CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC · model year

2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC

144 NHTSA complaints, 12 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2004CHEVROLETMALIBU CLASSIC carries 144 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 12 crashes, 4 fires, 19 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 MALIBU CLASSIC is electrical system with 51 filings, followed by steering (23) and exterior lighting (8). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2004 MALIBU CLASSIC, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

144
Complaints
12
Crashes
4
Fires
19
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

144 filings

Crashes Reported

12 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM51
STEERING23
EXTERIOR LIGHTING8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
ENGINE6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE5
POWER TRAIN5
AIR BAGS4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL2
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS2
SEAT BELTS1

Recalls (1)

14V40000003/07/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agen

Recent Complaints

20210916ENGINE

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle lost motive power and abnormal noises were heard coming from the dashboard. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle when the door locks began to lock and unlock inadvertently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle to a locksmith. The locksmith informed the contact that there was no failure with the ignition switch. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Mileage: 91,000

20210916LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle lost motive power and abnormal noises were heard coming from the dashboard. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle when the door locks began to lock and unlock inadvertently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle to a locksmith. The locksmith informed the contact that there was no failure with the ignition switch. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Mileage: 91,000

20210308CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 MALIBU CLASSIC , WHEN ALL THE VEHICLE , TURNED OFF ,CAUSING ME TO HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AND THAT VEHICLE HITTING ANOTHER CAR , THERE WHERE 3 VEHICLE INVOLVED WITH INJURY'S, MY VEHICLE WAS TOLLED AND WAS SENT TO A TOW YARD , AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT I WAS WORKING AS A MAINTENANCE WORKER AND WOULD CARRY MY WORK KEYS WITH MY VEHICLE KEYS , NEVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT WOULD HAVE TURNED THE IGNITION

Mileage: 86,509

20210205ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WELL MY IGNITION SWITCH WENT OUT I REPLACE THAT.NOW IT'S SHORTAGES IN WIRING AND LIGHTS HEAT ON AN OFF SOMETIMES SHOCKS

Mileage: 175,000

20210205ENGINE

WELL MY IGNITION SWITCH WENT OUT I REPLACE THAT.NOW IT'S SHORTAGES IN WIRING AND LIGHTS HEAT ON AN OFF SOMETIMES SHOCKS

Mileage: 175,000

20210205EXTERIOR LIGHTING

WELL MY IGNITION SWITCH WENT OUT I REPLACE THAT.NOW IT'S SHORTAGES IN WIRING AND LIGHTS HEAT ON AN OFF SOMETIMES SHOCKS

Mileage: 175,000

20201017CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

ON 01/14/2012 I WAS DRIVING A 2004 MALIBU CLASSIC IN WHICH I ENDED UP IN A CRASH INVOLVING 3 VEHICLES, I WAS DRIVING ON A STREET ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR WHEN MY MALIBU HAD SUDDENLY TURNED OFF WITHOUT POWER STEERING AND BREAKS I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, THEN THAT CAR HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM, MY 2004 MALIBU WAS TOTALED, THE INSURANCE COMPANY, WAS A TOTAL LOSS, AT THE TIME I WAS TICKETED FOR FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY, HOWEVER I KNEW THAT THIS MALIBU HAD LOSS POWER CAUSING THE ACCIDENT

Mileage: 124,356

20200603ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE ANTI THEFT GAS CUT OFF FEATURE HAS RENDERED MY VEHICLE UNABLE TO START. I HAVE TRIED MANY METHODS BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. IT STARTS WHEN IT WANTS TOO, BUT NOT WHEN I DO. *TR

Mileage: 117,000

20200224POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY TURNED TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON BUT FAILED TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RACK AND PINION DETACHED FROM THE SUBFRAME AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE BUSHING WAS REPLACED AND NOT THE RACK AND PINION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT TO REVERSE OR GO INTO FORWARD GEAR WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT CABLE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.

Mileage: 157,000

20200224STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY TURNED TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON BUT FAILED TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RACK AND PINION DETACHED FROM THE SUBFRAME AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE BUSHING WAS REPLACED AND NOT THE RACK AND PINION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT TO REVERSE OR GO INTO FORWARD GEAR WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT CABLE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.

Mileage: 157,000

20200105UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY THEFT LIGHT CAME ON A MONTH AFTER THE IGNITION WAS REPAIRED DUE TO RECALL. IT IS ALWAYS ON NOW. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, SPARK PLUGS, AND TIMING CHAIN. MY CAR STILL WONT START AFTER ALL OF THAT AND THE THEFT LIGHT IS STILL ON. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR FOR 2 MONTHS NOW DUE TO IT NOT STARTING. IT WILL ROLL OVER BUT NOTHING MORE HAPPENS.WHEN ALL OF THIS HAPPENED IT WAS STATIONARY AND IT WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT WHERE I WORK.

Mileage: 183,000

20191113UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. I HAD THE CIRCUIT BOARDS CHANGED AND ALL FUSES CHECKED AND CHANGED AND I STILL DON'T HAD BRAKE LIGHTS. THERE IS A RECALL LISTED CONCERNING THIS ISSUE IT IS RECALL NUMBER 13036. I HAVE RESEARCHED IS SITUATION AND FOUND OUT THAT THE CHEVY MALIBU MODELS FROM 1997 TO 2012 ALL SEEM TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILING TO OPERATE. SO WHEN A RECALL BE ISSUED OR DO PEOPLE HAVE TO CONTINUE TAKING CHANCES THAT WHILE THEY ARE DRIVING THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY OR MAY NOT BE WORKING. I WAS DRIVING WHEN SOMEONE INFORMED ME THAT MY REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING THANKFULLY I ARRIVED HOME, PARKED MY CAR AND HAVE NOT DRIVEN IT SINCE. I DISCUSSED THE SITUATION WITH MY MECHANIC AND HE ADVISED ME ABOUT THE FAILED REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLY OF THE CHEVY MALIBU AND TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP. I SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE WHO BASICALLY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO THAT I COULD HAD IT SERVICED PAY OUT OF POCKET AND IF AND WHEN A RECALL FOR THE BRAK

Mileage: 69,000

20180723ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT HAD TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE "ON" POSITION FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE AND THE THEFT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

20180718ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY THEFT SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. WHEN I TURN THE KEY OFF AND TRY TO RESTART THE CAR IT WILL NOT START BACK. I HAVE TO TURN IT TO THE ON POSITION AND WAIT UNTIL THE THEFT LIGHT QUITS FLASHING WHICH IS USUALLY 10 MINUTES AND THEN RESTART THE CAR. I WAS TOLD BY A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP MECHANIC THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE IGNITION CYLINDER WHICH COST AROUND $180. WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL FOR THIS.

Mileage: 120,000

20180615ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I TURN MY KEY YO TURN OFF MY CAR IN IT WANT GO PASS THE ACC.

20180110UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THIS CAR FOR SOME TIME. THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON BY ITSELF AS WELL THE SYSTEMS MAKES THE HORN HONK WHEN OPENING OR CLOSING THE CAR DOOR. THE THEFT SYSTEM HAS MADE IT SO THAT I CANNOT START MY CAR & THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM WITH MY CAR.

Mileage: 113,788

20170712ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DUE TO THE PASSLOCK SENSOR INSIDE THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER CASE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AT ANY MOMENT AND ANYWHERE, WHICH MAKES MORE LIKELY TO BE INVOLVED IN A WRECK BECAUSE OF THIS. GM STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING WAS DUE TO THE KEY COMING OUT FROM THE IGNITION CYLINDER. GM ADDED WEIGHT TO THE PLASTIC PORTION OF THE KEY AS A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM BUT THE REAL PROBLEM FOR THE VEHICLE TO STALL IS NOT THAT, IT IS DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE PASSLOCK SENSOR.

20170601SUSPENSION

ENDS OF HOLLOW SWAY BAR BROKE OFF AFFECTING CONTROL. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE HAD A RECALL.

Mileage: 85,000

20170510POWER TRAIN

I TURN MY CAR ON DRIVE GO TO GET OUT THE KEY WON'T COME OUT SOMETIMES IT DOES AND MOST TIME IS DOESN'T. I TRY TURN THE CAR BACK ON PUTTING THE CAR IN DRIVE THEN PARK AND TURNING THE KEY TO OFF POSITION AND THE CAR STILL DOESN'T GO INTO THE PARK POSITION SO THE KEY DOESN'T GO INTO OFF POSITION TO TAKE KEY OUT. THE CAR STAYS ON WITHOUT THE IGNITION BEING ON. THE CAR IS STATIONARY BUT THE CAR WON'T GO INTO PARK TO TURN THE CAR COMPLETELY OFF. SPOKE TO GM PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE BUT THEY WON'T HELP ME. THE KEEP SAYING THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY CAR. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS GM'S RECALL 14152. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU!

Mileage: 100,103

20160913FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE SECURITY PASS LOCK AND ANTI-LOCK WARNING INDICATORS RANDOMLY FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL AT RANDOM. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP REGULATOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT CONTINUED TO STALL. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

Compare 2004CHEVROLETMALIBU CLASSIC to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC have?
The 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC has 144 NHTSA complaints, 12 crashes, 4 fires, 19 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC?
Yes, the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC?
The most-complained component for the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 51 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
Is the 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.