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, Oct 6, 2009
I TOOK VEHICLE INTO GOODYEAR FOR OIL CHANGE AND TOLD THEM MORE STEERING NOISES ARE HAPPENING. *TR
Steering, Oct 6, 2009
2004 CHEVY MALIBU. NUMEROUS DEALERSHIP VISITS ON 'NOISY' STEERING. AFTER WARRANTY GOODYEAR FOUND $610.00 INTERMEDIATED STEERING SHAFT PROBLEM. NOISY AGAIN IN STEERING : STEERING COLUMN WENT OUT! ANOTHER $900.00 BILL. I WANT REIMBURSED AND A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 1, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS INOPERATIVE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AMBER COVER WAS BURNED WITH A HOLE IN IT. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED; HOWEVER, HE HAS NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41, 140 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,167.
Steering, Sep 29, 2009
THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. A "MECHANICAL PROBLEM INDICATOR APPEARED ON THE DASH BOARD WHEN DRIVING MY CAR AND THE WORDS "POWER STEERING" WERE DISPLAYED ON THE RADIO DISPLAY. A FEW MOMENTS LATER, MY POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE CAR BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I TURNED AROUND AND WENT HOME. *TR
Steering, Power train, Sep 25, 2009
I OWN A 2004; 4 CYL; CHEVY MALIBU WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. THE SYSTEM FAILED WHILE I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE. I NARROWLY ESCAPED CAUSING A COLLISION BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE. WHEN TOWED TO CHEVY "... THEIR COMPUTER SHOWS NO PROBLEM...". BALONEY, I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT BY GOING ON-LINE THAT LOTS OF CHEVY MALIBUS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. CHEVY WILL NOT OWN UP TO IT BECAUSE IT IS A MAJOR EXPENSIVE REPAIR. *TR
Steering, Sep 22, 2009
STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHIMMY WHILE IN MOTION, OFTEN ACCOMPANIED BY KNOCKING THAT IS HEARD AND ALSO FELT THROUGH THE STEERINGWHEEL WHILE APPLYING BRAKES, AND WOULD STOP ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN NEAR OR COMPLETE STOP. OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS INCLUDE A ROUGH VIBRATION WITH AN AUDIBLE REPETITIVE THUMPING THAT WAS FELT FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL THAT WOULD SLIP ON REGULAR INTERVALS WHILE APPLYING BRAKES. THE FAILURE HAPPENED SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING MY 2 SPECIAL NEEDS BOYS TO SCHOOL. THE FAILURE STARTED WITH LITTLE WARNING IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL WHICH IS LOCATED RIGHT OFF THE BOULEVARD. I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE CAR SAFELY TO A STOP DUE TO THE 25MPH SCHOOL ZONE RULE. THE MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT IS 35 DURING NON SCHOOL HOURS AND 40 MPH FURTHER DOWN THE BOULEVARD. THE POWER STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER WITH IN SECONDS BEFORE THE SERVICE (WRENCH) LIGHT CAME ON. I PARKED MY VEHICLE, AND CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO AN REPUTABLE CARE REPAIR SHOP BECAUSE THE CAR WASN'T SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE. AFTER 50 MINUTES THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AND WHEN THE DRIVER STARTED MY CAR, THE CAR WAS AGAIN STEER-ABLE AND THE MAINTENANCE LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ON. THE MECHANICS WERE UNSUCCESSFUL IN REPRODUCING THE STEERING MALFUNCTION. SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2009 , THE SAME FAILURE REPEATED ITSELF, SAME LOCATION SAME TIME AS BEFORE, THE MAINTENANCE LIGHT TURNED ON AND THEN UNLIKE THE FIRST EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 8TH, THE RADIO DISPLAYED AN POWERSTEERING FAILURE MESSAGE ON ITS' SCREEN. THE MECHANIC AT THE AUTO SHOP TOOK A LOOK AT MY CAR IMMEDIATELY AFTER HE SAW THE MAINTENANCE LIGHT, AND THE POWERSTEERING FAILURE MESSAGE. AFTER THE POWERSTEERING PART FROM BOB STALL CHEVROLET WAS DELIVERED, THE PART WAS THEN INSTALLED. I PAID OUT OF POCKET, AND DIDN'T FIND OUT UNTIL AFTER SERVICE WAS RENDERED, THAT A DISCOVERY WAS MADE BY THE SHOP WHILE SEARCHING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT MY CAR, THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL. I NEVER RECEIVED GM'S NOTICE. I HAVE THE OLD PART. PART INSTALLED IS NEW. *TR
Steering, Sep 16, 2009
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILS - CAUSES A MSG TO APPEAR ON INFO CENTER AND STEERING IS DIFFICULT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 16, 2009
ALL BRAKES SEEM TO ENGAGE WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT RELEASE UNTIL CAR SEATS FOR SEVERAL HOURS. BRAKES BECAME VERY HOT AND CAUSED STEERING PROBLEMS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 14, 2009
EXTERIOR LAMP SOCKET OVERHEATED, MELTED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS. *TR
Steering, Sep 4, 2009
I PURCHASED A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU IN JUNE 2009. SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CAR THE POWER STEERING LIGHT HAS COME ON AND I HAVE LOST ALL POWER STEERING IN THE VEHICLE TWICE. I TOOK THE CAR THE DEALERSHIPS SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE POWER STEERING. DRIVING TODAY I LOST ALL POWER STEERING AGAIN. I STOP THE VEHICLE AND TURN IT OFF AND IT RESETS ITSELF USUALLY, BUT TODAY IT KEPT GOING OUT. I SPOKE TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM ALTHOUGH THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO SERIOUSLY. I AM LOCKED INTO MY LOAN FOR 3 YEARS ON THIS CAR. *TR
Steering, Sep 3, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE "POWER STEERING" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AS A CONSEQUENCE THE RISK FOR VEHICLE CRASH WAS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY, AND A MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. AS OF CURRENT DATE THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 92,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Sep 1, 2009
LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST GOES AWAY AND "POWER STEERING" IS DISPLAYED ON THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 31, 2009
THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS/TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS ON MY 2004 MALIBU MAXX ARE MELTING THROUGH THE AMBER COLORED HOUSING AND STARTING TO MELT THE CLEAR HOUSING THAT COVERS THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT. I THINK AT SOME TIME THIS MIGHT LEAD TO A FIRE. THE PROBLEM WAS JUST NOTICED AT A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND MAY HAVE BEEN MELTING FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE IT WAS REALIZED. *TR
Steering, Aug 15, 2009
DRIVING THE 2004 CHEVY MALIBU IN A PARKING LOT WHEN POWER STEERING TURNED OFF. POWER STEERING WILL RESET AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR BUT WILL SUBSEQUENTLY TURN OFF AGAIN. LOOSES POWER STEERING MORE FREQUENTLY SINCE THE INITIAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 6, 2009
THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TURN SIGNAL / PARK LAMP WAS NOT WORKING. I REMOVED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY TO ACCESS THE TURN SIGNAL BULB. BEFORE REMOVING THE BULB I NOTICED; A) THE OLD BULB GLASS WAS WHITE. B) THEOUTER CLEAR PLASTIC AND CHROME REFLECTIVE SURFACE OF THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY ARE DISCOLORED, DIRECTLY ABOVE THE TURN SIGNAL BULB, FROM HEAT. C) THE ROUND AMBER LENS DIRECTLY AROUND THE TURN SIGNAL BULB WAS MELTED AT THE TOP AND A MELTED PIECE OF THIS PLASTIC EXTENDED DOWN AND WAS MELTED TO THE TOP OF THE TURN SIGNAL BULB. CURRENTLY ALL I HAVE DONE WAS TO REPLACE THE BULB. NOTE: BOTH FRONT HEAD LAMP HOUSINGS HAVE THE SAME HEAT DISCOLORATION AND MELTING. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 5, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER UNIT IN THE VEHICLE BURNED INTO PIECES. SHE USED THE LIGHTER REGULARLY AND WHEN THE LIGHTER POPPED BACKED OUT TO BE USED, THE ENTIRE UNIT OVERHEATED AND BURNED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OR ISSUES WITH THE LIGHTER UNIT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SCARRING FROM THE FAILURE. SHE STATED THAT HER VEHICLE MAY BE AT RISK OF CATCHING FIRE OR EXPERIENCING OTHER ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
Steering, Aug 5, 2009
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING GOES OF SUDDENLY W/O ADVANCE NOTICE OF ANY KIND. *TR
Steering, Aug 3, 2009
I OWN A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU AND THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING QUIT. THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DISPLAY SAID POWER STEERING. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS RIGHT AFTER I HAD PICKED MY SON UP FROM DAY CARE. I WAS ON MY HOME AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I COULD BARELY STEER THE CAR. I HAD TO PULL HARD ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO GET THE CAR TO STEER. IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN ON MY WAY TO WORK, BUT NOW IT OVER STEERS TO THE RIGHT. IF THE POWER STEERING HAD COME BACK ON WHILE I WAS PULLING ON THE STEERING WHEEL I WOULD HAVE WENT INTO THE OTHER LANE AND CAUSED AND ACCIDENT (WITH MY SON IN THE CAR). I TOOK IT TO THE CHEVY DEALER AND THEY SAID THE STEERING COLUMN WAS ALREADY REPLACED DUE TO A RECALL. THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN AT MY EXPENSE. IF THE STEERING COLUMN WAS ALREADY REPLACED, THEN WHY IS THE SAME PROBLEM STILL HAPPENING. I WILL NOT PAY TO HAVE A NEW ONE PUT IN WHEN IT ONLY TEMPORARILY FIXES THE PROBLEM. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME ISSUE. SOME HAVE CAUSED ACCIDENTS. I WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR WITH MY SON IN THE CAR. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT GM DOES NOT ADMIT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR GM TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM A "DEATH". *TR
Steering, Jul 31, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AT NIGHT, THE POWER STEERING FAILED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE DRIVER HAD TO EXERT GREATER EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND IS CURRENTLY NOT BEING DRIVEN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,520.
Steering, Jul 28, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE SIDEWALK. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Steering, Jul 27, 2009
LOST POWER STEERING EVERY TIME ENGINE GOES OVER 2500 RPMS AND UP. STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP AND THEN YOU HAVE NO CONTROL, TO MAKE TURNS OR TO MERGE ONTO THE FREEWAY. DUE TO THIS FAILURE OF STEERING I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS OF BEING INVOLVED IN A CRASH. *TR
Steering, Jul 26, 2009
WHILE CROSSING INTERSECTION, POWER STEERING GAVE OUT. CREATED POTENTIAL HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ON-COMING TRAFFIC. STEERING VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT. *TR
Steering, Equipment, Jul 25, 2009
I REPORTED THIS TO NHTSA AND NO CONTACT FROM ANYONE. I OWN A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU. I HAVE SPENT OVER $2400.00 TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED. FAILURE OF POWER STEERING INDICATOR AND A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD TO PAID TO HAVE 2 NEW GM STEERING COLUMNS INSTALLED IN THE LAST YEAR AND HALF. HAVE HAD THE SENSOR ADJUSTED ON THE NEW STEERING COLUMN. AND I STILL CONTINUE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE WRITTEN TO GM WITH A LESS THAN ACCEPTABLE REPLY. THERE IS A SERIOUS MATTER AND IT APPEAR NOTHING IS BEING DONE. ARE YOU WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO GET HURT. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. GM SURE IS REFUSING. UNFORTUNATELY I DO NOT HAVE RECORDS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE VEHICLES HISTORY FOR I AM 2ND OWNER HOWEVER, BECAUSE I HAVE ALREADY INSTALLED 2 NEW COLUMNS I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SOMETIME. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 24, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. IN JULY OF 2006, THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED AT ONLY 15,000 MILES. RECENTLY, THE CONTACT FELT THE STEERING LOOSEN WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. ON JULY 21, 2009, THE STEERING KNUCKLE FAILED AND SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. SHE HAD TO PLACE THE GEAR INTO PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 56,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 24, 2009
AT 37500 MILES INSPECTION OF ALL (4) FOUR ROTORS AND RESPECTIVE BRAKE PADS FOLLOWED HEARING SCREECHING SCRAPING NOISES AND SLIGHT INCREASE IN BREAKING DISTANCE. EXCESSIVE WEAR WAS OBSERVED ON ROTOR DISCS. DRIVEN MILEAGE WAS CITY (35) THIRTY-FIVE PERCENT AND INTERSTATE (65) SIXTY-FIVE PERCENT. NON-DEALERSHIP TIRE/BRAKE SPECIALTY SHOP WITH KNOWN COMPETENT BUSINESS REPUTATION OF (25) TWENTY-FIVE YEARS STATED THE GM PRODUCT OF RECENT (2002-2004) MAKE HAVE EXHIBITED EARLY FAILURE RATES DUE TO 'SOFT ALLOY" USED IN THE OEM BRAKE DISCS. *TR