2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 434 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (51% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 434 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2023
“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.”Owner report · Steering · May 2022
“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.”Owner report · Steering · May 2022
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“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.”Owner report · Steering · May 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. While operating the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. Also, 'power steering' displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was driven to billion automotive (600 w. 41st, sioux falls, sd) where it was diagnosed that the torque sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 125,000.”Owner report · Steering · May 2019
“The 6 way front drivers seat has failed 6 times since 2006. The most recent incident was 3/15/2019. The first failure was in 2007. The welds that support the frame break and I have replaced the seat 3 times, welded 3 times. This is a significant safety issue as it has occurred while driving after hitting a bump and caused me to loose control of the car. I am reporting this now as the dealers ignore this as an issue and just want over a $1000 to replace the same defective part which will fail again. NHTSA is my last hope that lives will be saved. This is not an unusual problem as there are many reports of this defect.”Owner report · Seats · Mar 2019
“The electronic steering assist would fail while driving down the road causing the vehicle to loose steering and have to come to a stop and turn vehicle off to avoid a crash. It is scarey and dangerous. Mine isn't the only malibu maxx that has had this dangerous problem.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2019
“Steering out of whack. I have had my control arm on both sides changed along with axles and a alignment. No luck its still all over road. I drive from sylvester ga to tifton ga everyday. It does the same thing everytime. Also I have had my lights replaced 3 times in the last year. Why arent the lasting. Gas cap keeps reading error. Whole car. I can let someone drive it to see what I am saying.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. While turning the steering wheel in either direction, a popping noise was present and the steering ability seized. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the steering shaft pulled out of the rack. The air bag warning indicator illuminated after the failure. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. Elm chevrolet (301 e. Church st, elmira, ny) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 157,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. When the vehicle was started, the check engine and power steering warning indicators illuminated. Once the vehicle was restarted, the indicators went away. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,972. *dt consumer stated manufacturer notified and repairs made. Updated 12/04/18*jb”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 26 of these complaints and injuries in 20 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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 affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
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 position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
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.
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 come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
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 June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
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 is 14152.
How other years compare
Check your exact Malibu Maxx by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx reliable?
NHTSA has 434 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The most complained-about area is steering (51% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 76,241 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:brake lights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.