2004 Chevrolet Malibu Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,147 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the body and structure of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, 1% of the 1,147 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,300 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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 purchased this vehicle in 2006 with 17,000 miles at the carmax superstore in naperville illinois and have had several serious issues since. The leaking sunroof with the innumerable failed attempts at repair. The leak has never been resolved and I have resorted to covering the vehicle with a tarp during inclement weather. The constant clicking noise in the steering when moving the steering wheel back and forth and the severe stiffness in the steering wheel when curb side parking between parked vehicles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10510778, filed 2013-05, 82,600 miles“Power steering assist failed while driving 35 MPH. The dealer was notified. Ea04018_cat the steering wheel started to pull and shake to the left. The consumer was informed that a part was needed for the power steering. A light on the dash had illuminated and the power steering had gone out again. Also, the foam strip near the windshield was coming out of place.”
NHTSA complaint #10097840, filed 2004-11, 18,563 miles“Multiple problems with this car - left turn signal does not work - car is aligned and still wants to go left (electrical steering issues I am told) - adjustable pedals do not adjust - visor mirror is broken -”
NHTSA complaint #10225775, filed 2008-04, 50,000 miles“Vehicle experienced steering and transmission problems. The steering went out, forcing the vehicle to the right side of the road and into an embankment. Consumer had the vehicle towed to a service center. Transmission will not engage into the interlock. If going into reverse and changing into drive it was difficult to control vehicle. Consumer must use about 45 lbs of pressure to get the gear shift to operate smoothly. Also, vehicle was having brake problems. Consumer was driving on an off ramp and applied the brakes down to the floor. Vehicle slowed down but did not stop completely. …”
NHTSA complaint #10107002, filed 2005-01, 1,500 miles“The contact owned a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at approximately 50 MPH, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and a door caught on fire. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. It was unknown who extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10726104, filed 2015-06, 118,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10213818May 31, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint…
- 10197294May 12, 2021This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint…
- 10123211Oct 2, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a loud tick or rattle noise under the hood at all operating conditions…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 7 | 1% |
| 2017 | 19 | 3% |
| 2016 | 40 | 5% |
| 2015 | 13 | 5% |
| 2014 | 11 | 3% |
| 2013 | 25 | 3% |
| 2012 | 16 | 2% |
| 2011 | 19 | 2% |
| 2010 | 44 | 3% |
| 2009 | 31 | 2% |
| 2008 | 21 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 1% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 12 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 1% |
| 2003 | 9 | 2% |
| 2002 | 12 | 2% |
| 2001 | 14 | 2% |
| 2000 | 25 | 3% |
| 1999 | 20 | 3% |
| 1998 | 18 | 2% |
| 1997 | 13 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
798 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 28, 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