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BrakesPart report

2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Brakes Problems

Complaints
20about this part
Share
5%of 434 total for the year
Median mileage
61,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, 5% of the 434 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“Brake lights flashed intermittently when I was not braking. I was stopped and informed of this by at state trooper. Check engine light was on. The cruise control has disengaged involuntarily since 2005. I had a new brake pedal position sensor installed, but the cruise control still disengages and the check engine light comes on during trips of more than 10 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #10507279, filed 2013-04, 69,000 miles

“Problems with the brakes, I have to replace the brake pads every 2-3 months and have the rotors turned as well for there is a vibration in the steering column and front end if not turned. I was told my dealership that the rotors are no good for the car and that GM is aware of the problem but refuses to correct it.”

NHTSA complaint #10205969, filed 2007-10, 5,800 miles

“One night when it was snowing, I was leaving work and three lights came on when I went to stop my vehicle. The ABS, traction control and service engine lights came on and I had trouble stopping my vehicle. After this little incident I noticed the brakes was not working properly. Took the car to auto zone and put it on the code reader. A code pooped up, but could not be told what it was. They said you would have to take it the dealer for them to tell you what the code is. I had to go to work, so didn't have time to take it there. …”

NHTSA complaint #10703323, filed 2015-04, 160,000 miles

“The driver seat on this car has come off the rails on right side causing it to tilt. If the seat is not moved to the lowest setting the tilts with the movement of the car. I had the seat repaired once; it failed again after about 6 months. At the same time I had the emergency brake repaired. When setting the brake, I heard a loud bang. The repair failed about 2 months ago for the second time. I am also going through new brakes on this car at an alarming rate - three brake replacements already and the car has 90,000 miles. …”

NHTSA complaint #10465405, filed 2012-07, 80,000 miles

“The seat belt do not lock in case of an accident. The drivers seat rocks while you are driving an adjusts by itself you can not keep the seat still. The welding has come apart from the base. The head lights are melting the bulbs for the signal and running light. I just caught that last weekend the lights stopped working when I look at the bulb it was melted which could have started an fire. I am waiting for the letter for the recall on the stern now. This would be the second time for it. I keep my car up to date with everything oil and whatever need to be done I am on top of it. …”

NHTSA complaint #10609737, filed 2014-07, 70,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200712%
2006239%
2005196%
2004205%

Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Steering
251 complaints
Seats
93 complaints
Electrical system
37 complaints
Exterior lighting
37 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
20 complaints
Fuel system
14 complaints
Air bags
13 complaints
Equipment
7 complaints
Seat belts
7 complaints
Suspension
7 complaints
Engine
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

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