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.
Power train, Aug 22, 2007
ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2007 MY WIFE AND I WERE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH ALONG A WINDY, HILLY STRETCH OF ROAD. AT THE TOP OF THE THIRD HILL, THE TRANSMISSION DROPPED TO ZERO. AFTER COASTING DOWN THE HILL, I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE IN FIRST GEAR ONLY. AFTER STOPPING FOR 15 MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING IN LOW GEARS. HOWEVER, IF I TRIED TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY (SUCH AS TO MERGE WITH INTERSTATE TRAFFIC, OR TO MAKE A LEGAL U-TURN) THEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN. ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE STATION AND HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED AND FILLED. MY HOPE WAS TO AVOID ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, THIS SERVICE DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALER WHO TOLD ME THE CLUTCH WAS COMPLETELY BURNED OUT. THEY ASKED ME WHY I WAITED SO LONG TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED. I POINTED OUT TO THEM THAT THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES THAT IT IS A "MAINTENANCE FREE" TRANSMISSION THAT SHOULD NEVER NEED SERVICING. *TR
Steering, Aug 20, 2007
FEBRUARY 2005 STEERING COLUMN REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE, PRIOR TO RECALL ISSUED (15,050 MILES). FEBRUARY 2007 RACK AND PINION SYSTEM REPLACED DUE TO THUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT (45,380 MILES). THUNKING NOISE RETURNED IN AUGUST 2007, THIS TIME NOISE WAS CAUSED BY STEERING SHAFT, WHICH WAS REPLACED (51,206 MILES). *TR
Steering, Aug 19, 2007
I OWN A 2004 MALIBU SEDAN LT (80K) AND A 2004 MALIBU MAXX LT (50K). BOTH CARS HAVE THE CLUNKING NOISE IN THE RACK AND PINION. I AM ISSUING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT CHEVORLET HAS NO REPAIR TO ELIMINATE THE NOISE. I CONSIDER ANY PART OF MY STEERING A VERY SAFETY SENSITIVE ISSUE. IF IT WERE ONLY ONE CAR I WOULD NOT BE AS CONCERNED. BUT I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE CORRECTED (ON GM'S NICKEL OF COURSE) ASAP!*JB
Steering, Aug 17, 2007
GEAR SHIFT LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT MOVE. HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. FRONT TURN LIGHTS CONSTANTLY LOOSE CONNECTION AND GO OUT. HAVE REPLACED THEM ON AVERAGE EVERY THREE MONTHS. WITHIN 6 MO OF PURCHASE, STEERING FELT LOOSE AND WOULD LOCK UP A SLOW SPEED TURNS. STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. AT THE SAME TIME, THUMPING CAN BE HEARD WITH LEFT HAND TURNS. DEALER SAYS THE PROBLEM IS RECOGNIZED BY CHEVROLET AND IS A DESIGN DEFECT OF THE RACK AND PINION, BUT CHEVROLET SAYS THEY HAVE NO REPORTS OF THE PROBLEM. THE SHOP JUST GREASES THE RACK AND PINION AND SENDS ME ON MY WAY. AFTER THE 5TH TIME OF HAVING IN THE SHOP AND CHEVY REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING BUT GIVE ME FREE OIL CHANGES, I HAVE TRADED IN THE CAR FOR A FORD. *JB
Exterior lighting, Aug 8, 2007
BOTH YELLOW DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT COVERS ARE MELTED. THERE IS A BURN MARK SURROUNDING THE HOLES OVER EACH LIGHT BULB -- ON BOTH THE RIGHT AND THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CLEAR PLASTIC SHELL AROUND THE HEADLIGHT IS DISCOLORED AS A RESULT OF THE EXCESS HEAT. *JB
Steering, Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 3, 2007
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU WITH NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL CUSTOMER STATES THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING FOR 2 YEARS WITHOUT CORRECTION FROM THE DEALERSHIP**CC THE DEALER REPLACED VARIOUS PARTS IN THE STEERING, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM REMAINED THE SAME. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START. THE DEALER FOUND THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD SHORTED OUT INTERNALLY. THE HORN WAS REPLACED. THE CD PLAYER MADE A CLICKING SOUND. *JB
Suspension, Jul 31, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT SUSPENSION WAS REPLACED FOUR TIMES AND THE RACK WAS REPLACED ONCE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE SHOP FOURTEEN TIMES. THE STEERING SHAFT HAS BEEN PACKED WITH GREASE, WHICH SERVES AS A TEMPORARY REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WILL NEED TO BE GREASED APPROXIMATELY EVERY THREE MONTHS. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Steering, Jul 30, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER PROPERLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO CLAIMED TO KNOW THE CAUSE OF FAILURE, BUT DID NOT HAVE TIME TO MAKE THE REPAIR. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Interior lighting, Jul 26, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VEERS TO THE RIGHT DUE TO STEERING FAILURE, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATE AND DIM AT RANDOM, AND THE STARTER ON THE VEHICLE WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE FAILURES GENERALLY OCCUR WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE MAIN FAILURE, HOWEVER, IS THAT THE VEHICLE FAILS TO START OCCASIONALLY. WHEN SHE STARTS THE VEHICLE, IT SOUNDS AS IF IT IS ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE, BUT NEVER DOES. THE VEHICLE ALSO MAKES A CRANKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY 8-10 TIMES. THE DEALER WILL MAKE A REPAIR, BUT THE FAILURES ALWAYS CONTINUE. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,900 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Exterior lighting, Jul 20, 2007
MY WIFE AND BOUGHT A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU IN JULY 2004. IN MARCH 2007 MY TURN SIGNALS BEGAN TO FAIL, BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES. ALSO, THE RIGHT SIDE AMBER COVER ON THE RUNNING LIGHTS HAS A HOLE BURNT IN THE TOP OF IT AND THE LEFT SIDE IS BEGINNING TO BURN THRU NOW. I REPLACED SEVERAL BULBS AND ALSO TOOK IT THE DEALERSHIP THAT WE PURCHASED IT FROM; THE FIRST TIME THEY REPLACED THE BULBS AND THE TURN SIGNALS WORKED FOR ABOUT 1 HOUR AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE THE SOCKETS REPLACED, THE SOCKETS WERE REPLACED AND EVERYTHING WORKED FINE FOR 2 MONTHS AND THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN, SO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP I WENT AND THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE BOTH COMPLETE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES REPLACED. THERE'S OBVIOUSLY A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. SOONER OR LATER THIS SITUATION WILL RESULT IN A FIRE AND POSSIBLY BODILY INJURIES AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. WHAT IS GOING TO TAKE BEFORE GM WAKE UP? THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE.... *TR
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 17, 2007
PROBLEMS WITH THE:"RACK AND PINION STEERING , BRAKES, FRONT SUSPENSION. *AK
Steering, Jul 15, 2007
IN SEPTEMBER 2005 I TOOK THE 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU TO THE DEALER TO CHECK A PROBLEM IN THE STEERING COLUMN . THE DEALERSHIP FIXED THE PROBLEM AND THE MANAGER AS MUCH AS ADMITTED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING DEFECTIVE IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF THAT PARTICULAR VEHICLE. I PAID FOR THE REPAIRS, BUT I IMMEDIATELY CALLED GENERAL MOTORS, AND TOLD SOME ONE THERE THAT I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS RIGHT TO BE CHARGED FOR A REPAIR ON SOMETHING IN THE VEHICLE THAT WAS KNOWN TO BE DEFECTIVE. THAT OFFICE THEN CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND SPOKE TO THE MANAGER AND THEY REIMBURSED ME FOR THE REPAIR. WELL, NOW THE STEERING WAS ACTING UP AGAIN. THIS TIME THE VEHICLE PULLED STRONGLY TO THE LEFT WHEN BEING DRIVEN. IT ALSO MADE A STRANGE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL, SIMILAR TO THE ONE IT MADE PREVIOUSLY WHEN REPAIRS HAD TO BE DONE. I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED SEVERAL TIMES ,AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. TOMORROW I AM GOING TO ASK THEM TO CHECK INTO THE ACTUAL STEERING MECHANISM TO SEE IF THAT WAS WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS COMING FROM. IF I AM RIGHT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I WILL BE ABLE TO GET THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS VEHICLE TO APPROVE OF PAYING FOR THE REPAIR.*AK
Steering, Jul 9, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES. THE ENGINE SIZE AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,500.
Steering, Jun 29, 2007
CAR WAS MAKING CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL/TIRE AREA WHEN MAKING TURNS. DEALER REPLACED INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME INVOLVING A STEERING ISSUE. REPLACED STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY AND RACK & PINION. *AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Jun 28, 2007
CAR LEASED BRAND NEW IN AUGUST 2004. AS OF TODAY ON UNE 28,2007 CAR HAD BRAKES REPAIRED 4 TIMES AT THE DEALER. ROTORS HAVE BEEN MACHINED EACH TIME, AND TODAY BRAKE PADS REPLACED..CAR HAS 27,180 MILES ON IT, AND IT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED,GARAGED, KEPT, AND NO ONE HAS BEEN ROUGH ON THE BRAKES. THE LAST TIME WE HAD THE CAR TO DEALER FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS WAS JULY OF LAST YEAR. AT THAT TIME WE WERE TOLD THAT A BRAKE LINE WAS CRIMPED AND ONLY FOUND IT BECAUSE WE WERE HAVING TIRES ROTATED. ALSO, TOLD THAT THIS WAS THE LAST TIME ROTORS COULD BE MACHINED. WELL TODAY THEY MACHINED THEM ONCE AGAIN AS I HAD SAID PREVIOUSLY FOR THE FOURTH TIME. I DID SOME RESEARCH ,AND I MAY BE WRONG BUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CAR FOR ABS PROBLEMS IN APRIL 2004 PRIOR TO OUR PURCHASE OF THE CAR.. I CALLED GM , AND WAS TOLD THAT OUR CAR WAS INVOLVED, BUT WAS LATER TOLD BY OWNER OF DEALERSHIP THAT THERE HAD BEEN A COMMUNICATION ERROR AND OUR CAR WAS INVOLVED IN ANOTHER RECALL CONCERNING SEAT BELTS OR SOMETHING ALONG THOSE LINES. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE BRAKES AT THIS POINT AFTER SO MANY CONFLICTING STORIES..I FEEL VERY FRUSTATED, AND HAD TO SPEND ALMOST $500.00 BECAUSE THE BRAKE PADS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY AS THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PREVIOUS ROTOR/BRAKELINE PROBLEMS OR SO I WAS TOLD..WE HAD COMPUTOR SENSOR PROBLEMS,SHORT SOCKETS ON BOTH REAL TURN SIGNALS, LOOSE TIE ROD, IGNITION PROBLEMS ,WHICH THEY COULD NOT DETECT..FAULTY GAS CAP ETC. *AK
Steering, Jun 27, 2007
I HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH MY CAR A CLUNKING SOUND IN THE TIRE AREA WHEN MAKING TURNS. THIS IS THE 4TH TIME I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE ON THIS SAME ISSUE.
Exterior lighting, Jun 19, 2007
THE LEFT FRONT TURN SIGNAL HAD TO BE REPLACED AROUND 9 TIMES IN THE THREE YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. *AK
Steering, Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Fuel system, Other, Jun 18, 2007
THERE WAS A CLUNCKING SOUND EVERY TIME I TURN THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS FOR REPAIR, AND THEY REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN BOTH TIMES, THE CAR STILL CLUNCKED. .THE DEALER SAID THE CLUNCKING SOUND WAS OKAY AND NOT TO BRING IT BACK.THE RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED, AND NOW THE GAS GAUGE DID NOT WORK. ALSO, I WAS TOLD WHEN THE GAS GAUGE FAILED IT WA S AN EARLY WARNING THAT THE FUEL PUMP WILL SOON NEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Steering, Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Fuel system, Other, Jun 18, 2007
THERE WA SA CLUNCKING SOUND EVERY TIME I TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT. I SENT THE CAR TO THE DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS FOR REPAIRS, AND THEY REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN BOTH TIMES, THE CAR STILL CLUNCKED. .THE DEALER SAID THE CLUNCKING SOUND WAS OKAY AND NOT TO BRING IT BACK.THE RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED, AND NOW THE GAS GAUG EFAILED. 1 WAS TOLD WHEN THE GAS GAUGE FAILURE WAS AN EARLY WARNING THAT THE FUEL PUMP WILL SOON NEED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 11, 2007
TRYING TO START THE CAR, THE CAR SOMETIMES DOESN'T START. YOU CAN HEAR IT TURNING OVER BUT IT JUST DOESN'T START. YOU CAN TRY AND TRY AND THEN, MAGICALLY, IT JUST STARTS. THEN, YOU TRY LATER AND IT STARTS AS IF THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM. IT IS INCREDIBLY UNRELIABLE, UNPREDICTABLE AND FRUSTRATING AS THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A PATTERN FOR THE CAR NOT STARTING. *TR
Electrical system, May 29, 2007
THE HORN ON MY VEHICLE FAILED. THIS LED TO A NEAR COLLISION AS I WAS UNABLE TO UTILIZE THE HORN TO ALERT THE OTHER DRIVER TO MY PRESENCE. I TOOK MY 2004 MALIBU TO MY MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE FUSE. THE HORN WORKED FOR ABOUT A DAY AND THEN WHEN BEING OPERATED BY ANOTHER DRIVER, HE TRIED TO USE THE HORN WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT AND THE HORN DID NOT WORK. PER THE MECHANIC THE FUSE BLEW AGAIN. HE RAN A CHECK ON SERVICE NOTICES FOR THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT CONDENSATION FORMS IN THE LOCATION OF THE HORN DUE TO A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE LOCATION. GM IS AWARE OF THIS, BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE MECHANIC STATES THAT IT CAUSES THE HORN TO QUIT SUDDENLY AND THE AVERAGE CONSUMER WILL BELIEVE IT IS THE FUSE, REPAIR THAT ONLY TO HAVE THE HORN FAIL AGAIN WITHIN DAYS. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, May 23, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. ON MAY 15, 2007, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURE THE CONTACT AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. HE SUFFERED AN INJURY FROM STRIKING THE STEERING WHEEL AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT HAS A POLICE REPORT. THE ENGINE SIZE AND SPEED AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 16,500.
Exterior lighting, May 17, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S EXTERIOR FRONT TURN SIGNAL CONSISTENTLY FAILS. THE VEHICLE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 46,793 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,532.
Steering, May 16, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL FELT LOOSE, AS IF IT COULD KEEP TURNING NONSTOP. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE MOTOR INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND WAS A VERY COMMON FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 51,400. THE CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER STATED WANTS TO REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS. UPDATED 06/06/07 *TR
Steering, May 7, 2007
TL-CALLER IS LEASING A 2004 CHEVROLET MAILBU. CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE 48000. WHILE DRIVING AT 3MH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENTER TRAFFIC,THE CAR DIED WITH NO WARNING. STEERING FROZE. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND TOOK IT TO DEALER LATER THAT DAY. THE STEERING WAS REPLACED HOWEVER THE ENGINE PROBLEM WAS A MYSTERY TO THEM. WEATHER WAS DRY TEMPERATURE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE HAS BOTH MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC. KTF