Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 60 MPH, the check engine and power steering warning indicators illuminated. The steering wheel required excessive force in order to make a turn. When the contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, it resumed normal operation. The failure recurred several other times. The contact also stated that the brake lights failed to work. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the recalls were expired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where they estimated that the diagnostic check would cost $114. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 166,000.
After starting engine, engine will turn off and radio display screen will read 'engine power reduced.' engine will not start for several minutes, but the lights, radio, dash lights and everything will still work. This has happened in my driveway. The first time this ever happened I was on a busy main road at a stop light in the left turn lane. The car shuddered and the engine lost power. Again, the display screen displayed the same message. The car was rolling backwards and would not accelerate. After several attempts the engine did start again. Thankfully it was 6:00 am and I was on my way to work so there was very light traffic.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to move into gear when attempting to drive or reverse. Also, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact called tracy Chevrolet at [phone] (located at 3400 auto plaza way, tracy, ca 95304) and was informed to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer due to the diagnostic and repair fees. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. No further assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 295,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at low speeds, the steering wheel was loose. The check engine and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering). The vehicle was taken to serra Chevrolet 7850 us-64, memphis, tn 38133, [phone]) where the contact was informed that the vehicle was in bad condition. The dealer declined to complete the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 225,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, all the warning indicators illuminated and the engine failed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the control module and the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. After the vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 14V224000 (power train), the engine stalled and the check engine light illuminated. The failure occurred during the thirty two mile drive from the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Prior to having the recall repair performed, the contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The power steering failed when car was first started in the morning, the car had 1,000 miles at that time. I called a tow truck and when he came to pick it up the power steering worked fine, he said that the computer might have bypassed it when the car was started, I contacted the service department and they told me that the car had to be malfunctioning at the time they checked it or they couldn't do anything about it. The second time the power steering failed the car has been driven around 6 mi., the car was idling at the time and she turned the motor off and took the key out and then restarted the car the steering worked OK then. The third time the power steering failed was when I was backing the car in the garage, at this time the car had 2,000 miles on it. When I restarted it the power steering worked OK. …
I have a 2004 Malibu ls, when I first purchased the car during the winter of 04 I had problems with the steering. It was under warranty, I took it back every winter for 4 years and the dealership always repaired the car. In 2010 my power steering light came on and I lost power trying to turn into a parking spot. The next time it occurred, I was driving 50 MPH I went to change lanes the power steering light came on and I could not turn the wheel. I was pulling out from a parking spot the power steering light came on and I could not steer the car. This year the seat belt light stays on when my seat belt is on. It happens every day the light stays on. The dealer that I use to use went out of business and did not notify the customers. I found out when I went to have some work corrected that they did. …
My car has always had little quirks that didn't seem right about it since I purchased it from my Chevy dealer. It was under warranty at the time so my level of concern wasn't as high as it is now. Things like a sporadic start to the engine while trying to crank the car and the car shimming or quivering when driven faster then 70 MPH (highway). I have taken the car back to the dealership for assessment which all came back inconclusive. This last experience merits this complaint. I stopped at a red light taking my hands off the wheel to adjust my seat belt. I glanced over to my steering wheel and it begin to dance/rock right to left and left to right. My hands were clear of the steering wheel and my foot firm on the brakes. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The dealer stated that the fuel relay switch overheated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also indicated that the brake lights failed and were replaced multiple times. In addition, the headlights would not illuminate bright enough to see in front of the vehicle while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. While activating the cruise control at any speed, the vehicle would suddenly accelerate on its own. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. …
Engine complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the model year's 1,147 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
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.