2004 Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2004

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2004 Chevrolet Malibu repairs by problem area

Engine (29%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (4%)

Brakes and Traction Control (6%)

Suspension and Steering (29%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (20%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (6%)

Other (6%)

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Chart based on 163 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu.

2004 Chevrolet Malibu electrical repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (7%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (31%)

< $100 (59%)

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Chart based on 29 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2004 Chevrolet Malibu

Engine not specified

116560 mi

C $350
Replaced Alternator & Battery 
51000 mi

US $200
CD stuck in the CD-rom. 
54000 mi

US $200
Both remote are not working. Changed to new ones for 100$ each with 50$ labor. 

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2004 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Sedan

200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

166000 mi

US $400
I had an alternator put in. In July I had a rarities and pump put in. The car needs a lot more work. 
140000 mi There is some sort of issue with the directionals as the bulbs are constantly blowing. I've finally given up and drive without them. Sometimes the electric locks work, sometimes they don't. At this point I'm just wondering if the electrical system is going to catch fire. I've named my car Christine! 
68000 mi

US $180
Brake light switch sticking. Replaced switch. 
195000 mi

US $200
recall, brake lights malfunction 
69000 mi Security system and key fob malfunction. Dealer said it was a problem with these cars & couldn't do anything except order me a new fob ($125.00) and reprogram it ($35.00) 
69500 mi I took my fob to a friend who does soldering . He put a drop of solder on it, let it cool, and it worked again. When it becomes sluggish I pop open the fob and very carefully buff off the contacts. 
72000 mi Gas guage does not read accurately. Goes to empty after tank filled. 
75000 mi The gas gauge was never repaired, bc estimated $600. I reset mileage B whenever I put gas into the tank, multiplied gallons by 18 (which seemed safe) and kept a post-it with remaining miles noted each day. This problem did make selling difficult. 
103500 mi

US $57
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp burned out. The entire unit needs to be replaced, including lens, circuit board with 5 LEDs, and plastic housing with gasket attached. 
1000 mi Radio loosing presets. Radio replaced 
right blinker has rapid flash. Replaced bulbs 
31000 mi

US $90
Check engine light on. Replaced fuse in trunk 
43000 mi

US $375
Heater did not work, replaced the heater door actuator. 
53200 mi

US $77
Replace right side headlight module 
150700 mi

US $2750
replace starter 
131000 mi

US $6
Dimmer switch for dash lights crapped out after a long slow decline. $6 part, 5 minute fix. :-) 
134000 mi

US $109
Battery failed suddenly and left car stranded. Jump start was successful and 4 year old battery was replaced by owner the next day. 

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2004 Chevrolet Malibu 4dr Hatch

200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

29256 mi Electronic shift selection not working - wire broken under shift console - warranty. There is a noticable slackness and knock in the steering - response - GM currently working on cure for this issue. 
126300 mi

US $55
Temperature gauge quit working. Had shop replace sending unit and now works again. 
8000 mi power seat motor failed and was replaced. 
228000 mi

US $200
Alternator completely failed. 
Replaced DVD player (Was skipping) 
32500 mi Replace radio control button steering wheel Replace rear hatch release actuator 
58500 mi

US $5
Replace tail light bulbs 
58700 mi

US $1488
Replace windshield washer pump 
92000 mi

US $1900
A/C compressor replaced, bearings started whining Replace power driver seat adjuster switch 
151100 mi Recall related 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Chevrolet models.

2004 Chevrolet Malibu Electrical Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2004 Chevrolet Malibu problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.