Chevrolet / Malibu Classic / 2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic problems
Owners have filed 144 complaints about the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 43.1% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of steering at 16.7%.
Complaints144
Crashes12
Fires4
Injuries19
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 43.1% · 62
Steering 16.7% · 24
Exterior lighting 8.3% · 12
Unknown or other 5.6% · 8
Engine 4.2% · 6
Power train 3.5% · 5
Fuel/propulsion system 2.8% · 4
Air bags 2.8% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 12 describe a crash, 4 describe a fire and 19 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Filings are rising — 12 in the last three years against 10 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 90,000 miles.
In owners' own words
My theft system warning light keeps coming on. When I turn the key off and try to restart the car it will not start back. I have to turn it to the on position and wait until the theft light quits flashing which is usually 10 minutes and then restart the car. I was told by a Chevrolet dealership mechanic that the problem was the ignition cylinder which cost around $180. Why is there not a recall for this. Electrical system · reported at 120,000 miles
Sometimes my 2004 chevy Malibu Classic will not start, due to the anti-theft system, I think it's not reconizing my key. It occurs like 4 times in a week if I'm lucky, I feel like im playing a game of chance everytime I start my car. So now I pray to the car gods everytime I get in my car, right before I start my car, it seems to work most of the time(praying may not work for most people). Electrical system · reported at 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) and stated that the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The dealer was unable to provide an expected date for the part to become available. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…