2004 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,697 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 81 involved a crash and 15 involved a fire. 55 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
SteeringJul 21, 2014
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
Campaign 14E044000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 14, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Campaign 14V252000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 30, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the PARK position, the transmission may not be in PARK. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.
Campaign 14V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMar 31, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
Campaign 14V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpFeb 28, 2011
TI AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS, PART NUMBERS TU456 AND TU303, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AS AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.
A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.
TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON TO WWW.RECALLRESPONSE.COM.
Campaign 11E009000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleApr 19, 2004
SOME OF THESE PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) THAT MAY CALCULATE A HIGHER THAN ACTUAL VEHICLE SPEED BECAUSE OF AN ERRATIC REAR-WHEEL SPEED SENSOR SIGNAL, AND CAUSE ABS ACTIVATION WHERE IT IS NOT NEEDED OR NEEDED ABS ACTIVATION TO BE EXTENDED DURING BRAKING AS THE VEHICLE SPEED DROPS TO ABOUT 3 MPH.
UNEXPECTED ABS ACTIVIATION COULD INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE UP TO ABOUT 11 FEET DPENDING ON THE GRADE OF THE ROAD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS CONTROLLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Campaign 04V190000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageApr 16, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, ANALYSIS OF AN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH TEST CONDUCTED BY THE NHTSA;S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) INDICATED THAT THE OUTBOARD ANCHORAGE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT COULD DISCONNECT BECAUSE OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE SEAT TRIM AND THE ANCHORAGE CONNECTOR WHEN THE SEAT WAS ADJUSTED TO ITS LOWEST POSITION.
IF THIS OCCURRED IN A CRASH, THE DRIVER COULD RECEIVE GREATER INJURIES.
DEALERS WILL INSERT A RETAINER ON BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S BELT ANCHORAGES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Campaign 04V188000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 24, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ADVANCED OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AORS) HAVE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISORS WITH AORS LABELS. THE AORS LABELS DO NOT INCLUDE STATEMENTS AND THE ILLUSTRATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 208 FOR VEHICLES WITHOUT AORS.
OWNERS WILL BE SENT REPLACEMENT LABELS WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO INSTALL THEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Campaign 04V094000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,697 reports, newest first.
Steering, Feb 25, 2013
MAKING LEFT HAND TURN POWER STEERING FAILED,ALMOST CAUSED ME TO RUN UP OVER CURB,VERY HARD TO STEER,HAPPENS FAST LIGHT ON DASH STEERING GONE! BOUGHT CAR USED ON 2/16/13 STEERING FAILED FIRST TIME ON 2/17/13 TOOK BACK TO DEALER ON 2/18/13 DEALER SAID THEY REPLACED POWER STEERING MOTOR.CAR SEEMED OK FOR ABOUT A WEEK,THEN POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN ON 2/24/13 TURNING LEFT LOW SPEED IN MY DRIVEWAY.CAR GOING BACK TO DEALER TODAY 2/25/13. *TR
Steering, Feb 21, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AFTER SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE FAILURE LIGHT TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT LATER, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Feb 19, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD, AND THE YELLOW WRENCH POPPED UP,THE WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. ALSO, WHILE TURNING THE CAR THE WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS AT LEAST 3-4 TIMES A YEAR. MY BRAKE PEDDLE ACTS UP IN THE SNOWY MONTHS. WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE PEDDLE-THE PEDDLE JUMPS PUSHES UP AND DOWN INTO MY FEET. WHEN IT SNOWS, I WORRY ABOUT RUNNING INTO A CAR. *TR
Steering, Feb 19, 2013
MY WIFE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING UNIT IN HER 2004 MALIBU WHILE DRIVING WITH THE KIDS. SHE SAYS ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE 'WRENCH' LIGHT CAME ON, THE RADIO DISPLAY READ "POWER STEERING" AND SHE LOST ALL POWER STEERING IN THE CAR, NEARLY CAUSING HER TO CRASH. THIS MORNING, I TOOK HER CAR AS I WORK MUCH CLOSER TO HOME. SURE ENOUGH, THERE IS NO POWER STEERING IN THE CAR AT ALL. AFTER READING ONLINE, I AM CONFUSED AS TO WHETHER THERE IS OR IS NOT A RECALL ON THIS UNIT, AS THERE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN ALOT OF TROUBLE WITH THE POWER STEERING IN THIS YEAR OF VEHICLE, AND EVEN HAVE A RECALL ON THE 2005 MODEL. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND HAD LITTLE TROUBLE WITH IT UNTIL RECENTLY. MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP TELLS ME IT WOULD COST $96 JUST TO LOOK AT THE CAR AND THEN WHATEVER IT WOULD COST TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT UNABLE TO GUARANTEE THE PROBLEM WOULD REMAIN FIXED. I AM IN A SIMILAR POSITION AS MANY, UNABLE TO AFFORD A NEW CAR OR EVEN PAY AN EXORBITANT AMOUNT FOR REPAIRS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT FIX THE ISSUE. *TR I NEED CLEAR ANSWERS. CAN YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW MY OPTIONS. IS THERE A RECALL I CAN LOOK FOR? IF THERE ISN'T, WHY NOT, SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY ISSUE WITH THE POWER STEERING IN THIS MODEL? NEEDING HELP,
Steering, Feb 15, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND AN ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT SAID POWER STEERING ACROSS MY RADIO. I THOUGHT THAT MEANT I NEED POWER STEERING FLUID BUT AFTER DOING GOOGLE SEARCHES, I FIND THAT MEANS I LOST MY POWER STEERING CONTROL. LUCKILY, I WAS GOING STRAIGHT AND AT A HIGH SPEED SO I DIDN'T LOSE CONTROL BASED UPON WHAT I READ. HOWEVER, I HAVE TWO LITTLE GIRLS AND WILL SUE IN A HEARTBEAT IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO THEM AS A RESULT OF THIS ISSUE. ESPECIALLY, SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE SINCE 2004. WHY THE HECK HAVEN'T YOU FORCED CHEVY TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES. I DON'T CARE THAT IN MOST CASES STEERING IS NOT AFFECTED AND THAT IT CAN BE RESET BY TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON. I HAVE READ ABOUT SO MANY INCIDENTS OF NEAR CRASHES AND SOME INJURIES. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. *TR
Steering, Feb 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE POWERED OFF THE VEHICLE AND ONCE RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED HOWEVER, WAS UNABLE TO GENERATE A FAILURE CODE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,528 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,588.
Steering, Feb 10, 2013
THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILS UNEXPECTEDLY. THE STEERING RESETS ITSELF AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTING IT BUT THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN SPORADICALLY. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER BUT THE PROBLEM IS RECURRING OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES. *TR
Steering, Feb 7, 2013
POWER STEERING WENT OUT UNEXPECTANTLY. NEARLY ADVERTED A WRECK. *TR
Steering, Feb 7, 2013
PULLING OUT OF THE GARAGE THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I DROVE IT WITHOUT POWER STEERING FOR ABOUT 3 MILES, PARKED THE VEHICLE AND SHUT IT OFF. WENT INSIDE THE BUSINESS & CAME OUT ABOUT A HALF HOUR LATER & THE STEERING WORKED FINE. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ON LINE AND HAVE FOUND THAT GM HAS RECALLED VEHICLES FOR THIS ISSUE BUT NOT THE 2004 MALIBU. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALSO BEEN SERVICED 3 TIMES IN PAST YEARS FOR STEERING RELATED PARTS INCLUDING A RACK & PINION UNIT. MY DAUGHTER HAS A 2005 CHEVY COBALT & HER VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR THIS VERY SAME ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Feb 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE ANY FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE TO THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. ...UPDATED 04/25/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER STEERING SENSOR FAILED. THE WAS A RECALL BUT, THE CONSUMER'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. *JS
Steering, Feb 5, 2013
MY SON, AT COLLEGE, WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN A CHIME SOUNDED,POWER STEERING WENT OUT, AND WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. HE PULLED OVER AND CALLED ME. FIRST TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE WE BOUGHT CAR IN 2008. I TALKED TO A MECHANIC, A COUPLE OF SERVICE MANAGERS, AND LOOKED THIS COMPLAINT UP ON THE WEB. FOUND OUT THAT HUNDREDS OF MALIBU OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. GM HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE 2004, BUT HAS FOR LATER YEARS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING PROBLEM THAT COULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF IT OCCURS WHILE DRIVING ON A CURVY, BACK-ROAD HIGHWAY OR DURING A QUICK EVASIVE TURN. IT LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BE AN EXPENSIVE FIX THAT EACH OWNER MUST PAY THEMSELVES. GM SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Feb 4, 2013
THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON MY 04 MALIBU WHILE DRIVING, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. TOOK IT TO TWO DIFFERENT REPAIR PLACES. SPENT OVER $600 FOR IT TO NOT BE FIXED. I GOOGLE MY CAR AND FIND A WEBSITE WITH HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE 05 HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, YET NOT THE 04. I'M A SINGLE MOTHER WITH TWO KIDS, I CAN'T AFFORD TO SPEND MONEY ON A MAYBE FIX OR A NEW CAR. WILL IT REALLY TAKE ONE OF US DYING BEFORE THE PROBLEM IS TAKEN CARE OF? AND WHY IS GM NOT BEING HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR IT'S QUALITY ISSUES? *TR
Steering, Power train, Feb 3, 2013
I WAS DRIVING MY SONS 2004 MALIBU WHEN SUDDENLY THERE WAS A FEW DINGS FOLLOWED BY THE CAR SYMBOL LIGHT WITH THE WRENCH INSIDE IT ON THE DASH LIGHT UP. THE WHEEL IMMEDIATELY BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN . IT'S AS IF THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. I DROVE TO A SAFE LOCATION, TURNED OFF THE CAR AND THE PROBLEM WAS GONE. THIS DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT TO ME. PLEASE HAVE GM RECTIFY THIS ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Feb 1, 2013
2004 MALIBU LS-DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY TODAY AND THE BELL GOES OFF, THE YELLOW WRENCH APPEARS AND THE RADIO SHOWS POWER STEERING. THE POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT ALL AT ONCE AND I ALMOST RAN INTO A TRUCK. CALLED THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THIS AND IT IS ALSO NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. NHTSA PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS POWER STEERING PROBLEM BEFORE IT CAUSES SOMEONE TO LOOSE THEIR LIFE. I HAVE A 1998 MALIBU LS AND A 2004 MALIBU LS AND THEY BOTH HAVE GAVE ME PROBLEMS. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Seats, Feb 1, 2013
FRONT DRIVERS SEAT FRAME ROD SEVERED AT THE WELD JOINT CAUSING THE FRONT SEAT TO NOT REMAIN IN PLACE AND SHIFT AROUND DURING DRIVING. *TR
Steering, Jan 26, 2013
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND I LOST POWER STEERING THE WHEEL GOT SO HARD AND THE RADIO SAID POWER STEERING BUT I PULLED OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND WHEN I TURN THE CAR BACKON IT GOES BACK TO NORMAL..... KNOW I'M AT A RED LIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND IT GETS HARD ON ME ALL THE TIME I'M TIRED OF THIS HAPPENING TO MY CAR I ASKED MY DADS MECHANIC AND TOLD ME IT WOULD COST ME ....1500.00 TO FIX IT I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OFF MONEY AND THE DEALERSHIP AND SAID IT WAS SOMETHING NORMAL ...... WHAT CAN I DO ..... *TR
Steering, Jan 23, 2013
I WAS DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT, AND MY CAR DINGED 3 TIMES AND "POWER STEERING" CAME ACROSS ON THE RADIO FACE, AND I LOST POWER STEERING. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND WHEN I STARTED IT AGAIN IT WAS FINE. TODAY (1-23-13) I WAS DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR, AND I WAS DRIVING AROUND A CURVE, WHEN THE CAR DINGED 3 TIMES AGAIN AND POWER STEERING DISPLAYED ACROSS THE RADIO SCREEN. I LOST POWER STEERING IN MID TURN, AND HAD TO FIGHT TO KEEP THE CAR UNDER CONTROL. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE FOR THIS TO NE CORRECTED? *TR ## VIN FAILED ##
Steering, Exterior lighting, Jan 21, 2013
AS FOR THE LIGHTING I CANNOT COUNT HOW MANY LIGHT BULBS I HAVE REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE TO THE POINT THAT I HAD THE AUTO SHOP REPLACE THEM SINCE I THOUGHT I WAS DOING SOMETHING WRONG. THEY ONLY LAST ABOUT A MONTH OR TWO AND BURN OUT WHICH IS REALLY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW IF WILL WORK OR NOT. THE STEERING ISSUE IS A MUCH MORE DANGEROUS PROBLEM, THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR AND SHE GOT STUCK LEAVING THE HOUSE AND PHYSICALLY COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH SHE DESCRIBED AS LOCKING UP. I CAN NOT IMAGINE IF SHE WERE TO BE TURN DOWN A BUSY INTERSECTION ON NOT BEEN ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE PROPER LANE. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM AS THE 2005'S WERE!!! *TR
Seats, Jan 21, 2013
AS I SAT DOWN IN DRIVERS SEAT THE SEAT SEEMED TO LEAN TO THE RIGHT AND TILTED BACK SLIGHTLY. I LOOKED UNDER SEAT TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG AND NOTICED A BAR ACROSS FRONT SIDE OF SEAT WAS BROKE AWAY FROM IT'S ORIGINAL WELDED POSITION. AFTER REMOVING SEAT I NOTICED THAT THE BAR HAD INDEED BROKEN FREE FROM WELD. NOT ONLY WAS THE WELD BROKEN BUT THE BAR WHICH WASN'T REALLY A BAR BUT A PIPE SLIGHTLY THICKER WALLED THAN A PIECE OF TYPE M COPPER PIPING BROKE OFF WITH A PIECE MISSING. ALSO NOTICED SAME PROBLEM WITH THE PIPE THAT ENCASES THE BAR AT REAR OF THE SEAT THAT ALLOWS THE SEAT BACK TO TILT BACK OR FORWARD. THE PIPE HAS ALSO BROKEN THE WELD AND MISSING A PIECE OF THE PIPE.WE BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER .WEIGHT AVERAGE 155 LBS. SO I DON'T BELIEVE WEIGHT PLAYS A PART OF THIS POORLY DESIGNED WORK OF FAILURE. MILEAGE IS LESS THAN 10,000 PER YEAR OWNED. THIS IS EXTREMELY UPSETTING. IS CHEVROLET RESPONSIBLE OR SINCE WARRANTY IS OVER THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH THIS POOR DESIGN AND SAFETY ISSUE? *TR
Steering, Jan 20, 2013
UPON SLOWING DOWN THE CAR TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE POWER STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE CAR TO VEER INTO AN ONCOMING LANE OF TRAFFIC. *TR
Steering, Jan 9, 2013
STOPPED AND PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. RETURNED TO NORMAL AFTER TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING. *TR
Steering, Jan 3, 2013
I HAVE BEEN HAVING POWER STEERING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU FOR SEVERAL YEARS. IT FEELS LIKE THE STEERING GOES COMPLETELY OUT WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY OR OTHER ROADS AND FIND THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE. I ORIGINALLY HAD DEALERSHIP CHECK STEERING AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE AND THERE WAS NO RECALL, BUT I HAVE READ WHERE SEVERAL OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS, THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE FOR MY DAUGHTER, WHO NOW DRIVES THE CAR. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND GOES OFF WHEN YOU PARK OR RESTART THE CAR. SHE RECENTLY LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. TODAY, WE TOOK THE MALIBU TO THE GM DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED IT, AND OUCH!...WAS TOLD THE REPAIRS TOTAL $900 PLUS TAX. DEALERSHIP WILL NEED TO REPLACE STEERING COLUMN AS MOTOR HAS GONE BAD AND ALSO NEED TO REPLACE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT THAT CONNECTS TO THE COLUMN SINCE IT IS BINDING UP. I DON'T KNOW WHETHER TO GET A SECOND OPINION AND WONDER IF WE CAN WAIT TO HAVE THE SHAFT REPLACED? SHOULD I ALSO CONTACT GM TO SEE IF THEY WILL REIMBURSE FOR PARTS? *TR
Seats, Jan 3, 2013
DRIVER SEAT FRAME BROKE AND SEVERELY LEANED TO THE RIGHT. DEALER FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. MARCH, 2008 - INCIDENT REPEATED - NO WARRANTY OFFERED! *TR
Steering, Jan 2, 2013
DRIVING DOWN STRAIGHT SECTION OF ROAD. POWER STEERING ALARM COMES ON AND STEERING WHEEL GOES STIFF. SLOWED AND STOPPED BEFORE NEXT TURN (WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO NEGOTIATE TURN). THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AN OFTEN ENOUGH BASIS (USUALLY BEFORE BEING ON THE ROAD) AND USING FIX DESCRIBED IN OTHER OFTEN REPORTED ISSUES WITH THIS TYPE OF STEERING, STOPPED CAR, TURNED OFF, ADJUSTED POSITION OF STEERING COLUMN AND RESTARTED. STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. *TR
Seats, Jan 2, 2013
WHILE TURNING TO THE LEFT THE DRIVERS SEAT SUDDENLY SHIFTED AND WAS LEANING TO THE RIGHT. THE WELD WHICH HOLDS THE BASE TOGETHER HAD BROKEN. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF THIS HAPPENING. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY SO IT WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. AT THAT TIME WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS A $1000 REPAIR BECAUSE THE WHOLE UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS TO ME SEEMS A DANGEROUS SITUATION SINCE WHEN THE SEAT JERKS THERE SEEMS TO BE A PERIOD WHEN THERE IS A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I WENT ON THE COMPUTER WHEN I GOT HOME AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? *TR