MYRModel Year Report

2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

○ Not enough data
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
BUILT 2026-10-10

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
434
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

64% of complaints

Complaints per year

2004: 434 complaints 2004 434 2005: 326 complaints 2005 2006: 270 complaints 2006 2007: 44 complaints 2007
2004: 434 complaints 2004 434 2005: 326 complaints 2005 2006: 270 complaints 2006 2007: 44 complaints 2007
2004: 434 complaints 2004 434 2005: 326 complaints 2005 2006: 270 complaints 2006 2007: 44 complaints 2007

2004: 434 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2004434
2005326
2006270
200744

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

64% · 277 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering lost power. In an attempt to make a left turn, another vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the contact's vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-19

Also filed under Air bags

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated while reversing from a parking space, the power steering warning indicator flashed on the instrument panel and the power steering assist immediately failed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-16

My pregnant wife was driving when the power steering just went out this is the second time and from reading multiple complaints and they do nothing to solve it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-21

Seats

22% · 94 reports

Most commonly citing seat heater/cooler and power adjust.

CRASH

Exterior lighting

9% · 39 reports

Most commonly citing turn signal and concealment devices.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Electrical system

9% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing starter assembly and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Service brakes

5% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2004-03-30Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-07-01 Loss of electric power steering
  2. I
    2004-07-01Engineering analysisClosed 2005-05-10 Loss of electric power steering
  3. I
    2008-10-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-03-20 Turn signal lamps
  4. I
    2009-03-20Engineering analysisClosed 2010-08-12 Turn Signal Lamps
  5. R
    2014-06-27Power train14V224000 General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2014-07-17Steering14V153000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2014-08-18Electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control14V252000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6...

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of...

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 277 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 94 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 39 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 14V224000 · Power train
  • Recall 14V153000 · Steering
  • Recall 14V252000 · Electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.