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, Apr 8, 2011
I HAVE A 2004 MALIBU, DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY AND STEERING WHEEL WHOULD NOT MOVE. I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY CAR. MY RADIO DISPLAYED POWER STEERING. I TOOK TO THE SHOP TO CHECK ISSUE. THE SHOP STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE AND RESET. THE CAR SHOP DID TELL ME AND THE WARRANTY THAT IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I CALLED GM AND CAR DEALER NOT THERE ISSUE TO FIX! THIS IS A DEFECT? PLEASE HELP! *TR
Steering, Apr 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MALIBU MAX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTIONED AS THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME TIGHTENED. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED JUST BEFORE THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED A MINIMUM OF THREE TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING SENSOR FAILED AND WOULD NEED REPAIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 5, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THERE WAS A SLIGHT LOSS OF POWER STEERING FOR A FEW SECONDS. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATING THAT THE FUEL CAP WAS OPEN. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR SPORADICLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THREE DIFFERENT TIMES FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 114,000.
Steering, Mar 29, 2011
THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 45 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE SUDDEN DROPPED ALL THE WAY DOWN AND THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN SLID IN CAUSING THE CAR TO SWERVE SOME. I PULLED OVER AND AFTER ATTEMPTING TO LOCK THE STEERING COLUMN BACK INTO PLACE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET IT TO LOCK INTO PLACE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST MONTH. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF I'M DRIVING OR BACKING IT JUST ALL THE SUDDEN DOES IT. IF YOU TOUCH THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE THE CAR IS TURNED OFF IT WILL DROP DOWN. AND IF IT IS IN A DOWN POSITION IT WILL SLIDE IN AND OUT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I FEAR THAT THE NEXT TIME I MIGHT NOT BE SO LUCK TO KEEP CONTROL. I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE BECAUSE AS I WAS TURNING TO WHEEL IT MOVED OUT OF POSITION CAUSING THE TURN TO GO ANOTHER DIRECTION.
Electrical system, Mar 26, 2011
THE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM ON MY 2004 MALIBU CLASSIC MALFUNCTIONS REPEATEDLY IT DOES THIS APPROXIMATELY ONCE A WEEK RESET THE THEFT SYSTEM USING THE KEY ON ENGINE OFF LET THE CAR SET LIKE THIS FOR 10 MIN. THE CAR THEN STARTS IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Seats, Mar 23, 2011
MY FRONT SEAT BROKE ON ONE SIDE CAUSING ME TO SIT LOP SIDED WHILE DRIVING. MY MECHANIC REPAIRED 3 TIMES AND SAID IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FRONT AND REAR BLINKERS CONTINUOSLY GO OUT. THE BULBS ARE FINE THE CONNECTION IS JUST LOOSE. *TR
Steering, Mar 21, 2011
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY,MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT MY CAR OFF AND STARTED IT UP AGAIN AND IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN.GM HAS RECALLED OTHER MODELS FOR DOING THE SAME THING,BUT NOT THE 2004 MALIBU. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SOMEBODY IS GOING TO GET KILLED UNLESS GM TAKES CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE 2004 CHEVY. MALIBU HAS ELECTRIC ASSISTED POWER STEERING. THE THING IS THAT GM,THE DEALERS AND NHTSA ALL KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM,BUT ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING UNTIL PEOPLE ARE HURT AND KILLED. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF IT. *TR
Seats, Mar 20, 2011
BROKEN WELD ON DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SEAT. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Mar 16, 2011
BOUGHT 2004 MALIBU MAXX BRAND NEW. SWITCH IN AC FIRST TO GO AT JUST UNDER 10000 MILES. 18000 MILES BRAKES AND ROTORS HAD TO REPLACE COST ALMOST $800.00. HEADLIGHTS BURNED UP REPLACE WIRING HARNESS ON BOTH ANOTHER $1000.00. REPLACED BOTH HEAD LIGHTS COULD NOT SEE THROUGH EITHER OF THEM ANOTHER $385.00 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND COME TO FIND OUT THERE WAS NOT A FUSE IN THE EMISSION SPOT. REPLACED THAT ANOTHER $400.00 WHEN THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM. LEAKS IN THE HATCH WHEN IT RAINS OR CAR IS BEING WASHED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WILL NOT RESET. DRIVER SEAT SUPPORTS ARE BROKEN AND EVERYONE THAT I KNOW THAT HAS THIS CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AND NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON THIS, GUESS WHEN THERE IS AN ACCIDENT AND SOMEONE REALLY GETS HURT THEN SOMETHING WILL BE DON. IT IS ASHAMED THAT YOU PAY SO MUCH FOR A VEHICLE AND THIS IS WHAT YOU GO THROUGH. I AM A FIRM BELIEVER IN OIL CHANGES AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND NO ONE FROM THE COMPANY SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT PROBLEMS THAT IS FAULT OF THE MANUFACTURING OF THIS CAR AND IT SEEMS THAT NO ONE WANTS TO REPLACE WHAT IS WRONG. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 10, 2011
THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK AFTER ONLY 8,00 MILES AND THEN THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL DIDN'T WORK AFTER ONLY 15,000 MILES. THERE WAS A RELAY SWITCH THAT WAS REPLACED AT 8,000 MILES THAT COST $125.00 INCLUDING PARTS AND LABOR AND THEN AT 15,000 MILES THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL DIDN'T WORK AND AFTER TWO DAYS IN THE SHOP THEY "REPAIRED AND RECRIMPED TERMINAL AT BCM". NO PARTS, JUST LABOR $459.80. BOTH OF THESE JOBS WERE DONE AT CHEVY DEALERSHIPS. IT TURNS OUT THAT THESE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ESPECIALLY THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON BUT IT TOOK THE DEALERSHIP TWO DAYS TO FIX IT. *TR
Seats, Mar 9, 2011
BROKEN DRIVERS SIDE CAR SEAT FRAME TO A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU. BROKEN FRAME CAUSES SEAT TO ROCK UP AND DOWN AND LEAN TO ONE SIDE.THIS FRAME BROKE UNDER NORMAL USE. TO REPAIR THIS YOU NEED TO BUY A NEW SEAT FOR ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM A CHEVY DEALER OR YOU CAN TRY TO WELD THE FRAME BACK TOGETHER. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS THE POOR DESIGN AND ENGINEERING OF THE SIZE OF METAL USED TO BUILD THE FRAME. *TR
Steering, Mar 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME FIRM AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF AND WHEN RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING WAS RESET AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 03/24/11*LJ UPDATED 04/07/11*LJ
Steering, Mar 1, 2011
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION. *TR
Steering, Mar 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THE CONTACT TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE VEHICLE THEN STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Feb 28, 2011
WHILE EXITING PARKING LOT ONTO HIGHWAY THE DRIVER INFORMATION PANEL DINGED AND COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING OCCURRED. CAR WAS PARKED AND TOWED HOME NEXT MORNING RESTARTED CAR AND SYSTEM RESET. *TR
Steering, Feb 24, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED; THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXTRA FORCE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED WHICH RESET THE POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,957.
Steering, Feb 24, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 03/29/11*LJ UPDATED 03/30/11
Steering, Feb 22, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED SUDDENLY. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF WHICH RESET THE WARNING INDICATOR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT VARIOUS TIMES AND WAS MORE FREQUENT WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Feb 22, 2011, crash
POWER STEERING PUMP FAIL I DIDN'T KNOW THAT THIS CARS HAVE THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM AND THERE IS NO LIQUID OR PUMP I AM NOT SURE IF THERE IS ANY SO I GUESS IS ELECTRIC BUT IS NOT FUNCTIONING RIGHT. *TR
Steering, Feb 21, 2011
THE POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY GOES OUT AND WHEN TURNING THERE ARE LOUD CLUNKING SOUNDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS. CURRENTLY WE DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR OFTEN BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY CONCERNS. *TR
Steering, Feb 18, 2011
MY 2004 MALIBU HAS A INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONTROL. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD " NOTHING SHOWS UP ON THE COMPUTER ". NOW THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING EVERY DAY. A CHECK ON LINE SHOWS THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM THAT G.M. WILL NOT ADDRESS. LATEST FAILURE WAS THIS MORNING AT STARTUP PRIOR TO DRIVING THE CAR OR EVEN TURNING THE WHEEL ! *LN
Steering, Feb 16, 2011
I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LT. WITHOUT WARNING ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE DASH TOOL LIGHT CAME ON, CHIMES STARTED RINGING AND MY DASH BOARD READ POWER STEERING. I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. COULD NOT STEER IT ANY LONGER. THANKFULLY I WAS NOT TRAVELING FAST STOPPED THE CAR. TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED IT AGAIN. THE CAR DROVE FINE FOR ABOUT ONE MILE. I STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL STARTING A JERKING MOTION ON IT OWN. I FINALLY GOT THE CAR HOME AND THE LIGHTS AND CHIMES WENT OFF AGAIN AND I LOST STEERING AGAIN. I CAN NOT DRIVE THE CAR ANY LONGER BECAUSE I AM TERRIFIED I WILL BE DRIVING AND LOSE STEERING AGAIN. WHEN I JUST START THE CAR NOW THE WHEEL WILL START THE JERKING MOTION AGAIN WHILE JUST SITTING THERE AND IF I PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE THE WARNING LIGHT AND CHIMES COME BACK ON AND IT DISPLAYS POWER STEERING AGAIN ON THE DASH. I HAVE READ TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT. I HAVE CONTACTED OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN TOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND JUST FOR THE PART THAT MIGHT FIX IT IS $738 AND THIS MORNING I WAS QUOTED $455 JUST FOR THE EPS, $177 RACKON PINION AND $115 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC. I PAID ALMOST $10,000 FOR THIS CAR ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. ONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS HERE WON'T EVEN TOUCH THE CAR BECAUSE THEY HAVE SEEN TOO MANY THAT HAVE COME BACK 6 MONTHS LATER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. SO I ASK GM NOW, WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO DO WITH A 2000 LB. PAPER WEIGHT PARKED IN MY GARAGE? SOME ONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE AND NO ONE WANTS TO DO A THING ABOUT IT!!! HOW MANY LIVES NEED TO BE LOST BEFORE GM OR DOT DOES SOMETHING? MY TAX DOLLARS BAILED OUT GM AND THIS IS THE WAY I AM GOING TO BE TREATED NOW? NOT ONLY ME BUT THE OTHER THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ON THIS CAR? WHY ISN'T SOMEONE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT? IF NEED BE I WILL FILE A LAWSUIT TO TRY TO RECOUP SOME OF MY MONEY. I AM NOT A WEALTHY PERSON BY NO MEANS AND I CAN'T JUST GO BUY ANOTHER CAR AND WHEN I CAN BELIEVE ME IT WILL NOT BE A GM!!! *TR
Steering, Feb 15, 2011, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FAULTY AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Steering, Feb 15, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 50 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SUDDENLY LOCK WITHOUT WARNING. IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL HE HAD TO STOP AND RESTART THE VEHICLE ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED; YET, AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE DEALER THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE SENSOR IN THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 128,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Seats, Feb 14, 2011
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT SUDDENLY SHIFTED FORWARD AND DOWN WHILE DRIVING. INSPECTION REVEALED BROKEN WELD ON SEAT FRAME. *TR