2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

574

Owner Complaints

42 Crashes 8 Fires

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

18

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX

The 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX has received a total of 574 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 8 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 18 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steering (218 complaints), Seats (92 complaints), and Electrical System (33 complaints).

Recalls for the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX

NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX, potentially affecting up to 15,838,023 vehicles.

Recall 14V252000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

| 2,440,524 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the...

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home...

View full details →

Recall 14V252000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

| 2,440,524 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the...

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home...

View full details →

Recall 14V252000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

| 2,440,524 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the...

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home...

View full details →

Recall 14V252000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

| 2,440,524 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the...

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home...

View full details →

Recall 14V252000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

| 2,440,524 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the...

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home...

View full details →

Recall 14V153000 — STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

| 1,373,177 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to...

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Recall 14V224000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

| 1,131,113 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from...

Consequence: If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall...

View full details →

Recall 14V224000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

| 1,131,113 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from...

Consequence: If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall...

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX

574 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Steering
Complaints: 218 13 Crashes 1 Fire 7 Injuries
Seats
Complaints: 92 1 Crash
Electrical System
Complaints: 33 2 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
Complaints: 31 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 29 2 Fires
Power Train
Complaints: 17
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 10 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 8 1 Crash 1 Fire
Suspension
Complaints: 7
Air Bags
Complaints: 6 4 Crashes 2 Injuries
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 6 6 Crashes 6 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Seat Belts
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 5
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 5
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 3
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 3
Equipment
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 3
Steeringrack And Pinionpinion Shaft
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlightsconcealment Devices
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 2
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
Complaints: 2
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Equipmentelectricalanti Theft Devices
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Equipmentotherownersserviceother Manual
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11523825 | AIR BAGS | | 164,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that after he turned off and restarted the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Bruce’s auto body shop where it was diagnosed that the air bag side impact sensor failed to reset and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified by the dealer and the contact was informed that the parts were no longer being manufactured and was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.
#11521181 | STEERING | | 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E044000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
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.
#11329336 | POWER TRAIN | | 100,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MANUALLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT PUSHED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MIDWAY CHEVROLET (2323 W BELL RD, PHOENIX, AZ) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE, HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
#11229332 | STEERING | | 100,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TO MCCURLEY CHEVROLET (1325 N AUTOPLEX WAY, PASCO, WA 99301) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

View all Steering complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX

General Motors, LLC has issued 18 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

23-NA-219 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.

PIC-4658 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

ADJUSTABLE PEDALS WILL NOT ADJUST INOPERATIVE. *NJ UPDATED 3/13/09. *PE UPDATED 8/1/11. *PE

SB-07-06-04-023A — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

CHEVROLET/SATURN: DIFFICULTY FILLING FUEL TANK, MIL/SES LIGHT ILLUMINATED DTC P0446 - EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS (EVAP) VENT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE (INSPECT/CLEAN EVAP CANISTER VENT VALVE SOLENOID AND INSTALL SCREEN). *PE

708 — STRUCTURE

LOOSE SHIFT KNOB. *SC

050853001 — SEATS

FRONT SEAT REAR TRIM PANELS FALLING OFF. *TT

040849025 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT READ FULL WHEN FUEL TANK IS FULL, SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT ON, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0455. *TT

609 — STRUCTURE

MALIBU MAXX REAR SUNSHADE. *SC

0408110004 — VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

REAR SUNSHADE COMES UNHOOKED FROM REAR SUNROOF TRIM. *TT THIS BULLETIN REPLACES PREVIOUS BULLETIN NUMBER 04-08-110-004. *TT

040843006 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INFORMATION TO AVOID PINCHING WINDSHIELD WASHER HOSE WHEN SERVICING BATTERY OR UNDERHOOD ELECTRICAL CENTER. *TT

040844011 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

TIE STRAP REMOVAL DURING VIDEO DISPLAY REPLACEMENT. *TT

Showing 10 of 18 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report