2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, 4% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 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.
“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“I turn my car on drive go to get out the key won't come out sometimes it does and most time is doesn't. I try turn the car back on putting the car in drive then park and turning the key to off position and the car still doesn't go into the park position so the key doesn't go into off position to take key out. The car stays on without the ignition being on. The car is stationary but the car won't go into park to turn the car completely off. Spoke to GM problem with transmission shift cable but they won't help me. The keep saying there is no recall for my car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10984738, filed 2017-05, 100,103 miles“When in reverse, but not moving, the whole front of the car shimmies and makes noises. The affected part was just replaced (supposedly) in feb. 2012. Now they say that the parts again must be replaced because they are just finding it now, a couple of months after the warranty has expired.”
NHTSA complaint #10593519, filed 2014-05, 120,000 miles“Vehicle is unable to smoothly shift into park position to allow the key to be turned off. Certified mechanic stated the shifter cable is most likely the defect. Many models have already been recalled. The car in not able to shift into park to allow turning of the key ignition switch to the off position so that the car battery turns off. Sifter cable could possibly malfunction during normal driving/operation, starting/stopping.”
NHTSA complaint #10703790, filed 2015-04, 207,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel independently turned to the left without warning. The vehicle was turned off and back on but failed to fix the issue. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion detached from the subframe and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that only the bushing was replaced and not the rack and pinion. …”
NHTSA complaint #11311038, filed 2020-02, 157,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 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…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10017096Oct 24, 2005Vehicle will not move in either direction. Transmission may show over full. P90 4t40e 4t45e no movement drive or reverse. Converter may be empty of fluid.
- 10017086Oct 24, 20054t40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
59 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsEngine
6 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 31, 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