2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 434 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, 1% of the 434 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,250 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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 went to the dealership and traded my saturn vue for the 2004 Malibu Maxx. When I test drove the car, after the acceleration reached 4rpms, there was a high pitched whine from the engine closest to the tire. They looked at it and said that it was a loose belt. So I bought the car and they said to bring it the chevy dealership to get it fixed. I took it in and they said they couldn't duplicate the problem so I had to ride with them. …”
NHTSA complaint #10184577, filed 2007-03, 30,000 miles“The incident occurred in sc, where I was residing at the time. The car was parked in the driveway of my house. I was getting ready to leave for work and needed something from the trunk of the car. Opened the trunk and just after I bended to reach in, it fell down on my head causing bleeding. I had to have 3 stitches put to my scalp, lost half a day of work that morning and suffered headaches for a few days. Contacted GM dealership and the part was replaced. I've been avoiding the deck lid ever since. Contacted esis/GM central claims unit and a claim was entered (#488402). …”
NHTSA complaint #10112472, filed 2005-03, 1,549 miles“2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. Consumer writes in regards to solenoid/lock failure and poor attitude of customer service agent. The consumer stated the hatch would not open, using the remote. The same part failed twice.”
NHTSA complaint #10597188, filed 2014-06, 28,499 miles“The contact owned a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal twice with excessive force to prevent a crash. When the brake pedal was depressed the second time, the air bags deployed and emitted white powder, which impaired the contact's vision. The contact crashed the vehicle into the rear of another vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact sustained back and shoulder injuries that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10632140, filed 2014-09, 130,000 miles“Bought 2004 Malibu Maxx brand new. Switch in AC first to go at just under 10000 miles. 18000 miles brakes and rotors had to replace cost almost $800.00. Headlights burned up replace wiring harness on both another $1000.00. Replaced both head lights could not see through either of them another $385.00 check engine light kept coming on and come to find out there was not a fuse in the emission spot. Replaced that another $400.00 when they found the problem. Leaks in the hatch when it rains or car is being washed. Check engine light on will not reset. …”
NHTSA complaint #10390421, filed 2011-03Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
251 complaintsSeats
93 complaintsElectrical system
37 complaintsExterior lighting
37 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsEquipment
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsEngine
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