2004 Chevrolet Malibu Problems and Repair Histories
2004 Chevrolet Malibu problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Chevrolet Malibu
2004 Chevrolet Malibus for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2004 Chevrolet Malibu problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu problems and repair histories that follow it.
Chevrolet Malibu Reliability through March 31, 2013
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2004 | Chevrolet Malibu | 19 Malibus, 9.8 months of data per Malibu, average 109500 miles Small sample size. Join or 19 Malibus, 9.8 months of data per Malibu, average 109500 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
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Non-members can see only ten 2004 Chevrolet Malibu problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2004 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan
200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Malibu in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 80000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2009 | 88000 | 0 | Leaky transmission pan gasket. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 67000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 71000 | 115 | Knock / clunk from front-end steering at low speed (or even while parked). Dealer mis-diagnosed as bad ball-joint and inner-tie rod (it's the common intermediate steering shaft issue). Will do repair myself. Cost was for diagnostic fee. |
| Apr | 2011 | 72000 | 1000 | Replace struts, shocks, lower control arms, sway bar links and bushings. Upgraded to lowering springs. |
| Mar | 2013 | 86000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2003 | 0 | Radio loosing presets. Radio replaced | |
| Feb | 2004 | 0 | Rear fender loose. Replaced clips | |
| Mar | 2006 | 0 | right blinker has rapid flash. Replaced bulbs | |
| Sep | 2008 | 90 | Check engine light on. Replaced fuse in trunk | |
| Jun | 2009 | 170 | Trunk latch broke, replaced by mechanic | |
| Sep | 2009 | 250 | Replaced trunk latch (second time) | |
| Oct | 2010 | 43000 | 375 | Heater did not work, replaced the heater door actuator. |
| Dec | 2010 | 45000 | 0 | Noise in suspension when going over speed bumps. Mechanic could not find anything wrong, just lubed and tightened what he could. |
| Jul | 2012 | 53300 | 77 | Replace right side headlight module |
| Oct | 2012 | 54000 | 85 | Power steering stopped working. Then was OK after re-starting the car. Mechanic could not find the problem. |
| Chevrolet Malibu in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2012 | 98000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2012 | 104000 | 57 | Center High Mounted Stop Lamp burned out. The entire unit needs to be replaced, including lens, circuit board with 5 LEDs, and plastic housing with gasket attached. |
| Dec | 2012 | 106000 | 140 | Check Engine Light was illuminated due to error code indicating failing thermostat. Thermostat was stuck open. Replaced thermostat. Check Engine Light also stored EGR error code. EGR valve was replaced about a year ago and was tested and found to be working. Cleaned EGR system and valve and reinstalled. No further codes found. |
| Mar | 2013 | 109000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2011 | 123000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 124000 | 575 | Replaced passenger and driver lower control arms. Replaced 2 tires on front end. |
| Jul | 2012 | 151300 | 2750 | replace starter |
| Mar | 2013 | 167000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Nebraska, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 68000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2012 | 69000 | 0 | Security system and key fob malfunction. Dealer said it was a problem with these cars & couldn't do anything except order me a new fob ($125.00) and reprogram it ($35.00) |
| Feb | 2012 | 69500 | 0 | I took my fob to a friend who does soldering . He put a drop of solder on it, let it cool, and it worked again. When it becomes sluggish I pop open the fob and very carefully buff off the contacts. |
| Jun | 2012 | 72000 | 0 | The car was loping when the brakes were applied. The repair needed was determined to be turning the rotors. Shop said it could be driven in this condition and was not dangerous - so still driving it with loping brakes. Gas guage does not read accurately. Goes to empty after tank filled. |
| May | 2013 | 75000 | 0 | The gas gauge was never repaired, bc estimated $600. I reset mileage B whenever I put gas into the tank, multiplied gallons by 18 (which seemed safe) and kept a post-it with remaining miles noted each day. This problem did make selling difficult. Windshield rattle. Other owners I talked to had both this and the gas gauge and brake problems. |
| Chevrolet Malibu in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 124000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2011 | 126000 | 280 | Left Front Wheel bearing crapped out slowly and noisily. Replacement from NAPA did not fit but only barely so it took about 2 hours to figure out what was going on. Finally got it sorted by end of day. Fine now Rear sway bar bushings have been shot for a year leading to major clunkage over bumps at low speed. $20 and two hours fixed it perfectly. Very satisfying. HORRIFIC clunking when turning the steering at low speeds. After years of replacing expensive steering parts, figured out that you just have to smear grease on the steering column spline every 6 months or so and it stops completely... |
| Oct | 2011 | 131000 | 6 | Dimmer switch for dash lights crapped out after a long slow decline. $6 part, 5 minute fix. :-) |
| Nov | 2011 | 132500 | 136 | Rough idle. Check engine light eventually came on and code was mis-fire on cyl 1. Decided to try replacing coil assembly. This fixed it. |
| Dec | 2011 | 134000 | 109 | Battery failed suddenly and left car stranded. Jump start was successful and 4 year old battery was replaced by owner the next day. |
| Jan | 2012 | 138000 | 112 | Engine warning light came on with no other symptoms. Code indicated "low engine temperature condition". Replaced Thermostat, problem solved. |
| Mar | 2013 | 148000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2007 | 0 | Replaced Rack&Pinion Steering Assembly | |
| Aug | 2007 | 0 | Replaced Steering Column | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 54560 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 58280 | 0 | Replaced intermediate shaft to fix clunk in steering. |
| Dec | 2010 | 71300 | 200 | The right axle was leaking, I saw it wet but condition must have been there for months or even a year, might have been from hitting something. |
| Oct | 2012 | 79760 | 0 | Ignition switch replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 84320 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan
145-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Malibu in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 79360 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2010 | 79660 | 0 | camshaft or crankshaft sensor replaced because car was stalling out on engine disabled while driving.While driving the car would shut down and I would have to restart. |
| Jun | 2010 | 79980 | 215 | Flexible piece in the exhaust line before the resonator broke and they had to weld a new piece inline and guarantee for 1 year at Canadian Tire.They could not locate exact part and welded a piece in line. |
| Oct | 2010 | 83700 | 260 | THE TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN WITH THE KEY AT ALL. SOMETIMES BUTTON PUSHED AND TRUNK DIDN'T OPEN. I REPLACED LOCK. |
| Jun | 2011 | 91760 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2012 | 90520 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2012 | 91420 | 200 | Thermostat required replacement |
| Jan | 2013 | 92380 | 380 | Power trunk latch failed and key latch was seized. |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2012 | 166000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2012 | 166000 | 400 | I had an alternator put in. In July I had a rarities and pump put in. The car needs a lot more work. |
2004 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Hatch
200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Chevrolet Malibu in | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2006 | 357 | Body Control Module Replacement - Heater did not work. Vehicle was in the shop for 1 business day. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in New Brunswick, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2005 | 0 | Adjust LH door striker and hinges - warranty | |
| Mar | 2005 | 0 | Noise still heard in rear suspension - unable to determine | |
| Apr | 2005 | 0 | Installed new steering column - warranty Noise still heard in rear suspension - still unable to determine. | |
| Sep | 2005 | 0 | Replace RR seat recliner handle - warranty | |
| Dec | 2005 | 0 | Noise in rear suspension found! - turned out to be fuel filler neck rubbing on car frame. All gauges would not work after starting car, but resumed operation after stopping and restarting - dealer unable to duplicate the problem. | |
| Mar | 2006 | 0 | Car wanders on the road at highway speeds - unable to find problem. Pulsation/shaking in steering when braking - front and rear rotors turned down. Replace RH Inner tie rod end - warranty | |
| Jul | 2006 | 0 | Electronic shift selection not working - wire broken under shift console - warranty. There is a noticable slackness and knock in the steering - response - GM currently working on cure for this issue. | |
| Oct | 2006 | 0 | Panic alarm will sound on its own - replaced hood latch - warranty Check engine light on - installed new thermostat - warranty Clunk in steering when turning - installed new steering gear - warranty | |
| Mar | 2007 | 1009 | New brake pads and rotors, front and rear - Fuel injection service - Knocking in steering - replaced steering shaft | |
| Apr | 2007 | 487 | Howling noise in front end - Installed new RH front hub assembly. | |
| Jul | 2007 | 2020 | Rattle in steering column - installed new steering column #3 !!! Install new LH & Rh front Ball Joint & Control Arm assemblies. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2005 | 0 | power steering unit (electric) failed and was replaced | |
| Jun | 2006 | 0 | power seat motor failed and was replaced. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2006 | 0 | Replaced accessory drive belt (Was slipping) Replaced fuel tank. (tank has collapsed and could only be filled 3/4 with gas | |
| Jul | 2006 | 0 | Replaced DVD player (Was skipping) | |
| Aug | 2006 | 0 | Replaced driver side sunshade. Replaced 2nd seat folding release handle (Plastic cracked) | |
| Sep | 2007 | 0 | Lube intermediate steering shaft Replace radio control button steering wheel Replace rear hatch release actuator Replace rear hatch struts Reprogram ECU to cure hot start issue | |
| Jan | 2008 | 0 | Replace intermediate steering shaft. Clunking noise | |
| Nov | 2008 | 0 | Replace both front lower control arms Replace fuel pump. Hot starting issue. | |
| Jun | 2009 | 5 | Replace tail light bulbs | |
| Oct | 2009 | 1488 | Replace driver seat frame. (Welds cracked) Replace intermediate steering shaft Replace windshield washer pump | |
| Jan | 2012 | 92000 | 1900 | A/C compressor replaced, bearings started whining Replaced RR caliper due to leak Replace power driver seat adjuster switch |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 113000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 185000 | 0 | replaced fuel injectors. One was faulty (partially clogged), but I replaced them all as I got a deal on a set from eBay. |
| Mar | 2013 | 210000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 30000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2011 | 56000 | 740 | New rotors and pads on 4 wheel disk brakes. |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 57000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2009 | 60000 | 142 | Transmission shifting problem, solved by adding transmission fluid and possibly resetting shift points. |
| May | 2011 | 84000 | 0 | Steering Universal Joint, not repaired, told "There's a TSB on this - see your dealer" |
| Aug | 2011 | 87500 | 645 | Replaced steering assembly |
| Apr | 2012 | 100000 | 150 | brake cylinder replaced during a regular pad/rotor change at 97000 |
| Dec | 2012 | 113000 | 100 | Exhaust, replaced muffler |
| May | 2013 | 120000 | 530 | Replaced right front bearing Replaced both front tie rods |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 46000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2009 | 47000 | 0 | The passenger side sunvisor was not properly installed so I had to take the car back to be reserviced. |
| Mar | 2009 | 49000 | 0 | I have been driving the car and noticed a noise coming from the dash. It was constant while cruising and was getting louder. While the car was in the shop they noticed steering issues. The noise went away after fixing them but it keeps coming back. When turning the steering wheel a clunk could be heard from the front end. The mechanic checked it out & found the intermediate shaft and both lower control arms were bad. They replaced all parts and the clunk went away. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 40000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2008 | 41000 | 20 | Long starting problem. |
| Mar | 2013 | 73000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2006 | 0 | Rack & pinion replaced, under warranty (noted before 36,000). Front end was making 'bump' noise when turning steering wheel. | |
| Mar | 2007 | 166 | Front end again had 'bump' noise when turning steering wheel. Out of warranty, GM picked up about 50% of repair cost. | |
| Feb | 2009 | 97000 | 0 | Front end clunking, started at 36k, repaired 4 times now with different parts, last repair at 92k. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 141000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2009 | 142500 | 340 | Replaced right front tire rod |
| Sep | 2009 | 152000 | 584 | leaking right rear caliper required replacement |
| Jul | 2010 | 167000 | 335 | Replaced inner and upper right front tie rods, along with 4 new tires. Inner rod worn, upper rod frozen in place and had to be cut in order to remove inner tie rod. |
| Feb | 2011 | 179000 | 195 | Replaced leaking transmission pan gasket, filter, and transmission flush |
| Mar | 2013 | 228000 | 200 | Alternator completely failed. |
| May | 2013 | 228000 | 500 | Radiator had hole in the bottom. |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 91000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 92000 | 397 | Roaring noise over 35 mph in front of car. Replaced left front wheel bearing with new Timken hub assembly. Cost was half labor, half part. |
| Apr | 2011 | 94300 | 146 | Car would lose power, engine light came on with codes P2101, P0120, P0220, P1516, P2135. Decided problem was throttle body. Dealer wanted $300 for part. Bought ACDelco Part 217-2295 on Amazon.com for $146. Installed new part. Problem solved |
| Dec | 2011 | 99000 | 5 | Replaced failed engine coolant temperature sensor. Preventive maintenance was replacement of water pump, thermostat, engine drive belt, coolant, radiator hoses. |
| Apr | 2013 | 107000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chevrolet Malibu in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 64000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 65000 | 0 | Clunking in steering column |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet Malibu in Nova Scotia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2011 | 120900 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2011 | 122760 | 250 | Replaced wheel bearing |
| Mar | 2012 | 127720 | 0 | CEL on but unknown cause; no discernable issues with driveability etc. |
| Jun | 2012 | 130200 | 300 | Right front wheel bearing replaced. Indy mechanic has said similar year Malibus and Impala's go through wheel bearings frequently. |
| Sep | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chevrolet in Alabama, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 49000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2008 | 51000 | 200 | CD stuck in the CD-rom. Rear mirror broken. |
| Dec | 2008 | 54000 | 200 | Both remote are not working. Changed to new ones for 100$ each with 50$ labor. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
Expert 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Repair Advice
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