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.
Exterior lighting, Aug 20, 2008
MY HUSBAND TRAVELS 200 MILES A DAY,MOSTLY INTERSTATE TRAVEL. AT LEAST .ONCE A DAY HIS TURN SIGNALS FAIL TO WORK. MOST OF THE TIME IF HE MESSES AROUND WITH THE HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON FOR A FEW SECONDS THE TURN SIGNALS WILL FUNCTION AGAIN,BUT NOT ALWAYS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. ONE MECHANIC SAID IT IS MORE THAN LIKELY A SHORT IN THE WIRING BUT WILL E EXPENSIVE TO FIND LET ALONE FIX. I FEEL THERE IS ALSO A POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE TURN SIGNALS FAIL. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE, BUT HAS NOT BEEN SERVICED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,957 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Electrical system, Aug 14, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL BULBS OFTEN BLOW OUT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BULB AND SOME WIRES. RECENTLY, HE NOTICED THAT THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL COVERING BURNED. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,900. UPDATED 10/03/08 *BF THE DEALER STATED THE WIRING HARNESS HAD MELTED. UPDATED 10/07/08.*JB
Steering, Aug 13, 2008
POWER STEERING GOES OUT ON A REGULAR BASIS IN MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LS. I HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER AND TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO GET STEERING POWER BACK. THE DEALERSHIPS CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR AND HAVE CHARGED ME 110 DOLLARS IN DIAGNOSTICS AND UNSUCCESSFUL REPAIRS. *TR
Seats, Aug 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT DROPPED APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 INCHES ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE CONTACT ARRIVED HOME AND DISCOVERED THAT THE BRACKET FAILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,678 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,653. UPDATED 09/10/08. *LJ THE SEAT FRAME WELD BROKE. UPDATED 09/12/08. *JB
Exterior lighting, Aug 11, 2008
THE TURN SIGNAL LENS A PART OF THE FRONT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS APPARENTLY MELTING FROM HEAT CAUSED BY THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BULB. THE LENS IS MOUNTED INSIDE OF THE CLEAR HEADLAMP LENS AND IS MADE OUT OF AMBER COLORED PLASTIC. THIS MELTING IS OCCURRING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE AND HAS CAUSED SEVERAL LIGHT BULB MALFUNCTIONS TO OCCUR. THIS PROBLEM NOT ONLY CAUSES THE FAILURE OF THE TURN SIGNAL BULB BUT ALSO CREATES THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE TO BREAK OUT. *TR
Steering, Jul 31, 2008
POWER STEERING PROBLEM. CLUNKING WHEN TURNING BEFORE. NOW POWER ASSIST COMES AND GOES. VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 31, 2008
LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNALS/DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE OVERHEATING AND CAUSING THE YELLOW PLASTIC LENS SURROUNDING THE BULB TO OVERHEAT AND MELT. THE MELTING PLASTIC IS DRIPPING DOWN ONTO THE HOT BULB WERE IS IT BURNING. ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT SEEN IT SMOKE OR FLAME THE DAMAGE AND CAUSE IS OBVIOUS. THIS IS A MAJOR FIRE HAZARD YET WHEN I CONTACTED GM THEY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. CITING THE AGE AND MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. IT IS A 2004 WITH 55,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE CHECKED OUT MANY OTHER MALIBU'S AND THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING ON THE MAJORITY OF THEM. WITH MOLTEN PLASTIC DRIPPING DOWN ONTO A HOT BULB OR ITS METAL BASE IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL A FIRE OCCURS. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ON BOTH SIDES. THIS IS A DESIGN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. *TR
Steering, Jul 30, 2008
REFER TO NHTSA ACTION #: PE04031, MY CAR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I BROUGHT IT TO THE CHEVY DEALER IN 2005 AND WAS TOLD "THAT'S HOW THE NEW ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING" WORKS. I ALWAYS FELT IT WASN'T RIGHT AND HAVE NARROWLY AVOIDED CRASHES A FEW TIMES WHEN THE STEERING FROZE UP. MY MECHANIC NOTED THE PROBLEM DURING THE CAR'S YEARLY INSPECTION AND REPLACED THE STEERING MODULE. THIS IS POTENTIALLY A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT CHEVROLET SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING. *TR
Steering, Jul 22, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY RATE OF SPEED, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS HAVING A FAULTY INTERNAL STEERING SHAFT THAT HAD BEEN GREASED IMPROPERLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,047. UPDATED 09/13/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/16/08 *JB
Seats, Jul 17, 2008
SEAT BRACKET BROKE WHILE DRIVING CAUSING SEAT TO SUDDENLY DROP TO ONE SIDE. AS A RESULT, DRIVER NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. INSPECTION OF THE SEAT MOUNT REVEALED TWO FAILED WELDS. CONTACTED GM THE NEXT DAY, THEN BROUGHT VEHICLE TO NEAREST DEALER AT GM'S REQUEST. DEALER INITIALLY REPORTED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A CLEAR FACTORY DEFECT AND SUGGESTED THAT GM SHOULD REPAIR IT AT NO COST TO US. AFTER TWO WEEKS OF "CONSIDERING OUR REQUEST," GM DENIED THE CLAIM AND SUGGESTED THAT WE SHOULD HAVE PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED AT THIS TIME. *TR
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Jul 16, 2008
FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR, THE RIGHT FRONT TURN LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO OUT. WE HAVE REPLACED THE BULB MANY TIMES. SOMETIMES IT WILL LAST A FEW WEEKS AND SOMETIMES ONLY A FEW DAYS. *TR
Steering, Jul 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE LEFT WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SWERVE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND UNABLE TO BE MOVED TO THE LEFT. THE POWER STEERING DID NOT WORK WHEN TURNED TO THE RIGHT, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY LOOSE WHEN IT WAS TURNED TO THE LEFT. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED TWICE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, SHE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND ONE POSSIBLE INVESTIGATION. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT A FOUR YEAR OLD VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE EXPERIENCING THESE TYPES OF FAILURES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 74,404. UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER STEERING FAILED 3 TIMES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN. UPDATED 09/16/08. *JB
Exterior lighting, Jul 12, 2008
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU WITH 47,000 MILES. AFTER 2 WEEKS OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WENT OUT. AFTER REPLACING THE BULB, I NOTICED THAT A HOLE HAS BURNED THROUGH THE YELLOW, PLASTIC LENS. *TR
Steering, Jul 10, 2008
I LOST POWER STEERING ON MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LAST WEEK. CAR HAS 34K MILES ON IT. FOR ABOUT 4-5 SECONDS THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO STEERING, THEN NO POWER STEERING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ABSOLUTELY. GM REFUSES TO PAY FOR REPAIR OR HELP ME AT ALL. THEY ALSO REFUSE ACCORDING THE THEIR SPOKESMAN, TO DO A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Jul 8, 2008
I WAS TRAVELING A STRAIGHT SECTION OF I-75 GOING NORTHBOUND THAT MY POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2007, I NOTICED A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE SECTION AND NEVER THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT, JUST THOUGHT AS BEING OK. SO I TOOK MY MALIBU TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT MY 2004 MALIBU MAXX STEERING COLUMN MUST BE REPLACED. SO I CALLED ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE PREVIOUS RECALLS CONCERNING THE POWER STEERING. I NOTIFIED GM OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY OFFERED TO PAY HALF OF THE COSTS WHICH WAS $430 OF AN $860 PROJECT. I THINK THEY SHOULD PAY ALL BECAUSE ITS STILL CONSIDERED A NEW USED CAR. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 8, 2008
I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR APPROX. 12 MONTHS...RECENTLY TOOK A LONG TRIP-11 HOURS DRIVING STRAIGHT THROUGH-UPON RETURNING I NOTICED THE LEFT FRONT TURN SIGNAL NOT WORKING, I IMMEDIATELY PURCHASED REPLACEMENT BULB AND UPON REPLACING I NOTICED THE INTERNAL AMBER LENS CUP FOR THE SIGNAL HAD A HOLE MELTED/BURNED THROUGH IT. NOTICING THIS I IMMEDIATELY CHECKED THE RIGHT SIDE AND IT ALSO HAS A HOLE STARTING TO COME THROUGH. I TRAVELED AT NIGHT, OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 62-68 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT FOR THE BETTER PART OF THE TRAVEL. THE BASE OF THE BULB THAT WAS REPLACED SHOWS SLIGHT MELT, THEIR IS NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO THE SOCKET. I HAVE SAVED THE OLD BULB. *TR
Equipment, Jul 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. AFTER TURNING THE AIR CONDITIONER ON IT WAS HEATING THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF COOLING IT. A MECHANIC ADDED TWO CANS OF FREE-ON IN THE UNIT; HOWEVER, THE AIR CONDITIONER IS NOT OPERATING NORMALLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Steering, Jul 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST LOCKED, WHICH PREVENTED THE STEERING WHEEL FROM BEING TURNED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED TWICE SINCE THE INITIAL FAILURE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SENSOR WAS FAULTY, AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,020.
Steering, Jul 7, 2008
I OWN A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING ON THE NJ GARDEN STATE PARKWAY, I HEARD AN AUDIBLE ALARM AND AT THE SAME TIME NOTICED A "POWER STEERING" READ-OUT ON THE ON THE DIC DISPLAY. ALL THIS TIME I AM FEELING THE TIGHTNESS IN THE STEERING AND REALIZING THAT I HAVE LOST THE POWER STEERING ON THE VEHICLE. SINCE THEN I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS LOSS IS INTERMITTENT - IT COMES AND GOES WITH NO PREDICTION OF WHEN OR WHERE. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT PRIOR TO THE ACTUALLY LOSS OF PS, IT SEEMS THAT THE SYSTEM IS LOSING CONTROL, I.E. TRYING TO SYNCHRONIZE/STABILIZE BEFORE IT FAILS. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO GM, WHO IN TERM HAVE SUGGESTED THAT I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR EVALUATION. WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, IT CAN BE VERY SCARY. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Jul 4, 2008
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I LOST POWER STEERING IN MY VEHICLE ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAS BEEN AN OCCURRING PROBLEM FOR THE LAST YEAR OR SO BUT NEVER ON THE HIGHWAY. WE HAD TAKEN THE CAR TO A SERVICE STATION AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY THING WRONG. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 20, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN FROM 60 MPH, THE BRAKES WOULD APPLY AUTOMATICALLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR THE ABS. IN MAY OF 2008, SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPROGRAMMED THE ABS ACTIVATION MODULE IN REGARDS TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V190000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE).; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WORSENED A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER. THE CONTACT FELT AS IF SHE WERE DRIVING ON FOUR FLAT TIRES. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY ASSISTANCE OR SATISFACTION. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,318 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
Steering, Jun 19, 2008
POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE CAR BEING DRIVEN. *TR
Seats, Jun 16, 2008
WAS DRIVING WHEN DRIVERS SEAT LURCHED TO THE LEFT. WHEN I GOT HOME AND INSPECTED THE SEAT I OBSERVED THAT A WELD HAD BROKEN IN THE LOWER SEAT FRAME COMPONENT ASSOCIATED WITH VERTICAL HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT FOR POWER SEAT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 16, 2008, fire
FRONT BLINKER LIGHTS HAVE MELTED NICKEL SIZED HOLES IN THE TOPS OF THE AMBER PLASTIC GLOBES THE LIGHT BULBS GO INTO. MELTED PLASTIC DRIPPED ON THE LIGHT BULBS CAUSING BULBS TO FAIL. STRONG MELTED/BURNT PLASTIC ODOR IN THE CAR. SMOKE FROM THE MELTED PLASTIC HAS DISCOLORED HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES. HAVE TO REPLACE FRONT AND BACK BLINKER LIGHTS AT LEAST MONTHLY. FRONT CASINGS ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT CAUGHT FIRE, BURNED THROUGH THE ORANGE GLOBISH COVER THROUGH TO THE OUTSIDE COVER. THE LIGHTS BURNING OUT STARTED WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR BUT THE FIRE DID NOT START UNTIL 2006. I SEE MORE MALIBU'S ON THE ROAD WITH ONLY ONE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHT WORKING AT A TIME. IT HAS TO BE A KNOW PROBLEM BUT THE DEALERSHIP DENIES IT EVERY TIME I'VE CALLED OVER THE YEARS. *TR