2004 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,697 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 81 involved a crash and 15 involved a fire. 55 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
SteeringJul 21, 2014
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
Campaign 14E044000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 14, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Campaign 14V252000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 30, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the PARK position, the transmission may not be in PARK. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.
Campaign 14V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMar 31, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
Campaign 14V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpFeb 28, 2011
TI AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS, PART NUMBERS TU456 AND TU303, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AS AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.
A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.
TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON TO WWW.RECALLRESPONSE.COM.
Campaign 11E009000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleApr 19, 2004
SOME OF THESE PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) THAT MAY CALCULATE A HIGHER THAN ACTUAL VEHICLE SPEED BECAUSE OF AN ERRATIC REAR-WHEEL SPEED SENSOR SIGNAL, AND CAUSE ABS ACTIVATION WHERE IT IS NOT NEEDED OR NEEDED ABS ACTIVATION TO BE EXTENDED DURING BRAKING AS THE VEHICLE SPEED DROPS TO ABOUT 3 MPH.
UNEXPECTED ABS ACTIVIATION COULD INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE UP TO ABOUT 11 FEET DPENDING ON THE GRADE OF THE ROAD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS CONTROLLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Campaign 04V190000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageApr 16, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, ANALYSIS OF AN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH TEST CONDUCTED BY THE NHTSA;S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) INDICATED THAT THE OUTBOARD ANCHORAGE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT COULD DISCONNECT BECAUSE OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE SEAT TRIM AND THE ANCHORAGE CONNECTOR WHEN THE SEAT WAS ADJUSTED TO ITS LOWEST POSITION.
IF THIS OCCURRED IN A CRASH, THE DRIVER COULD RECEIVE GREATER INJURIES.
DEALERS WILL INSERT A RETAINER ON BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S BELT ANCHORAGES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Campaign 04V188000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 24, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ADVANCED OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AORS) HAVE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISORS WITH AORS LABELS. THE AORS LABELS DO NOT INCLUDE STATEMENTS AND THE ILLUSTRATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 208 FOR VEHICLES WITHOUT AORS.
OWNERS WILL BE SENT REPLACEMENT LABELS WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO INSTALL THEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Campaign 04V094000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,697 reports, newest first.
Steering, Sep 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. IN APRIL 2011, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE RACK AND PINON HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Sep 9, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND THEN ON, THE STEERING HAD INDEPENDENTLY RESET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,765. UPDATED 10/14/11 *BF UPDATED 10/28/11
Steering, Aug 30, 2011
KNOCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN, NOISE AND DIFFICULTY TURNING. NOTICABLE PLAY IN THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE. OCCURS SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK, I REFUSE TO DRIVE MY CAR ON THE FREEWAY OR AT HIGH SPEEDS IN FEAR OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING GOING OUT. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2011
MY CAR HAS ALWAYS HAD LITTLE QUIRKS THAT DIDN'T SEEM RIGHT ABOUT IT SINCE I PURCHASED IT FROM MY CHEVY DEALER. IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AT THE TIME SO MY LEVEL OF CONCERN WASN'T AS HIGH AS IT IS NOW. THINGS LIKE A SPORADIC START TO THE ENGINE WHILE TRYING TO CRANK THE CAR AND THE CAR SHIMMING OR QUIVERING WHEN DRIVEN FASTER THEN 70 MPH (HIGHWAY). I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ASSESSMENT WHICH ALL CAME BACK INCONCLUSIVE. THIS LAST EXPERIENCE MERITS THIS COMPLAINT. I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT TAKING MY HANDS OFF THE WHEEL TO ADJUST MY SEAT BELT. I GLANCED OVER TO MY STEERING WHEEL AND IT BEGIN TO DANCE/ROCK RIGHT TO LEFT AND LEFT TO RIGHT. MY HANDS WERE CLEAR OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND MY FOOT FIRM ON THE BRAKES. WHEN I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE ONCE THE LIGHT WAS GREEN, I PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS THAT IS WHEN MY WARNING SIGNAL CHIMED, AND THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE FLASHED ON THE MESSAGE CENTER SCREEN. SIMULTANEOUSLY THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND IT BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I BEGIN TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. I REALIZED THAT TURNING THE VEHICLE TOOK A GREAT AMOUNT OF EFFORT. AFTER GETTING IN TO THE PARKING LOT AND TURNING THE ENGINE OFF I WAITED FOR ABOUT THIRTY MINUTES THEN I PROCEEDED TO RESTART MY ENGINE TO SEE IF THE SAME TROUBLE WOULD OCCUR. I DROVE AROUND IN THE PARKING LOT FOR ABOUT FIFTEEN MINUTES TO SEE THE I WOULD ENCOUNTER THE SAME ISSUE. THE CAR SEEMED FINE CONSIDERING, I DROVE IT HOME. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS SINCE BUT IT WAS A HORRIFYING ORDEAL. *TR
Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2011
CHEVY MALIBU CLASSIC 2004. ANTI-THEFT LIGHT IS STAYING ON AND THE CAR WILL NOT TURN OVER AT ALL. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAVE HAD ANY PROBLEM WITH IT. THE CAR WILL SIT IN THE "ON" POSITION AND THE POWER WILL BE ON, BUT ONCE IT IS TURNED TO "START" EVERYTHING GOES OFF AND THERE IS NO POWER FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. *TT
Steering, Aug 26, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND POWERED BACK ON, IT WOULD OPERATE AS NORMAL. THE DEALER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Aug 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000. THE VIN UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Aug 21, 2011
I HAVE A 2004 MALIBU AND THE POWER STEERING WILL STOP WORKING AND BE EXTREMELY HARD TO HANDLE.I WENT ONLINE TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAD A PROBLEM ALSO, TO FIND MULTIPLE OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME STEERING ISSUES.WE HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH OUR MALIBU AND HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS, I CERTAINLY WOULD HOPE GM WOULD RECALL THIS PROBLEM,I AM A GM BUYER, NOW OWNING A 2010 SILVERADO,AND HAVE PREFERRED GM PRODUCTS SINCE MY FIRST VEHICLE , A 67 IMPALA IN 73. I WOULD APPRECIATE A RESPONSE BACK TO ME SO I CAN DETERMINE WHAT TO DO NEXT. THANKS FOR LISTENING AND ANYTHING YOU CAN DO. *TR
Steering, Aug 20, 2011
POWER STEERING QUIT WHILE DRIVING. WENT ON LINE AND SAW LOTS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME VEHICLE-2004 CHEVY MALIBU. *TR
Steering, Aug 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNEXPECTED LOSS OF POWER STEERING, FOLLOWED BY AN ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE POWER STEERING AND ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE RESUMED WITH THE STEERING MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Seats, Aug 17, 2011
THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT RAIL IS BROKEN. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN SINCE THE SEAT BELT IS CONNECTED TO THE FRAME. I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MANY OWNERS OF THE 2004 MALIBU MAXX. THE BROKEN FRAME CAUSE THE SEAT TO FALL AND SHAKE WHILE DRIVING. I HAD A MECHANIC TRY TO FIX IT AND HE SAID IT IS NOT POSSIBLE AND CHEVY HAS DISCONTINUED THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE THUS FAR TO FIND A NEW SEAT BUT SUSPECT EVEN IF I BUY A NEW ONE THE SAME FAULTY ISSUE WITH THE WELD WILL OCCUR. HTTP://WWW.AUTOMOTIVEFORUMS.COM/T919217-DISCUSS2004_CHEVY_MALIBU_MAXX_BROKEN_POWER_SEAT.HTML *KB
Steering, Aug 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A YELLOW LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SEIZE. AFTER SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF FOR A FEW MOMENTS, THE STEERING WOULD RESUME AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Aug 11, 2011
POWER STEERING FAILED TODAY COMPLETELY AND I RAN OFF THE ROAD WHEN ENTERING THE HIGHWAY. I ALMOST CRASHED INTO A SEMI-TRUCK AND COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN IN A LARGE CRASH IF THE TRUCK WAS ONLY A FEW FEET CLOSER. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. I AM NOT SURPRISED HOW SLOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKS. I ASSUME THAT NOTHING WILL COME FROM MY COMPLAINT. MY POWER STEERING HAS BEEN FAULTY FOR A COUPLE YEARS NOW, BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAS FAILED COMPLETELY. I FEEL BAD IF I SELL THIS CAR BECAUSE IT MIGHT KILL THE PERSON I SELL IT TO, BECAUSE THERE IS NO TELLING WHEN THE STEERING WILL FAIL. *TR
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2011
I WAS SIMPLY JUST TRYING TO START MY CAR THIS MORNING, AND AS I DID EVERYTHING WORKED AS NORMAL, EXCEPT WHEN I TURNED THE ENGINE OVER. FIRST ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON THEN THE TRUNK POPPED ITSELF AND THE CD PLAYER EJECTED THE CD THAT WAS IN IT. SHORTLY AFTER THAT BECAUSE THE CAR WOULDNT START I TRIED AGAIN AND AGAIN WITH NO LUCK. IT WASNT UNTIL I STARTED PUMPING THE GAS PEDAL AND KEEPING THE KEY HELD ALL THE WAY OVER TO GET IT TO START. I FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS THE STARTER BUT SOON REALIZED THIS WOULDNT MAKE MY TRUNK OPEN AND/OR CD PLAYER EJECT ITS WITH THAT SAID IT HAS LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A BIGGER PROBLEM DEALING WITH THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM IN THE CAR.
Steering, Aug 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING LAMP ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
Seats, Aug 8, 2011
THE DRIVERS SEAT FRAME WELDS BROKE, LEAVING THE SEAT UNSTABLE AND LEANING TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE HAD 50,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS DRIVEN PRIMARILY BY ONE PERSON AND MAINTAINED WELL. THE PRIMARY DRIVER WAS @ 200 LBS. *TR
Steering, Aug 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WHILE MAKING A TURN, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN INTO THE MEDIAN CAUTIOUSLY AND TURNED OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THERE WAS NO RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT. THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10018531 (STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER; ASSIST SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000. UPDATED 09/21/11*LJ UPDATED 10/03/11
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 1, 2011
IN THE MIDDLE OF MAKING TURNS, RIGHT AND LEFT, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING WILL DEACTIVATE CAUSING CAR TO JERK, THEN STEERING WILL BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. CAR CAN BE TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED AND THE ISSUE WILL STOP FOR A SHORT TIME. THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE ON OTHER GM MODELS BUT NOT MY MODEL. THIS ISSUE FIRST OCCURRED WHILE MY 16 YR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERN FOR MY DAUGHTER SAFETY WILL DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I TOOK THE CAR OUT SHORTLY AFTER THIS HAPPEN TO HER AND WITHIN 3 TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED, LIGHT ON DASH LIGHT, DISPLAY SHOWED POWER STEERING AND STEERING REVERTED TO WHAT CAN BEST BE DESCRIBED AS PREPOWER STEERING X 2. I AM A MUSCULAR 300 POUND MALE AND I HAD A DIFFICULT TIME GETTING THE CAR TO TURN SAFELY INTO THE LANE AND LATER OFF THE ROAD. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT WAS NO COVERED BY GM AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED. PLEASE REOPEN YOUR INVESTIGATION INTO THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Steering, Aug 1, 2011
FIRST STARTED AS AN OCCASIONAL STEERING PROBLEM AT LOW SPEEDS. THEN PROGRESSED TO MORE FREQUENT STEERING PROBLEM AT LOW SPEED. NEXT A BAD VIBRATION STARTED IN THE FRONT WHEN BREAKING. NOW A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. DIAGNOSIS BY MECHANIC IS DEFECTIVE RACK AND PINION, STEERING BOX, AND POSSIBLY POWER STEERING FAILURE. RESEARCH INDICATES THERE HAVE BEEN MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS, AND THAT THE 2005 MALIBU WAS RECALLED FOR EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM LAST SUMMER.
Steering, Jul 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD DEACTIVE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,850 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Steering, Jul 27, 2011
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AROUND 11 PM I WENT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE CAR STARTED BEEPING ABOUT THE POWER STEERING. THE NEXT DAY I GO TO HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED AND IT DRIVES NORMAL NO POWER STEERING LIGHTS ON. I HAVE CALLED TO FIND OUT IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS AND THERE ARE NOT THIS HAPPENS TOO OFTEN TO JUST BE IGNORED MY FATHER WAS THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND IT WAS HAPPENING TO HIM AS WELL. I HAVE REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION, CONTROL ARMS AND TIE RODS AND STILL NOTHING IS WORKING. *TR
Steering, Jul 23, 2011
STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ALMOST CAUSED HEAD ON CRASH. *TR
Steering, Jul 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY RESISTANT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Jul 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY LOSE POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,188.
Seats, Jul 18, 2011
THE 2004 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX HAS A FAULTY DRIVERS SEAT. THE BASE AND FRAME FRACTURE AND CAUSE THE SEAT TO LEAN TO THE RIGHT AND PROHIBIT IT FROM RISING. THIS HAPPENED ONCE AND WE HAD IT REPLACED AT A COST OF $900. IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND A NUMBER OF OTHERS WITH THIS VEHICLE WITH THE EXACT PROBLEM. MY WIFE CANNOT EVEN DRIVE THE CAR WITH THE SEAT SO LOW AND IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. CHEVY NEEDS TO DO A RECALL AND STOP THOSE OF US WHO HAVE TRIED MULTIPLE FIXES AND IT CONTINUES TO BREAK. *KB