Problems with 2004 Chevrolet Malibu ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Front turning signals or running lights get very hot and melt through the amber lens that the bulb sits in. these bulbs burn out quite often, which have created some near misses while making turns because the bulbs would burn out without notice. this is a very common problem on all the 04 and 05 malibu. i have contacted the chevy dealers and the deny and knowledge of the problem, but there many complaints of this online. every malibu of these years have the same problem. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start or would stall shortly after being started. the contact vehicle would only restart after several attempts. the vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was not notified of the issue. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who advised the contact to remove the extra weight from the key holder in order to prevent the failure. the vehicle was repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 96,000. updated 1/28/15*cn updated 9/8/2017*cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated the engine would not turn over when turning the key in the ignition. the anti-theft protection light illuminated on the instrument panel after the key was placed in the ignition. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician was unable to find a failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 117,000.

After purchasing my malibu i have had multiple incidents where i was unable to unlock my doors electrically from inside/outside (after a fight with the dealer that issue was fixed after being told i needed to bring the car back and forth for 3 weeks), since then i have had to replace my turn signal bulbs once a month, my left turn signal socket looks like it has been burnt and is very black in color, still cant get gm to acknowledge that there were problems with this on these malibu's even though there are service bulletins on this issue. next i have had my dic system show me messages saying locked and my radio shuts off erratically and my ignition will shut off. gm dealer will not accept responsibility, next i have had the message on my dic show no power steering and 3 out of the 4 times i have lost steering all together and luckily was backing out of driveway, had to shut car off and wait for system to give me back steering control. the 4th time i veered into a guard rail going about 25 mph and crunched my front passenger quarter panel when the ps assist failed and i had no steering. again, shut car off and had to wait for system to reset and again had steering control. i am now having issues where my entire console in the vehicle is always hot to the touch and my ignition switch inside the car is extremely hot even right after the car is started. gm will not address this issue either when i have contacted the dealer where i bought the vehicle. i am now having steering issues where my malibu wants to go left when i am attempting to make a right turn and when making a left turn it wants to go way left all by itself. i have multiple recalls on this vehicle and to no avail they are not being addressed. i am wondering if i have to be in a worse crash and be injured severely or another person in order to get anyone to fix these issues or take this car back. *tr

2004 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to ignition key failure to re-start vehicle, towed to dealership for faulty ignition switch repairs and consumer seeks reimbursement for recall repairs. *smd *tr

When starting the car the ignition gets stuck, there is a recall on other models but not the 2004 malibu, and also the right rear tire rod has part that has come loose, took to tire shop and showed where the part will have to be welded back to the rod. currently have recall on steering for 2004 malibu 14116. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while driving 70 mph, the brakes activated independently and the engine stalled. the vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. the failure occurred on multiple occasions. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control), but the part was not available to perform the repair. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle stalled and multiple warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle stalled while driving over speed bumps or any other terrain. the contact attempted to remove the key from the ignition, but the key would not eject. the key would continuously become stuck between the off position and auxiliary position and would not restart the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the mechanic stated that the lock assembly needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the approximate failure mileage was 79,000. updated 01/12/15*lj updated 08/28/2017*ct

I got in my car and tried to crank it and it made a clicking noise. it took hours before it started, on another incident; several times i couldn't shift my car from park. my power steering light came on and when i was coming to a stop at a light the car list control serving left to right until i came to a complete stop. i always have to gas the car to get gas to the engine for the car to start. when i took it to the dealer he said that it was a recall problem and he's had several customers with my car come to him with the same problem. when i looked up the recall i noticed that my car was having the same issues as reported. *tr

Theft system light came on for 2004 chevy malibu classic. car would not start. had to have it towed to sport chevrolet. google search revealed theft passlock system complaints on chevy cars i was charged $634.84 plus tax, sport chevrolet in silver spring md to replace the ignition lock cylinder, wiring and connector. 2 days later the same thing happened. the issue was resolved by leaving the key in acc for 10 minutes thus resetting theft system. why was i charged $600 for a defect? *tr

In summer 2013 i elected to replace both headlamp casing with a new headlamp kit because of internal discoloration and yellow liquid fluid seeping from daytime running lamp. approximately 1 week later the new daytime running lamp casing melted and burnt the new bulb. the bulb was replaced at no cost. at my next service 5-6 months later i inquired about replacing the defective headlamp casing because the bulb on both daytime running lamp burnt through its plastic casing, again causing internal discoloration of headlamp kit. i was told warranty expired. the dealership sent an inquire to gm regarding such defect but i am told there was no response from gm and i have no recourse. i no longer use daytime running lamp. i purposely shut off the daytime running lamps (which defeats the purpose) for fear the bulb will continue to melt the casing causing further discoloration and burn the bulb. this is not how the product should be made; poor craftsmanship and poor workmanship. *tr

On two occasions the car would not crank the anti theft light will blink. had to get someone to start it up by waiting on the light to stop blinking, which is time consuming and costly .something has to be done about this. there is a lot of complaints on this matter. something has to be done.!!! *tr

2004 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to switch replacement recall repairs and seeks reimbursement. *smd updated 10/23/2017*js

While pulling out of a business parking lot with my mother in the vehicle, i turned the steering wheel to back out and it wouldn't turn at first. i cut the car off and restarted it once again, this tie the steering wheel turned for about half a turn and the just kept on turning with a knock every full rotation. the wheels were not moving at all.no matter how many times i restarted the car it never worked. so i was forced to block half of the parking lot until my car was flat-bedded back to my house. previous to this incident i had experienced the wheel stiffen up at low speeds but it always went right away, i have seen countless people online posting stories about this happening to them, and i was just driving on the freeway minutes earlier and this could've happened then and been a tragedy, why has this not been recalled????? *tr

While driving my battery light will flash on and chirp and my steering wheel sort of locks up, the display on my radio says power steering and the wrench light lights up on the panel. it is quite scary considering i have young children in my car about 95% of the time. i have been very close to crashing into other cars more than once. i would love to get rid of this car but am afraid this will happen to the next person and it could be fatal. *tr

Tl* the contact owned a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while traveling through a stop sign at an unknown speed, another vehicle crashed into the passenger side of the contact's vehicle. the air bags failed to deploy. the contact stated that there were additional items on the key ring at the time of the crash. a police report was filed. the contact sustained a bruised knee. the vehicle was destroyed. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was unavailable.

While driving down the road the vehicle just randomly shut off theft light came on as if i was stealing my own car had to wait 10 mins with ignition on to reset the theft system when looking online this is a known issue most of the time it is when starting but for me i was driving this is a serious concern for me. *tr

While on my way home, driving north on i-95 near washington, dc, i experienced lots of electrical problems (noise and grabbing to the left in the steering column, repeated bulb and light unity failures) then suddenly, a total loss of power steering. i became so scared while needing both hands to manage in heavy traffic traveling at an average of 65mph that i immediately threw a lit cigarette out the window in a desperate effort to control the vehicle. the steering wheel is almost impossibly difficult to steer. i was unaware that it had blown behind my back onto the driver?s seat until it burnt me, my shirt and the seat. it is by the grace of god that i didn?t have a fatal accident. it is probably needless to say that i continue to experience back pain. a disaster is waiting to happen! the fact is that sometimes while driving the power steering will start working again as quickly as it went out. consider that i could be turning the wheel as hard as i can and at that second the power returns to send me spinning. keep in mind that this is occurring more frequently everyday. sometimes it does stop when the car is turned off and sometimes it does not. with regard to the brakes they make a loud and grinding sound when i lift off of them. *tr

My complaint is that i have received two letters informing me of recalls on my brakes, and the electrical power steering. i received the first letter a month ago regarding the ( eps), i called gm and i also called chevrolet, i have not heard anything, now i receive a letter two days ago recalling (bcm), (bas), i don't understand how you can send out letters stating there are recalls but parts are not available, but you are concerned. please help me understand this, this is my only means if transportation and i am not happy about how this is being handled. now i am in fear if what could happen while i'm driving and nothing is being done to correct these problems and prevent my death or someone else's. i have already experienced the (eps) problem twice to be exact, i didn't know what was going on, so, i would appreciate someone contacting me with some information in how quickly these problems can become resolved. i am really considering contacting a lawyer, because nothing is being done. my life is more important than the letters you send saying you are concerned about my safety, that is a joke. thanks for your convenience and hopefully i will get some kind of response. *tr

Driving down the road when the radio panel started blinking with power steering. i then lost my power steering and my car began to shake this failure occurs without any warning and sometimes the power steering light will illuminate and it will show in the radio panel. as a woman, driving without power steering was extremely difficult. this is not the first time this happened to me it has happened several times and thankfully i was able to avoid an accident. i took the car to the dealer, and after running diagnostics, they told me that the 2004 malibu's have electronic power steering, and that there is an issue with the power steering motor and that it overheats, causing loss of power steering. the car seat belts are froze and the hazard light button fell inside its hole and the headlight covers don't allow the lights to fully illuminate . this car should have been recalled because it poses life threatening issues. my research shows a high volume of complaints on this 2004 model but the 2005's and above were recalled, i also collected statements from factory workers who left their personal info on the internet and i found this : during my employment contract with delphi automotive (delphi saginaw steering system, 3900 e. holland ave., saginaw, michigan 48601), i was instructed to conduct a screw "strip-out" study on the electric motor/controller assembly of the electric power steering (eps) system of the general motor's epsilon platform (my 2003.5 - 2006 malibu). this study was conducted in may of 2004 at delphi's plant 1, assembly. the study included ten production motor and ten production controller assemblies that were assembled on the production equipment and process(es). the controller is attached to motor by three m 5.0x 0.8 screws. the result of that study concluded that four of the ten motor/controller assemblies had at least one of the screws fully strip

Since 2012 i have nothing but problems with my malibu. power steering going out causing the whole front end to become unstable, causing the car to pull the left and the right. hard to keep it centered; causing busted belts in tires, bad brakes, torn up rotors. fuel gage not working properly, traction control on break censor going off and on. ignition switch not working properly, i have received 4 recall notices so far and i know there are more to be had. but no dealer ship seems to have any parts to fix this car. this car is a death trap. i feel as though every time i strap my self into my car, i am setting myself up to be hurt or killed. i need to get this car fixed. if not i need someone to get me new one. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated the brake lights failed. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in recall nhtsa campaign number:14v252000 (exterior lighting). the failure and current mileage was 95,000....updated 09-05-14 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle the vehicle has also had issues with switching from park to drive, the exterior as well as the interior lights would go out during highway speeds and an alarm would sound, whenever the vehicle would be filled with gas the low fuel alarm would sound, and the blinker lights would burn out prematurely. updated 09/15/2014 *js

i was driving about 45 miles when the car cut off with no warning,when the car came to a complete stop i was able to restart the car .this has happened 7 different times . my son thought i needed a tune up, i took the car to the dealer,i was told it was electrical but didn't know what was causing it. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact noticed smoke underneath the vehicle and it became difficult to shift gears from drive into reverse. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing, but was not repaired. the contact was later notified of nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control), 14v153000 (steering), and 14v224000 (power train). the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. the approximate failure mileage was 40,000. the consumer was informed the vehicle needed a new wiring harness. updated 12/04/14 the consumer stated the recall has not been performed. updated 02/04/15. *jb

My anti-theft system activates and leaves me and my one year old child stranded in florida heat. *tr

For about 3 years the theft light would come on when trying to start. then you would have to wait 10 minutes to start. in december while driving at 60 mps the engine stopped, power steering was lost and the theft light was on. after 10 minutes the car started again. then two times later the engine stopped while driving between 60 & 65 mph, power steering was lost. one of these times the car started up again and power steering recovered. i took the unit to the chevrolet dealer in emporia, kansas. they said the switch needed to be replaced and that the fuel pump cuts off because of the age of the vehicle. both need to be replaced at a cost of over $1,100 according to them. normally the car operates great! i can't understand why a product is allowed on the market with a fuel pump that works part-time. prior to going to the emporia chevrolet, i explained the problem to the burlington, kansas chevrolet dealership and they said it had to do that at the time they were checking it or they could not find out the problem. this is a disaster waiting to happen. i am glad that my wife of 4'11" was not driving it when the power steering was lost because of the engine stopping. *tr

Purchased vehicle for daughter on 8/17/2011 from asset recovery dealership colorado. while she was driving on a major road (approx. 40 mph), a warning light on dash went on and the power steering went away (almost to the point of feeling like it was totally locked). she was in rh lane, put on flashers, turned off car and restarted car. warning light went off and power steering was back. this happened two other times while pulling out of a parking space. it happened intermittently. took the vehicle it to my mechanic who ran diagnostics and found the power steering assist relay to be faulty and replaced entire steering column at $580 (the relay cannot be replaced without replacing entire steering column). since then i have found a number of websites (www.carcomplaints.com) were 100+ other 2004 malibu owners have had the exact problem. there does not seem to be a recall on the 2004 malibu for this particular problem but some have written there was a recall or bulletin for 2005+ malibu for this problem. this a very serious safety (and scary) issue to loose your power steering assist out of no where and a very costly repair. i also read in some of the posted complaints that their repair did not last and the problem recurred. i purchased this car from a"recovery" type car dealership. i would like to get reimbursement from gm. this problem occurred with people at various mileage ranges some as low as 7,000 which would seem to me to indicate a defect. although the steering column has been replaced, i'm concerned about this problem recurring. thank you. *tr

Car engine will shut down at random times showing anti-theft light. even while driving. this is a dangerous situation. *tr

Car would not start because the anti-theft system was activated for no reason. was able to start it by leaving the ignition switch in the on position for 10 min. there have been many many complaints about this issue. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle would not start properly on multiple occasions. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) and stated that the parts were unavailable. the dealer was uncertain when the parts would become available. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

In july 2011 the power steering went out. about a week later it started going out while driving. had the steering column, and racket and pinion replaced, and the then the radio stopped playing cds, and the seat belt light constantly stays on even if you have the seat belt on. *tr

I was driving my vehicle and all of a sudden my door locks started to go up and down. than after that the doors would just start to lock and unlock on their own. now none of the locks on the door work and the alarm goes off everytime i open the door from the outside and when i'm inside the car i get locked in my car. *js

Since purchasing the vehicle (used), there have been more than 12 instances where the car cuts out while driving. this has occurred at speeds as high as 55 mph. there is a total loss of power and the car must be brought to a rolling stop outside of the traffic flow. also, there have been weekly instances of the car failing to start. this has since increased to daily. the key will only start the ignition when the dash lights (battery, oil, etc) are on, and they are on and off completely at random. sometimes i have to wait up to 10 minutes with the key partially turned before the lights come on and i can turn it the rest of the way and start the car. the other electrical issue that has happened is that the blower fan has gone on and off and the power windows have gone on and off. *js

Fuel gauge stopped working , would not indicate fuel level. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the steering column would become loose while driving at any speed and the wheel would sporadically shake when driving over 50 mph. in addition the power steering warning light was illuminated when the failure would occur. the contact stated the failure was the second occurrence and the steering column was replaced in 2007. the vehicle was not inspected or repaired for the recent failure. the failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 115,000. the consumer stated the vehicle made a clunking, knocking and rattling sound when driven at a low grade speed and when the steering wheel was turned. the vehicle also shook violently. the driver seat didn't to stay on track and was difficult to adjust forward and backward. the horn and cruise control were inoperative. the brake and accelerator pedals no longer adjusted. the safety locks did not latch at times when the button was pushed and the gas cap continued to open after it was locked causing the engine light to illuminate. updated 02/01/12

The theft system automatically engages randomly when ignition is attempted. reset with key in on position for approximately 10 minutes is the only way to get the car to start. can happen multiple times per day, regardless of weather or parking conditions. replaced ignition in 2013 and computer in 2011 with no change in issue to a detriment of over $1,000.00. occasionally pressing gas when ignition first catches will route the issue, but not always. theft light also now stays on regardless of a successful first start or not. needless to say, it is frustrating to have this happen when you need to get on the road for work or even an emergency! *tr

The electric power steering in my vehicle is faulty. the steering wheel will move by its self while driving or in park. also my power steering will go out without warning while driving at any speed. when the steering wheel locks up due to power steering i have a very hard time turning and controlling car. i have barely avoid several accidents because of this issue. i have taken car to dealership to see if can be fixed because when i called gm i was not eligible for the warranty that would have fixed issue but because it was past their recall time they would not assist me and the dealer wants 800.00 to fix and they say that even fixing the steering column and or the assist motor that i will more then likely have the same issues! my car is a 2004 with only 44,462 miles on it. i got the car used february of this year (2010) and didn't know that it would be a nightmare and a death trap for my family! i have video of the wheel moving by its self as well as video showing that when i loss power steering the car is hazardous. i am really afraid that i will not be able to keep up with this issue and will one day loss complete control of the car and hurt myself and possibly others! chevrolet needs to fix this issue for good or replace the cars all together because its really only a matter of time before this issue bites them in the butt! i really like my malibu but i really think that i should have never got it because of all the issues losing power steering, pulls bad to left and right, loose shifter knob, & the remote keyless entry doesn't work right. i hope by filing this complaint with you that maybe it will be resolved. i want to have piece of mind while driving my family in car not worried about the car being a death trap on 4 wheels that will loss control when it feels like it and kill my family and myself. i know that i am not the only one with these issues with the malibu and chevrolet really needs to step up and make these issues right for us the consumers fast! *tr

2004 chevrolet malibu - both front headlights assemblies are melting from the heat coming off of the turn signal/marker light. the plastic bulb housing is actually melting enough to drip onto the bulb causing them to break and need replaced. this is definitely a fire hazard. *tr

2004 chevrolet malibu ls, the left turn, parking, & drl bulb overheated and caused a fire that melted the amber plastic lens inside if the headlight assy causing it to scorch the inside of the headlight assy around the amber part. the right side had previously just melted the top of the amber lens. these were the original headlight assys with 3157 bulbs that caused the problem. the daytime running lights are very bright all the time. the bulb caused a fire that went out by itself that is the safety problem. bought certified replacement headlight assys. *tr

Wife started up her car after work on june 30th, come to find out, the electronic power steering failed and, good thing, she wasn't driving when it went out or else there could have been an accident. now, it fails every once and awhile, still steerable, but very hard to steer. if you shut the car off, then, it goes a way for a while but then power steering fails again later on. we were driving down the interstate and it did the same thing while going 75mph. we're trying to research on if this is a recall or what the problem could be. something needs to be done, i've seen a lot of complaints on the chevy malibu about the electronic power steering failing. *tr

2004 chevrolet malibu. vehicle engine stopped running, while traveling on highway. *mw the vehicle was towed to a repair shop. it was determined the ignition switch was faulty. the consumer received a recall notice and submitted documentation along with the reimbursement claim. the consumers request for reimbursement was denied. according to chrysler, his claim for reimbursement was not valid, therefore it was not covered by the recall. *jb

As i was driving down the highway all of a sudden my steering wheel locked. then my power steering light came on. so lucky i was on a straight away. i pulled over and shut the car off and turned it back on and was back to normal. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact was driving approximately 35 mph when the power steering warning indicator illuminated and there was a complete loss of power steering. the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where the engine was turned off. upon restarting, the vehicle resumed as normal. the failure occurred three different times. also intermittently, the four power windows and power door locks failed to operate when the control mechanism was engaged. on a separate occasion the the key would not release from the ignition switch until after several attempts. the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

The driver information center would reset the time. it also displayed "service air bag" as soon as the car turns on. when driving on the freeway, my steering wheel lost its power steering and the driver information center displayed "power steering" along with a car and wrench light flashing from the gauge window. this has not been fixed due to reading a customer satisfaction program that affected certain 2004 chevrolet malibu's. should not be responsible for a defect that the dealer was aware of. a real scare when driving on the road, let alone on the freeway. *tr

Intermittent turn signals and horn continually goes off having to remove fuse. *tr

This car is terrible. not only did my brakes not work which made my car crash through the front of my house the steering has been replaced twice and the problem still exists. the electrical system has major problems. the blinker burned a hole through the lens cover and makes the horn, doors and lights not work. i have contacted gm several times over the last 5 years and they don't care because the warranty is out. then you read how many people have the same problems. they got their bailout how about a bailout for the people who bought gm products. there seems to be no help for the consumer. *tr

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. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle would not start at times after several attempts. the vehicle would also suddenly stop while she was driving. she had the vehicle towed several times as a result. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where a passlock sensor was replaced; however, the failure continued. the contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. the vehicle had not been repaired. the current mileage was approximately 125,000. the failure mileage was approximately 18,000. updated 01/06/11*lj

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the theft system in her vehicle would activate and cause the vehicle not to start. the failure worsened and recently began to occur every two days. the contact would have to place the key into the ignition and turn it so that it would reset and the theft deterrent light would dim. she took the vehicle to a service center, but they could not find any failures. the manufacturer advised her to take the vehicle to the dealer. the current mileage was approximately 53,450 and failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while driving 35 mph the steering wheel began pulling to the right. the dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that the steering rack had excessive play and needed to be replaced. the failure also caused the driver and passenger side front tires to become worn which needed to be replaced. the repair cost was $657 since there were no related recalls or valid warranties. the wiring in the horn was also defective and it was repaired at the owners expense for $200. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure and current mileages were 23,800. updated 11/15/10 *cn updated 11/24/10