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Problems with 2004 Chevrolet Malibu ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On average, the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu starts to “feel” problems with the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and its various aspects after 91 496 miles.

Components Affected by ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Issues

We have classified the 111 complaints from 2004 Chevrolet Malibu about ELECTRICAL SYSTEM into the following categories.

IGNITION 12 HORN 7 WIRING 2 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL 2 ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR 1 STARTER ASSEMBLY 1

Recently reported ELECTRICAL SYSTEM problems on 2004 Chevrolet Malibu

Power steering fails under hard acceleration. when this occurs the check engine light come on and the steering has no electric assist. this continues until the acceleration is reduced. after reduced acceleration the check engine light goes off the the power steering returns to normal. this occurs intermittently, but typically on a freeway on ramp while getting up to speed and trying to merge with traffic.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle experienced intermittent failure with the ignition switch. the contact had to jiggle the key for the vehicle to start. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician jiggled the key and the vehicle was able to start. the technician informed the contact that there may be an unknown recall on the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer. the contact stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 90,000. *dt*jb

O2 sensor, ing fuse keeps blowing causing car not to start

Takata recall. my radio started displaying a service air bag message and my horn stopped working. the wiring in the car has stopped working. i began to replace lightbulbs thinking they were blown but just will not work. heard this car was recalled for these exact problems i am having but for some reason my car has no recalls. my steering wheel makes a knocking noise when turning very sharp. sounds like a piece is broken knocking around

Takata inflators please fix my car i went to the local auto parts store and they checked the system for me and all these problems plus more have popped up and they're all on the recall list

Power steering repeatedly goes out while driving. blinkers only work sometimes. cruise control does not engage. i lost power steering going down a busy highway.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. when the contact reached his destination, the vehicle was placed in park and attempted to remove the key from the ignition, but was unsuccessful. the contact had to move the key in an up and down, side to side motion for several minutes in order to remove it from the ignition. the ignition failure occurred several times since june of 2017. the contact purchased a new key, which worked for a few months. the vehicle was taken to an independent auto mechanic and was informed that the failure would have to be repaired at the chevrolet dealer because specific tools needed to be used. the failure was not repaired. the manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. the failure mileage was 100,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while driving 60 mph, the check engine and power steering warning indicators illuminated. the steering wheel required excessive force in order to make a turn. when the contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, it resumed normal operation. the failure recurred several other times. the contact also stated that the brake lights failed to work. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the recalls were expired. the vehicle was taken to another dealer where they estimated that the diagnostic check would cost $114. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. the failure mileage was 166,000.

Takata recall my 2004 malibu does not have working cruise control , my wiring is barely working as in my locks won't work , my heat we only blows cold air on defrost my defrost barely clears my windows , my t\c light is the only light that stays on all the time and i barely have traction while driving if i'm trying to accelerate getting on the highway my wheel will lock or barely move and i have to let completely off the gas to free the wheel i get any alerts on my speedometer. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 23 mph in the rain, the vehicle spun out of control and crashed into a cement barrier. the air bags did not deploy. a police report was filed and there were no injuries. two days later, the interior of the vehicle caught fire. the fire department extinguished the fire. a police report was filed. the fire department informed the contact that the fire was due to the electrical wiring in the dashboard. the vehicle was not towed or taken to the dealer. the vehicle was destroyed. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 153,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. after the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 200,000.

I took my 2004 malibu max chevy to.ray chevrolet in antioch illinois.we got recalls on the steering they told us they didn't have the part .they told us they would let us know when the part came in .its been a year.its really dangerous driving is way.the steering went out a couple of times.i need help.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 252,000. the vin was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. after the key was inserted in the ignition switch, the ignition switch failed to respond. the failure recurred numerous times. the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vin and failure mileage were unknown.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the windshield transmission wiper linkage bushing failed. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the contact also stated that the rear passenger side tail lights failed. the contact stated that the failure was intermittent. the contact also stated that removing the key from the ignition was difficult at times. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. the approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact started the vehicle and noticed that the ignition key pulled out while the engine was still running. the contact also was able to turn the vehicle off without the key turning to the off position. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the contact called the manufacturer and was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer to check for recalls. the vehicle was towed to a dealer who stated that there were no recalls. the contact insisted that the vehicle was repaired according to nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the failure mileage was 157,048.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the key would get jammed in the ignition and there was difficultly shifting the vehicle. the vehicle could be shifted after it was warmed up. in addition, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired according to nhtsa campaign number: 14v224000 (power train). the failure mileage was approximately 109,821...updated 04/26/16 *bf *cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while turning left or right, an abnormal noise emitted from the steering wheel. the contact stated that upon trying to remove the key from the ignition, the key had to be adjusted back and forth several times in order for it to release from the ignition switch. the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v153000 (steering) and 14e044000 (steering). the vehicle was not diagnosed. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. the approximate failure mileage was 41,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. when the contact attempted to start the vehicle, the ignition failed while the anti theft and check engine light illuminated. the failure occurred randomly. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition cylinder was failing and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 145,691.

Tl* the contact owned a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while driving at approximately 50 mph, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. the contact noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and a door caught on fire. a police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. it was unknown who extinguished the fire. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the vehicle was destroyed. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 118,000.

While driving i5 north i adjusted my electronic front seat for more comfort, and when i did i found the seat moving closer to the dash board, i couldn't stop it or reverse it so i frantically went from the fast lane to the shoulder of the road almost crashing into someone. when i stopped i found myself almost trapped between the steering wheel and the seat my legs were almost jammed into the underside of the dash board and the electronic seat non responsive. what i found out was that the switch had come off the control knobs and when that happens the seat went all the way forward and you have no control over it. somebody should look into this matter. there is no recalls for this but there should be.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the key was permanently stuck in the ignition switch and would not eject. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. in addition, the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition needed to be repaired. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the steering wheel seized as the instrument panel lights failed to illuminate. the contact also stated that after ten minutes of driving, the instrument panel lights flashed and the steering wheel resumed to normal. the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 14r044000 (steering) but the failure persisted. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical power system module needed to be repaired. the contact did not disclose if the vehicle was repaired or not. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 180,000. updated 03/30/15*lj updated 10/21/2015 *js

2004 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to ignition key recall notice and consumer seeks reimbursement and compensation for loss. *smd the consumer stated the recall notice arrived, too late. her daughter was driving, when the veered off the road and hit a tree. the vehicle was totaled. *jb

Consumer writing in regards to 2004 chevorlet malibu recall. *kl

2004 chevrolet malibu. car was totaled and junked before electrical problems. requesting to be removed from list *cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at 50 mph, the vehicle stalled and the check engine and anti theft lights illuminated. the vehicle failed to start and was towed to an independent mechanic. the failure recurred twice. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 152,000.

2004 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to gm recall #13036* ld the consumer stated the recall fix, did not fix the problem. the consumer stated he did not know, if the brake lights worked and the cruise control rarely worked. the traction control and abs light was on. the consumer returned to the dealer. an inspection revealed a problem was speed sensor on the right front wheel, which was not related to the recall. the cost to replace the sensor was $460. *jb

The ignition switch is acting up . i got into the car tried to start the car but there was nothing, i thought it was the battery but that was not it. everything working. but when you turn the key there was nothing, i tried it 4 times. on the 5th time ith turned started. this has happpened 8 different times. i know there is a recall on the ignition switch but i haven't received one. i need it so that if i can ever get into a dealer ship that had parts i can get it fixed.. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact received a notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control), nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 (steering), and nhtsa campaign number: 14v224000 (power train). the contact was not certain of when the part and remedy would become available to schedule the appointment for the repairs. the manufacturer was notified of the safety concern with the three recalls and the contact was still waiting for the parts to schedule the recall appointment. the contact had not experienced a failure.

While increasing speed, the battery light and engine light come on. the power steering stops working for a few seconds and the dash lights go out. the lights go of and the power steering starts working like normal. there is still electrical power to the rest of the car (radio works, brakes work, interior lights still work, etc.) i replaced the battery and had the charging system inspected, nothing wrong with it. alternator is good, battery is good. no shop can explain why this happens, even the chevrolet dealer. it doesn't matter the speed i am going, it always does this. driving on the interstate i lost power to the steering and went into the ditch to avoid an accident. the dealer states there is nothing wrong with the car, and cannot diagnose the problem. i have came close to totaling my car several times. i had my kids in the car when it lost steering on the interstate. this could have cost us our lives. i'm scared to drive this car but have to. this complaint is my last option before contacting a lawyer. i hope this can be resolved through this complaint. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the key became lodged in the ignition switch. the vehicle was towed to a dealer. the technician diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 95,000.

The turn signals and flasher work intermittently. *tr

Key is stuck in the ignition. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the contact also mentioned that the anti-theft warning light illuminated and the vehicle intermittently stalled when it was successfully started. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the pass lock sensor needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

First of all im waiting on parts for two recalls for my 2004 chevy malibu. i find it a little dangerous and for some reason nobody has been able to give me any information on what i need to do or have no idea when the parts are going to be available. my seat on the driver side feels like it is detached on one side. i have read several complaints about this happening to other people. my car randomly decides to accelerate sometimes. i cannot give you mileage or tell you exact times when it happens because it's about five times a year. i think it's when i'm on cruise control so i find it bizarre that all of a sudden my car starts speeding. i have had my car serviced and even a new engine put in and reset but my service airbag light is still on? my horn will work randomly but not all the time and this makes me feel a little unsafe because a horn is needed for warning people of danger. thanks [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was unavailable.

My car has had interior electrical problems since the day that i bought. i have had things like the cd deck and the brakes and alloy rims fixed after having problems with them however i have had the front left blinker fail to work and then an hour later it works, the next hour does not work. the interior lighting all stopped working and the dealership says that it is electrical, at the same time that the lights stopped working i started to be unable to shift my car from low into 1 or 2. i have had my power steering go out multiple times and then after pulling over, shutting off my car and turning it back on it worked again. i have almost go into an accident multiple times because the front left blinker stops working mid drive, or the power steering stops working. this car clearly has multiple electrical problems that should be recalled and fixed because they are very dangerous. *tr

Through the years we have had off and on episodes of the car not starting even when we had a good battery and in the middle of driving the power steering giving out. we finally took the vehicle to a mechanic after being advised to replace the battery. the mechanic, gm dealer, advised we need a whole new steering column, this was 6-25-13. in less then a year the car continues to not start and today the power steering again went out on my 15 year old son as he was driving home. we have left e-mails with chevrolet with no return. the last aforementioned gm dealer said that we would get a call about the recall on the steering but appears there is no recall on the ignition, despite several news articles saying there was. we are now out of a vehicle due gm not responding. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the parking brake would malfunction and the vehicle would roll away when parked on an incline or a flat surface. additionally, the vehicle would sporadically hesitate when the contact attempted to accelerate. the contact also stated that the transmission would become stuck in first gear and began to exhibit an abnormal jerking motion. the key would also become stuck in the ignition and the vehicle would intermittently fail to start. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 112,000.

2004 chevrolet malibu. customer states that he has received three recall notices for vehicle in june 2014 and july 2014. all three noticed indicated the parts are not available and hasn't heard any response since. *ta

2004 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to vehicle electrical system issues. *smd the consumer stated occasionally, he would experience a weak crank when trying to start the vehicle, as if the battery was failing. after turning the vehicle off, and waiting 15 seconds, he would attempt to start the vehicle again. it would crank, but not fire as if it were flooded. the dealer inspected the electrical system and found nothing wrong. the consumer continued to experience the problem. *jb

This is the 5th time this had happened with my 2004 malibu, but the scariest. similar to the other times,but this time on a curve. i heard a chime& "power steering" appeared in the message box. my car veered to the ieft into traffic and i could barely steer it. it took all my 66 yea old strength to turn the wheel & get into my lane. i pulled off asap & turned car off in a safe location. shaking for 15 min. i don't understand why this car is safe to drive. it does not revert to manual steering. the ceo is lying. i have owned manual steering cars and this does not steer that way. i am afraid to drive it it has also stalled with numerous lights coming on. abs, engine, and one i think is another steering light, yellow with a line through it. why aren't they pulled?cruise control comes on by itself & won't shut off. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control); however, the parts needed for the repairs were unavailable. the manufacturer was notified. the contact had not experienced a failure.

My battery light came on this morning and i came home from lunch tried making a left turn onto a street and my steering wheel locked on me. i couldn't turn my car, now my car won't even start. i barely made it home, thank god because i almost crashed into my neighbors house from my steering wheel locking. *tr

2004 chevrolet malibu experiencing power steering problems, abs and shift cable, all replaced. *cw the consumer stated the vehicle was taken to the repair shop seven times, due to power steering failure, which resulted in the steering locking up. the consumer was involved in two accidents, in which the air bags failed to deploy. the consumer received a transmission, steering and brake recall. however, the parts were not available. *jb

I was driving the car through an intersection approaching the ramp onto the interstate. i lost steering control for about 2 seconds, just missing the guard-rail and having an accident. the next morning, there was a recall for the 2004 malibu. i contacted the dealership for a loaner car, only to be told the car vin number is not an approved model for the recall. i need to know why it is not if it is having the same issues. i have reported to this site at least twice about issues with this car. *tr

While driving around a corner the engine shut off, the key was not turned to the off position. i was able to glide the car to a parking lot, turned the key to the off position, let the car sit for a few minutes, turned it back on and continued driving. *tr

Randomly while driving down the road my power steering has gone out multiple times. i listed the most recent date. now they say it will cost around 1000 to fix. if multiple people have complained about this shouldn't their be a recall? if the roads were icy i could've crashed and killed someone. *tr

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