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.
Electrical system, Jul 10, 2014
I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF SLOWING DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WHEN MY CAR JUST DIED. I HAD TWO KIDS IN THE CAR WITH ME. SOMETHING BAD COULD HAVE HAPPENED. GOOD THING IT THE CAR DIED AT A RED LIGHT. I WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND THE CAR STARTED UP. I HAD THE CAR TESTED FOR ANY CODES AND NOTHING SHOWED FOR A REASON WHY THE CAR DID THIS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. *TR
Seats, Jul 9, 2014
UP UNTIL ALL THESE RECENT GM RECALLS CAME OUT, I HAD NEVER HAD THE NEED TO READ WHAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT. NOW I AM AMONG THOSE WHO NOW HAVE A BROKEN DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME THAT DRASTICALLY LEANS TOWARD THE CENTER CONSOLE. I AM THE SOLE DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE, SO THE SEAT DOES NOT GET MOVED TO ACCOMMODATE OTHER DRIVERS. I WEIGH ABOUT 175#, SO MY WEIGHT SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE EITHER. SINCE THIS SEAT FRAME FAILURE HAS HAPPENED TO SO MANY OTHER MALIBU OWNERS, PERHAPS THIS SHOULD BE TREATED AS A SERIOUS ISSUE. (MY WIFE HAS A 2005 MALIBU MAXX LT AS WELL, SO NOW I'M WONDERING IF THIS SUDDEN POTENTIAL BREAKAGE IS GOING TO PLAGUE HER VEHICLE AND CATCH HER OFF GUARD AS IT DID TO ME). *TR
Steering, Jul 9, 2014
I WAS MAKING A TURN WHEN THE POWER STEERING IN MY VEHICLE LOCKED UP, MAKING IT HARD TO COMPLETE THE TURN AND LEADING ME INTO THE ONCOMING LANE, STRIKING THE BUMPER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AND REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN AT MY COST. LESS THAN A YEAR LATER, THE POWER STEERING HAS ONCE MORE FAILED! I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS INFORMED THAT IN FACT IT WAS THE RECALLED PARTS THAT HAD FAILED BUT SINCE THEY WERE UNSURE OF WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. WHEN INQUIRING ABOUT A RENTAL CAR, WAS TOLD IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE! *TR
Electrical system, Jul 9, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED WHEN IT WAS SUCCESSFULLY STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE PASS LOCK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Equipment, Engine, Jul 8, 2014
THEFT SYSTEM KEPT CAR FROM CRANKING. *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V252000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000....UPDATED 09-05-14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAD ISSUES WITH SWITCHING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE EXTERIOR AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT DURING HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND AN ALARM WOULD SOUND, WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WOULD BE FILLED WITH GAS THE LOW FUEL ALARM WOULD SOUND, AND THE BLINKER LIGHTS WOULD BURN OUT PREMATURELY. UPDATED 09/15/2014 *JS
Steering, Jul 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL RELAY SWITCH OVERHEATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED AND WERE REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHILE ACTIVATING THE CRUISE CONTROL AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Engine, Jul 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Exterior lighting, Jun 30, 2014
MY VEHICLE DRIVERS SIDE LIGHT HAS GONE OUT VARIOUS TIMES. THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ON THAT SIDE HAVE STOPPED WORKING AS WELL. TURN SIGNALS WILL STOP WORKING WHILE MERGING IN TRAFFIC. THE POWER WINDOWS WILL STOP WORKING AS WELL. *TR
Steering, Jun 24, 2014
STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO CONTROL FELT MY CAR MOVING IN OUTSIDE LANES, THE NEXT MORNING I BEGAN TO PULL MY CAR OUT STEERING WHEEL WAS SO HARD TO TURN IT JUST BROKE AND STARTED SPINNING AROUND. I WAS IN TOTAL SHOCK AND HAPPY TO BE ALIVE. *TR
Steering, Jun 23, 2014
POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TRY TO STEER THE CAR. I CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS ADVISED A RECALL FROM GM ON THIS CAR WITH THE STEERING PROBLEM HOWEVER NO PARTS AVAILABLE. I JUST CONTACTED GM TODAY AND WAS ADVISED NO ESTIMATE ON WHEN PARTS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE HOWEVER VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE? I MEAN SERIOUSLY? HOW IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE WHEN YOU CAN'T STEER IT?? I CAN'T BELIEVE GM WOULD SAY IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE. MY WIFE NORMALLY DRIVES THIS CAR AND IF IT WENT OUT WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING, THERE IS NO WAY SHE COULD TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I DON'T WANT HER DRIVING IT NOW SO WHAT IS SHE GOING TO DO ABOUT A CAR WHILE GM FIGURES OUT HOW TO GET THE PARTS? THEY NEED TO MAKE THIS RIGHT TO THE CUSTOMERS. AT LEAST OFFER TO PAY FOR A RENTAL WHILE THEY GET THE PARTS TO FIX IT. INSTEAD, THEY WILL WAIT FOR MORE PEOPLE TO DIE FIRST. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 20, 2014
DRLS BULBS ON HEADLIGHTS RUN TOO HOT CAUSING THE BULB TO BURN OUT CONSTANTLY AND CAUSING ASSEMBLY TO AND MELT. I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH MY HEADLIGHTS ON AT ALL TIMES, OR MY TURNING SIGNALS WILL NOT WORK. I'VE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY TWICE. *TR
Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jun 20, 2014, crash
LADY LOST CONTROL OF CAR AND HIT A TRUCK AND SMASHED PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SECTION AND AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. SHE DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY THE TOW COMPANY SO SHE LET THEM HAVE THE CAR. I FOUND THIS INFORMATION ON CAR FACTS ONLINE. MY SON LIVES IN MO AND PURCHASED THE CAR AND I PURCHASED THE CAR DUE TO THE LOW MILES ON THE CAR AND NOW HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING THE AIR BAGS TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. I ALSO CALLER DEERY BROTHERS CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND THEY CHECKED MY VIN AND THIS CAR DOES HAVE A RECALL ON IT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO OPERATE AT TIMES OR WOULD OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY DO TO A DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCH. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THE DEFECT WAS REMEDIED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT WHILE DRIVING EXHAUST FUMES WERE EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE BLEND DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Steering, Suspension, Exterior lighting, Jun 18, 2014
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED FROM CRANE CHEVROLET, CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY, WITHIN SIX MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE I OBSERVED THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD SUDDENLY STOP OPERATING WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. I DISCOVERED THAT THE ONLY CORRECTIVE WAS TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THE POWER STEERING WOULD THEN REENGAGE. THIS FAILURE HAS PERSISTED FOR NEARLY THE ENTIRE TIME I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE. DURING THAT ENTIRE TIME, CRANE CHEVROLET HAS CLAIMED THERE WAS/IS NO DEFECT IN THE POWER STEERING, AND NO RECALL NOTICE OUTSTANDING. I JUST RECEIVED A GM SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 14116, WHICH CLAIMS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT "PREVIOUSLY, YOU HAD THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED UNDER CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04050". THAT IS FALSE! NEITHER CRANE CHEVROLET, NOR GM HAS EVER CONTACTED ME CONCERNING THE STEERING COLUMN, OR MADE ANY ATTEMPT TO REPLACE IT! I ALSO NOTIFIED CRANE CHEVROLET THAT THE FRONT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY TURN SIGNAL LAMPS REPEATEDLY BURNED OUT, AND THAT THE BULB HOUSINGS WERE BURNT AND COMPLETELY MELTED THROUGH!! BOTH GM AND CRANE CHEVROLET DENIED THERE WAS ANY DEFECT IN THE LAMP/HOUSING DESIGN OR FUNCTION. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LAMPS ABOUT EVERY SIX MONTHS. FINALLY, THE UNDERCARRIAGE SUPPORT STRUTS, SHOCKS, AND SPRINGS ARE WOEFULLY UNDERDESIGNED. THE CAR RUNS LIKE IT HAS STONE TIRES. I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STRUT, SHOCK, AND SPRING UNDERSUPPORTS FOR THE SECOND TIME. AND I JUST RUN THE VEHCILE ON ASPHALT SMOOTH ROADS IN A DEVELPED SUBURBAN CITY!! THIS WAS SERIOUS UNDERDESIGN. FORTUNATELY, THESE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE WEB AND I'VE GOT A GOOD MECHANIC THAT CHARGES FAIRLY FOR THIS DIFFICULT WORK. GO TO CRANE AND GM AND YOU'D NEED TO MORTGAGE YOUR HOME TO DO THE WORK!! *TR
Steering, Jun 18, 2014
POWER STEERING LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON IN CAR EVERY TIME DRIVEN SINCE 2010. I HAVE LOST POWER STEERING MULTIPLY TIMES WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY AND HIGHWAY. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. NOW, IT IS MAKING A TERRIBLE SQUEALING NOISE. MY HUSBAND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PART TO FIX IT. WE DID NOT RECEIVE THE RECALL INFORMATION UNTIL JUNE 7TH. MY HUSBAND HAS SPOKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND GM BECAUSE WE FEEL IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. WE FEEL THEY SHOULD SUPPLY US WITH A RENTAL CAR UNTIL THEY ARE ABLE TO SUPPLY THE PART TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WE RECEIVED NO SATISFACTION FROM GM. *TR
Electrical system, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2014
WHEN STARTING THE CAR THE IGNITION GETS STUCK, THERE IS A RECALL ON OTHER MODELS BUT NOT THE 2004 MALIBU, AND ALSO THE RIGHT REAR TIRE ROD HAS PART THAT HAS COME LOOSE, TOOK TO TIRE SHOP AND SHOWED WHERE THE PART WILL HAVE TO BE WELDED BACK TO THE ROD. CURRENTLY HAVE RECALL ON STEERING FOR 2004 MALIBU 14116. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 18, 2014
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SOLENOID/LOCK FAILURE AND POOR ATTITUDE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE HATCH WOULD NOT OPEN, USING THE REMOTE. THE SAME PART FAILED TWICE. *JB
Seats, Jun 17, 2014
THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS BROKEN AND ROCKS TO THE REAR RIGHT. IT APPEARS THE WELD BROKE IN THE SEAT FRAME. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THE SEAT HAS BROKEN. THE FIRST TIME, IT WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS IN THE CHEVY MALIBU AND AM REQUESTING THAT GM ISSUE A RECALL. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD AS THE SEAT IS NOT STABLE, ESPECIALLY DURING TURNING MANEUVERS. *TR
Steering, Jun 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITH THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V153000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE REMEDY PART WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN EXPECTED DATE FOR THE PART TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Jun 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER WHEN TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE ANTI-THEFT PROTECTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AFTER THE KEY WAS PLACED IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO FIND A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Service brakes, Jun 17, 2014
WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET FROM STOP SIGN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES OR THE REGULAR BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND CAR BEGAN TO HALTINGLY BRAKE AND SLIGHTLY SLIDE WHILE I STEADILY HELD THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS CONTINUED RANDOMLY, REGARDLESS OF WEATHER CONDITIONS AND ALWAYS WHEN SLOWING FROM A SPEED OF 25 MPH OR LESS. EVENTUALLY REMOVAL OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE FUSE RECTIFIED THE SITUATION, BUT NOW DO NOT HAVE THESE BRAKES WHEN WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE POOR. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 17, 2014
THE THEFT SYSTEM AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGES RANDOMLY WHEN IGNITION IS ATTEMPTED. RESET WITH KEY IN ON POSITION FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE CAR TO START. CAN HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES PER DAY, REGARDLESS OF WEATHER OR PARKING CONDITIONS. REPLACED IGNITION IN 2013 AND COMPUTER IN 2011 WITH NO CHANGE IN ISSUE TO A DETRIMENT OF OVER $1,000.00. OCCASIONALLY PRESSING GAS WHEN IGNITION FIRST CATCHES WILL ROUTE THE ISSUE, BUT NOT ALWAYS. THEFT LIGHT ALSO NOW STAYS ON REGARDLESS OF A SUCCESSFUL FIRST START OR NOT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT IS FRUSTRATING TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN WHEN YOU NEED TO GET ON THE ROAD FOR WORK OR EVEN AN EMERGENCY! *TR
Seats, Jun 17, 2014
WHILE ADJUSTING DRIVERS POWER SEAT, HEARD A LOUD SNAP AND THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT FRAME SEEMED TO FALL DOWN AS THE LEFT SIDE CONTINUED UPWARD...THE SEAT FRAME BROKE, APPARENTLY AT A WELD, AND NOW I CANNOT ADJUST THE SEAT UPWARD AT ALL AS IT JUST TILTS TO THE RIGHT AS IT RAISES. THE SEAT BELTS ARE ATTACHED TO SEAT FRAME AND IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THERE IS NO REASON TO EXPECT THEM TO WORK PROPERLY EITHER. I HAVE READ LOTS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS HAPPENING ON ALL MALIBU MAXX'S BUT, FOR SOME REASON, THE RECALL THAT I READ ABOUT ONLY COVERS 2005 AND 2006 VEHICLES BUT THE 2004 IS IDENTICAL AND SUFFERS THE SAME PROBLEM....WHEN IS THE RECALL GOING TO BE ENLARGED TO COVER THIS PROBLEM AS THE POWERSTEERING RECALL HAS JUST BEEN? I JUST RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE POWER STEERING RECALL BEING EXPANDED TO THE 2004 AND JUST IN TIME AS THE CAR HAS STARTED ALERTS. *TR