Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The Grumman LLV was hit by the driver of the Chevy Malibu. The Grumman LLV had seatbelt issues with impact. The LLV was forced over on two wheels with left side impact from the driver of Chevy Malibu. [redacted] was the driver of the USPS Grumman LLV at the time of accident sustaining neck injuries requiring medical attention. Multiple medical procedures paid out of pocket followed to include surgeries The driver of Chevy Malibu was injured and received coverage by State Farm insurance.
The driver was traveling on a two lane road and came to a curve in the road at which time she reported that the brakes would not slow or stop the car and the car began to veer in an unintended (and unsteered) direction. The driver attempted to correct the car's path and speed and it went out of control striking four cars, crossing a divider and impacting head on with a 4 x 4 truck. The driver commented that the "car went wild".
Purchased a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu in dec. 03 - on feb. 09, 2004 I was in stop and go traffic on the baltimore beltway during morning rush hour. While going only about 7 miles per hour, I applied my brakes to stop and my car would not brake. I ended up running into the SUV in front of my vehicle. No damage to the SUV, however the front end damage to my Malibu was $3500.00. (after poking around on the internet I found out that the Malibu received the poorest rating on a low speed front end impact crash test) it really doesn't look like $3500 worth of damages. Needless to say I was floored when I received the news. Anyway, about three weeks ago I received a recall letter in the mail stating that my ABS sysyem needed to be reprogrammed. It also stated in the letter exactly what happened to me on feb 9, 2004 when my car did not brake. I am 100% certain that this is what caused my accident. …
This car is terrible. Not only did my brakes not work which made my car crash through the front of my house the steering has been replaced twice and the problem still exists. The electrical system has major problems. The blinker burned a hole through the lens cover and makes the horn, doors and lights not work. I have contacted GM several times over the last 5 years and they don't care because the warranty is out. Then you read how many people have the same problems. They got their bailout how about a bailout for the people who bought GM products. There seems to be no help for the consumer.
Lady lost control of car and hit a truck and smashed passenger side front section and air bags deployed. She did not have the money to pay the tow company so she let them have the car. I found this information on car facts online. My son lives in mo and purchased the car and I purchased the car due to the low miles on the car and now having problems getting the air bags to function properly. I also caller deery brothers Chevrolet dealership and they checked my VIN and this car does have a recall on it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at various speeds, the brakes engaged independently and without warning. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the hydraulic anti-lock control was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
The vehicle ABS control module failed prior to the consumer acting on the notice received on June 21 ( NHTSA#04V190000). The failure resulted in an accident on June 28, 2004 while driving between 20 to 25 MPH. The consumer applied the brake but the ABS did not activate. As a result the driver hit the back of the vehicle in front of him.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, it was discovered that the tie rod and front brakes needed to be replaced.the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Power steering upon ignition lights up and locks power steering. Turn off and restart several times before operational. ABS light intermittently comes on while driving. Electric assist power steering. Both in stationary and while driving in city and highway.
There was a recall on fuel system my engine light is on and had it diagnosed and its reading I need a fuel pump cant understand why when work was already done sometimes when I accelerate to 25-30 stutters and putts
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Some of these passenger vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that May calculate a higher than actual vehicle speed because of an erratic rear-wheel speed sensor signal, and cause ABS activation where it is not needed or needed ABS activation to be extended during braking as the vehicle speed drops to about 3 MPH.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the ABS controller. Owner notification began on June 16, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Brake complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 64 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, 6% of the model year's 1,147 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chevrolet Malibu brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-190 (control unit/module, Apr 19, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Malibu brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.