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, Dec 23, 2012
POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE IDLING AT DRIVE THRU WINDOW OF FAST FOOD(FIRST INCIDENT). 2 MORE AFTER THAT WHILE IDLING. THE MESSAGE CENTER SAID POWER STEERING AND CHIMED EVERY INCIDENT. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS? *TR
Seats, Dec 7, 2012
RIGHT REAR OF POWER OPERATED DRIVER'S SEAT FAILED TO RAISE. REMOVED SEAT FOR INSPECTION AND FOUND TWO BROKEN WELDS ON SEAT FRAME - RIGHT SIDE FRONT AND REAR. DISASSEMBLED SEAT AND HAD FRAME WELDED LOCALLY. *TR
Steering, Dec 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED AS THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT MOVED OFF THE ROADWAY AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 85,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Dec 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND COMPLETING A TURN, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AS IT PERFORMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE THEY COULD NOT GET THE VEHICLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 93,000.
Steering, Dec 4, 2012
ONE MORNING LAST MONTH, I WAS DRIVING MY KID TO SCHOOL AT SPEED 30 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN SUDDENLY THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING PROBLEM LIGHT TURNED ON AGAIN, AND THE STEERING POWER WAS GONE AND THE STEERING WAS TOTALLY LOCKED, I COULD NOT MAKE ANY TURNS. BECAUSE THIS IS THE 4TH TIME IT HAPPENED, I KNEW WHAT TO DO. I STOPPED THE CAR AT THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD ( I AM LUCKY IT IS HAPPENED DURING LOCAL NOT HIGHWAY DRIVING). I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, THEN TURN ON THE ENGINE AGAIN, AND EVERYTHING BACK TO NORMAL. SO FAR IT HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 TIMES TO ME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE OF MY CAR IS 116000. *TR
Seats, Dec 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT SUDDENLY COLLAPSED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE WELDED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 1/17/13 *CN UPDATED 01/24/13
Steering, Nov 28, 2012
I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS HALF THE 2004 MALIBU OWNERS. I HAVE A 2004 MALIBU MY POWER STEERING JUST STOPS WORKING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE ALMOST HAD SEVERAL ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS. I FOUND 176 PEOPLE ON ONE WEBSITE THAT IS ALSO HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND SEVERAL OTHER WEBSITE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT ON. CHEVY HAS NOT RECALLED THE 2004 FOR IT. HOWEVER THAT DID RECALL THE 2005 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THAT ONLY BECAUSE SOMEONE DIED IN THE CAR DUE TO THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM. WOW NOW I FEEL SAFE. I AM A SINGLE MOM I CANT PAY $600.00 FOR A MAYBE FIX. THEY CANT PROMISE AFTER REPLACING THE STEERING COLUMN IT WILL EVEN FIX THE PROBLEM. I CANT BUY A NEW CAR. THEY NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THERE MESS UP. GUESS I HAVE TO WAIT TILL SOMEONE DIES IN THE 2004 BEFORE THEY FIX IT AND WHO KNOWS I MIGHT BE THE ONE THAT DOES. FACEBOOK CONNECT *TR
Tires, Nov 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU EQUIPPED WITH TOYO VERSATO TIRES, SIZE: 205/55/16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE RECENTLY INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE AND WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE DID NOT EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE TIRES WERE INSTALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRES WAS 15,000. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Steering, Nov 26, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE REGAINED STEERING ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TIE ROD END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER NECK, HEAD AND BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Steering, Nov 21, 2012, crash
MY PREGNANT WIFE WAS DRIVING WHEN THE POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT THIS IS THE SECOND TIME AND FROM READING MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS AND THEY DO NOTHING TO SOLVE IT. *TR
Steering, Nov 19, 2012
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER STEERING PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED EACH TIME HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATED. IT LOCKED UP ON ONE OCCASION AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING STARTING WITH THE 2005 MODELS. *JB
Steering, Nov 18, 2012
FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WE WERE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT. POWER STEERING MESSAGE CAME UP AND STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF AND WE COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL, MY HUSBAND TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTED IT AND THE POWER STEERING CAME BACK. IT HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN A FEW TIMES SINCE. MY CONCERN, I AM A VERY SMALL PERSON I DO NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH TO TURN THE WHEEL WHEN IT HAPPENS AND EVENTUALLY I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE CAR PULLED OVER TO A SAFE PLACE TO STOP IT AND RESTART IT. THE LAST TIME THAT IT HAPPENED TO ME WAS NOVEMBER 5 2012 TAKING MY GRANDSON TO SCHOOL GOING ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR, I WAS JUST DRIVING ALONG AND THE POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT. I WILL TELL YOU CHEVY MALIBU OR ANY CHEVY IS NOT ON MY LIST FOR MY NEXT CAR. *TR
Steering, Nov 7, 2012
WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RODE, STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO RESTART IGNITION- AS IF THE CAR IS RESETTING, IN ORDER FOR THE STEERING WHEEL TO TURN PROPERLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 1-2X/MONTH SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT. I OFTEN DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY AND ITS HAPPENED WHILE OTHER CARS ARE DRIVING AROUND ME. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT TURN OR IT TAKES A GOOD AMOUNT OF FORCE TO MAKE THE WHEEL TURN. ITS QUITE DANGEROUS AND VERY SCARY. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO WARRANTY'S OR RECALLS. CHECKED ONLINE AND DISCOVERED THAT OTHERS ARE HAVING A SIMILAR ISSUE. NOW I HAVE TO PAY MECHANIC TO FIX THE PART. *TR
Steering, Nov 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE FOR 10 MINUTES THE STEERING RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTION. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WRENCH SYMBOL ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ELETRONIC POWER ASSIST FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,985.
Steering, Nov 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY STIFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND CHECK UNDER HIS HOOD TO SEE IF THE FLUID WAS LOW. AFTER LIFTING THE HOOD THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THERE WAS NO RESERVOIR FOR THE POWER STEERING FLUID. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED THE DEALER AND INFORMED THEM OF THE SITUATION. THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN ELECTRONIC MOTOR AND THERE WAS NO WHERE FOR HIM TO PLACE THE POWER STEERING FLUID. THE DRIVER WAITED A WHILE AND THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, WHICH TEMPORARILY REPAIRED THE STEERING FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 186,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Oct 26, 2012
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK MY POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME FLASHED ON THE RADIO AND THE DASHBOARD, I TRIED TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN AND THE WHEEL WAS VERY HARD TO TURN. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TURNED THE CAR OFF AND WAITED ABOUT 5 MINUTES STARTED IT BACK UP AND IT WAS OK. I DROVE FOR ABOUT 1 MILE AND IT DID IT AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED MY WHOLE DRIVE HOME, I HAD TO KEEP TURNING THE CAR OFF AT EACH INTERSECTION JUST TO MAKE IT HOME. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY OCTOBER 25TH, I HAD TO KEEP TURN THE CAR OFF IN ORDER TO MAKE IT HOME. SINCE I DRIVE ABOUT 8 MILES EACH DAY TO AND FROM WORK I AM CONCERN THAT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WENT ON LINE AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 MALIBU, WHY IN THE WORLD HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM.? I AM JUST THANKFUL THAT I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED, BECAUSE THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. I LIVE IN AN AREA OF THE COUNTRY THAT CAN BE VERY BAD IN THE WINTER AND WITH THIS HAPPENING SOMEONE CAN BE SERIOUSLY HURT IF YOU CANNOT MANEUVER IN BAD WEATHER. I HOPE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN ENOUGH COMPLAINTS THAT THIS WILL CALL FOR GENERAL MOTORS TO DO A RECALL BEFORE SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENS. *TR
Steering, Oct 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE TURNING LEFT. THE STEERING BECAME HARD TO TURN AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTION FOR A BRIEF MOMENT AND THE MECHANICAL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,000. UPDATED 3/5/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING ISSUE, WAS INTERMITTENT.
Power train, Oct 16, 2012
I CAME TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT AND 3 SECONDS LATER I HEARD A CHIME AND A CAR WITH A WRENCH THROUGH IT APPEARED ON MY DASH. MY WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK IT WAS TO TURN THE CARE OFF AND BACK ON. THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT. *TR
Steering, Oct 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO A PARKING AREA. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
Steering, Oct 10, 2012
COULDN'T GET OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENS, WENT ONLINE TO FIND A SOLUTION AND FOUND OUT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS ERROR. I CAN SEE ITS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST EVEN THOUGH THERE HAS BEEN SOME COMPLAINING DONE, EVEN AFTER GETTING IT "FIXED". *TR
Steering, Oct 7, 2012
AFTER BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, DROVE FORWARD A FEW FEET, TURNED RIGHT AT A STOP SIGN AND PROCEEDED FORWARD WHEN THE CAR'S WARNING CHIMES SOUNDED, THE "POWER STEERING" CAME UP ON THE DIC, THE SERVICE VEHICLE LIGHT CAME ON AND ALL POWER STEERING WAS LOST. IT WAS LATE AT NIGHT SO I CONTINUED DRIVING HOME WHICH WAS ABOUT 2 MILES AWAY BUT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO MAKE TURNS. HAVE NOT TRIED TO DRIVE CAR DUE TO DIFFICULTY AND SINCE IT IS SUNDAY WAS NOT ABLE TO GET ASSISTANCE FROM MECHANICS OR DEALER. HAVE BEEN READING ONLINE AND SEEMS TO BE A COMMON AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM. NO RECALLS OR NOTICES RECEIVED BY DEALER. THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW AND MAINTAINED. *TR
Steering, Oct 7, 2012
THE CAR BECAME VERY HARD TO STEER. TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIME SINCE AUGUST. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSE TWO ACCIDENTS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP BECAME FRACTURE D ON THE ELBOW OF THE PUMP. THE CONTACT NOTICED A GASOLINE LEAK IN FRONT OF THE EXHAUST AS HE WAS DRIVING AN UNKNOWN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHO ATTEMPTED TO SEAL THE FRACTURE WITH EPOXY BUT THE REMEDY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF THE RECALL RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V459000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP) AND STATED THAT HIS MODEL VEHICLE WAS SUFFERING FROM THE SAME DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 104,000. UPDATED 11/01/12 *BF UPDATED 11/02/2012 *JS
Power train, Sep 10, 2012
CAME HOME FROM WORK ON 9/10/12 AND PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY. WHEN I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK IT DID NOT GO INTO PARK AND THE CAR KEPT ON ROLLING ALMOST HITTING MY OTHER VEHICLE. I TRIED PUTTING INTO OTHER GEARS BUT THEY WERE OFF (SHIFT TO DRIVE IT MIGHT BE IN NEUTRAL, SHIFT TO REVERSE IT MIGHT BE IN NEUTRAL TOO). IT'S LIKE IT DOESN'T KNOW WHAT GEAR IT IS IN AND YOU HAVE TO KINDA PLAY WITH IT TO GET IT INTO THE RIGHT GEAR. ALSO, SINCE IT'S NOT READING THAT IT'S IN PARK I CANNOT PULL THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION. THANK GOD MY KIDS WERE NOT IN FRONT OF MY CAR WHEN I GOT HOME....PRETTY DANGEROUS AS YOU DON'T KNOW IF IT'S IN PARK OR NOT AND THE CAR WILL JUST ROLL. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 10, 2012
MY 2004 MALIBU MAXX HAS SOME SORT OF ELECTRICAL ISSUE HAS HAD IT FOR YEARS AND DRIVES ME CRAZY. THE TURN INDICATOR LIGHT WAS TELLING ME THE BULB WAS BURNED OUT WHEN WE WENT TO CHANGE THE BULB THE WHOLE BULB COVER WAS MELTED WE REPLACED THE BULB IT WOULD LAST A FEW WEEKS SOMETIMES A FEW MONTHS. WE DECIDED TO ORDER A WHOLE NEW LIGHT ASSEMBLE FOR THAT SIDE SINCE THE GLOBE WAS MELTED. WE INSTALLED IT A WEEK LATER THE WHOLE TURN INDICATOR LIGHT AND SOCKET WERE MELTED TOGETHER. WE COULD NOT EVEN GET THE BULB OUT. SO WE WENT BACK TO THE ORIGINAL LIGHT ASSEMBLY SAME ISSUE BULBS BURN OUT. ALSO INSIDE INTERIOR LIGHT SOMETIMES WON'T SHUT OFF NO MATTER HOW THE SWITCH IS POSITIONED. THIS CAR HAS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. *TR