Chevrolet / Malibu Maxx / 2004
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx problems
Owners have filed 574 complaints about the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 48.3% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of seats at 16.4%.
Complaints574
Crashes42
Fires8
Injuries34
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 48.3% · 277
Seats 16.4% · 94
Exterior lighting 6.8% · 39
Electrical system 6.6% · 38
Power train 3.5% · 20
Service brakes, hydraulic 2.4% · 14
Air bags 2.4% · 14
Service brakes 1.4% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 42 describe a crash, 8 describe a fire and 34 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx in this data, 2004 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 33 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 70,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Bought a malibu lt maxx in apr 04, encountered steering wheel problems several. The worst was that it locked my steering wheel while driving on the hwy 401. I had to come to a complete stop in the middle of the hwy to re-start my engine to try my lucky to get back the steering power. I have the problem till now and yet unsolved. No choice but to get into a new car now, just to advise being kill on the road. Steering · reported at 500 miles
The steering locks up between 2000 and 3500 rpms. The tool, steering and battery light keeps flashing when the power steering locks up or before the steering locks up. Chiming sounds go off and a clicking noise from the dash board. I heard many people are having the same issue. It should be a recall because it almost cause me to be in an accident many time. I had to stop driving me car due to the danger. Steering · reported at 120,400 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000. Steering · reported at 117,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…