2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic recalls and problems
The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic has 1 safety recall and 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic recalls
Recall 14V-400: Electrical System
Problem: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 62 | |
| Steering | 24 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 12 | |
| Unknown or Other | 8 | |
| Engine | 6 | |
| Power Train | 5 | |
| Air Bags | 4 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | |
| Visibility | 3 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | |
| Equipment | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module — 5
- Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 3
- Electrical System › Ignition — 3
- Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 2
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 2
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
- Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 100,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Chevrolet Malibu Classic years
Compare all Chevrolet Malibu Classic years · All Chevrolet models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic: 14V-400 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (62 reports), followed by steering (24). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 100,000 miles.
Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.