Page 3 of 23 · complaints 101–150 of 1,148

2004 Chevrolet Malibu complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2004 record →

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 15, 2017177,000 milesMN

"TAKATA RECALL" THERE IS ALOT OF COMPLETION OF THE FUEL GAGE READING WRONG AFTER U FILL THE TANK UP. I WILL FILL UP ON GAS AND MY GAGA WILL READ EMPTY AND WILL TELL ME LOW FUEL. THIS WILL GO AND FIX IT SELF AFTER IT RUN FOR ABOUT 20 MILES. ONLY HAPPENS AFTER I FILL IT UP.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 10, 2017100,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE SPED INTO THE CONTACT'S LANE AND CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS SHAKEN UP, BUT WAS UNINJURED. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED, BUT DRIVABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 3, 2017MO

"TAKATA RECALL" MY 2004 MALIBU DOES NOT HAVE WORKING CRUISE CONTROL , MY WIRING IS BARELY WORKING AS IN MY LOCKS WON'T WORK , MY HEAT WE ONLY BLOWS COLD AIR ON DEFROST MY DEFROST BARELY CLEARS MY WINDOWS , MY T\C LIGHT IS THE ONLY LIGHT THAT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME AND I BARELY HAVE TRACTION WHILE DRIVING IF I'M TRYING TO ACCELERATE GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY MY WHEEL WILL LOCK OR BARELY MOVE AND I HAVE TO LET COMPLETELY OFF THE GAS TO FREE THE WHEEL I GET ANY ALERTS ON MY SPEEDOMETER. *TR

Seats
Filed Dec 19, 2016MN

THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS BROKEN AND DIPS DOWN IN FRONT AND TO THE RIGHT. IT'S LIKE A BRACKET UNDER THE SEAT IS BROKEN. IT'S DANGEROUS BECAUSE EVERY TIME I LEAN FORWARD, MY SEAT DROPS DOWN IN THE FRONT WHICH COULD AFFECT MY DRIVING. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT THERE ARE MANY MALIBUS WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. *TR

Steering
Filed Dec 13, 2016110,000 milesOH

THE POWER STEERING ON MY CAR IS FAILING. IT DOES NOT WORK AT LOW SPEEDS AND REVERTS TO MANUAL MODE. IT APPEARS THERE IS A RECALL ON CERTAIN 04-06 MALIBU'S, JUST NOT MINE. ANY CHANCE THE RECALL WILL BE EXPANDED?

Seats
Filed Nov 26, 201689,000 milesIL

POWER DRIVERS SEAT FRAME WELD BROKE CAUSING THE SEAT TO WOBBLE AND NOT ATTACHED TO MOUNTS. CRASH WOULD NOT BE SAFE BECAUSE SEAT COULD SEPARATE. A REAL SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS A RECALL. SEAT BROKE LOSE ENTERING CAR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 21, 2016PA

INFLATED.

Steering
Filed Sep 27, 201667,349 milesNY

2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR POWER STEERING RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE RECALLED PART AND THE PART THAT WAS REPLACED ON HER VEHICLE WERE NOT THE SAME. THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED A BAD SWITCH AND STEERING COLUMN. *JB

Power Train
Filed Aug 26, 2016180,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. PRIOR TO THE CONTACT OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER INDICATED THAT A RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED FOR THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR FAILED TO PROPERLY SHIFT INTO PARK AND OTHER GEARS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT COULD ONLY SHIFT INTO THE DRIVE LOW GEAR AT AN EXTREMELY LOW RATE OF SPEED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE TWICE AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 25, 2016166,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A BEEPING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.

Air BagsCrashFire
Filed Aug 17, 2016153,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 23 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT BARRIER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. TWO DAYS LATER, THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING IN THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED OR TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 5, 201638,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND TURNING, THE VEHICLE MADE CLUNKING NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE STEERING SHAFT WAS LUBRICATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 27, 2016140 milesOH

THERE WAS A RECALL ON FUEL SYSTEM MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND HAD IT DIAGNOSED AND ITS READING I NEED A FUEL PUMP CANT UNDERSTAND WHY WHEN WORK WAS ALREADY DONE SOMETIMES WHEN I ACCELERATE TO 25-30 STUTTERS AND PUTTS

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Jul 25, 2016200,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Steering
Filed Jul 8, 201698,000 milesIL

COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE. STEERING HAS MADE "CLUNKING" SOUNDS FOR YEARS (SINCE ABOUT 1 YEAR AFTER NEW), AND HAS BEEN "REPAIRED" SEVERAL TIMES PREVIOUSLY, ONLY ONCE UNDER WARRANTY. ACTION: SUDDENLY, WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN "RATCHETING" WHEN MAKING A TURN, AND THE WHEELS WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE DIRECTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL. DID NOT CAUSE ACCIDENT, BUT BADLY FRIGHTENED THE DRIVER. REPAIR REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE RACK & PINION ASSEMBLY PLUS THE STEERING SHAFT (RUSTY) FOR A TOTAL COST OF $1,300 (INCLUDING $100 "FEE" IMPOSED BY GM TO BE ABLE TO KEEP THE FAILED PARTS). THE FAILED PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR EXAMINATION BY NHTSA IF NEEDED.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 24, 2016FL

DRIVING THEN ONE DAY GAS GAGE TURN OFF SAYING EMPTY ALL THE TIME HARD TO PUSH ON GAS

Seats
Filed Jun 23, 201687,400 milesIL

FRONT DRIVERS POWER SEAT FRAME WELD BROKE RIGHT SIDE CAUSING THE SEAT TO DROP AND WOBBLE. NOT SAFE WITH A SEAT NOT PROPERLY ATTACHED TO SEAT TRACK

Suspension › Front › Hub
Filed Jun 21, 201662,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HUB ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE AND VIBRATED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HUB ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO DEFECTIVE BOLTS THAT CAUSED THE HUB TO SEPARATE AND WEAR PREMATURELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

Steering
Filed May 3, 2016MI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 28, 2016116,700 milesTX

AIR BAG LIGHT WARNING LIGHT STAYING ON WHILE IN MOTION

Seats
Filed Apr 14, 201683,000 milesNC

THE WELD ON THE DRIVERS SEAT BROKE.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 31, 2016252,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 252,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 30, 2016200,500 milesTX

MY CAR WAS RECALLED FOR A TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER IN FEBRUARY OF 2015 AND THE DEALER REPLACED IT PER THE RECALL. ON MARC 27TH 2016 THE SHIFT CABLE CAME OFF OF THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER AND I COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF DRIVE. I TURNED THE MOTOR OFF AND NOW THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS DUE TO THE INCLINE I HAD STOPPED ON. SINCE THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE I WAS UNABLE TO START THE CAR. THE BRAKES WERE INEFFECTIVE BECAUSE THE MOTOR WAS NOT RUNNING. THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED IN MY GARAGE SO I HAD MY WIFE PUT A SCRAP OF WOOD BEHIND THE TIRE SO IT WOULD NOT ROLL OUT INTO THE STREET. I CONTACTED THE DEALER THAT DID THE RECALL WORK AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL SERVICE WAS ONLY WARANTEED FOR 1 YEAR. I AM HAVING DIFFICULTY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE ORIGINAL RECALLED PART LASTED FOR 11 YEARS AND THE REPLACEMENT PART ONLY LASTED FOR 13 MONTHS. SINCE THIS WAS A RECALLED ITEM WHY ISN'T IT REPAIRED BY THE DEALER UNDER THE ORIGINAL RECALL BULLETIN? ONCE A RECALL ALWAYS A RECALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seats
Filed Mar 9, 2016129,400 milesOR

HAD BEEN NOTICING PROGRESSIVELY WORSENING SAG IN SEAT OVER PAST WEEK. GOT IN CAR THIS EVENING AND FELT SEAT KIND OF POP. SEAT NOW SAGS TO BACK AND TO RIGHT. FOUND BROKEN BRACKET ON RIGHT FRONT OF DRIVER SEAT FRAME; PARTLY BROKEN WELD AND PARTLY "RIPPED" METAL.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 1, 2016NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER THE KEY WAS INSERTED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED TO RESPOND. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

Steering
Filed Feb 23, 2016200,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT EXHIBITED SIGNS OF FAILURE, BUT HAD NOT COMPLETELY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 04/21/2016*LJ

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Feb 8, 201653,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD TRANSMISSION WIPER LINKAGE BUSHING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WAS DIFFICULT AT TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

Seats
Filed Feb 8, 201685,000 milesMD

SIDE OF THE SEAT FRAME IS BROKEN. HAPPENED WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 3, 2016157,048 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE IGNITION KEY PULLED OUT WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. THE CONTACT ALSO WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF WITHOUT THE KEY TURNING TO THE OFF POSITION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER TO CHECK FOR RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT INSISTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,048.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 3, 2016120,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC ANTI-LOCK CONTROL WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 27, 2016109,821 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD GET JAMMED IN THE IGNITION AND THERE WAS DIFFICULTLY SHIFTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE COULD BE SHIFTED AFTER IT WAS WARMED UP. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,821...UPDATED 04/26/16 *BF *CN

Steering
Filed Jan 20, 2016115,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE DONE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Seats
Filed Jan 15, 2016200,658 milesOH

THE FRONT DRIVER ELECTRIC SEAT SAGS TO DOWN AND TO THE RIGHT. BAR ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF FRONT SEAT NEAR MOTOR AS BROKEN RIGHT NEAR THE WELD.RIGHT BEFORE WHERE IT BOLTS DOWN. CAR WAS PURCHASED AND THEY THIS ISSUE WAS FOUND.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Dec 30, 2015315,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST BRAKING AND STEERING FUNCTIONS. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BUT IT WAS UNKNOWN IF IT WAS DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 315,000.

Power Train
Filed Dec 27, 2015IL

AIRBAG LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON. I'VE HAD THIS CAR SINCE 1/31/2014.USED. NO ACCIDENTS. POWER STEERING WENT OUT. TOOK TO GMC FOR RECALL. 2/2014 CLAIMED IT WAS FIXED. 11/2014 STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN..NOW THE TIRES WON'T TURN TO THE RIGHT. LOUD CLONKING NOISE WHEN I TURN THE STEERING. TIRES WON'T TURN..NEAR ACCIDENT. HAD CAR SINCE 1/2014 .TOOK FOR RECALLS 2/2014 7/2014 TRANSMISSION DIED. 1000+ IN REPAIRS. THIS CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND I AM STILL PAYING FOR THIS CAR. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE SO THAT I DON'T HAVE TO CONTINUE TO COME OUT OF POCKET AND WASTE MY MONEY.

Steering
Filed Dec 15, 2015167,800 milesIN

FOR THE LAST 3-4 WEEKS MY MAINTENANCE CHIME KEPT GOING OFF AND A MESSAGE SAYING POWER STEERING. AND I NOTICED MY STEERING WHEEL HAS EITHER BEEN REALLY LOOSE OR ANOTHER TIME I WILL NEED TO USE SOME FORCE TO TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO GIVE OUT AT TIMES. I TOOK MY CAR LAST YEAR TO GET FIXED TWICE WHEN GENERAL MOTORS RECALLED MY VEHICLE THAT INVOLVED THE POWER STEERING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY AND THEY CONFIRMED IT WAS INDEED THE RECALLED PART.

Engine
Filed Dec 11, 2015120,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN), THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DURING THE THIRTY TWO MILE DRIVE FROM THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. PRIOR TO HAVING THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED, THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

Power Train
Filed Dec 7, 2015144,067 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER STICK WAS CHANGED FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OR COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE JERKED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,067. UPDATED 02/05/16*LJ; UPDATED 05/04/18*JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 3, 2015261,000 milesTN

THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE GRADUALLY RAN OUT OF POWER AND WOULD NOT START I WAS LEFT IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY STREET WITH NO POWER AND NOT MOVING. THE CAR WOULD NOT START IT WAS PULLED HOME.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 1, 2015145,691 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION FAILED WHILE THE ANTI THEFT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED RANDOMLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER WAS FAILING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 145,691.

Engine
Filed Nov 20, 2015125,000 milesDE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE AND THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Seats
Filed Nov 13, 201580,000 milesID

NOTICED DRIVER SEAT WAS TILTED TO THE RIGHT WHEN SITTING ON IT RECENTLY. INSPECTED UNDERNEATH AND SAW A WELD THAT LOOKS BROKEN. BROKEN METAL BAR (IMAGE ATTACHED). LOOKED ONLINE AND SEE MANY OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED. HTTP://WWW.AUTOMOTIVEFORUMS.COM/T919217-DISCUSS2004_CHEVY_MALIBU_MAXX_BROKEN_POWER_SEAT.HTML HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/CHEVROLET/MALIBU_MAXX/2004/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/SEATS-4.SHTML DEALER SAYS IT WILL COST ABOUT $1000 BUT THIS SEEMS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE IF I'M IN A CRASH AND THE SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY FASTENED TO THE CAR.

Steering
Filed Oct 28, 2015163,900 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MAKE A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,900.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 13, 2015FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT THE RECALL PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 02/23/16*LJ UPDATED 4/18/18*JB

Steering
Filed Oct 7, 2015140,000 milesFL

THE POWER STEERING LOCKED WHILE DRIVING. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND IS HARD TO TURN. THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD 3 RECALLS. THIS TIME IT IS THE POWER STEERING MODULE.

Steering
Filed Sep 18, 201516,903 milesMD

I WAS STOPPED AT A 4 WAY STOP SIGN AND WHEN I TRIED TO TURN RIGHT AND PROCEED MY CAR WENT DIAGONALLY ACROSS THE ROAD BECAUSE THE STEERING HAD GONE OUT OF THE CAR. I WAS TAKEN TO THE NEAREST DEALER, APPLE VALLEY CHEVROLET, AND THE STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN ON 08/04/09 AND AGAIN ON 05/26/2010 AT WHICH TIME I WAS CHARGED A DEDUCTIBLE OF $100.00 BECAUSE THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.AT THIS TIME I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT ANY FUTURE PROBLEM WITH THIS ISSUE WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF.THESE REPAIRS WERE DONE AT HOFFMAN AUTOMOTIVE. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE STEERING AND WITH THAT A FORM FOR REIMBURSEMENT IF ALREADY FIXED AND PAID FOR. I SUBMITTED ALL REQUIRED FORMS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE DEDUCTABLE IN NOVEMBER OF 2014. I HAVE FAXED THOSE DOCUMENTS MANY TIMES, MADE REPEATED PHONE CALLS AND HAVE JUST TODAY RECEIVED A DENIAL OF REIMBURSEMENT. THE REASON WAS BECAUSE OF A PART NUMBER. THE RECALL WAS FOR THE STEERING, NOT A SPECIFIC PART NUMBER.

Steering
Filed Sep 11, 201583,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 3, 2015161,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE REVERSING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE APPLIED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURER RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000.

Steering
Filed Sep 1, 2015120,313 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING. ON ONE OCCASION, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND TURNED ON ITS OWN. THE WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND REGAINED STEERING FUNCTION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REPAIR FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING) WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER; THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,313.

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 1, 201542,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT STAY IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V188000 (SEAT BELTS) BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SEAT BELT ADJUSTER WOULD NOT STAY IN PLACE WHEN IT WAS SET AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu → · Every Malibu year → · How the figures are calculated →