2004 Chevrolet Malibu Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 64about this part
- Share
- 6%of 1,148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 64 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, 6% of the 1,148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When I apply my brakes to stop or slow down my brakes seem to go out or not work intermittently. My husband thinks it has to do with the ABS. This has almost caused me to hit the vehicles in front of me so I must leave a rather large stopping distance between myself and the front car which is fine but when I must make a quick stop to avoid an accident my brakes cut out.”
NHTSA complaint #10639811, filed 2014-09, 130,000 miles“There was a recall on fuel system my engine light is on and had it diagnosed and its reading I need a fuel pump cant understand why when work was already done sometimes when I accelerate to 25-30 stutters and putts”
NHTSA complaint #10888863, filed 2016-07, 140 miles“The traction control sensor light keeps going on and off. I'm not even sure that it is working at all I have a recall notice on this issue but once again no one seems to have any parts to correct the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10651749, filed 2014-10, 156,000 miles“Lady lost control of car and hit a truck and smashed passenger side front section and air bags deployed. She did not have the money to pay the tow company so she let them have the car. I found this information on car facts online. My son lives in mo and purchased the car and I purchased the car due to the low miles on the car and now having problems getting the air bags to function properly. I also caller deery brothers Chevrolet dealership and they checked my VIN and this car does have a recall on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10604699, filed 2014-06, 37,800 miles“Several times when the vehicle was driven through any more than a couple inches of snow the front brakes have temporarily seized up and won't grab. The back brakes grab immediately when brake is applied. I have slid sideways around curves on a couple of occasions. The only way to free the front brakes is to slam the pedal down as if it was a panic stop. I bought this car last summer, so this is my first winter driving it.”
NHTSA complaint #10217338, filed 2008-02, 46,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V190000Apr 19, 2004Some of these passenger vehicles have an electronic control unit (ecu) that may calculate a higher than actual vehicle speed because of an erratic rear-wheel…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004
Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10168960Nov 12, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire…
- 10126014Mar 3, 201716188 Special Coverage. Some vehicles may have a condition where increased resistance in the body control module (BCM) connection system can result in voltage fluctuations or…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 4 | 9% |
| 2023 | 4 | 6% |
| 2022 | 6 | 6% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 50 | 25% |
| 2019 | 27 | 14% |
| 2018 | 69 | 10% |
| 2017 | 73 | 10% |
| 2016 | 104 | 12% |
| 2015 | 16 | 6% |
| 2014 | 45 | 13% |
| 2013 | 46 | 6% |
| 2012 | 74 | 8% |
| 2011 | 44 | 5% |
| 2010 | 199 | 15% |
| 2009 | 153 | 10% |
| 2008 | 89 | 9% |
| 2007 | 51 | 5% |
| 2006 | 70 | 6% |
| 2005 | 70 | 7% |
| 2004 | 64 | 6% |
| 2003 | 63 | 11% |
| 2002 | 55 | 10% |
| 2001 | 89 | 12% |
| 2000 | 250 | 27% |
| 1999 | 308 | 39% |
| 1998 | 376 | 39% |
| 1997 | 111 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
799 complaintsElectrical system
151 complaintsExterior lighting
84 complaintsSeats
69 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
64 complaintsSuspension
31 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsElectronic stability control
22 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
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