repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
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.
2004 Chevrolet Malibu ClassicProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 116 owner complaints about the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 14V-400 the manufacturer reports only 22% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 16, 2021. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic has problems
116 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
59Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
24Steering1 crash/fire/injury
11Exterior lighting
6Engine
5Power train
4Air bags
4Fuel/propulsion system
3Engine and engine cooling
3Visibility
1311 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 59 | 2 |
| Steering | 24 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 11 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility | 3 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 13 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
100kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 44 electrical system complaints. 43% were reported before 100,000 miles.
3under 30k miles19under 100k miles25100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Electrical system
8 owners mentioned a cost$521median
Middle half: $400 – $687
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2004 vs. every other Malibu Classic year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Malibu Classic median. How we score
'78'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'07'08
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, and the recalls they led to.
- LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERINGNo recall
In owners' words
What Malibu Classic owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
THE ANTI THEFT GAS CUT OFF FEATURE HAS RENDERED MY VEHICLE UNABLE TO START. I HAVE TRIED MANY METHODS BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. IT STARTS WHEN IT WANTS TOO, BUT NOT WHEN I DO. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT HAD TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE "ON" POSITION FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE AND THE THEFT…
MY THEFT SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. WHEN I TURN THE KEY OFF AND TRY TO RESTART THE CAR IT WILL NOT START BACK. I HAVE TO TURN IT TO THE ON POSITION AND WAIT UNTIL THE THEFT LIGHT QUITS FLASHING WHICH IS USUALLY 10 MINUTES AND THEN RESTART THE CAR. I WAS TOLD BY A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP…
Own a 2004 Malibu Classic?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.