Chevrolet Recall 04V-190: Service brakes, hydraulic – control unit/module

Affected: 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. Filed with NHTSA on April 19, 2004, covering about 65,439 vehicles.

The problem

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.

The risk

Unexpected ABS activiation could increase stopping distance up to about 11 feet dpending on the grade of the road, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will reprogram the ABS controller. Owner notification began on June 16, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign04V-190 (04V190000)
Manufacturer number04030
ManufacturerGeneral Motors, LLC
ComponentService brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Report dateApril 19, 2004
Owners notifiedJune 16, 2004
Vehicles affected65,439
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the brakes

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 04V-190 repair free?

Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will reprogram the ABS controller. Owner notification began on June 16, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 65,439 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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.