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, Jul 29, 2005
LEFT TURN SIGNAL INOP. REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. FAILURE AGAIN WITHIN AN HOUR OF LEAVING DEALERSHIP. *NM
Steering, Jun 22, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATES THAT SHE HAS A DISLOCATION OF THE SC JOINT, STERNUM AND THE COLLAR BONE. CAUSED BY TELESCOPING OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SHE WOULD BE RECEIVING A CALL, AND CALLER EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT SHE COULD NOT BE REACHED UNTIL AFTER 5:30 PM. SHE SPOKE TO A LOT OF PEOPLE, AND MANY OF THEM VERY RUDE BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT BE REACHED UNTIL AFTER 5 PM AND THAT WAS ALL THEY COULD TELL HER BECAUSE IT WAS AFTER GM BUSINESS HOURS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 20, 2005
CHEVROLET MALIBU MODEL USES INFERIOR BRAKE ROTORS CAUSING ROTORS TO BE WARPED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY UPON INSTALLATION ON VEHICLE. UPON TAKING DELIVERY OF 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU IN JULY 2004 IT WAS IMMEDIATELY APPARENT THAT THE FRONT BRAKE ROTOR WAS WARPED CAUSING UNSAFE BRAKING CONDITIONS AND A GENERAL UNEASYNESS WHEN DRIVING. CAR WAS RETURNED TO DEALER, AND ONLY OFFER ON THIS BRAND NEW CAR WAS THE RESURFACE THE ROTORS. THIS FIX, WHILE TEMPORARILY EFFECTIVE, TO ME IS NOT ACCEPTABLE ON A NEW FROM THE FACTORY CAR. THE SAME CAR HAS 18000 MILES NOW, AND THE PROBLEM HAS AGAIN RESURFACED. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH ONLINE, THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE FAIRLY WIDESPREAD. I HAVE NOT RETURNED TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED YET, BUT THIS IS ISSUE IS NOT LIKELY TO BE HAVE BEEN CAUSE BY POOR DRIVING HABITS BY THE USER. I HAVE ANOTHER AUTOMOBILE THAT WENT OVER 50000 MILES ON IT'S ORIGINAL ROTORS AND EVEN AT THAT POINT THE ROTORS WERE NOT WARPED.
Electrical system, Jun 20, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE HORN IS NOT WORKING. CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW HOW LONG SHE HAS BEEN DRIVING WITHOUT A HORN. SHE NOTICED IT ON SATURDAY JUNE 18, 2005. THE CONTACT HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. GM STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE FOR HER. EVERY SINCE GM CLOSED THE FILE FOR HER ACCOUNT SHE WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 16, 2005
DRIVING VEHICLE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 13,890 MILES, MADE APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE, WORK WAS DONE ON CAR, DROVER 150 MILES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE DEALERHAS H MY CAR FOR THREE WEEKS NOW AND THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY HAD TO HAVE AN EGINEER FOR THE MANUFACTURING PLANT COME WORK ON THE CAR. TODAYS DATE IS JUNE 16 2005, I AM GETTING VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THIS MATTER I JUST WISH THE MANUFACTURE WOULD BUY THIS CAR BACK. SO I CAN BUY ANOTHER CAR.
Electrical system, Jun 6, 2005
KEY IS NOT RELEASED FROM IGNITION UNLESS SHIFT LEVER IS PUT AGAIN BACK IN DRIVE AND THEN PARK AFTER CAR IS OFF. GM HAS REPLACED BOTH IGNITION COMPONENTS AND SHIFT COMPONENTS BUT HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM SINCE CAR WAS NEW, MALIBU 2004 LT, AND IT MEANS SOMETIMES HAVING TO LEAVE CAR WITH KEY IN IGNITION IF CAN'T REMOVE IT.
Steering, Jun 6, 2005
I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MAILBU LS AND IT HAS BEEN ABOUT A MONTH AGO I WAS DRIVING AND W/OUT ANY NOTICE THE POWER STEERING COLUMN BROKE. AND ON TODAY I TRIED TO RETRIVE A REPORT ON-LINE TO FIND OUT IF THIS CAR HAS GIVING ANYONE ELSE A PROBLEM AND IT SURE HAS. ABOUT A COUPLE MONTHS BEFORE I PURCHASE IT HAD BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP GETTING SERVICE. I NO THAT IT THIS IS NOT VERY SAFE BECAUSE I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED AND I HAD TO TURN SO DEEP BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT RIGHT ON THE SPOT THAT I COULD HAVE GOT HIT FROM THE FRONT AS WELL. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT BUT WHO KNOWS THE NEXT TIME SO I WILL LIKE IT TO BE NOTED THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, May 31, 2005
THE CAR CUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND IN HEAVY TRAFFIC MORE THAN ONCE. THERE WAS NO WARNING THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN. THE CAR WAS SERVICED BEFORE FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. I HAVE HAD 3 RECALLS, THE HORN FUSE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, AND THE BLINKER IS CURRENTLY OUT. THE STEERING COLLAR HAS ALSO BEEN REPLACED. THIS CAR WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A NEW CAR.
Electrical system, Equipment, May 31, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATES THAT VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THE CAR WILL DIE WHILE IT IS IDLING. WHEN GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE AND TURNING IT OFF AND THEN GET TING BACK INTO THE VEHICLE IT WILL NOT START AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES. THE CD PLAYER WILL NOT WORK, AND SOMETIMES WHEN HE TRIED STARTING VEHICLE THE TRUNK WILL OPEN. SO IT HAD BEEN SEVERAL DIFFERENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE.*AK
Exterior lighting, May 26, 2005
I OWN A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX, WHICH HAS AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS. WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WORK IN AUTOMATIC MODE, EVERYTHING WORKS FINE. UNFORTUNATELY THE SOLAR SENSOR THAT ACTIVATES THEM "THINKS" THE SKY IS BRIGHT WHEN IT IS VERY OVERCAST. FOR THE MOST PART NOT A PROBLEM, AS YOU CAN TURN THE LIGHTS ON MANUALLY. UN-FORTUNATELY, THE DASH-BOARD LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON WHEN YOU DO THIS, UNLESS THE SENSOR "THINKS" IT'S DARK. TO REMEMDY THIS, I PUT SOMETHING OVER THE SENSOR, BUT SHOULD NOT HAVE TO, AND IF I DON'T, EVEN THOUGH I CAN SEE IN FRONT OF MY CAR, I CAN'T SEE HOW FAST I'M GOING, TACHOMETER, BATTERY METER READINGS, ETC. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR SERVICE, THEY REPLACED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE 3 TIMES, TOLD ME IT WAS FIXED, I WENT TO PICK IT UP, SAME THING HAPPENED. WE GOT INTO ANOTHER MALIBU, AND IT HAPPENED WITH THAT CAR AS WELL. IN OTHER WORDS THE SYSTEM IS WORKING THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED. UNFORTUNATELY, THAT DOES NOT MEAN IT IS WORKING CORRECTLY. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS I CAN NOT SEE DASH INDICATORS WHEN I NEED TO TURN THE LIGHTS ON MANUALLY. I ALSO OWN A 2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE WITH AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS, AND THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT EXIST. I'VE ALSO OWNED A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU WITH AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS, AND THIS PROBLEM DID NOT EXIST. MY FRIEND OWNS A 2004 GMC YUKON WITH AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS, AND IT DOES NOT EXIST ON THAT EITHER. IT APPERS TO BE ONLY WITH THE THE 2004 (AND POSSIBLY ABOVE) MALIBU, AND POSSIBLY ONLY THE MALIBU MAXX. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
Steering, May 20, 2005
I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LS, IT IS NOT YET 18 MONTHS OLD AND I HAVE TO BRING IT IN FOR THE 2ND STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT THIS MONDAY. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND OUT THAT HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD SIMILAR/WORSE PROBLEMS WITH STERRING. SOME EXAMPLES INCLUDE COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING, LOSS OF POWER STEERING, A LOUD THUDDING SOUND WHEN TURNING TH WHEEL DURING RIGHT TURNS (THIS IS WHAT MY CAR HAS BEEN DOING), I HAD MY 2ND STEERING COLUMN PUT IN MY CAR IN NOV 04, WHEN MY CAR WAS 10 MONTHS OLD, I NOW AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM/SOUND AGAIN AND NEED TO BRING IT IN FOR A 3RD STEERING COLUMN, MEANING IT CAME WITH A DEFECTIVE ONE, WAS EVIDENTLY REPAIRED WITH A DEFECTIVE ONE AND WHO KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN 6 MONTHS FROM NOW. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MY DEALERSHIP, FILED A COMPLAINT WITH CHEVY AND WAS TOLD BY BOTH THAT HAVE ONLY ISSUED "BULLETINS" FOR MECHANICS. I FEEL A RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. SO, TO WRAP THIS UP, I HAD MY CAR FOR 10 MONTHS AND NEEDED A NEW STEERING COLUMN (11/04) NOW 6 MONTHS LATER I WILL BE GETTING ANOTHER. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS DANGEROUSE DEFECT AND FEEL FREE CONTACT ME IF I CAN ASSIST ANY FURTHER.
Suspension, Visibility, May 20, 2005
THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. CURRENTLY, IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED ON FOUR OCCASIONS. *AK ABOUT TWO MILES FROM THE DEALER THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE CONSUMER CORRECTED THE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER SHIFTED THE TIRES, THEN IT SEEMED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. *SC THE REAR VIEW MIRROR CRACKED.
Power train, May 10, 2005
LOSS OF POWER STEERING. RECALL #4050 POWER STEERING ASSIST. IT I NVOLVES REPLACEMENT OF STEERING COLLMN W/MOVABLE PEDALS V1185.
Steering, Apr 29, 2005
SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 5 MPH TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN INTO PARKING LOT. COMPLETED 90 DEGREE TURN INTO PARKING LOT AND STARTED TO SLOW DOWN TO COME TO A STOP WHEN SHE FELT THE WHEEL STIFFEN (STEERING ' FELT OFF'); STARTED UP TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE RIGHT TURN (NEEDED TO MAKE A 90 DEGREE RIGHT TURN FOLLOWED BY A QUICK 90 DEGREE LEFT TURN). AS SHE TRIED TO TURN WHEEL, SHE COULD ONLY MOVE THE WHEEL FROM 12-1 O'CLOCK SO SHE JUST COASTED INTO A PARKING AREA (CAR COVERED A COUPLE OF PARKING SPOTS). STEPPED ON BRAKES AS SHE COASTED TO A STOP SINCE SHE FELT AS THOUGH SHE HAD NO STEERING. TOWED TO DEALER, WHO REPLACED STEERING SOLUMN AGAIN.
Steering, Apr 29, 2005
STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATED BACK AND FORTH WHILE VEHICLE WAS ON, BUT STOPPED; HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE; ABOUT 5 MINUTES INTO 15 MINUTE DRIVE HOME (GOING 10 MPH); VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS PULLING LEFT SO IT TOOK MORE STEERING EFFORT TO TURN WHEEL RIGHT; HAD STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AUGUST 19, 2004.
Steering, Apr 29, 2005
NOISY, GRINDING SOUND + STIFFNESS IN STEERING. HAVE HAD TO DEALER (JOHN KENNEDY CHEVROLET, SOUTHAMPTON, PA) 3 TIMES BEGINNING 2/15. 1ST DIAGNOSIS: UNDERINFLATED TIRES. RESULT: NO CHANGE. 2ND DIAGNOSIS: WORN STEERING COLUMN. ACTION: REPLACED COLUMN. RESULT: NO CHANGE. 3RD DIAGNOSIS: PROBLEM WITH STEERING RACK. ACTION: REPLACE RACK. RESULT: NO CHANGE. THIS PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE AIR TEMPERATURE IS WARM (WON'T HAPPEN ON A COOL MORNING, BUT IS PRESENT AFTER SITTING IN THE SUN ALL DAY). IT SEEMS THAT WHEN THE METAL HEATS UP, IT EXPANDS & CAUSES BINDING. *AK
Exterior lighting, Apr 28, 2005
I BOUGHT THE 2004 MALIBU IN JUNE 2004. IN JANUARY 2005, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TURN SIGNAL AND HEADLIGHT STOPPED WORKING. I TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST SHOP, AND THEY REPLACED THE BULBS. A FEW WEEKS LATER, IT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME. THEY REPLACED THE BULBS AGAIN. WHEN IT HAPPENED THE THIRD TIME I ASKED FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION INTO THE PROBLEM, INCLUDING WIRING. THEY DISCOVERED THE WHOLE LIGHT CARRIAGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PROBLEM FIXED. IN MARCH 2005, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE LIGHT DID THE SAME THING. THE ENTIRE CARRIAGE WAS REPLACED. IT JUST SEEMED A BIT EXCESSIVE FOR A CAR LESS THAN A YEAR OLD.*AK
Tires, Apr 21, 2005, crash
COMING AROUND A CURB BETWEEN 10-15 MPH, ALL FOUR TIRES BLEW OUT WHEN VEHICLE IMPACTED A CURB, WENT UP AN EMBANKMENT TO AVOID HITTING A DEER. POLICE WAS CONTACTED. VEHICLE TOWED. 2 DAYS PRIOR TO THIS FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BUMPED A CURB AND EXPLODED. TIRE WAS REPLACED. *NM
Air bags, Apr 12, 2005, crash
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, WHERE IT STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 25 MPH DEAD CENTER, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMERS SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *BF *NM
Steering, Air bags, Apr 6, 2005, crash
PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING AND AIR BAGS ON 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. *NM
Steering, Apr 6, 2005
THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED ON MY CAR TWICE SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN NOVEMBER OF 2003. I LOSE ALL ABILITY TO STEER AT 60 MPH AND HAVE TO STOP IMMEDIATELY. *AK
Air bags, Mar 30, 2005, crash
WHEN HIT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDEAT 55 MPH SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK
Steering, Equipment, Mar 25, 2005
OCCURENCE #1: WITH LESS THAN 2000 MI ON VEHICLE, IT LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. THE MESSAGE CAME ON THE CONSOLE. TOWED TO DEALER WHO REPLACED STEERING COLUMN. OCCURRENCE #2: WITH APPROX. 5000 MI ON VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WHEN IN REVERSE EXITING PARKING SPACE. DASH LIGHT WENT ON AS WELL AS CONSOLE MESSAGE. TOWED TO DEALER. *AK
Equipment, Mar 18, 2005
MY A/C BUTTON LIGHTS FLASH INTERMITTENTLY WHEN I TRY TO CHANGE SETTINGS FROM PANEL TO DEFROST...THE AC WILL NOT SHUT OFF IN DEFROST MODE! ALSO THE A/C WILL NOT SHUT OFF WHILE IT IS IN INTERIOR RECIRCULATE MODE. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO TURN OFF THE A/C IN THESE MODES IT FLASHES ABOUT 5 TIMES AND STAYS ON! I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE I KNOW THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THAT SYSTEM ARE ALL INTERLINKED...IF THE A/C ELECTRICAL IS FAILING..WHAT IS TO BE NEXT?*AK
Steering, Mar 17, 2005
THE POWER STEERING LOCKS AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE LEFT, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED FOR REPAIR, BUT THEY FAIL TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK