2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 59about this part
- Share
- 51%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 59 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, 51% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11112070, filed 2018-07, 120,000 miles“I had my key stuck in accessory the ignition so my car battery would run dead. I was told I might need a ignition cylinder for my vehicle but looking on the internet I see this is a known issue for this make, model, and year. This should be recalled a fix that the manufacture to pay for a known problem. To get this replaced is almost $900.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10586043, filed 2014-05, 10,112 miles“My car has now failed to start several times. I had the fuel relay switch replaced which seemed to solve the problem for about a week. Now it is doing it again, I called Chevrolet after researching the issue (seems to be a big issue) and they just recommended me to take it to the dealership. Not good, and worried that the vehicle will shut off while driving. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #10456686, filed 2012-04, 120,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11327121, filed 2020-06, 117,000 miles“I was in the process of slowing down for a red light on a busy highway when my car just died. I had two kids in the car with me. Something bad could have happened. Good thing it the car died at a red light. I waited a few minutes and the car started up. I had the car tested for any codes and nothing showed for a reason why the car did this. This has happened several times. The first time it happened was about 3 years ago.”
NHTSA complaint #10609548, filed 2014-07, 151,201 milesRelated recalls
- 14V400000Jul 3, 2014This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu Classic 2004–2005, Malibu 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand AM 1999–2005 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10225615Oct 19, 2022This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10190320Oct 1, 2017IPC Odometer Programming Method Quick Reference Guide
- 10081022Jun 14, 2016This preliminary information communication advises the technician that ,when testing any circuit for open or resistance, it is imperative that all related terminal pin fit and…
- 10083898Apr 27, 2016This preliminary information communication advises the technician if unable to place an onstar call in the ignition on mode after the onstar canada upgrade, to contact the gm…
- 10083484Apr 19, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to help the dealership technicians perform a parasitic drain test for the onstar module. When performing battery…
- 10078735Apr 19, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to help the dealership technicians perform a parasitic drain test for the onstar module. When performing battery…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 11 | 52% |
| 2007 | 1 | 7% |
| 2005 | 41 | 45% |
| 2004 | 59 | 51% |
| 2003 | 11 | 69% |
| 2002 | 11 | 69% |
| 2001 | 12 | 92% |
| 2000 | 9 | 82% |
| 1998 | 4 | 80% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
24 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology