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, Jul 13, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TRAVELING AT 5 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT SUDDENLY SHIFTED BACKWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER RE-WELDED THE DRIVER SIDE BELT FRAME TO THE BASE. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 74,000.
Steering, Air bags, Jul 13, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLICKING SOUND SPORADICALLY COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE HE WAS ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS WITHIN THE POWER STEERING. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE POWER STEERING COLUMN AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE CURRENTMILEAGE WAS 79,000.
Electrical system, Jul 2, 2010
THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON FOR 2004 CHEVY MALIBU FOR ONE DAY. CAR WOULD NOT START THE NEXT DAY. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALED OVER 33,000 COMPLAINTS FOR THEFT SEARCH. ON CHEVY CARS. FOR $616 PLUS TAX, TIM LALLY CHEVROLET IS CHARGING ME FOR: IGNITION CYLINDER, WIRING AND CONNECTOR. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE STEERING RACK HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRES TO BECOME WORN WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR COST WAS $657 SINCE THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS OR VALID WARRANTIES. THE WIRING IN THE HORN WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND IT WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE FOR $200. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 23,800. UPDATED 11/15/10 *CN UPDATED 11/24/10
Steering, Jul 1, 2010
2004 CHEVY MALIBU AT 30,000. MILES THE STEERING WENT OUT CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I TURN AT 42K IT DID IT AGAIN AT 68K IT DID IT AGAIN THIS TIME CHEVY WOULD NOT PAY FOR REPAIRS NO MORE WARRANTY IT HAPPENED AGAIN IN 2009 AND NOW IT'S IN THE SHOP FOR ANOTHER STEERING PROBLEM COST 1622.00 TO REPAIR PLUS RENTAL AR FOR THREE DAYS. CHEVY SAYS MY FAULT THE PROBLEMS ARE NOT RELATED. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND IT'S NOT ONE TWO OR EVEN THREE TIMES IT MANY TIMES.. *TR
Steering, Jun 28, 2010
POWER STEERING FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Jun 24, 2010
POWER STEERING FREQUENTLY CUTS OUT - HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. CONSTANT CRUNCHING SOUND WHEN TURNING - MOST OFTEN WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT. STEERING REPLACED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY - WHEN QUESTIONED AGAIN LATER - VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY (36,000 MI). SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED VEHICLE WARRANT OFFERED WAS 100,000 MILES. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 23, 2010
I AM EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH BOTH OF MY TURN SIGNALS. THEY ARE CURRENTLY NOT WORKING AT 100%. SOMETIMES THEY COME ON AND SOMETIMES THEY DO NOT. ALSO, THEY HAVE TURNED ON AND IMMEDIATELY STOPPED WORKING. THIS HAS CAUSED GREAT CONCERN BECAUSE I AM NOT ALWAYS ABLE TO SIGNAL TO CHANGE LANES WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. NOTHING HAPPENED DIRECTLY BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. ONE NIGHT WHEN A FRIEND WAS FOLLOWING ME SHE NOTICED THAT I HAD "STOPPED" USING MY TURN SIGNALS WHEN IN FACT I NOTICED LATER THAT THEY WERE NO LONGER WORKING. THE NEXT DAY, THEY WORKED ON AND OFF THROUGHOUT THE DAY. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER AND REPORTED THAT PROBLEM AND ASKED ABOUT THE RECALL, THE DEALER STATED THAT MY 2004 MALIBU WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL THOUGH IT WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS PREVIOUS MODELS. *TR
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 21, 2010
I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU WITH 80,000 PLUS MILES. MY POWER STEERING COLUMN MOTOR SHORTED OUT AND THEREFORE MY POWER STEERING HAS ENABLED MY CAR TO BE DRIVEN; AND THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY WHEN I JUST FILLED IT WITH GAS. I DID AN ON-LINE RESEARCH AND SAW THERE WERE SO MANY OTHER CONSUMERS THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS I HAVE AND I CONTACTED GM AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. IT IS SAD WHEN WE PURCHASE 'MADE IN AMERICA' PRODUCTS THAT THE COMPANIES DO NOT STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS. I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A TOTAL RECALL ON ALL THESE CARS BEFORE WE END UP WITH MAJOR ACCIDENTS. SHAME ON GM TO GET THE POWER STEERING FIX IS NOT CHEAP. GM KNOWS OF THESE PROBLEMS AND IS EXTREMELY NONCHALANT ABOUT RECTIFYING THE SITUATION. TOYOTA STEPPED UP AND RECALLED THEIR CARS TO CLEAR UP THE PROBLEMS , WHOSE GOING TO MAKE GM DO THE SAME? *TR
Seats, Jun 21, 2010
DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME BROKE AT RIGHT FRONT WELD JOINT. SEAT THEN LEANED TO THE RIGHT AND MOVED FORWARD AND BACKWARD. THIS OCCURRED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AT LOW SPEED. MECHANIC SAID THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE SINCE DURING HARD BRAKING OR IMPACT THE SEAT WOULD NOT HOLD AND WOULD LIKELY BREAK ENTIRELY LOOSE AND SLAM THE DRIVER INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. $850 TO REPLACE THE SEAT FRAME. GM WOULD NOT PAY TO FIX THIS OBVIOUS DESIGN/MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jun 20, 2010
I OWN A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU. THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE CONTINUALLY CAUSES MY CAR TO HAVE A DELAYED START. I HAVE HAD TO PUT SO MUCH MONEY INTO THIS VEHICLE THAT FIXING IT TO THE TUNE OF $500 IS OUT OF THE QUESTION. MY DEALER TOLD ME THAT EVEN FIXING THE VEHICLE DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WILL NOT BE DEFECTIVE. MY CAR RECENTLY STALLED IN A DARK PARKING LOT AND I HAD MY TWO YEAR OLD BABY WITH ME. DOES CHEVY HAVE NO SHAME FOR SELLING PRODUCTS THAT THEY KNOW ARE DANGEROUS? IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN ATTACKED AND MY LITTLE GIRL HURT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN THEIR FAULT. IT REALLY DOESN'T MAKE MUCH SENSE TO HAVE A DEFECTIVE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE DOES IT? WILL IT TAKE A WRONGFUL DEATH SUIT TO MAKE THEM BE MORE RESPONSIBLE? I KNOW THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BECAUSE A CO-WORKER OF MINE HAS A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU AND SHE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, TWO YEARS LATER THEY ARE STILL SELLING THE SAME CRAP. IF I CAN AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR AGAIN IT WILL DEFINITELY BE A FOREIGN CAR. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS GENERAL BECAUSE THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, NOT JUST ON ONE DATE!!!! *TR
Steering, Jun 17, 2010
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER SUDDENLY LOST ALL ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE WITHOUT WARNING MAKING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STEER. THERE IS NO ALLEGE TO THIS ISSUE IT HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THIS IS ADDRESSED? I AM HOPING IT IS NOT MY DAUGHTER. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 17, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE ATTEMPTING A TURN AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 10-15 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BARELY AVOID CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR CONCERNS OF THE POWER STEERING FAILING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING COLUMN, IGNITION SWITCH AND THROTTLE BODY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Steering, Jun 15, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WERE WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT INSPECTED. THE FAILURE AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 83,500. UPDATED 8/9/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. UPDATED 08/11/10
Steering, Jun 12, 2010
I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU AND RANDOMLY MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND A POWER STEERING WARNING WILL COME ON. THE POWER STEERING IS USUALLY OKAY AND I CAN CONTINUE DRIVING, BUT ONE DAY WHILE I WAS IN A TURN LANE IT WENT OUT. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OR TURN WHEN YOU DO NOT HAVE POWER STEERING. TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP BUT BECAUSE IT IS INTERMITTENT, IT WAS NOT HAVING THAT ISSUE WHEN I TOOK IT IN AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I'M WORRIED MY POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT AGAIN AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Jun 8, 2010
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER REQUESTS THAT THE INVESTIGATION TO COMPLAINTS BE REOPENED *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER AND UPON INSPECTION, THEY STATED THE STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING CONTROL MODULE HAD GONE BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IF IT WASN'T REPLACED, THE CONSUMER WOULD LOSE POWER STEERING. THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AT HER EXPENSE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR THIS MODEL. *JB
Steering, Jun 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP AND IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. WITHIN A FEW TRAVELED MILES, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE RECURS INTERMITTENTLY AND HE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE AT LEAST TEN TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,596 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,600.
Electrical system, Jun 4, 2010
INTERMITTENT TURN SIGNALS AND HORN CONTINUALLY GOES OFF HAVING TO REMOVE FUSE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 3, 2010
PURCHASED A USED 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU IN APRIL 2009 AT A SATURN DEALER. A MONTH AFTER THE PURCHASE THE FRONT LEFT TURN SIGNAL STOPPED WORKING. I REPLACED THE BULB WITH THE PART NUMBER IDENTIFIED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. A FEW WEEKS LATER IT STOPPED WORKING. I CONTINUED TO REMOVE AND/OR REPLACE THE LIGHT BULB UNTIL IT WORKED FOR A FEW DAYS OR WEEKS. AFTER SEVERAL TIMES OF REPLACING THE BULB I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SATURN DEALER IN AUGUST 2009. THEY SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED THE ENTIRE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY WHICH COST SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS. THE ISSUE SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN RESOLVED UNTIL JUNE 1 2010 WHEN THE LIGHT BULB STOPPED WORKING. AFTER INVESTIGATION I NOTICED THE LEFT TURN LIGHT BULB WAS MOSTLY WHITE IN COLOR AND THE TURN SIGNAL AMBER COLORED LENS WAS MELTED WITH A HOLE IN IT. IT SEEMS THAT DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS WHEN IT IS HOT THE LAMP IS OVERHEATING. MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT IS CURRENTLY NOT WORKING. THE SATURN DEALER WENT OUT OF BUSINESS AND CLOSED. AFTER RESEARCH I FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 MALIBU (URL BELOW). PLEASE INVESTIGATE TO SEE IF A RECALL EXISTS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND IF THIS CAN BE PERMANENTLY FIXED BY A CHEVROLET DEALER. HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2004/CHEVROLET/MALIBU/?Q=TURN+SIGNAL. *TR
Steering, Jun 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CHIMING IN THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN SECONDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 54,000.
Seats, Jun 2, 2010
DRIVER'S SIDE POWER SEAT. STEEL FRAME IS BROKEN CAUSING SEAT TO ROCK FRONT TO BACK AND SIDE TO SIDE. NOTICEABLE RUST. UNABLE TO WELD, ONLY FIX IS TO REPLACE SEAT. NOT A SAFE SEAT IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, May 31, 2010
WHILE COMING OFF THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED I NO LONGER HAVE POWER STEERING. THE ENTIRE REST OF THE WAY HOME, NO POWER STEERING. I SEARCHED ON LINE TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RESERVOIR TO PUT MORE POWER STEERING FLUID IN, AND THERE APPEARS TO BE NONE AND I WILL HAVE TO FORK OUT OVER $500 FOR A NEW STEERING COLUMN. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF ANY PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND A POWER STEERING PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, May 31, 2010
WE HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LT. SHORTLY AFTER WE BOUGHT IT, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON TWO OCCASIONS. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS "SUPPOSEDLY" REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE TO THIS DAY ALWAYS VEERS TO THE LEFT, EVEN AFTER AN ALIGNMENT. THIS PAST MONTH THE STEERING WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON THREE TIMES; AND AFTER PAYING $100 JUST FOR THE DIAGNOSIS, I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED FOR $1000 ! IT IS MORE THAN OBVIOUS THAT THIS DEFECT IS INSTRINSIC WITH THE MALIBU, AS IT IS WITH THE CHEVY COBALT, AND REQUIRES A RECALL. READ THE INTERNET ! I REPORTED THIS DEFECT TO GM AND RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I AM REPORTING IT TO THE NHTSA. YOU MUST DEMAND THAT GM RECALL THIS DEFECT ON THE MALIBU. *TR
Steering, May 19, 2010
MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU POWER STEERING IS LOCKING WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT LET WHEEL TURN. I WAS DRIVING AND WHEN I WENT TO MAKE A TURN THE CAR WHEEL LOCKED AND WOULD NOT TURN IT WAS CONTINUING STRAIGHT I HAD TO TURN IT WITH ALL MY STRENGTH TO AVOID HITTING A WALL.I PHONED CHEVY CORPORATE AND THEY SAID IT IS NOT UNDER RECALL BUT THERE WAS 2 INVESTIGATIONS DONE ON THIS IN 2004 AND CURRENTLY 2005 - 2010 COBALTS MADE BY THEM HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL UNDER WAY RIGHT NOW FOR THAT MODEL AND IT IS THE SAME ISSUE I AM HAVING WITH MY MODEL CAR. THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT GOING TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE BECAUSE THERE IS NOT A CURRENT RECALL ON THIS MODEL. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF AND HAVE BEEN AWARE OF AND THEY ARE CHOOSING NOT TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MALFUNCTION IN THE POWER STEERING. THEY ARE CHOOSING TO IGNORE THIS SAFETY DEFECT. THIS HAS OCCURRED THE LAST THREE TIMES I HAVE USED THE CAR THIS WEEK. *TR
Electrical system, May 18, 2010
2004 CHEVY MALIBU THEFT SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR