2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical5944.7%
- Steering2418.2%
- Exterior lighting118.3%
- Engine96.8%
- Powertrain (other)53.8%
- Airbags43.0%
- Fuel system43.0%
- Visibility32.3%
- Brakes32.3%
- Interior & seats21.5%
- Other / unspecified21.5%
- Driver assistance10.8%
- Seat belts10.8%
- Heating & air conditioning10.8%
- Suspension10.8%
- Tires & wheels10.8%
- Body & structure10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WELL MY IGNITION SWITCH WENT OUT I REPLACE THAT.NOW IT'S SHORTAGES IN WIRING AND LIGHTS HEAT ON AN OFF SOMETIMES SHOCKS
THE ANTI THEFT GAS CUT OFF FEATURE HAS RENDERED MY VEHICLE UNABLE TO START. I HAVE TRIED MANY METHODS BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. IT STARTS WHEN IT WANTS TOO, BUT NOT WHEN I DO. *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY TURNED TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON BUT FAILED TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RACK AND PINION DETACHED FROM THE SUBFRAME AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE BUSHING WAS REPLACED AND NOT THE RACK AND PINION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT TO REVERSE OR GO INTO FORWARD GEAR WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT CABLE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
FOR SOME REASON THE ENTIRE INTERIOR TRIM ON THE DOOR PANELS HAVE COME UNGLUED AND DETACHED FROM THE DOORS. IT LOOKS TERRIBLE. I RECENTLY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING. OF COURSE, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS AND NOW THE NOTICE SAYS MY CAR MUST HAVE LESS THAN 150K MILES ON IT. I DARE SAY THERE ARE NOT MANY 2004 VEHICLES WITH LESS THAN 150K MILES? MINE IS AROUND 164K. WE USE TO SPRAY GREASE ON THE JOINT WHERE IT HITS WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. I HAD BEEN TOLD A DEALER WOULD WANT TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE RACK N PINION ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THAT WOULD NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. GUESS I AM JUST OUT OF LUCK.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WELL MY IGNITION SWITCH WENT OUT I REPLACE THAT.NOW IT'S SHORTAGES IN WIRING AND LIGHTS HEAT ON AN OFF SOMETIMES SHOCKS
MY VEHICLE DRIVERS SIDE LIGHT HAS GONE OUT VARIOUS TIMES. THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ON THAT SIDE HAVE STOPPED WORKING AS WELL. TURN SIGNALS WILL STOP WORKING WHILE MERGING IN TRAFFIC. THE POWER WINDOWS WILL STOP WORKING AS WELL. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle lost motive power and abnormal noises were heard coming from the dashboard. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle when the door locks began to lock and unlock inadvertently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle to a locksmith. The locksmith informed the contact that there was no failure with the ignition switch. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
WELL MY IGNITION SWITCH WENT OUT I REPLACE THAT.NOW IT'S SHORTAGES IN WIRING AND LIGHTS HEAT ON AN OFF SOMETIMES SHOCKS
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY TURNED TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON BUT FAILED TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RACK AND PINION DETACHED FROM THE SUBFRAME AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE BUSHING WAS REPLACED AND NOT THE RACK AND PINION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT TO REVERSE OR GO INTO FORWARD GEAR WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT CABLE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
I TURN MY CAR ON DRIVE GO TO GET OUT THE KEY WON'T COME OUT SOMETIMES IT DOES AND MOST TIME IS DOESN'T. I TRY TURN THE CAR BACK ON PUTTING THE CAR IN DRIVE THEN PARK AND TURNING THE KEY TO OFF POSITION AND THE CAR STILL DOESN'T GO INTO THE PARK POSITION SO THE KEY DOESN'T GO INTO OFF POSITION TO TAKE KEY OUT. THE CAR STAYS ON WITHOUT THE IGNITION BEING ON. THE CAR IS STATIONARY BUT THE CAR WON'T GO INTO PARK TO TURN THE CAR COMPLETELY OFF. SPOKE TO GM PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE BUT THEY WON'T HELP ME. THE KEEP SAYING THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY CAR. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS GM'S RECALL 14152. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, DROVE DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, AND CRASHED INTO A CREEK. DURING THE CRASH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND COMING TO A STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 TO 70 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND THE OTHER DRIVER SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE SECURITY PASS LOCK AND ANTI-LOCK WARNING INDICATORS RANDOMLY FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL AT RANDOM. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP REGULATOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT CONTINUED TO STALL. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
CAR CRANKS BUT WILL NOT START.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FAILED TO ROLL DOWN. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES, AIR CONDITIONING, AND RADIO FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. IT JUST FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD, AND THE YELLOW WRENCH POPPED UP,THE WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. ALSO, WHILE TURNING THE CAR THE WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS AT LEAST 3-4 TIMES A YEAR. MY BRAKE PEDDLE ACTS UP IN THE SNOWY MONTHS. WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE PEDDLE-THE PEDDLE JUMPS PUSHES UP AND DOWN INTO MY FEET. WHEN IT SNOWS, I WORRY ABOUT RUNNING INTO A CAR. *TR
SEVER VIBRATION WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. ONE ROTOR WAS CHANGED WHILE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. NOW THERE IS 50,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND NO WARRANTY AND THE PROBLEM IS BACK. THIS WAS A PROBLEM THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF AND SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE OTHER ROTOR ALSO.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle lost motive power and abnormal noises were heard coming from the dashboard. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle when the door locks began to lock and unlock inadvertently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle to a locksmith. The locksmith informed the contact that there was no failure with the ignition switch. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE AT WELDS ON TWO SUPPORT BARS. SEAT LEANED TO THE RIGHT. BECAME VERY DANGEROUS SINCE SEAT BELT IS ATTACHED TO THE SEAT NEAR THE BREAKS. IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION SEAT PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BROKEN LOOSE AND CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. CONTACTED GM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WERE ADVISED TO FIX SEAT OURSELVES SINCE IT WAS NOT A RECALL ITEM. (WE DID HAVE THE SEAT REPLACED.) WE DO HAVE THE BROKEN SEAT IN CASE SOMEONE FROM THE NHTSA WOULD LIKE TO INSPECT IT. I NOTICED THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER DRIVERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME PROBLEM. SEAT REPLACEMENTS RUN ABOUT $1000.00 AT A DEALERSHIP. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
FOR SOME REASON THE ENTIRE INTERIOR TRIM ON THE DOOR PANELS HAVE COME UNGLUED AND DETACHED FROM THE DOORS. IT LOOKS TERRIBLE. I RECENTLY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING. OF COURSE, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS AND NOW THE NOTICE SAYS MY CAR MUST HAVE LESS THAN 150K MILES ON IT. I DARE SAY THERE ARE NOT MANY 2004 VEHICLES WITH LESS THAN 150K MILES? MINE IS AROUND 164K. WE USE TO SPRAY GREASE ON THE JOINT WHERE IT HITS WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. I HAD BEEN TOLD A DEALER WOULD WANT TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE RACK N PINION ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THAT WOULD NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. GUESS I AM JUST OUT OF LUCK.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. AFTER TURNING THE AIR CONDITIONER ON IT WAS HEATING THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF COOLING IT. A MECHANIC ADDED TWO CANS OF FREE-ON IN THE UNIT; HOWEVER, THE AIR CONDITIONER IS NOT OPERATING NORMALLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM AND FUEL RAIL COMBINED CREATED A INJURY TO PEDESTRIANS THAT IS UNBELIEVABLE THE CAR TOOK OFF AFTER LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I AM A FORMER STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WITH EXTENSIVE SAFE DRIVING TECHNIQUES FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS. I NOW WORK WITH UPS AND HAVE EXTENSIVE SAFE HABITS WITH THIS CORPORATION. TODAY WAS A CLEAR, COOL AND CRISP DAY WITH NO WATER OR OIL SPOTS ON THE HIGHWAY. MY 15 MONTH OLD WAS IN HER CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT IN THE REAR AND I WAS IN THE DRIVER SEAT. WHILE COMING TO A STOP MY BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE ABS DID NOT WORK. THE SEAT BELT I WAS WEARING DID NOT WORK PROPERLY CAUSING ME TO BREAK MY GLASSES AS MY HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO WORK ALSO. *JB THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE IMPACT OF RUNNING INTO THE REAR OF A DUMP TRUCK. HAD THE ABS AND SEAT BELT WORKED PROPERLY THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED BY MANEUVERING MY VEHICLE AROUND THE DUMP TRUCK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENDS OF HOLLOW SWAY BAR BROKE OFF AFFECTING CONTROL. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE HAD A RECALL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE WERE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 84 WESTBOUND AT CASCADE LOCKS WHERE THERE IS CONSTRUCTION. WE HAD A SIDEWATT BLOWOUT ON THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. THE TIRE WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM LES SCWAB TIRES IN PORTLAND OREGON. WE ARE TAKING THE CAR THERE TOMORROW MARCH 8, 2010 FOR THE TIRE TO BE REPLACED. THE INFORMATION OFF OF THE INVOICE IS A FOLLOWS. 205/65R-15 94T TOUREVO ALL SEASONS BLACKWALL. WE HAD THE TIRES REPLACED ON JUNE 9, 2008 JUST PRIOR TO A VACATION. WE DID NOT SEE ANYTHING HIT THE CAR OR THE TIRE, AND THERE DID NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY CUTS ON THE TIRE PRIOR TO THE TRIP. THE TREAD THAT IS LEFT ON THE TIRE IS ABOUT 3/16TH OF AN INCH OR MORE. THE TREAD LOOKS FAIRLY GOOD. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
A/C HOSES RUB THE FRAME AND CREATE A HOLE IN THE LINE THAT CAUSES FREON 134A TO BE RELEASED IN TO THE AIR AND THE EXPENSE IS OVER 500. TO REPAIR ON THE 2004 CHEVY MALIBU. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .