2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 21%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, 21% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on the highway and totally lost power steering. I pulled my car into a parking lot and let the car sit for a couple of hours. I was able to drive the car home where I lost power steering again while pulling into my driveway. I was able to drive my car to the repair shop a couple of days later where I had to have the entire steering system replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10569068, filed 2014-03, 163,000 miles“I was driving along the road, and the yellow wrench popped up,the wheel was difficult to control. Also, while turning the car the wheel was difficult to turn. This problem occurs at least 3-4 times a year. My brake peddle acts up in the snowy months. When I press the brake peddle-the peddle jumps pushes up and down into my feet. When it snows, I worry about running into a car.”
NHTSA complaint #10499314, filed 2013-02, 65,000 miles“Steering wheel was hard to control felt my car moving in outside lanes, the next morning I began to pull my car out steering wheel was so hard to turn it just broke and started spinning around. I was in total shock and happy to be alive.”
NHTSA complaint #10605579, filed 2014-06, 109,000 miles“I was driving on highway and my car chimed and lost all power steering for approximately 3-4 seconds and then the power came back. This type of power loss has happened to me twice since I have owned my vehicle which I purchased in 2008.”
NHTSA complaint #10615561, filed 2014-07, 49,000 miles“While coming off the highway, I noticed I no longer have power steering. The entire rest of the way home, no power steering. I searched on line to see if there was a reservoir to put more power steering fluid in, and there appears to be none and I will have to fork out over $500 for a new steering column. I was never informed of any problem with the 2004 Chevrolet malibu and a power steering problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10333953, filed 2010-05, 49,364 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10032292Aug 1, 2009Chevrolet/pontiac/saturn: steering column tilt wheel release lever inoperative/broken (replace tilt wheel release lever kit and/or release lever retainer (tilt teeth)).
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
59 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