE RIGHT SIDE WHERE THE UP AND DOWN MOTOR IS LOCATED. AS THE SEAT IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME, THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY RISK WERE THERE TO BE AN ACCIDENT; THE DRIVER WOULD NOT BE SECURE IN THE VEHICLE EVEN WITH A SEAT BELT ENGAGED. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO SHIFT GEARS FROM DRIVE INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS LATER NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 14V153000 (STEERING), AND 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW WIRING HARNESS. UPDATED 12/04/14 THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED. UPDATED 02/04/15. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Sep 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Steering, Power train, Sep 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE REVERSE GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 14V153000 (STEERING), AND 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE DEALER INDICATED THAT ONLY ONE OF THE THREE RECALL REPAIRS WOULD BE PERFORMED SINCE THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE BRAKE LIGHT RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INDICATE A SPECIFIC TIMEFRAME TO SCHEDULE THE TWO REMAINING RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Engine, Sep 10, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TWICE WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE TO PREVENT A CRASH. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED THE SECOND TIME, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND EMITTED WHITE POWDER, WHICH IMPAIRED THE CONTACT'S VISION. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND SHOULDER INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 10/08/14*LJ UPDATED 05/18/2015 *JS
Power train, Sep 9, 2014
WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY THE SHIFT HANDLE POPPED UP AND IS NO LONGER ATTACHED COMPLETELY TO THE SHIFT LEVER. I HAVE TO PUSH DOWN ON THE HANDLE WHILE PUSHING IN THE BUTTON TO SHIFT OR ELSE THE HANDLE POPS UP AND I AM NOT ABLE TO SHIFT. *TR
Power train, Sep 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER HANDLE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE BOTH HANDS TO SHIFT THE GEAR INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL , EXTERIOR LIGHTING , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Steering, Sep 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,800.
Steering, Power train, Sep 4, 2014
I'VE RECEIVED 3 LETTERS IN THE LAST APPROX. 8 MONTHS. FIRST WAS RECALLING POWER STEERING, THEN ONE FOR BRAKES,AND THEN TRANSMISSION. AS SOON AS CAR WAS PAID OFF I LITERALLY HAD TO BUY ANOTHER TRANY TWICE IN TWO YEARS . THE LAST LETTER SAID I CAN DEFINITELY CRASH BECAUSE OF THIS RECALL PROBLEM SPECIALLY SAID I WOULD IT IS IN THE LETTER. I COULDN'T BELIEVE MY EYES. EVERY LETTER SAID SORRY PARTS AREN'T AVAILABLE WE WILL NOTIFY YOU. NEVER HAS CONTACTED ME AND IT HAS BEEN HALF A YEAR. I'M DRIVING A VERY UNSAFE VEHICLE WRITTEN BY CHEVROLET COMPANY. PLEASE ADVISE ME SOON. ALSO THERE WAS NO TRANY LISTED ABOVE SO WE PUT OTHER. AND THERE WASN'T ANY ACCIDENTS HOWEVER GOING OFF RAMP AT 30 MPH I SPUN IN 3 CIRCLES ANOTHER TIME DRIVING SLOW IN TOWN AROUND A EASY TURN IT JUST SPUN FOR NO REASON. PLEASE HELP ITS ONLY TRANSPORTATION[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Seats, Sep 3, 2014
DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE AT WELDS ON TWO SUPPORT BARS. SEAT LEANED TO THE RIGHT. BECAME VERY DANGEROUS SINCE SEAT BELT IS ATTACHED TO THE SEAT NEAR THE BREAKS. IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION SEAT PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BROKEN LOOSE AND CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. CONTACTED GM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WERE ADVISED TO FIX SEAT OURSELVES SINCE IT WAS NOT A RECALL ITEM. (WE DID HAVE THE SEAT REPLACED.) WE DO HAVE THE BROKEN SEAT IN CASE SOMEONE FROM THE NHTSA WOULD LIKE TO INSPECT IT. I NOTICED THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER DRIVERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME PROBLEM. SEAT REPLACEMENTS RUN ABOUT $1000.00 AT A DEALERSHIP. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 2, 2014
HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING STRONG ODORS OF GASOLINE OVER THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS. GAS MILEAGE HAS BEEN IMPACTED. HAVE CALLED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES - NO RETURN PHONE CALL. ASSUME WHEN THEY DO CALL ME BACK, I AM IN FOR A $1,000 REPAIR BILL BASED ON PREVIOUS SUBMISSIONS. I WOULD GUESS THIS SHOULD BE ANOTHER RECALL ITEM BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ. *TR
Steering, Sep 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING), BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND MADE A SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.