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, Jul 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH OR LESS AND MAKING A LEFT TURN CONSUMER NOTICED DASHBOARD INDICATOR LIGHTS FLASHING. THEN, LOST POWER STEERING. *AK EA04018_CAT
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 CHEVY MALIBU MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO JERK BACK AND FORTH, THIS WOULD HAPPEN WHEN TURNING RIGHT. AT LOW SPEEDS. I ALSO HAD THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT COME ON INTERMITTENTLY, THE DEALERSHIP WAS ABLE TO VERIFY THE BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM DUE TO A RECALL AND THE STEERING ALSO WAS VERIFIED. THIS RESULTED IN REPLACEMENT OF THE "RACK IS WHAT THE DEALER CALLED IT." I HAVE NOTICED THIS IS A PROBLEM ON MANY 2004 MALIBUS. CHEVROLET HAD BETTTER LOOK INTO THISAND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION BEFORE IT RESULTS IN DEATH AND MAJOR LEGAL ACTION. EA04018_CAT. *LA
Steering, Jul 12, 2004
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. SPORT CHEVROLET SAID THEY HAD HEARD OF THIS DEFECT BEFORE. THEY TOLD MY WIFE TO TURN THE CAR AND THEN TURN THE CAR ON AGAIN. THIS SOLVED THE PROBLEM. THIS "FIX" LEAVES SOMETHING TO BE DESIRED, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. EA04018_CAT. *LA
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 9, 2004
TRAVELING DOWN STREET AT LOW SPEED WHEN A SUDDEN BUT LIGHT JOLT FROM THE ENGINE IS FELT. MOMENTS LATER SLOWING DOWN FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT TOTAL LOSE OF ELECTRICAL POWER. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. VEHICLE IS IN FOR REPAIRS ON THIS DATE. *AK EA04018_CAT
Service brakes, Air, Jul 8, 2004, crash
PURCHASED A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU IN DEC. 03 - ON FEB. 09, 2004 I WAS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON THE BALTIMORE BELTWAY DURING MORNING RUSH HOUR. WHILE GOING ONLY ABOUT 7 MILES PER HOUR, I APPLIED MY BRAKES TO STOP AND MY CAR WOULD NOT BRAKE. I ENDED UP RUNNING INTO THE SUV IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. NO DAMAGE TO THE SUV, HOWEVER THE FRONT END DAMAGE TO MY MALIBU WAS $3500.00. (AFTER POKING AROUND ON THE INTERNET I FOUND OUT THAT THE MALIBU RECEIVED THE POOREST RATING ON A LOW SPEED FRONT END IMPACT CRASH TEST) IT REALLY DOESN'T LOOK LIKE $3500 WORTH OF DAMAGES. NEEDLESS TO SAY I WAS FLOORED WHEN I RECEIVED THE NEWS. ANYWAY, ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL STATING THAT MY ABS SYSYEM NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. IT ALSO STATED IN THE LETTER EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME ON FEB 9, 2004 WHEN MY CAR DID NOT BRAKE. I AM 100% CERTAIN THAT THIS IS WHAT CAUSED MY ACCIDENT. I PHONED GM AND TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALER. THEY INSPECTED MY VEHICLE AND REPROGRAMMED MY BRAKING SYSTEM. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM GM CALLED ME EARLIER THIS WEEK. HE STATED THAT THEY FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES IN MY 04 MALIBU. (SO WHY THE RECALL AND WHY DID THEY REPROGRAM THE ABS?) HE ALSO WENT ON TO SAY THAT GM WOULD NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES SUSTAINED FROM THIS COLLISION. I DISAGREE! I FEEL THAT GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR MY DAMAGES. *AK
Steering, Jun 24, 2004
DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN THE ROAD AT 45 MPH. EVERYTHING WAS OPERATING NORMALLY AND ALL DRIVING WAS NORMAL. THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED MOVING VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT, PULLING THE WHEEL FROM MY HAND. WHILE TRYING TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN TO TURN OFF THE ROAD, THE STEERING WAS LOST. I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. APPROXIMATELY 15 SECONDS LATER; THE CAR CHIMED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND ON THE COMPUTER DISPLAY ON THE STEREO THE WORDS "POWER STEERING" WERE DISPLAYED. AT THIS TIME I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD BY USING GREAT FORCE ON THE WHEEL. I DID NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE ROAD WAS STRAIGHT AND HAD PLENTY OFF ROOM AND LITTLE TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE IS NEW, PURCHASED IN FEB 2004 AND HAS 10,500 MILES ON IT. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.*AK EA04018_CAT
Steering, Jun 22, 2004
COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING, WHILE DRIVEING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS (65 MPH). *AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, Jun 15, 2004
THE CONSUMER FELT SEVERE VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED NORMALLY BY THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE ALREADY HAD THREE STEERING COLUMNS REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE SINCE FEBRUARY. THE STEERING COLUMN RECENTLY LOCKED UP AND CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO JUMP THE CURB AND ALMOST STRUCK SEVERAL PEDESTRIANS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES INVOLVED BUT THERE WAS SOME DAMAGE DONE TO THE VEHICLES BUMPER. *LA PE04031_CAT
Steering, Jun 11, 2004
I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND MY CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ENGAGED, MY CENTER INFORMATION CONSOLE READ "POWER STEERING", AND MY STEERING BECAME VERY STIFF. I MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MY HOME (LESS THAN 1 MILE AWAY), AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO BOB BELL CHEVROLET (EAST POINT) LOCATION. THE CAR WAS OUT OF SERVICE UNTIL JANUARY 29, 2004, AT WHICH TIME I SIGNED A REPAIR ORDER THAT STATES THAT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOUND "CODE 0545", AND REPLACED THE POWER STEERING COLUMN. THIS SERVICE AS COVERED BY MY FACTORY WARRANTY, SINCE THE CAR WAS ONLY 90 DAYS OLD. ON JUNE 7, 2004, AGAIN WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION (PHILADELPHIA ROAD AND ROSSVILLE BLVD IN ROSEDALE, MD), MY POWER STEERING FAILED IN THE SAME EXACT MANNER AS THE PREVIOUS OCCURANCE. HOWEVER, THIS WAS MORE SERIOUS BECAUSE I NEARLY HIT A FORD F-150 HEAD ON. I HAD THE VEHICLE AGAIN TOWED TO BOB BELL CHEVROLET-EASTPOINT. THEY ARE NOW STATING THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED AGAIN, BUT I AM NOT PICKING THE CAR UP BECAUSE I AM TOO SCARED TO DRIVE IT. I HAVE FILED A CLAIM WITH THE BBB, SENT A CERTIFIED LETTER TO GMAC (RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED), AND VERBALLY FILED A CASE WITH GMAC CUSTOMER RELATIONS (1-224-501-301).*AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, Jun 9, 2004
POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION. OCCURRED APPROX. 10 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE 6 MONTHS AGO. POWER STEERING USUALLY RESUMES AFTER VEHICLE TURNED OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES. NO DAMAGE/INJURIES. LEFT VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP MAY 26, 2004. AFTER TWO DAYS, SERVICE DEPT. CLAIMED THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE, THEREFORE THEY COULD NOT RESOLVE. TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK WHEN IT HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY. AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, POWER STEERING FAILED APPROX 5 TIMES BETWEEN 5/26 & 6/3. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP 6/7, WHERE IT REMAINS. SERVICE DEPT. NOW SAYS IT'S A "KNOWN ISSUE" AND PLACED AN ORDER FOR A NEW STEERING COLUMN. PE04031_CAT. *AK
Steering, Equipment, Jun 8, 2004
I PURCHASED MY 2004 MALIBU FROM FRANK PARRA CHEVROLET IN DALLAS, TX. I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE ADVISOR THERE TO INFORM THEM OF THE STEERING ISSUE. WHEN YOU TURN EITHER DIRECTION THE CAR WILL CONTINUE IN THAT DIRECTION UNLESS YOU MANUALLY TURN IT TO CENTER YOUR SELF. THE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT IT COULD BE ONE OF TWO THINGS 1) THE CONTOUR OF THE ROAD, 2) HOW THE CAR WAS TIED DOWN ON THE DELIVER TRUCK THAT HAS CAUSED THE ALIGNMENT TO BE OUT OF WACK. IF THE SECOND RESPONSE IS TRUE THEN WAIT FOR 500 MILES, IF THE STEERING DOESN'T CHANGE THEN THEY WILL PERFORM A ALL WHEEL ALIGNMENT ON IT. WELL 500 MILES CAME AND WENT AND THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN THE STEERING. THE ADVISOR SAYS THE THE HEAD TECHNICIAN STATED DUE TO THE STEERING BEING ELECTRICAL THAT IS HOW IT WILL DRIVE, IT IS PERFECTLY NORMAL. I DIDN'T LIKE THAT RESPONSE SO I SPOKE WITH THE MANAGER OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND HE SUGGESTED THAT I TEST DRIVE ANOTHER VEHICLE TO SEE IF THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE. I DID THAT AND THE NEWER VEHICLE DROVE TOTALLY DIFFERENT THAN MINE BUT THE ADVISOR REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT SO A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER THE STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MILES PER HOUR. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO POWER TO THE STEERING. FORTUNATELY I WAS ON MY WAY TO ANOTHER DEARLERSHIP AND THEY CHECKED IT OUT FOR ME BUT ONCE YOU TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON AGAIN THE POWER CAME BACK. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD THE MAINTENANCE LIGHT COME ON FOR SERVICE. IT HAS BEEN CHECKED OUT AND SERVICED. THE STEERING IS STILL RETURNING TO CENTER AFTER DIRECTIONAL TURNS. PE04031_CAT. *AK
Steering, Jun 6, 2004
I HAVE A 6 MOS OLD 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LTV6 (10,000 MILES). THE ELECTRIC STEERING IS GIVING ME SOME CONCERNS. WHEN I'M AT A STOP LIGHT THE WHEEL WANTS TO TURN. NOT FAR JUST MORE LIKE A SHAKE BACK AND FORTH. IF YOU LET GO YOU CAN SEE AND HEAR IT RATTLE. PROBABLY MOVES 1/4 INCH. BACK AND FORTH. THEN IF YOU REALLY PAY ATTENTION YOU CAN FEEL IT WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING. FINALLY, THE POWER STEERING CUT OFF ALL TOGETHER AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS ALL HAPPENED AFTER THE CAR SAT IN A PARKING LOT FOR 8 DAYS. ANY IDEA'S? *AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, Jun 4, 2004
I HAD NOTICED WHILE DRIVING THAT THE WORDS "POWER STEERING" HAD COME ACROSS MY DISPLAY AND AN ORANGE LIGHT WITH A WRENCH CAME UP ON THE DASH IN THE BOTTOM LEFT CORNER. WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THIS PROBLEM A FEW MONTHS AGO, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THEY TOLD ME THE SENSORS WERE FAULTY, AND THEY NEED TO REPLACE THEM. TO MY KNOWLEDGE THEY REPLACED THE SENSORS IN THE STIRRING COLUMN. I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. TODAY WHILE I WAS SITTING STILL IN A DRIVE THROUGH AT A RESTAURANT, THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN ,AND I SAW "POWER STEERING" COME ACROSS THE DISPLAY AGAIN. MY CAR BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN AND I DROVE IT TO THE NEAREST CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP WHICH WAS ABOUT 2 MILES AWAY FROM THE RESTAURANT. ONE OF THE WORKERS AT THE DEALERSHIP DROVE MY CAR INTO THE AREA WHERE THEY REPAIR THEM AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF, BUT CAME BACK ON. I AM STILL WAITING TO FIND OUT WHAT CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY AIR CONDITIONER BUTTON GETTING STUCK IN POSITION.*AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, Jun 4, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONSUMER EXPLAINED THAT THE STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. *AK PE04031_CAT A COMPONENT WAS REPLACED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *SC THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER STEERING IS ELECTRICAL. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Jun 4, 2004
THERE IS A RATTLING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE. DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE TWICE BEFORE HEARING THE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP INDICATED A PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND ORDERED THE PART. THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR 4 MONTHS FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO RECEIVE THE PART AND INSTALL IT. *AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, Jun 1, 2004
STOPPED AT A SERVICE STATION TO REFUEL,WHEN I RESTARTED THE AUTO AND STARTED TO LEAVE,THE "SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LIGHT" CAME ON, A CHIME SOUNDED, AND THE"DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER DISPLAYED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE"POWER STEERING" THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. I TURNED OFF THE AUTO AND RESTARTED. EVERYTHING APPEARED NORMAL BUT A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE PROBLEM REPEATED. I WAS ONLY 1 MILE FROM HOME AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME BUT WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY STEERING.THE FOLLOWING DAY I STARTED THE CAR AN LET IT RUN FOR 10 MINUTES BUT THE PROBLEM DID NOT REPEAT. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE 5/29/2004. ON 06/01/2004 I DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALER(DISTANCE:1-1/2 MILES) JACKSON CHEVROLET, SOUTH MAIN ST MIDDLETOWN, CT. 06457 THE PROBLEM DID NOT OCCUR. I AM PRESENTLY WAITING FOR THE SERVICE DEPT. TO CALL ME.THE REASON I AM SENDING YOU THIS COMPLAINT BEFORE I HEAR FROM THE DEALER, IS: I HAVE READ 25 OTHER COMPLAINTS ON YOUR WEB SITE ABOUT 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU ELECTRIC ASSIST POWER STEERING AND IT APPEARS THAT NEITHER THE DEALERS OR CHEVROLET DIVISION OF GENERAL MOTORS REALLY KNOWS WHY THIS IS HAPPENING OR HAS A 100% FIX! THERE IS NO DOUGHT IN MY MIND THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND I HOPE YOU GET CHEVROLET DIVISION OF GENERAL MOTORS TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED FAST OR GET THESE MALIBU'S OFF THE ROAD BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR STILL WORSE, GETS KILLED!!*AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, May 25, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING WHICH MADE IT TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE POWER STEERING, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *NM PE04031_CAT
Steering, May 17, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED STEERING WHEE SHOOK VIOLENTLY FOUR TIMES IN FOUR WEEKS. DEALER HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND WILL REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN. *AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, May 17, 2004
WHILE DRIVING POWER STEERING FAILED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND REPLACED STEERING COLUMN TWICE.*AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, May 13, 2004
MY POWER STEERING FAILS WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS MANY TIMES. I HAVE TO STOP THE CAR AND RESTART IT TO BRING BACK THE POWER STEERING. IT WILL WORK FOR AWHILE, THEN FAIL AGAIN AT A RANDOM TIME. *AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, May 11, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH DRIVER LOST POWER STEERING. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. CONSUMER TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, RESTARTED IT, AND DROVE VEHICLETO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK PE04031_CAT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 11, 2004
WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL LOCKED UP. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE WHEEL. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE MAIN BOLT SHEARED OFF. THIS CAUSED THE CALIPER TO LOCK THE WHEEL. ALSO, MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER. *AK *NM
Steering, May 4, 2004
HAD POWER STEERING FAIL ON THREE OCCASIONS. SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON IN DASHBOARD (CAR WITH WRENCH) AND "POWER STEERING" DISPLAYED ON INFORMATION CENTER. STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT. AFTER PULLING OVER, TURNED OFF IGNITION. WHEN RESTARTED, EVERYTHING NORMAL. BOTH OCCURENCES AT SLOW SPEED, THANK GOODNESS! BRAKE WARNING LIGHT APPEARED INTERMITTENTLY ON PANEL, AND DIRECTIONALS DID NOT WORK. TURNED OFF IGNITION AND RESTARTED - ALL BACK TO NORMAL. BROUGHT TO DEALER, WHO HAD FOR OVER 1 WEEK. REPLACED "BCM" (BODY CONTROL MODULE) AND REROUTED HARNESS TO OBTAIN SLACK IN CABLE. THREE DAYS AFTER SERVICE, POWER-STEERING PROBLEM OCCURED AGAIN. CURRENTLY RETURNING FOR SERVICE. THIS PROBLEM IS A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD.*AK PE04031_CAT
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, May 3, 2004
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE STEERING WENT OUT. IT DID NOT MOVE IN EITHER DIRECTION. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO CLAIMED IT WAS TOO SOON TO DETERMINE ANY DEFECT. *AK PE04031_CAT
Electrical system, Apr 29, 2004
WHILE DRVING OR SITTING THE ALARM WOULD GO OFF AT ANYTIME, INCLUDING THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE TURNING ON/OFF WHILE THE ALARM GOING OFF. TOLD BY DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THE CAR COULD START/TURN OFF ON ITS OWN WHILE BEING DRIVEN. TURNED INTO SERVICE DEPARTMENT NUMEROUS TIMES AND PROBLEM NOT FIXED, THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER IN THE CAR AND REMOVED THE ACCESSORY ALARM, BUT FACTORY SECRURIT SYSTEM WOULD STILL GO OFF. IT IS CUURENTLY IN THE SHOP TODAY 4/29/04 FOR THE 3RD TIME TO BE "FIXED" AGAIN. WHILE THIS PROBLEM IS OCCURING THE INFOMATION PANEL (TRIP MILES, MPG, AVERAGE SPEED, OIL LIFE,ETC.) WOULD RESET.