2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

○ Not enough data

2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
BUILT 2026-08-02

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 PER YEAR

2004: 434 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	434
2005	326
2006	270
2007	44

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 50%

50% of complaints: steering — 218 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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, 20181019

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, 20140716

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. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20121121

SEATS 21%

21% of complaints: seats — 92 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 33 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

STEERING 7%

7% of complaints: steering — 31 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 7%

7% of complaints: exterior lighting — 29 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20040330 — PE (closed 20040701)

LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING

I 20040701 — EA (closed 20050510)

LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING

I 20081021 — PE (closed 20090320)

TURN SIGNAL LAMPS

I 20090320 — EA (closed 20100812)

Turn Signal Lamps

R 20140627 — power train

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.

Campaign 14V224000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140717 — steering

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.

Campaign 14V153000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140818 — electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control

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...

Campaign 14V252000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for steering issues (218 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seats issues (92 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (33 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 14V224000 (power train) has been completed.
Verify recall 14V153000 (steering) has been completed.
Verify recall 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control) has been completed.

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 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.