2004 Chevrolet Malibu Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 84about this part
- Share
- 7%of 1,148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 84 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, 7% of the 1,148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata recall. My radio started displaying a service air bag message and my horn stopped working. The wiring in the car has stopped working. I began to replace lightbulbs thinking they were blown but just will not work. Heard this car was recalled for these exact problems I am having but for some reason my car has no recalls. My steering wheel makes a knocking noise when turning very sharp. Sounds like a piece is broken knocking around”
NHTSA complaint #11162446, filed 2018-12, 160,000 miles“Rear turn signal bulbs burn too hot and melt bulb connection. Front turn signal bulbs burn too hot and melt lens housing, causing severe discoloration in headlamp assembly. Headlamp becomes very hot to touch, could possibly start a fire. I have read multiple complaints on this issue and cannot understand why this has not been a recall by GM. I am very frustrated.”
NHTSA complaint #10425903, filed 2011-09, 87,877 miles“I bought a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu in 2008, since that time I have had to replace the front turn signals approx. 6 times due to the plastic on the signal bulbs, melting and covering the wire s that go over the plastic that make contact with the plug the bulb goes into.”
NHTSA complaint #10446239, filed 2012-02, 86,000 miles“The turn signal on the front of the vehicle (driver's side) is not working properly. It was blinking faster than normal which usually means the bulb needs replaced. I replaced the bulb, but that did not resolve the issue. I took it to the dealer and they said the entire module needs to be replaced. The vehicle has 54000 miles and it is a Chevrolet Malibu ls v6 2004.”
NHTSA complaint #10242196, filed 2008-09, 53,800 miles“First, the car routinely burns out turn signals, and overheats the turn signal to the point that it melts the housing thta the light bulb snaps into. I have had to replace the headlight housing/lamp wirings harness multiple times along with many light bulbs. Second, there is a recall for the electronic power steering. My particular VIN was recalled for an electronic power steering sensor. The power steering has gone out on me while driving twice, so I brought it to the dealer. They indicated the electronic power steering motor needs to be replaced,and is not covered under and recalls. …”
NHTSA complaint #11389002, filed 2021-01, 5 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 | 21 | 3% |
| 2016 | 19 | 2% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 28 | 3% |
| 2012 | 202 | 22% |
| 2011 | 130 | 13% |
| 2010 | 194 | 14% |
| 2009 | 172 | 11% |
| 2008 | 106 | 11% |
| 2007 | 29 | 3% |
| 2006 | 63 | 6% |
| 2005 | 153 | 16% |
| 2004 | 84 | 7% |
| 2003 | 28 | 5% |
| 2002 | 143 | 25% |
| 2001 | 108 | 15% |
| 2000 | 241 | 26% |
| 1999 | 58 | 7% |
| 1998 | 79 | 8% |
| 1997 | 40 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
799 complaintsElectrical system
151 complaintsSeats
69 complaintsBrakes
64 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