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.
Seats, Feb 14, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVER SEAT, SHE NOTICED A DISCOMFORT AND THAT THE SEAT WOULD MOVE AS SHE WAS DRIVING. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE WELDING HAD FRACTURED AND THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE DRIVER SIDE SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST DUE TO THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. UPDATED 04/15/11*LJ THE CONSUMER CONTACTED GM AND WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICE, THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST. UPDATED 10/12/11
Steering, Feb 8, 2011
CHEVY 2004 MALIBU. CONSTANT WARNING CONCERNING POWER STEERING, BUT IT GOES ON AND OFF AND ON AND OFF. HAVE CHECKED AND NOTHING FOUND WRONG, BUT THEY DO NOT REALLY KNOW. SUGGEST REPLACING ELECT PUMP, BUT THEN OFF THE RECORD SAY THEY WOULD NOT. ON LINE AT LEAST 100 OR MORE PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME. SOME HAVE REPLACED, BUT WARNING STILL COMES ON. I DO NOT KNOW WHO TO TRUST. I GUESS SINCE CHEVY HAS NO REAL ANSWER I WILL JUST TAKE MY CHANCES. THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO MORE SERIOUSLY. *TR
Steering, Feb 2, 2011
MY 2004 MALIBU SEDAN WITH ONLY 29330 MILES ON IT HAD THE POWER STEERING GO OUT SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING AND BECAME ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER IT. THE GM DEALERSHIP I TOOK IT TO SAID IT'S BEEN INVESTIGATED BUT NOT RECALLED ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM IN NEWER CARS BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE IN TOWN AND MOVING SLOW BUT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR PROBLEM IF I HAD BEEN GOING 50-60 MI PER HOUR DOWN THE HIGHWAY. IT'S A $600.00 REPAIR TO HAVE IT FIXED. I THINK IF CARS WITH LOW USE LIKE MINE HAVE THIS PROBLEM THEN GM SHOULD RECALL AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR. *TR
Steering, Jan 31, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT IT WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,030.
Steering, Jan 31, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY STIFF AND A STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND SHUT DOWN. UPON RESTART, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO OPERATE THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 77,300.
Steering, Jan 30, 2011
THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVING FINE FOR THE WHOLE DAY. I MAYBE HAVE PUT ABOUT 15 MILES ON WHEN I WENT TO MAKE A TURN GOING ABOUT 30 - 35 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED UP. I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES STRAIGHT WITH NO TURNS AND THE STEERING WHEEL WENT BACK TO NORMAL. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO ME ON THE FREEWAY ALSO. ONCE I GET OVER 60MPH THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENS UP ON ME. I PULLED OVER ONCE BEFORE AND IT RETURNED TO IT NORMAL SELF AGAIN AND STARTED ACTING UP WHEN I GOT BACK ON THE FREEWAY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND GM SHOULD LOOK AT FIXING THIS PROBLEM. IT ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT HERE ONCE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM YET. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR A WEEK AGO WITH NO WARRANTY AND IT WAS NOT HAPPENING WHEN I TEST DROVE THE CAR. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM RIGHT NOW. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTAC STATED THAT THE WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AND WAIT APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MINUTES BEFORE BEING ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR AT LEAST ONCE DAILY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUSE, IGNITION SWITCH AND THE COMPUTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT HE COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE REPAIR WOULD REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Steering, Jan 24, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP SUDDENLY. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, RESTARTED AND THE STEERING RESET ITSELF. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Service brakes, Electric, Jan 21, 2011
I WAS DRIVING THE CHEVY MALIBU WHEN A CAR BEHIND ME ABOUT REAR END ME. I STOPPED AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAD A BREAK LIGHT OUT. I TRIED REPLACING BULBS AND THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY AND NOTHING WORKED. I TOOK THE PIG TAIL OUT OF THE PASSENGER LIGHT OFF AND NOTICED THAT THE PRONGS FOR THE LIGHTS WAS CORRODED. I BOUGHT A NEW ONE BUT THE PIG TAIL IS STILL RUINED. ( THE WIRING GOT WET IN A SEALED UNIT.) IT GOT SO WET THAT IT STARTED TO MELT THE OUTSIDE LENS COVER. IT IS A FIRE HAZARD AND AN ACCIDENT HAZARD. *TR
Steering, Jan 21, 2011
POWER STEERING COLUMN IS ABOUT TO FAIL FOR THE THIRD TIME. FIRST TIME AT 45,000 MILES, SECOND TIME AT 83,000, NOW AT 169,000. *TR
Seats, Jan 15, 2011
MY 2004 MALIBU MAXX HAS A BROKEN WELD OF THE SEAT COMPONENT. THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, HAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000 MILES ON IT, AND THE REPAIR IS CLOSE TO $1000 AS THE ENTIRE SEAT FRAME HAS TO BE REPLACED. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS BY OTHERS ON THE SAME CAR, SAME YEAR, SAME MODEL, SAME MAKE. SEE HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2005/CHEVROLET/MALIBU_MAXX/SEATS/PROBLEM.ASPX. *TR
Steering, Jan 14, 2011
I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU (NEW BODY STYLE). I HAVE BEEN HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING. LAST WEEK I WAS DRIVING AND ABOUT TO TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT TO UNLOCKED IT. THEN TODAY I STARTED THE CAR AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE I HAVE TO TURN IT OFF AND RESTART IT TO UNLOCK IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND MY DEALER SAYS THEIR IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. I HAVE AS ON TODAY 45484 MILES ON THIS CAR AND NEVER BEEN IN A WRECK. WHEN I AM DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A ROAD THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE DISPLAYS ON THE DIC. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT THE OWNERS OF THE 2005 AND LATER MODELS ARE AND HAVE HAD. *TR
Steering, Jan 14, 2011
THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 60MILES AND HOUR. HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY LOSSING POWER STEERING SINCE 1/11/11. *TR
Steering, Jan 3, 2011
TWICE IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT THE BOTTOM OF A HILL. FORTUNATELY I HAD NOT YET PULLED OUT INTO TRAFFIC OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN FORCED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR
Seats, Jan 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH OVER A SPEED BUMP, THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT COLLAPSED THREE TO FOUR INCHES INTO A TILTED POSITION. THE CONTACT ADJUSTED THE POWER SEAT TO THE LOWEST LEVEL TO SECURE THE SEAT AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH CAUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DRIVER SEAT MOUNTING BRACKET WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Dec 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE POWER STEERING LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN BACK ON THE STEERING RESET ITSELF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL AND DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Steering, Dec 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING COLUMN. THE POWER STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,000.
Steering, Dec 29, 2010
POWER STEERING FAILURE. WARM STARTUP, AFTER REST STOP ON HIGHWAY TRIP, VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND THE "POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION" LIGHT CAME ON DASH. PULLED OVER AND CHECKED FUSES - ALL OK. RESTARTED, PROBLEM STILL THERE. RESTARTED AGAIN IN AN HOUR, PROBLEM WENT AWAY. *TR
Steering, Dec 28, 2010
2004 CHEVY MALIBU STEERING LOCKS UP TURN CAR OFF AND RESTART CAR AND POWER STEERING COMES BACK WHEN IT LOCKS UP IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING OR SITTING STILL,HAD POWER STEERING MOTOR AND SHAFT REPLACED WHEN CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND CHEVY MUST RESOLVE. HAVE NOT HAD E RESPONSE FROM CHEVY. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Dec 28, 2010
12/24/2010 WHILE DRIVING A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING AND IT MADE A SUDDEN JERKING STOP. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED BUT IT SCARED BOTH MY DAUGHTER AND I. THEN IN ADDITION TO KEEP REPLACING MY HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS PRETTY MUCH EVERY OTHER MONTH THEY BLOW OUT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. FOR BOTH INCIDENTS A LOCAL MECHANIC WAS CONSULTED AND HE RECOMMENDED THAT I CONTACT A GM DEALER SHIP TO CHECK FOR RECALLS. I DID THAT AND RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL FOR THE CURRENT SITUATIONS BUT THERE HAS BEEN MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL CAR AND WAS REFERRED ME TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP TO BE CHECKED. *TR
Steering, Dec 27, 2010
I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND MY STEERING SYSTEM IS INOPERABLE AND MAKES IT VERY HARD FOR ME TO STEER IN TRAFFIC. I HAVE TO TURN MY CAR OFF TO RESET IT. THIS IS VERY SCARY WHILE DRIVING AND COULD BE A HAZARD. *TR
Steering, Dec 26, 2010
I HAVE A 2004 MALIBU, 6-CYLINDER, WITH 97,000+ MILES. RECENTLY, THE SERVICE VEHICLE LIGHT STARTED COMING ON WITH A COMPUTER DISPLAY INDICATION OF A POWER STEERING PROBLEM. THEY HAVE SINCE APPEARED ESPECIALLY IN WET WEATHER, WITH LOW RPMS (ABOUT 600) AND ON MAKING SLOW-SPEED RIGHT TURNS. MY NOT-YET-YEAR-OLD, 75-MONTH BATTERY ALSO JUST GAVE OUT, BUT REPLACING IT DID NOT STOP THE FAULT INDICATIONS. TURNING OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTING TO REBOOT THE SYSTEM USUALLY DID, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. TWO DAYS AGO, WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, FAULT INDICATIONS WERE NOT DISPLAYED AND STEERING RESPONSE WAS NORMAL. HOWEVER, ON NEGOTIATING AN S-SHAPED EXIT RAMP, THE POWER ASSIST FAILED AND THE INDICATORS CAME ON. STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND I ONLY MANAGED TO STAY ON THE ROAD AT THE EXPENSE OF A WRENCHED SHOULDER. THE 2004 MALIBU HAS AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM (EPS) - WHICH WAS THE SUBJECT OF NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA4018. THE DOOR STICKER ON MY CAR SHOWS A MANUFACTURE DATE OF 5/04. SO, ACCORDING TO YOUR REPORT, THE "NEWLY DESIGNED TORQUE AND POSITION SENSOR" IN VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER 2/4/04, SHOULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. (I'LL BE EMAILING GM TO CONFIRM WHETHER THAT'S THE CASE.) IN ANY EVENT, JUDGING BY THE SPATE OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER MALIBU OWNERS, IT DOES NOT SEEM THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED'OR THAT GM HAS EVEN CARED TO SERIOUSLY LOOK INTO IT. PLEASE SEE CAR COMPLAINTS LINK FOR A SAMPLING: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/CHEVROLET/MALIBU/2004/STEERING/POWER_STEERING_GOING_OUT_INTERMITTENTLY.SHTML I ALSO TAKE ISSUE WITH YOUR REPORT THAT DRIVER IMPACT WOULD BE INSUBSTANTIAL AS THE CAR IS RELATIVELY SMALL AND LIGHT. BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE, THERE IS A CLEAR SAFELY HAZARD. THE MALIBU OBVIOUSLY IS NOT A CAR FOR 20-SOMETHINGS. PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY DRIVE IT WOULD NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT STRENGTH TO STEER WITHOUT THE POWER ASSIST TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. AS ALLUDED TO AT THE END OF YOUR REPORT, I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT CIRCUMSTANCES NOW WARRANT FURTHER ACTION. *TR
Steering, Dec 23, 2010
DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC. POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ENGAGED SUDDENLY. POWER STEERING NOT EFFECTED. CAR SHUT OFF. RESTART AND DRIVES NORMALLY THEN LIGHT GOES ON AGAIN. I HAVE FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY GOING OUT, SO I AM ADDING MY VOICE TO THOSE TO REQUEST CHEVY RECALL. *LN
Steering, Dec 20, 2010
IN A TURN AT HIGHER SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES STIFF, HARD TO TURN, AND THE BELL ALARM GOES OFF. *TR
Steering, Parking brake, Engine and engine cooling, Seat belts, Equipment, Dec 17, 2010
I HAVE A 2004 MALIBU LS, WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR DURING THE WINTER OF 04 I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING. IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, I TOOK IT BACK EVERY WINTER FOR 4 YEARS AND THE DEALERSHIP ALWAYS REPAIRED THE CAR. IN 2010 MY POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST POWER TRYING TO TURN INTO A PARKING SPOT. THE NEXT TIME IT OCCURRED, I WAS DRIVING 50 MPH I WENT TO CHANGE LANES THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL. I WAS PULLING OUT FROM A PARKING SPOT THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR. THIS YEAR THE SEAT BELT LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN MY SEAT BELT IS ON. IT HAPPENS EVERY DAY THE LIGHT STAYS ON. THE DEALER THAT I USE TO USE WENT OUT OF BUSINESS AND DID NOT NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS. I FOUND OUT WHEN I WENT TO HAVE SOME WORK CORRECTED THAT THEY DID. THIS PROBLEM IS SCARY BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE POWER STEERING LIGHT IS GOING TO COME ON. THAT IS VERY VERY SCARY. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THEY CAN NEVER FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I RECENTLY HAD MY CAR INSPECTED THEY WOULD NOT PASS IT BECAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.I HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR 300 MILES AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF AND THEY PASSED IT FOR INSPECTION. THE ORIGINAL BRAKES WERE REPLACED 3 TIMES IN THE FIRST 2 YEARS OF HAVING THE CAR. I ONLY HAVE 45, 000 MILES. PURCHASED 2 BATTERIES FROM GM THE 2ND ONE LASTED LESS THEN 2 YEARS AND DIED. AN AUTHENTIC GM BATTERY. *TR