Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 433 of 434 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 372 of 434 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Steering
277 complaint records1 fire report17 crash reports
"POWER STEERING COLUMN IS ABOUT TO FAIL FOR THE THIRD TIME. FIRST TIME AT 45,000 MILES, SECOND TIME AT 83,000, NOW AT 169,000. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Seats
94 complaint records1 crash report
"FRONT DRIVERS SEAT FRAME ROD SEVERED AT THE WELD JOINT CAUSING THE FRONT SEAT TO NOT REMAIN IN PLACE AND SHIFT AROUND DURING DRIVING. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse seats parts in the directory →
Lighting
42 complaint records4 fire reports1 crash report
"2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX LT BOTH FRONT PARKING LIGHT / TURN SIGNAL LIGHT HOUSINGS ARE MELTING, BOTH LAMPS HAVE FAILED, BOTH LAMP SOCKETS ARE SCORCHED. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA09004 opened Mar 2009 | closed Aug 2010 | Exterior Lighting | Turn Signal Lamps GM designed the MY 2004 and 2005 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles with a daytime running lamp (DRL) system that uses the same filament (the high power filament of a dual filament bulb) as the front turn signals.The high power filament operates at... |
| PE08062 opened Oct 2008 | closed Mar 2009 | Exterior Lighting | TURN SIGNAL LAMPS THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE LOSS OF FUNCTION OF ONE OR MORE OF THE PARK, TURN, STOP OR DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (DRL).FAILURE OF THE BULB MAY ALSO INCLUDE DISCOLORATION (HEAT DAMAGE) TO THE BULB SOCKET.GENERAL MOTORS (GM) TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB)... |
| EA04018 opened Jul 2004 | closed May 2005 | Steering | LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING IN PERFORMING THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, ODI DETERMINED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN MALFUNCTION OR FAIL, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE; HOWEVER, DUE TO THE FOLLOWING REASONS, ODI HAS DECIDED THAT... |
| PE04031 opened Mar 2004 | closed Jul 2004 | Steering | LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ODI OPENED PE04-031 BASED ON EIGHT REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER STEERING FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE DRIVER SUDDENLY LOST ALL ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE WITHOUT WARNING MAKING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STEER. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14V252000 | 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... | Normally free |
| 14V224000 | 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. | Normally free |
| 14V153000 | 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... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014284 2014-07-03 | Electrical | 641,121 | On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition switch could allow the switch to move out of the "run" position if the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off-road or is subjected to some other jarring event. |
| 2014173 2014-05-16 | Electrical | 194,314 | On certain vehicles, intermittent electrical connection faults may cause the brake lamps to illuminate without the brake pedal being depressed, or not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed. |
| 2014160 2014-05-01 | Powertrain | 109,110 | On certain vehicles equipped with 4 speed automatic transmissions, the shift cable could fracture without warning. |
| 2014104 2014-04-01 | Steering | 157,423 | Certain vehicles equipped with electric power steering may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. |
| 2004139 2004-04-20 | Seats And Restraints | 8,320 | On certain vehicles, analysis of a side impact test indicated the outboard anchorage of the driver's seat belt could disconnect because of contact between the seat trim and the anchorage connector when the seat was adjusted to its lowest... |
Show 2 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004140 2004-04-20 | Brakes | 5,334 | On certain vehicles, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 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... |
| 2004071 2004-02-20 | Label | 4,761 | Certain vehicles that are not equipped with an Advanced Occupant Restraint System (AORS) have driver and passenger side sun visors with AORS labels. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP5601C Jul 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC. | |
| PIT3271P Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. | |
| General Communication Aug 2024 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Electrical System | Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). |
| 24-NA-141 Jul 2024 | Power Train | GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. | |
| 16-NA-383 Jun 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-NA-099 Jun 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| 24-NA-098 Jun 2024 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information. | |
| 09-00-89-008G May 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process. | |
| 10-08-45-001H Mar 2024 | Electrical System | This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish. | |
| 16-NA-383 Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. | |
| 22-NA-074 Feb 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 18-NA-099 Jan 2024 | Equipment | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| 02-08-42-001J Jan 2024 | Exterior Lighting | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage. | |
| PI1394B Jan 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine. | |
| 23-NA-219 Dec 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories. | |
| 03-00-91-001I Nov 2023 | Suspension | This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns. | |
| 17-NA-170 Oct 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| 10-00-89-006J Sep 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only). | |
| 07-08-49-020R Sep 2023 | Electrical System | This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide. | |
| 23-NA-153 Sep 2023 | Power Train | The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay. | |
| 18-NA-073 Aug 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement. | |
| 17-NA-170 Apr 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| 19-NA-219 Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue. | |
| 19-NA-219 Mar 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue. | |
| 22-NA-009 Mar 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| 01-08-42-001O Feb 2023 | Exterior Lighting | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines. | |
| 09-00-89-008F Dec 2022 | Equipment | This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process. | |
| 21-NA-124 Dec 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set. | |
| PIT3271N Nov 2022 | Wheels | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. | |
| 22-NA-074 Nov 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 22-NA-205 Oct 2022 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting. | |
| 10-00-89-006I Oct 2022 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only). | |
| 22-NA-195 Sep 2022 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information on Handling Requests for Modifications to Permanently Import/Export Vehicles Between the U.S. and Canada. | |
| 06-00-89-031H Sep 2022 | Power Train | This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification. | |
| 22-NA-009 Sep 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 22-NA-181 Sep 2022 | Power Train | This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the engine or transmission. | |
| 20-NA-065 Aug 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This bulletin provides information on tools available to find an intake vacuum leak or exhaust leak to correct a condition of MIL Illuminated with Multiple Fuel Trim and/or Oxygen Sensor Codes Set. | |
| 22-NA-009 Jun 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 18-NA-099 May 2022 | Equipment | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| 12-00-89-003B May 2022 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only). | |
| 22-NA-074 Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 22-NA-009 Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| PIT3271M Mar 2022 | Tires | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. | |
| PIT3271K Nov 2020 | Wheels | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. | |
| 16NA383 Jan 2020 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon... | |
| 070849020M Oct 2017 | Equipment | IPC Odometer Programming Method Quick Reference Guide | |
| 150089004B Oct 2017 | Suspension | Information Regarding the Differences Between Fluid Leakage and Seepage This bulletin is intended to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak and what is considered seepage. Improper diagnosis may lead to unnecessary component replacement. | |
| 150089005A Oct 2017 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Essential Tools that Include Consumable Parts (U.S. Only) | |
| GCUS-9-3664 Mar 2017 | Service Brakes | 16188 Special Coverage. Some vehicles may have a condition where increased resistance in the body control module (BCM) connection system can result in voltage fluctuations or intermittency in the brake apply sensor (BAS) circuit that can cause brake lamp malfunction. | |
| PI1394A Aug 2016 | Engine | THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON HOW TO INSTALL PISTONS AND SUGGEST WHAT TOOLS TO USE. | |
| 16NA260 Aug 2016 | Equipment | THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS. | |
| 000601012F Aug 2016 | Engine | THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION TO GM DEALERS ON THE CORRECT CLEANING METHODS WHEN CLEANING ENGINE GASKET SEALING SURFACES. | |
| 030604017I Aug 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN EXPLAINS THE USE OF DIESEL FUEL ADDITIVES IN AN ENGINE, ARE NOT REQUIRED UNLESS THE CUSTOMER DESIRES ADDITIVES TO PREVENT FUEL CONCERNS DEPENDING ON FUEL OR TEMPERATURE RELATED CONDITIONS. | |
| PIP5094A Jun 2016 | Electrical System | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN THAT ,WHEN TESTING ANY CIRCUIT FOR OPEN OR RESISTANCE, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL RELATED TERMINAL PIN FIT AND TENSION BE CHECKED WHEN THE TEST STEPS REQUIRE DISCONNECTION OF THE CONNECTOR OR COMPONENT, PRIOR TO... | |
| PIT5485B Apr 2016 | Electrical System | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN IF UNABLE TO PLACE AN ONSTAR CALL IN THE IGNITION ON MODE AFTER THE ONSTAR CANADA UPGRADE, TO CONTACT THE GM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER ONSTAR GROUP FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE. | |
| PIC5088F Apr 2016 | Equipment | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN ON THE STEPS TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE CONCERN. THE VEHICLE'S XM RADIO ONLY HAS XM PREVEIW CHANNELS. | |
| PIC-5050-A Apr 2016 | Electrical System | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN THE STEPS ON REPAIRING THE CONCERN. A CUSTOMER MAY IDENTIFY A CONCERN OF UNABLE TO REACTIVATE A VEHICLE'S ONSTAR THAT HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY DISABLED BY ONSTAR. | |
| PIC-4935-E Apr 2016 | Electrical System | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO HELP THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIANS PERFORM A PARASITIC DRAIN TEST FOR THE ONSTAR MODULE. | |
| PIC4935E Apr 2016 | Electrical System | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO HELP THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIANS PERFORM A PARASITIC DRAIN TEST FOR THE ONSTAR MODULE. |
Showing 60 of 159 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run every power seat adjustment and check the seat frame.Motors that stall and seats that rock on their tracks are this vehicle's seat complaints.
- Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Malibu Maxx →