2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, 5% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,000 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.
“At first, the service engine soon light would illuminate at random intervals. Then engine shut off while car was moving. The problem happened more frequently as time progressed. Then the car would not start intermittently. Finally it would not start at all. The shop found the bad part was the ignition switch. Total cost to replace the switch and do the associated work was $900.”
NHTSA complaint #10577110, filed 2014-04, 55,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. While at a red light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 173,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10695184, filed 2015-03, 173,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle lost motive power and abnormal noises were heard coming from the dashboard. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle when the door locks began to lock and unlock inadvertently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle to a locksmith. The locksmith informed the contact that there was no failure with the ignition switch. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11433192, filed 2021-09, 91,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the engine stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact received NHTSA campaign number: number: 14v400000 (electrical system) and believed the failure was related to the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 10,177.”
NHTSA complaint #10645050, filed 2014-10, 10,177 miles“Vehicle was parked. Key will turn, the engine will crank but will not start. Mechanic checked the vehicle on site and had to be pulled to the mechanic's shop. Mechanic discovered that anti theft system was on. The issue was fixed. Amount of repair was about 100 dollars.”
NHTSA complaint #10761381, filed 2015-09Related service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10176607May 8, 2020This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10082869Aug 29, 2016This informational bulletin provides additional information on how to install pistons and suggest what tools to use.
- 10082814Aug 2, 2016This informational bulletin provides information to gm dealers on the correct cleaning methods when cleaning engine gasket sealing surfaces.
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
59 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 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 29, 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