2004 Chevrolet Malibu Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,462miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, 1% of the 1,148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,462 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 my vehicle and all of a sudden my door locks started to go up and down. Than after that the doors would just start to lock and unlock on their own. Now none of the locks on the door work and the alarm goes off everytime I open the door from the outside and when I'm inside the car I get locked in my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10545408, filed 2013-09, 112,048 miles“The electric power steering in my vehicle is faulty. The steering wheel will move by its self while driving or in park. Also my power steering will go out without warning while driving at any speed. When the steering wheel locks up due to power steering I have a very hard time turning and controlling car. I have barely avoid several accidents because of this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10353222, filed 2010-09, 44,462 miles“Dt: the contact's child opened the rear passenger door while in motion. By the time she pulled vehicle over the child was still in car seat hanging out of the door. The contact complained several times to dealership that the car did not have child safety locks on it. The dealer told her that it was not possible to install the child locks at this point.”
NHTSA complaint #10141494, filed 2005-11, 13,035 miles“Consumer complained about an electrical problem. Consumer took vehicle to dealership and had the work done on july 1, 2004. Vehicle had only 100 miles. On august 13,2004 the dashboard lights failed, and the tail lights were out. On august 23, vehicle had the same problem. Consumer parked the vehicle and the locks automatically unlocked while the vehicle was still running. Also, the air conditioner was running when the key was not in the ignition.”
NHTSA complaint #10090066, filed 2004-08, 3,057 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the steering column would become loose while driving at any speed and the wheel would sporadically shake when driving over 50 MPH. In addition the power steering warning light was illuminated when the failure would occur. The contact stated the failure was the second occurrence and the steering column was replaced in 2007. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired for the recent failure. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 115,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10397399, filed 2011-04, 100,000 milesLatches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 2 | 0% |
| 2010 | 17 | 1% |
| 2009 | 56 | 4% |
| 2008 | 71 | 7% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 3 | 0% |
| 2005 | 14 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
799 complaintsElectrical system
151 complaintsExterior lighting
84 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 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