2004 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Owners have filed 1,639 complaints about the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 56.9% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 9.4%.
Complaints1,639
Crashes78
Fires11
Injuries36
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 56.9% · 933
Electrical system 9.4% · 154
Exterior lighting 5.5% · 90
Seats 4.2% · 69
Power train 4.1% · 67
Suspension 1.9% · 31
Service brakes 1.8% · 30
Service brakes, hydraulic 1.7% · 28
Severity
Of those complaints, 78 describe a crash, 11 describe a fire and 36 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 27 model years of the Chevrolet Malibu in this data, 2004 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2009 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 12 in the last three years against 50 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 69,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at 20 mph, the power steering became difficult to maneuver and the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the high pressure fuel line fractured and leaked fuel into the muffler. The failure recurred once. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,672. Steering · reported at 159,672 miles
I have reported two previous incidents regarding noise in the front end of my 2004 chevy Malibu ls. The same noise is again occurring in the front end of my car which leads me to believe it is a steering issue. When I took the car to jack phelan Chevrolet, they did not find a problem with the front end/steering. I believe they aren't telling me because this will be the 3rd complaint regarding steering parts. Steering
As I drove my wife who was in labor to the hospital, the power steering failed as I began to turn into an intersection. Simultaneous to this, the check engine light came on. Barely made the turn without going into oncoming traffic. Power steering stayed off the rest of the trip. Arrived at hospital and turned car off. Power steering came back on. Power steering then failed on way home from the hospital. Steering · reported at 115,420 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…