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Engine coolingPart report

2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
3%of 116 total for the year
Median mileage
89,564miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, 3% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,564 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“2004 Chevrolet malibu timing chain falling apart due to rotating collars on the chain which go between gear teeth falling off. Mechanic said I probably have 30 - 40 pieces in my oil pan. This were made with a slit instead of solid with just a hole to slide a pin through for attachment. Gm had a recall of the saturn with the same engine for the same problem but GM claims that all recalls are VIN specific and my car didn't fall under the recall. I've read of other incidents where this has caused breakage, resulting in accidents due to the engine stopping and being destroyed.”

NHTSA complaint #10318424, filed 2010-03, 109,000 miles

“A/c hoses rub the frame and create a hole in the line that causes freon 134a to be released in to the air and the expense is over 500. To repair on the 2004 chevy malibu.”

NHTSA complaint #10404495, filed 2011-06, 89,564 miles

“Engine failure and intermittent starting problems. While driving a 2004 Chevrolet malibu, its engine cut out without warning, causing the vehicle to lose all power controls ie. Steering and braking. After this incident, the car would intermittently not start for approximately 2 weeks. After the 2 weeks, the vehicle would not start at all. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the problem as a faulty passlock cylinder, which is part of the anti-theft system on GM cars. The passlock cylinder was replaced. The part is not available.”

NHTSA complaint #10399257, filed 2011-05, 40,272 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200544%
200433%
200216%

Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic

Electrical system
59 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBrakes
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 28, 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