2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic: 1 recall, 116 owner complaints.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #14V400000 · 2014 · 5,877,718 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet impala and monte carlo, 1997-2003…
Why it matters: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags May not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. Gm's number for this recall is 14350.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (59): the most common themes are electrical failure (18), stalls / loses power (13), won't start (12).
- Steering (24): the most common themes are steering problems (22), noise or vibration (5).
- Exterior lights (11): the most common themes are electrical failure (3).
- Other / unknown (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic has 116 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 11 Malibu Classic model years for complaints (4.1× the average Malibu Classic year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (27 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 100,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (16 complaints, 0 recalls), 2005 (92 complaints, 1 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic problems?
Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (59), steering (24), exterior lights (11).
Where can I get a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.