Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||||
| 08089-B | 11/01/2008 | 08089-C | 10027804 | General motors corp: special coverage adjustment; analog onstar deactivation. *pe updated 2/17/09. *pe | 02/09/2009 |
| 3261B | 10018551 | (retained accessory power) rap deactivates from drivers door only. *tt | 01/05/2006 | ||
| 040843006 | 06/01/2004 | 10012530 | Information to avoid pinching windshield washer hose when servicing battery or underhood electrical center. *tt | 03/07/2005 | |
| 3170 | 12/01/2007 | 3170C | 10010552 | Service engine soon light on and or various electrical concerns. *eh updated 1/29/08. *nj | 12/01/2004 |
| 3159C | 3159E | 10010287 | Sir light on with codes b0012.0e and b0013.0e. *tt | 11/09/2004 | |
| 3084 | 01/01/2004 | 10010219 | Low coolant level light on. *sc | 11/04/2004 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||||
| 3349A | 10018552 | Battery draw additional info. *tt | 01/05/2006 | ||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | |||||
| 3385A | 10016549 | Repeated park lps fuse open (additional information). *tt | 09/21/2005 | ||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - SOFTWARE | |||||
| 08089-B | 11/01/2008 | 08089-C | 10027804 | General motors corp: special coverage adjustment; analog onstar deactivation. *pe updated 2/17/09. *pe | 02/09/2009 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 3649 | 3649A | 10016547 | Intermittent long crank but will not start or intermittent no crank. *tt | 09/20/2005 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 09/03/2007 | 1 | ||
| My 2004 malibu maxx has some sort of electrical issue has had it for years and drives me crazy. the turn indicator light was telling me the bulb was burned out when we went to change the bulb the whole bulb cover was melted we replaced the bulb it would last a few weeks sometimes a few months. we decided to order a whole new light assemble for that side since the globe was melted. we installed it a week later the whole turn indicator light and socket were melted together. we could not even get the bulb out. so we went back to the original light assembly same issue bulbs burn out. also inside interior light sometimes won't shut off no matter how the switch is positioned. this car has electrical issues. *tr | |||
| 09/03/2007 | |||
| My 2004 malibu maxx has some sort of electrical issue has had it for years and drives me crazy. the turn indicator light was telling me the bulb was burned out when we went to change the bulb the whole bulb cover was melted we replaced the bulb it would last a few weeks sometimes a few months. we decided to order a whole new light assemble for that side since the globe was melted. we installed it a week later the whole turn indicator light and socket were melted together. we could not even get the bulb out. so we went back to the original light assembly same issue bulbs burn out. also inside interior light sometimes won't shut off no matter how the switch is positioned. this car has electrical issue's | |||
| 08/01/2011 | 106772 | ||
| In the middle of making turns, right and left, the electronic power steering will deactivate causing car to jerk, then steering will be extremely difficult. car can be turned off and then restarted and the issue will stop for a short time. there has been recalls for this issue on other gm models but not my model. this issue first occurred while my 16 yr old daughter was driving and almost resulting in an accident. i am extremely concern for my daughter safety will driving this vehicle. i took the car out shortly after this happen to her and within 3 turns the steering wheel jerked, light on dash light, display showed power steering and steering reverted to what can best be described as prepower steering x 2. i am a muscular 300 pound male and i had a difficult time getting the car to turn safely into the lane and later off the road. this is a safety issue that was no covered by gm and should be addressed before someone is injured. please reopen your investigation into this issue. thank you for your time. | |||
| 04/01/2004 | |||
| Bought 2004 malibu maxx brand new. switch in ac first to go at just under 10000 miles. 18000 miles brakes and rotors had to replace cost almost $800.00. headlights burned up replace wiring harness on both another $1000.00. replaced both head lights could not see through either of them another $385.00 check engine light kept coming on and and come to find out there was not a fuse in the emission spot. replaced that another $400.00 when they found the problem. leaks in the hatch when it rains or car is being washed. check engine light on will not reset. driver seat supports are broken and everyone that i know that has this car has the same problem and no recall has been issued on this, guess when there is an accident and someone really gets hurt then something will be don. it is ashamed that you pay so much for a vehicle and this is what you go through. i am a firm believer in oil changes and general maintenance and no one from the company seems to care about problems that is fault of the manufactoring of this car and it seems that no one wants to replace what is wrong. | |||
| 01/11/2010 | 8000 | ||
| The dashboard lights and tail lights didn't work after only 8,00 miles and then the left turn signal didn't work after only 15,000 miles. there was a relay switch that was replaced at 8,000 miles that cost $125.00 including parts and labor and then at 15,000 miles the left turn signal didn't work and after two days in the shop they repaired and recrimped terminal at bcm. no parts, just labor $459.80. both of these jobs were done at chevy dealerships. it turns out that these electrical problems especially the left turn signal problem is very common but it took the dealership two days to fix it. | |||
| 08/24/2009 | 38000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu classic. the contact stated when the anti-theft light comes on the vehicle will not start. you have to take the key out of the ignition wait 5 to 10 minutes and try to start the vehicle. this occurs whenever the anti-theft light comes on and the contact stated the light comes on at least once a day. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told the fuse, ignition switch and the computer would need to be replaced, but that is not a guarantee to fix the failure. the failure mileage was 38,000 and the current mileage was 54,000.rl | |||
| 08/28/2009 | |||
| I own a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. the power steering in the vehicle goes out while the car is in motion. when power steering goes out, i have to stop the vehicle where i am and turn the car off and restart the vehicle to get power steering to come back on. also the left turn signal light continues to go out. i have replaced the light several times and it continues to blow after a day. the turn signal being out makes it hard for me to turn when at stop signs. other drivers don't know i am turning and try to drive while i am making a turn. | |||
| 12/03/2010 | 113451 | ||
| 2004 chevy malibu maxx will not start due to passlock. car cranks over and often takes a while to start. eventually car starts. often left stranded waiting for it to start. | |||
| 11/10/2009 | 85000 | ||
| Getting power steering error intermittently since last one year. the error message goes away at restart, but comes back again later. this is serious matter as it could mean loss of power to the steering and may result in a crash. please investigate it and have it recalled before some one gets killed. | |||
| 09/24/2010 | 40000 | ||
| Failure of power steering while accelerating vehicle. steering direction becomes impossible to change until acceleratiion ceases. this has supposedly been fixed by the dealership two times previous to today. the last time it was fixed was only two weeks ago and while i was driving the kids into school this morning, the steering locked up, the dinging sound turned on, and the message board read power steering along with a tool that lit up on the dashboard. | |||
| 08/30/2010 | 91000 | ||
| My friend has a 2004 chevy malibu, she asked me to check her front turn signals as they were not working. i noticed the light bulbs were covered by a orange plastic globe. i was amazed to see the plastic globes had burn holes in them and the melting plastic was dripping on the light bulbs and destroing them. i also noticed burn marks on the headlamp lenses on both isdes. i removed the plastic globes and put new bubls in. the globes are way too close to the hot bulbs which are burning the plastic. it is happening on higher mileage malibus that have had time to melt the plastic. i feel this is a design flaw and a possible fire hazzard. i checked on the internet and there are hunreds if not thousands of compalints about this same problem. gm has no bulletins on this matter. | |||
| 01/05/2009 | 57000 | 1 | |
| First my horn fuse continued to blow. i replaced the fuse multiple times. then my turn signal light went out. i looked at it and noticed that both sides had holes burnt through the amber globe. i was out of town and didn't want to receive a ticket for non working light so i had it replaced, however within a day the bulb blew again and the horn fuse blew again. i took it to the dealer and they said they had no clue what was causing it however i had to pay over $500 to have the headlight parts replaced on both sides. i have an extended warranty and they denied the claim b/c they don't replace lights, however the fact that the car is burning up i don't think i just wanted new lights. i do not feel i should be out money for a problem that has obviously occurred on other vehicles and now mine. i feel that a car that is actually melting/burning is a major safety concern....but i guess until a few people blow up in there vehicles people will be out money to pay for a faulty automobile. i wish i still had my ford..it never gave me the problems this car has. i started with steering going out, then back hatch never opened, car remote systems doesn't work (and i won't pay to replace that), now the car is blowing fuses, lights, and burning up melting the plastic. i think they should just start replacing the 2004 with something a little more safe....like a ford. *tr | |||
| 01/01/2005 | 15000 | 1 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. the left turn signal bulbs often blow out. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the bulb and some wires. recently, he noticed that the left turn signal covering burned. the vehicle will be taken to the dealer for a diagnosis. the failure mileage was 15,000 and current mileage was 37,900. updated 10/03/08 *bf the dealer stated the wiring harness had melted. updated 10/07/08.*jb | |||
| 11/07/2007 | 37000 | 1 | 11/01/2007 |
| Tl*the contact is co-owner of a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. the contact's daughter was driving approximately 55 mph when the instrument panel lights began to flicker and there was a loss of steering power. the vehicle veered to the right and then pulled hard to the left, entering into traffic and striking two vehicles. the passenger and driver of the vehicle sustained minor injuries. the two other drivers also sustained injuries, but the contact does not know to what extent. a police report was filed. the vehicle sustained approximately $2,600 worth of damage to the front end. the vehicle was inspected by the insurance company and towed to a dealer. investigation number ea04018 was issued, but there has been no recall as of yet. the current and failure mileages were 37,000. updated 12-12-07. *kb | |||
| 09/13/2006 | 29000 | 4 | 03/30/2005 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, a short circuit caused all of the vehicle's lights to blink at the same time very rapidly. also, the horn sounded rapidly, then the vehicle powered down causing all of the lights to dim and the electronic steering wheel to lock up. the vehicle went into a coasting mode. until the vehicle powered back up again, and the computers overrode each other, the steering wheel would not unlock. the dealership replaced all of the lights three times. this included turn signal lights, headlights, taillights and any other lights to try and remedy the problem. the fuel pump was changed because the dealership thought the fuel pump may be overriding the main computer. the cruise control was also replaced because the dealership thought maybe the cruise control was activating the system, but the problem still persisted. the cruise control was not in use when the short circuit occurred. updated 10/4/2006 - *nm | |||
| 05/24/2005 | 13800 | 2 | 05/24/2005 |
| Driving vehicle, check engine light came on at 13,890 miles, made appointment for service, work was done on car, drover 150 miles, check engine light came on again. the dealerhas h my car for three weeks now and they can not find the problem. they had to have an egineer for the manufacturing plant come work on the car. todays date is june 16 2005, i am getting very frustrated with this matter i just wish the manufacture would buy this car back. so i can buy another car. | |||
| 02/21/2004 | 1379 | 3 | 02/02/2004 |
| When the vehicle was started with the remote control dashboard components failed to function when the key was turned in the ignition. the vehicle was taken to the dealership the following day a diagnostic test was performed, but no failure codes were found. the failure recurred 4 months later while turning into a parking space. also, the steering column locked up. when this occurred, the instrument panel read steering column assistance needed. the consumer then turned the vehicle off, then back on. the vehicle started, but the steering wheel wouldn't move. the steering wheel unlocked when the vehicle was restarted 20 minutes later. the vehicle was taken back to the dealership the following day. the service person indicated that there was a technical service bulletin on this issue, and ordered a new steering column to be installed. the consumer was instructed not to drive the vehicle out of town, in addition, while driving at 1379 miles, the consumer smelled a strong fuel odor. this occurred because the fuel line clip came off, and fuel was leaking. the dealership reinstalled the fuel clip because it wasn't properly installed at factory. *ak ea04018_cat *sc | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 06/28/2007 | 4 | 08/16/2004 | |
| Car leased brand new in august 2004. as of today on une 28,2007 car had brakes repaired 4 times at the dealer. rotors have been machined each time, and today brake pads replaced..car has 27,180 miles on it, and it has been maintained,garaged, kept, and no one has been rough on the brakes. the last time we had the car to dealer for brake problems was july of last year. at that time we were told that a brake line was crimped and only found it because we were having tires rotated. also, told that this was the last time rotors could be machined. well today they machined them once again as i had said previously for the fourth time. i did some research ,and i may be wrong but there was a recall on the car for abs problems in april 2004 prior to our purchase of the car.. i called gm , and was told that our car was involved, but was later told by owner of dealership that there had been a communication error and our car was involved in another recall concerning seat belts or something along those lines. i am very concerned about the safety of the brakes at this point after so many conflicting stories..i feel very frustated, and had to spend almost $500.00 because the brake pads were not covered under the bumper to bumper warranty as they had nothing to do with the previous rotor/brakeline problems or so i was told..we had computor sensor problems,short sockets on both real turn signals, loose tie rod, ignition problems ,which they could not detect..faulty gas cap etc. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY | |||
| 01/01/2007 | 33000 | 4 | 01/01/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. the contact stated that the vehicle veers to the right due to steering failure, the interior lights illuminate and dim at random, and the starter on the vehicle was malfunctioning. the failures generally occur while driving 35 mph. the main failure, however, is that the vehicle fails to start occasionally. when she starts the vehicle, it sounds as if it is attempting to engage, but never does. the vehicle also makes a cranking sound. the vehicle has been to the dealer approximately 8-10 times. the dealer will make a repair, but the failures always continue. the vin and engine size were unknown. the current mileage was 39,900 and failure mileage was 33,000. | |||
| 06/02/2007 | 35000 | 3 | 04/09/2007 |
| Trying to start the car, the car sometimes doesn't start. you can hear it turning over but it just doesn't start. you can try and try and then, magically, it just starts. then, you try later and it starts as if there isn't a problem. it is incredibly unreliable, unpredictable and frustrating as there doesn't seem to be a pattern for the car not starting. *tr | |||
| 10/20/2006 | 30000 | 5 | 10/20/2006 |
| I went to the dealership and traded my saturn vue for the 2004 malibu maxx. when i test drove the car, after the acceleration reached 4rpms, there was a high pitched whine from the engine closest to the tire. they looked at it and said that it was a loose belt. so i bought the car and they said to bring it the chevy dealership to get it fixed. i took it in and they said they couldn't duplicate the problem so i had to ride with them. also, my seat heaters were turning on automatically, car constintly pulls to the right, i have to turn the key over for a long time to get the car to fully start up. they couldn't duplicate any of the problems so i am still dealing with all of them. for the whining noise, they said it is a drive belt that needs to be replaced, but it is out of stock. how convienient. *jb | |||