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, May 21, 2014
SUDDENLY LOST ABILITY TO OPERATE THE POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. THE WARNING LIGHT WAS PRESENT ON DASHBOARD AND INDICATED POWER STEERING PROBLEM. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE STRAIGHT ONLY AND THEN PUT THE CAR TO STOP. AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND ON AGAIN THE WARNING LIGHT WAS NO LONGER PRESENT. (THIS CAR WAS TWICE BEFORE AT THE DEALER REPAIR SHOP FOR STEERING PROBLEM IN THE PAST - UNDER WARRANTY. IT WAS BECAUSE THE STEERING WILL LOCKED WHEN I WAS PARKING THE CAR AND THIS REQUIRED ME TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT FOR ABOUT 3 TO 4 TIMES. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD WHAT SO EVER. THEN I WILL HAVE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND WAIT ONE MINUTE AND START THE CAR AGAIN TO UNLOCK THE STEERING AND DRIVE THE CAR. THE CAR DEALER'S WARRANTY REPAIRS DID NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM.) *TR
Steering, May 21, 2014
AFTER BEING AT A FULL STOP I SLOWLY ENTERED ONTO ANOTHER ROAD TAKING A LEFT TURN. A POWERING STEERING MESSAGE SHOWED UP ON MY RADIO SCREEN AND MY STEERING WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT! ON ABOUT 5 OR 6 OTHER OCCASIONS THE SAME MESSAGE APPEARED ON MY RADIO SCREEN AND MY POWER STEERING FAILED. ONE TIME WAS WHILE BACKING MY CAR UP, OTHER TIMES WHERE WHEN I TURNED MY CAR ON. AFTER ALL INCIDENTS SO FAR I WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF MY CAR, WAIT A MINUTE, TURN THE CAR BACK ON AND THE PROBLEM FIXED ITSELF. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, May 19, 2014
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET APPROACHING THE CORNER PREPARING TO STOP LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE WHEEL, COULD NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE HAD TO STOP THE CAR. ON SATURDAY MAY 17,2014 WHILE DOING 65 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY A CAR LIT UP ON THE LEFT CORNER OF THE DASH AND THE POWER STEERING WORDS APPEAR. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY IN FEAR. SEVERAL TIMES WHILE BACKING OUT OR PULLING OUT OF A SPACE THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENS. EVERY MONTH I'M CONSTANTLY CHANGING LIGHT BULBS AND THE FUSES FOR THE INTERIOR AND THE EXTERIOR OF THE CAR. *TR UPDATED 12/9/2014 *JS
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, May 18, 2014
CHEVROLET MALIBU LS 2004 V6. EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING AS EXPECTED. IN MY VEHICLE THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED, AND TURN OFF ONCE THE PEDAL IS APPLIED. DURING THIS EVENT I WAS NOTIFIED BY THE "SERVICE VEHICLE SOON" WARNING LIGHT. IN THE DARK I COULD SEE IN MY MIRRORS THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD GO ON AND OFF WITH OUT TOUCHING THE PEDAL. MY BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHILE PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN I GOT HOME I HAD MY HUSBAND STAND BEHIND THE VEHICLE WHILE I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. NO CHANGED OCCURRED AS I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS BECAUSE OTHER DRIVERS WILL NOT KNOW WHEN I AM TRULY SLOWING DOWN OR ACTUALLY APPLYING THE BRAKE. NOW WHENEVER THE "SERVICE VEHICLE SOON" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON I KNOW THAT MY EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. SINCE FEBRUARY OF 2014 THIS HAPPENS 4 OR MORE TIMES A MONTH. I WORK SECOND SHIFT, SO WHEN I DRIVE HOME IT IS DARK OUT. MY VEHICLE COULD CAUSE ANOTHER DRIVER TO REAR END ME BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW THAT MY EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS AREN'T WORKING PROPERLY. *JS
Electrical system, May 18, 2014
AFTER STARTING THE CAR THERE WAS NO POWER TO WINDOWS RADIO OR AC ALSO GAUGES FOR TEMPERATURE AND FUEL DID NOT WORK. *JS
Steering, May 17, 2014
I HAVE HAD MY CAR SINCE 2011. I DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR UNTIL 2012. MY STEERING SHAFT BROKE AND IT WAS REPLACED AT A CHEVY DEALERSHIP. ALL WAS FINE UNTIL THIS YEAR IN MARCH, WHERE MY STEERING WAS BECOMING VERY HARD TO DO. WHEN I TURNED MY WHEEL, IT WOULD MAKE SOUNDS AS IF IT WAS BREAKING AND I NEEDED TO USE A LITTLE MORE FORCE TO TURN THE WHEEL. AS OF MAY 15, 2014, I TOOK MY CAR TO A CHEVY DEALERSHIP WHERE A FAMILY MEMBER ASKED IF THEY COULD SEE IF ANY PARTS ON MY CAR WAS ON RECALL AND THERE ARE SEVERAL RECALLS FOR THE MALIBU. MY STEERING IS GETTING WORSE BY THE DAY AND MY CAR IS DRIVING HORRIBLY. I HAVE A 4 YR AND THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM WORK. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE TOO FAR BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL MIGHT GET STUCK AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I WANTED TO REPORT THIS BEFORE SOMETHING ACTUALLY HAPPENED. *JS
Steering, May 16, 2014
SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2004, IT HAS BEEN AT THE CHEVROLET DEALER 4 TIMES FOR THE STEERING COLUMN AND RACK AND PINION. THE LAST TIME I BROUGHT IT IN WAS ROUND 2007 AND IT STARTED GOING OUT AGAIN IN 2008. I WAS FED UP WITH TAKING IT TO THE DEALER, SO FILED A COMPLAINT AND WAS HOPING IT WOULD GET RECALLED. I CHECKED THE RECALL LIST FOR THIS YEAR AND FOUND MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE STEERING RECALL LIST. I AM VERY UPSET AND WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER GM CAR AGAIN. I REFUSE TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKET FOR THIS ONGOING ISSUE. *TR
Steering, May 16, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING HAPPENED. THE CAR WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. I HAD TO BRAKE VERY FAST TO KEEP FROM HITTING THE CAR IN THE NEXT LANE. *TR
Steering, May 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO INFORMED THAT CONTACT THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 14V153000 (STEERING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. DR
Power train, May 15, 2014
HI I WAS WONDER HOW LONG CHEVY GOING TO LAG ON GETTING PEOPLE MALIBU FIXED AND WHEN THEIR GOING TO START RAGING VIN TO CAR I NEED THE MONEY THAT I DID NOT HAVE IN THE FIRST PLACE TO PAY UP SO I WANT IT BACK NOW. *TR
Electrical system, May 15, 2014
I OWN A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU. MY ANTI-THEFT DEVICE KEEPS ME FROM STARTING CAR. UNCERTAIN WHY THIS WAS HAPPENING AT FIRST, KEPT HAVING IT GO FOR SERVICE. THEY COULD NEVER FIND ANYTHING WRONG. NOW I FIND IT'S THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. SO I HAVE TO WAIT 10-15 MINUTES WITH IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION BEFORE THEFT LIGHT TURNS OFF & CAN START CAR. I END UP LEAVING CAR RUNNING NOW TO GO INTO STORES, ANYPLACE I EXPECT TO BE LESS THAN 5 MINUTES. THIS IS HAPPENING 1-3 X'S A WEEK FOR OVER 6 MONTHS. GM DEALER STATES WILL FIX FOR $400. HUNDREDS OF SAME COMPLAINTS I'VE FOUND ON-LINE, EVEN FACE-BOOK PAGE, DOZENS OF Y-TUBE VIDEO'S SHOWING HOW TO TURN OFF SYSTEM-BUT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT REQUIRES SOME MECHANICAL EXPERTISE WHICH I DON'T HAVE. SAFETY CONCERN-MAY HAVE EMERGENCY AND NEED MY CAR TO START, NOT WAIT PATIENTLY FOR 10 MINUTES THEN HOPE IT WILL START. *TR
Steering, May 14, 2014
TL*T HE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME VERY HARD TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL TORQUE AND SENSOR FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE POWER STEERING COLUMN UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,327. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,258. UPDATED 08/11/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THE FAULT CODE C0545 (STEERING WHEEL TORQUE IN THE PAST SENSOR FAILURE). THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN UNIT WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 08/13/2014 *JS
Steering, May 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY OVER A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN AND TORQUE ANGLE SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Steering, May 12, 2014
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. ML
Exterior lighting, May 10, 2014
I HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULBS MANY TIME WITH ORIGINAL PART NUMBERS USING STANDARD BULBS, THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH OVER HEATING AND MELTED THE ORANGE TURN SIGNAL GLOBES INSIDE THE HEAD LIGHTS TO THE POINT THAT IT MADE HOLES IN THE TOP OF THE INNER GLOBES AND ITS YELLOWING THE INSIDE OF MY HEADLIGHT. I HAVE HEARD MANY OTHERS HAVING PROBLEMS AS WELL, I ALSO WORK FOR A COMPANY WHERE WE SERVICE CAR, IT IS VERY NOTICEABLE ON THE 2004 - 2006 CHEVY MALIBU'S THAT COME INTO MY SHOP AS WELL. WHEN THE PLASTIC MELTS IT TOUCHES THE BULB AND POPS IT, NOW I DON'T HAVE ANY WAY TO WARN THE OTHER DRIVES THAT I NEED TO MAKE A TURN FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 10, 2014
THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MANY TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2006, I WOULD DRIVE TO A LOCATION SHUT THE CAR OFF COME BACK OUT (DOSE NOT MATTER HOW LONG OF A TIME I WOULD BE WHERE IM AT) TRY TO START THE CAR, IT STARTS AND THEN DIES, THIS SOMETIMES HAPPENS MORE THE ONCE IN A ROW, BY THE SECOND AND THIRD TRY IT WOULD START AND BE FINE AFTER THAT. THE LAST TIME IT DID IT AT AN INTERSECTION, THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE IDLING, IT TOOK A FEW SECONDS TO START IT BACK UP. DURING THIS TIME I ALMOST GOT HIT TWICE BY DIFFERENT CAR. I HAVE HAD THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CHECKED AND EVERYTHING IS WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE. I SAW A RECALL FOR MALIBU'S ABOUT THERE FUEL SYSTEMS. IM WONDERING IF THE MAXX TYPE IS PART OF THAT PROBLEM AS WELL. *TR
Steering, May 10, 2014
AFTER STARTING THE CAR LATE AT NIGHT LEAVING A FRIENDS HOUSE, WAS IN THE ACT OF PULLING OUT INTO THE STREET WHEN THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN, AND THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS STUCK OUT INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD UNTIL I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND TURNED IT BACK ON TO REST THE SYSTEMS. IF IT WAS EARLIER IN THE DAY I VERY MUCH BELIEVE WE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED BY ANOTHER CAR. I HAVE HAD IT DO IT TO ME BEFORE FOR JUST A COUPLE OF SECONDS THE IT WAS FINE. IM GETTING VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Other or unspecified, May 7, 2014
WHILE EXCELERATING GAS TO GO AROUND A CURVEY ROAD FOR SEVERAL MILES ON COUNTRY ROAD MY POWER STEERING LIGHT DINGED THEN ALL POWER SHUT OFF AND MY CAR WOULD NOT MAKE THE TURNS THIS WAS REPORTED IN SEVERAL DIFFRENENT EVENTS TO GMC DEALER SHIP IN PARKERSBURG WV. BUT NOTHING WAS EVER DONE. THEN WHILE DRIVING AT A CONSISTANT SPEED OF 35 MPR ON STRAIGHT STRETCH MY CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN WITHOUT ANY WARRNING. I HAVE BEEN SO SCARED TO DRIVE MY MALIBU THAT IV HARDLY PUT ANY MILES ON MY CAR SINCE 2006. EVERY TIME I TRYED TO GET THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS HAPPING TO MY CAR THEY WOULD SAY IT WAS MY TIERES OR SOMETHING LIKE THIS WHITCH MY TIERES WERE NEW. ALL I GOT WAS SUM EXCUSE AS TO WHAT COULD BE GOING ON I REPLACED MY STEERING SHAFT THREE TIMES AND IT NEVER STOPED MY CAR FROM DOING THIS ... I HAVE ALL MY FILES IN THE SYSTEM AT GMC DEALERSHIP IN PARKERSBURG WV. AND TWO OTHER SHOPS AS WELL. MY CAR SCARES ME BAD BUT I FINALLY PAYED IT OFF AND CANT EFFORD TO GET ANOTHER AT THIS TIME..... PLEASE FIX THIS MY MALIBU MAXX ; WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY MY CAR STARTED EXCELERAING IN SPEED AFTER I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS THE PEDLE SEEMED TO BE PUSH DOWN ON ITS OWN IT WAS STUCK MY FOOT WAS NOT IN ANY CONTACT WITH THE GAS PEDLE WHEN THIS ACURED. THIS ACURED ABOUT JUNE 2013 I PARKED MY CAR AFTER THIS AND HAVE REFUESED TO DRIVE IT UNTILL RESENTLY BECAUSE IVE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE IT AND AT FIRST THE CAR SEEMED FINE UNTILL THE PAST FEW WEEKS ITS STARTING TO ACT UP AGAIN. IM REAL SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR AND HAVE NO OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION TO GET MY CHILDREN TO AND FROM . PLEASE HELP BEFORE SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS. I CONTACT THE GMC DEALERSHIP BUT THEY CANT EXPLAIN WHATS HAPPENING.. ""HELP""
Steering, May 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000. UPDATED 6/26/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BECOME AVAILABLE. UPDATED 07/08/2014 *JS
Steering, May 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND WAS REPLACED IN 2004 HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE AND WERE REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE RECURRED IN 2011 AND THE POWER STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED AGAIN. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE DUE TO THE EXACT RECURRING FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3000. UPDATED 6/24/14*CN UPDATED 06/26/2014 *JS
Steering, Suspension, May 6, 2014
STEERING IS LOOSE AND RATTLING . DOES NOT SOUND SAFE. *TR
Steering, May 5, 2014
TODAY AFTER DROPPING MY SON OFF AT SCHOOL, MY 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU 3.5 V6 BECAME NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR HAD 2 FLAT TIRES IN THE FRONT. WITH GREAT STRUGGLE I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF THE ROAD AND AVOID CRASHING. HAD I NOT BEEN STRONG ENOUGH TO TURN THE CAR OTHERS COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THIS WAS A NEAR MISS. AFTER HAVING THE PROBLEM THIS MORNING, I DISCOVERED THAT GM ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE RECALL ID IS 102634. GM HAS NOT IMPLEMENTED THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THEY ISSUED A PRESS RELEASE ON THE PROBLEM ON 3-31-14. I HAVE SPENT THE LAST 5 HOURS ON THE PHONE WITH 2 CHEVROLET DEALERS AND GM TRYING TO FIND A SOLUTION SINCE "THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT LOADED MY VIN INTO THEIR SYSTEM." PEOPLE ARE BEING INJURED AND LIKELY DYING BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. *TR
Steering, May 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V153000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,517. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, May 1, 2014
I HAD MY KEY STUCK IN ACCESSORY THE IGNITION SO MY CAR BATTERY WOULD RUN DEAD. I WAS TOLD I MIGHT NEED A IGNITION CYLINDER FOR MY VEHICLE BUT LOOKING ON THE INTERNET I SEE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR THIS MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED A FIX THAT THE MANUFACTURE TO PAY FOR A KNOWN PROBLEM. TO GET THIS REPLACED IS ALMOST $900.00. *TR
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Engine, May 1, 2014
MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON THIS MORNING AND I CAME HOME FROM LUNCH TRIED MAKING A LEFT TURN ONTO A STREET AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON ME. I COULDN'T TURN MY CAR, NOW MY CAR WON'T EVEN START. I BARELY MADE IT HOME, THANK GOD BECAUSE I ALMOST CRASHED INTO MY NEIGHBORS HOUSE FROM MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKING. *TR