3.5

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,836 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #7

May 152012

Malibu

  • 31,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 5 mph and making a right turn, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle without warning. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #6

Mar 272010

Malibu

  • 104,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at approximate speeds of 20 mph in a parking lot. The contact attempted a turn when the steering wheel failed and would not move. The air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle was towed to his residence. The dealer advised the rack and pinion would need to be replaced. The contact inquired about NHTSA campaign id number 10V073000 (steering: Electric power assist system) but was advised his VIN was not included with the recall. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was 104,000.

- Worcester, MA, USA

problem #5

Sep 252007

Malibu

  • 41,200 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. Within 60 days of purchasing the vehicle, the contact heard a loud thud coming from the front end of the vehicle. She took the vehicle to Firestone and they discovered that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the bushings were failing. The contact was adamant about having the vehicle further investigated. The dealer confirmed that the rack and pinion failed and made the replacement. In less than a year after the replacement, the rack and pinion failed again. The independent dealer stated that the manufacturer was aware of the failure with the rack and pinion; however, nothing could be done. A second replacement was also recommended at the contact's expense. The failure mileage was 41,200 and current mileage was less than 54,000.

- St Paul, MN, USA

problem #4

Dec 122004

Malibu 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Problems with the:"rack and pinion steering, brakes, front suspension.

- Guayama, PR, USA

problem #3

Jun 272007

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have had the same issue with my car a clunking sound in the tire area when making turns. This is the 4th time I have had my car in for service on this same issue.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #2

Jun 092006

Malibu 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,650 miles
: the contact stated while attempting to make either a left or right turn there is a knocking noise present in the steering of the vehicle. While driving at any speed the vehicle pulls to left. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on 3 occasions and the manufacturer has been alerted however there is no fix for these problems.

- Lancaster, OH, USA

problem #1

Aug 092004

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,000 miles
While driving on highway at 50 mph steering jerked from side to side, nearly losing control. When on regular street problem was not so noticeable. Also, heard continuous knocking noises when making turns. Have taken vehicle to dealer, and mechanic replaced steering column. It worked for awhile but got worse in September. Took vehicle back to dealer, and mechanic replaced the rack and pinion. It partially resolved problem, but knocking continued. Took vehicle back, and mechanic replaced the steering shaft. Knocking noise was not resolved. Ea04018_cat

- Bushkill, PA, USA