IllustrationI'VE HAD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HAD MY POWER STEERING LIGHT COME ON AS THE VEHICLE LOCKS UP. IT HASN'T HAPPENED IN A WHILE HOWEVER AFTER GETTING MY CAR ALIGNED RECENTLY THE AUTO TECH SAID I SHOULD GET MY POWER STEERING LOOKED AT AND I WANTED TO LOOK INTO.THE RECALL AGAIN. *TR
2004 Chevrolet Malibu
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Malibu years
Owner complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Malibu years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
2010–25K
10225–50K
15550–75K
14175–100K
232100–150K
116150K+
947 reports with mileage · 200 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 798 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 151 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 84 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
47 crash reports7 fire reports18 injury reports
What owners actually said
1,147 reportsAPPROX 1-3 PRIOR TO MY POWER STEERING LOCKING UP, THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD. I HAD TRIED TO LOCATE THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR WHEN THE ALARM FIRST DISPLAYED ONLY TO LEARN BEING LOW ON POWER STEERING FLUID WASN'T THE SITUATION THAT IT I OWNED A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LS THAT HAD ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. BY …
Read full complaint
APPROX 1-3 PRIOR TO MY POWER STEERING LOCKING UP, THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD. I HAD TRIED TO LOCATE THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR WHEN THE ALARM FIRST DISPLAYED ONLY TO LEARN BEING LOW ON POWER STEERING FLUID WASN'T THE SITUATION THAT IT I OWNED A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LS THAT HAD ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. BY THIS TIME IT WAS TOO LATE, I QUICKLY LEARNED THAT SITUATION RESULTS IN YOUR STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME COMPLETELY LOCKED! AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY STALL AT A PACKED PARKING LOT. I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL, IT HAD COMPLETELY LOCKED UP, I BELIEVE MY CAR WAS ONLY SLIGHTLY MOVING BECAUSE I WAS PARKED AT A SLANT. I THEN PUT THE CAR IN PARKED, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, SAID A PRAYER AND STARTED THE CAR AGAIN. THIS TIME THE STEERING WHEEL WORKED COMPLETELY FINE. THE NEXT DAY AS I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO MY AUTO MECHANIC I FELT MY STEERING WHEEL BECOME TIGHT AGAIN AFTER GOING OVER THE RAILROAD TRACKS, I PULLED OVER RIGHT AWAY SINCE THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AND I DIDN'T WANT TO LEARN THE HARD WAY MY STEERING WHEEL GAVE OUT AGAIN. I THEN TURN THE CAR BACK OFF AND ON EVEN THO IT WASN'T LOCKED LIKE THE NIGHT BEFORE, JUST FOR PEACE OF MIND I GUESS AND THE WHEEL RETURNED BACK TO NORMAL. AFTER TALKING WITH MY MECHANIC, INFO I LEARNED ON LINE I AM TAKING MY CAR TO A CHEVY DEALERSHIP BECAUSE APPARENTLY THIS IS A PROBLEM THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH AND ARE THE ONLY AUTO MECHANIC SHOP THAT CARRIERS A SPECIAL TOOL TO "FIX" THE SITUATION. IF IT IS EVEN FIXABLE, BASED ON WHAT I'M READING I'M BETTER OFF SAVING MY MONEY FIXING THE ISSUE THAT CAN'T BE FIXED SO I CAN USE IT TO GET A NEW CAR! LOSING CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO A MOVING VEHICLE AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT IS INSANE. THE FACT THAT 2005 AND ON CHEVY MALIBU CARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS VERY ISSUE ALREADY SHOULD MAKE A OPEN SHUT CASE!.. PLEASE, WHY MUST WE LOSE A LIFE IN ORDER TO SAVE A DOLLAR!? *TR
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN I LOST POWER STEERING. THE LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AND THE INFORMATION PANEL SAID "POWER STEERING" I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE TO THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE CAR. ONCE I STARTED IT AGAIN I HAD POWER STEERING. I DRIVE FOR A LIVING AND THIS SCARED ME TO DEATH. I HAVE NE…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN I LOST POWER STEERING. THE LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AND THE INFORMATION PANEL SAID "POWER STEERING" I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE TO THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE CAR. ONCE I STARTED IT AGAIN I HAD POWER STEERING. I DRIVE FOR A LIVING AND THIS SCARED ME TO DEATH. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. THERE SEEMS TO BE AN ABUNDANT NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE SOMEONE FIGURE THIS OUT?!!!! *TR
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN MY ELECTRONIC CONSOLE STATED "CHECK POWER STEERING". AS I PULLED AWAY FROM THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TO MAKE MY LEFT TURN, I QUICKLY NOTICED THAT MY VEHICLE HAD NO POWER STEERING, AS THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED IT OFF AND REMOVED THE KEY …
Read full complaint
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN MY ELECTRONIC CONSOLE STATED "CHECK POWER STEERING". AS I PULLED AWAY FROM THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TO MAKE MY LEFT TURN, I QUICKLY NOTICED THAT MY VEHICLE HAD NO POWER STEERING, AS THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED IT OFF AND REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. AFTER ABOUT A MINUTE, I STARTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN, AND THE POWER STEERING WAS FINE AND WORKING PROPERLY. LATER THAT WEEK, I HAD THE POWER STEERING RACK REPLACED AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. *TR
BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON FOR NO REASON , SHUT OFF CRUISE CONTROL. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE WITH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICL…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE WITH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TWICE AND EACH TIME THE POWER STEERING MODULE WAS REPLACED. IN ADDITION, A CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE POWER STEERING MODULE TWICE. THE STEERING MALFUNCTION RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE RADIO PANEL STARTED BLINKING WITH POWER STEERING. I THEN LOST MY POWER STEERING AND MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE THIS FAILURE OCCURS WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND SOMETIMES THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE AND IT WILL SHOW IN THE RADIO PANEL. AS A WOMAN, DRIVING WITHOUT POWER STEERING WAS EXTREMELY DIFF…
Read full complaint
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE RADIO PANEL STARTED BLINKING WITH POWER STEERING. I THEN LOST MY POWER STEERING AND MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE THIS FAILURE OCCURS WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND SOMETIMES THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE AND IT WILL SHOW IN THE RADIO PANEL. AS A WOMAN, DRIVING WITHOUT POWER STEERING WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED TO ME IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND AFTER RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS, THEY TOLD ME THAT THE 2004 MALIBU'S HAVE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING, AND THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE POWER STEERING MOTOR AND THAT IT OVERHEATS, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE CAR SEAT BELTS ARE FROZE AND THE HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON FELL INSIDE ITS HOLE AND THE HEADLIGHT COVERS DON'T ALLOW THE LIGHTS TO FULLY ILLUMINATE . THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED BECAUSE IT POSES LIFE THREATENING ISSUES. MY RESEARCH SHOWS A HIGH VOLUME OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS 2004 MODEL BUT THE 2005'S AND ABOVE WERE RECALLED, I ALSO COLLECTED STATEMENTS FROM FACTORY WORKERS WHO LEFT THEIR PERSONAL INFO ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND THIS : DURING MY EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT WITH DELPHI AUTOMOTIVE (DELPHI SAGINAW STEERING SYSTEM, 3900 E. HOLLAND AVE., SAGINAW, MICHIGAN 48601), I WAS INSTRUCTED TO CONDUCT A SCREW "STRIP-OUT" STUDY ON THE ELECTRIC MOTOR/CONTROLLER ASSEMBLY OF THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) SYSTEM OF THE GENERAL MOTOR'S EPSILON PLATFORM (MY 2003.5 - 2006 MALIBU). THIS STUDY WAS CONDUCTED IN MAY OF 2004 AT DELPHI'S PLANT 1, ASSEMBLY. THE STUDY INCLUDED TEN PRODUCTION MOTOR AND TEN PRODUCTION CONTROLLER ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE ASSEMBLED ON THE PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT AND PROCESS(ES). THE CONTROLLER IS ATTACHED TO MOTOR BY THREE M 5.0X 0.8 SCREWS. THE RESULT OF THAT STUDY CONCLUDED THAT FOUR OF THE TEN MOTOR/CONTROLLER ASSEMBLIES HAD AT LEAST ONE OF THE SCREWS FULLY STRIP
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. CAR POWER STEERING WENT OUT. ALMOST WRECKED BECAUSE I COULD NOT STEER VEHICLE. NOW THE POWER STEERING GOES IN AND OUT AS IT WISHES. THE STEERING WHEEL JERKS TO THE LEFT WHEN IT DOES DECIDE TO WORK. SOMETIMES TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF WILL MAKE THE POWER STEERING COME BACK ON. *TR
AS I WAS TURNING A CORNER THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. THIS IS THE THIRD INCIDENT IN A WEEK, EACH ONE AS THE VEHICLE WAS TURNING. *TR
ATTEMPTED TO EXECUTE A TURN INTO PARKING LOT DRIVEWAY AND THE STEERING WOULD NOT RESPOND. AFTER PASSING DRIVEWAY, ATTEMPTED TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION AND STEERING WOULD NOT RESPOND MORE THAN A FEW DEGREES (< 10) OF DIRECTION. TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER HALF MILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN AROUND AND RETURN HOME BEFORE ENOUGH STEER…
Read full complaint
ATTEMPTED TO EXECUTE A TURN INTO PARKING LOT DRIVEWAY AND THE STEERING WOULD NOT RESPOND. AFTER PASSING DRIVEWAY, ATTEMPTED TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION AND STEERING WOULD NOT RESPOND MORE THAN A FEW DEGREES (< 10) OF DIRECTION. TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER HALF MILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN AROUND AND RETURN HOME BEFORE ENOUGH STEERING WAS RESTORED TO COMPLETE A TURN AROUND. AFTERWARD, STEERING HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT AND DIFFICULT TO IMPOSSIBLE. THIS CONDITION IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY GM BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED, IF THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ALREADY. *TR
Official recalls
614V252000 · Electrical System:wiring; Electronic Stability Control (esc); Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
May 14, 2014
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 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
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 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise 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 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
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 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
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 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Electrical System:wiring
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 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
14V224000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Apr 30, 2014
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. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the PARK position, the transmission may not be in PARK. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
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. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
Consequence: If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the PARK position, the transmission may not be in PARK. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
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. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
Consequence: If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the PARK position, the transmission may not be in PARK. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.
14V153000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System
Mar 31, 2014
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 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
04V190000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Apr 19, 2004
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS CONTROLLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
04V188000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage
Apr 16, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, ANALYSIS OF AN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH TEST CONDUCTED BY THE NHTSA;S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) INDICATED THAT 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 POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURRED IN A CRASH, THE DRIVER COULD RECEIVE GREATER INJURIES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSERT A RETAINER ON BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S BELT ANCHORAGES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
04V094000 · Equipment:other:labels
Feb 24, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ADVANCED OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AORS) HAVE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISORS WITH AORS LABELS. THE AORS LABELS DO NOT INCLUDE STATEMENTS AND THE ILLUSTRATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 208 FOR VEHICLES WITHOUT AORS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT REPLACEMENT LABELS WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO INSTALL THEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4EA09004 · Turn Signal Lamps
Opened Mar 20, 2009 · Closed Aug 12, 2010
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
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 full battery voltage when functioning as a DRL.The DRL is illuminated whenever the headlamps are off, increasing the duty cycle of the front turn signal bulb.The MY 2003 and earlier Malibu vehicles (Malibu Maxx was not manufactured for sale in the U.S. prior to MY 2004) used a headlamp based design, operated at a reduced voltage, for the DRL function; GM reverted back to this design on the MY 2006 and later Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles. Filament based bulbs have a finite life (hours of illumination) for any given operating voltage.As a result, increasing the duty cycle of a bulb typically decreases the life span of the bulb.GM identified and addressed two front turn signal/DRL and rear turn signal bulb quality issues early in MY 2004 production, however vehicle warranty claims for failed bulbs continued to occur.To address the high warranty levels of bulb failures (90% of the warranty claims submitted to ODI by GM were bulb failures and 10% were socket failures), GM issued a technical service bulletin in March 2006 advising dealers to use a new specification of bulb when addressing service failures, and to also inspect the electrical sockets for thermal damage and replace if necessary.In June 2006 (after subject vehicle production ended) GM changed the turn signal bulb specification to that of the TSB bulb in vehicle production also.To date, ODI has not identified any allegations of crash, injury, or fire related to the alleged defect even though the subject vehicles have experienced 5 - 6 years of field exposure.ODI's analysis of consumer complaints, both VOQ and manufacturer, shows a declining trend.The warranty rate for turn signal bulb replacement is high however statistical analysis of the warranty data suggests that the majority of the original equipment bulbs have already been replaced.GM conducted a safety recall (06V-263) for MY 2004-2005 Cadillac XLR to replace the front turn signal/DRL bulbs and the electrical sockets.However GM advised that the turn signal/DRL bulbs/sockets on the subject vehicles differ from those on the recalled XLRs in several respects, including using bulb sockets with four electrical terminals as opposed to three, which improves the electrical connection, allows the bulb to operate at a lower temperature, and adds stability to the bulb in the socket; operating at a lower voltage, which increases vehicle bulb life; using vented headlamps, which allows bulbs to run cooler than those installed in a non-vented XLR headlamp; and using a clear bulb, which runs cooler than the amber bulbs installed on the XLR.Additionally, the warranty claim level related to subject vehicle sockets is unremarkable compared to other defect investigations into defective socket assemblies.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.Further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.See attached report for further information.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
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 full battery voltage when functioning as a DRL.The DRL is illuminated whenever the headlamps are off, increasing the duty cycle of the front turn signal bulb.The MY 2003 and earlier Malibu vehicles (Malibu Maxx was not manufactured for sale in the U.S. prior to MY 2004) used a headlamp based design, operated at a reduced voltage, for the DRL function; GM reverted back to this design on the MY 2006 and later Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles. Filament based bulbs have a finite life (hours of illumination) for any given operating voltage.As a result, increasing the duty cycle of a bulb typically decreases the life span of the bulb.GM identified and addressed two front turn signal/DRL and rear turn signal bulb quality issues early in MY 2004 production, however vehicle warranty claims for failed bulbs continued to occur.To address the high warranty levels of bulb failures (90% of the warranty claims submitted to ODI by GM were bulb failures and 10% were socket failures), GM issued a technical service bulletin in March 2006 advising dealers to use a new specification of bulb when addressing service failures, and to also inspect the electrical sockets for thermal damage and replace if necessary.In June 2006 (after subject vehicle production ended) GM changed the turn signal bulb specification to that of the TSB bulb in vehicle production also.To date, ODI has not identified any allegations of crash, injury, or fire related to the alleged defect even though the subject vehicles have experienced 5 - 6 years of field exposure.ODI's analysis of consumer complaints, both VOQ and manufacturer, shows a declining trend.The warranty rate for turn signal bulb replacement is high however statistical analysis of the warranty data suggests that the majority of the original equipment bulbs have already been replaced.GM conducted a safety recall (06V-263) for MY 2004-2005 Cadillac XLR to replace the front turn signal/DRL bulbs and the electrical sockets.However GM advised that the turn signal/DRL bulbs/sockets on the subject vehicles differ from those on the recalled XLRs in several respects, including using bulb sockets with four electrical terminals as opposed to three, which improves the electrical connection, allows the bulb to operate at a lower temperature, and adds stability to the bulb in the socket; operating at a lower voltage, which increases vehicle bulb life; using vented headlamps, which allows bulbs to run cooler than those installed in a non-vented XLR headlamp; and using a clear bulb, which runs cooler than the amber bulbs installed on the XLR.Additionally, the warranty claim level related to subject vehicle sockets is unremarkable compared to other defect investigations into defective socket assemblies.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.Further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.See attached report for further information.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
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 full battery voltage when functioning as a DRL.The DRL is illuminated whenever the headlamps are off, increasing the duty cycle of the front turn signal bulb.The MY 2003 and earlier Malibu vehicles (Malibu Maxx was not manufactured for sale in the U.S. prior to MY 2004) used a headlamp based design, operated at a reduced voltage, for the DRL function; GM reverted back to this design on the MY 2006 and later Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles. Filament based bulbs have a finite life (hours of illumination) for any given operating voltage.As a result, increasing the duty cycle of a bulb typically decreases the life span of the bulb.GM identified and addressed two front turn signal/DRL and rear turn signal bulb quality issues early in MY 2004 production, however vehicle warranty claims for failed bulbs continued to occur.To address the high warranty levels of bulb failures (90% of the warranty claims submitted to ODI by GM were bulb failures and 10% were socket failures), GM issued a technical service bulletin in March 2006 advising dealers to use a new specification of bulb when addressing service failures, and to also inspect the electrical sockets for thermal damage and replace if necessary.In June 2006 (after subject vehicle production ended) GM changed the turn signal bulb specification to that of the TSB bulb in vehicle production also.To date, ODI has not identified any allegations of crash, injury, or fire related to the alleged defect even though the subject vehicles have experienced 5 - 6 years of field exposure.ODI's analysis of consumer complaints, both VOQ and manufacturer, shows a declining trend.The warranty rate for turn signal bulb replacement is high however statistical analysis of the warranty data suggests that the majority of the original equipment bulbs have already been replaced.GM conducted a safety recall (06V-263) for MY 2004-2005 Cadillac XLR to replace the front turn signal/DRL bulbs and the electrical sockets.However GM advised that the turn signal/DRL bulbs/sockets on the subject vehicles differ from those on the recalled XLRs in several respects, including using bulb sockets with four electrical terminals as opposed to three, which improves the electrical connection, allows the bulb to operate at a lower temperature, and adds stability to the bulb in the socket; operating at a lower voltage, which increases vehicle bulb life; using vented headlamps, which allows bulbs to run cooler than those installed in a non-vented XLR headlamp; and using a clear bulb, which runs cooler than the amber bulbs installed on the XLR.Additionally, the warranty claim level related to subject vehicle sockets is unremarkable compared to other defect investigations into defective socket assemblies.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.Further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.See attached report for further information.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
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 full battery voltage when functioning as a DRL.The DRL is illuminated whenever the headlamps are off, increasing the duty cycle of the front turn signal bulb.The MY 2003 and earlier Malibu vehicles (Malibu Maxx was not manufactured for sale in the U.S. prior to MY 2004) used a headlamp based design, operated at a reduced voltage, for the DRL function; GM reverted back to this design on the MY 2006 and later Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles. Filament based bulbs have a finite life (hours of illumination) for any given operating voltage.As a result, increasing the duty cycle of a bulb typically decreases the life span of the bulb.GM identified and addressed two front turn signal/DRL and rear turn signal bulb quality issues early in MY 2004 production, however vehicle warranty claims for failed bulbs continued to occur.To address the high warranty levels of bulb failures (90% of the warranty claims submitted to ODI by GM were bulb failures and 10% were socket failures), GM issued a technical service bulletin in March 2006 advising dealers to use a new specification of bulb when addressing service failures, and to also inspect the electrical sockets for thermal damage and replace if necessary.In June 2006 (after subject vehicle production ended) GM changed the turn signal bulb specification to that of the TSB bulb in vehicle production also.To date, ODI has not identified any allegations of crash, injury, or fire related to the alleged defect even though the subject vehicles have experienced 5 - 6 years of field exposure.ODI's analysis of consumer complaints, both VOQ and manufacturer, shows a declining trend.The warranty rate for turn signal bulb replacement is high however statistical analysis of the warranty data suggests that the majority of the original equipment bulbs have already been replaced.GM conducted a safety recall (06V-263) for MY 2004-2005 Cadillac XLR to replace the front turn signal/DRL bulbs and the electrical sockets.However GM advised that the turn signal/DRL bulbs/sockets on the subject vehicles differ from those on the recalled XLRs in several respects, including using bulb sockets with four electrical terminals as opposed to three, which improves the electrical connection, allows the bulb to operate at a lower temperature, and adds stability to the bulb in the socket; operating at a lower voltage, which increases vehicle bulb life; using vented headlamps, which allows bulbs to run cooler than those installed in a non-vented XLR headlamp; and using a clear bulb, which runs cooler than the amber bulbs installed on the XLR.Additionally, the warranty claim level related to subject vehicle sockets is unremarkable compared to other defect investigations into defective socket assemblies.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.Further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.See attached report for further information.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
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 full battery voltage when functioning as a DRL.The DRL is illuminated whenever the headlamps are off, increasing the duty cycle of the front turn signal bulb.The MY 2003 and earlier Malibu vehicles (Malibu Maxx was not manufactured for sale in the U.S. prior to MY 2004) used a headlamp based design, operated at a reduced voltage, for the DRL function; GM reverted back to this design on the MY 2006 and later Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles. Filament based bulbs have a finite life (hours of illumination) for any given operating voltage.As a result, increasing the duty cycle of a bulb typically decreases the life span of the bulb.GM identified and addressed two front turn signal/DRL and rear turn signal bulb quality issues early in MY 2004 production, however vehicle warranty claims for failed bulbs continued to occur.To address the high warranty levels of bulb failures (90% of the warranty claims submitted to ODI by GM were bulb failures and 10% were socket failures), GM issued a technical service bulletin in March 2006 advising dealers to use a new specification of bulb when addressing service failures, and to also inspect the electrical sockets for thermal damage and replace if necessary.In June 2006 (after subject vehicle production ended) GM changed the turn signal bulb specification to that of the TSB bulb in vehicle production also.To date, ODI has not identified any allegations of crash, injury, or fire related to the alleged defect even though the subject vehicles have experienced 5 - 6 years of field exposure.ODI's analysis of consumer complaints, both VOQ and manufacturer, shows a declining trend.The warranty rate for turn signal bulb replacement is high however statistical analysis of the warranty data suggests that the majority of the original equipment bulbs have already been replaced.GM conducted a safety recall (06V-263) for MY 2004-2005 Cadillac XLR to replace the front turn signal/DRL bulbs and the electrical sockets.However GM advised that the turn signal/DRL bulbs/sockets on the subject vehicles differ from those on the recalled XLRs in several respects, including using bulb sockets with four electrical terminals as opposed to three, which improves the electrical connection, allows the bulb to operate at a lower temperature, and adds stability to the bulb in the socket; operating at a lower voltage, which increases vehicle bulb life; using vented headlamps, which allows bulbs to run cooler than those installed in a non-vented XLR headlamp; and using a clear bulb, which runs cooler than the amber bulbs installed on the XLR.Additionally, the warranty claim level related to subject vehicle sockets is unremarkable compared to other defect investigations into defective socket assemblies.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.Further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.See attached report for further information.
PE08062 · Turn Signal Lamps
Opened Oct 21, 2008 · Closed Mar 20, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
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) NUMBER 06-08-42-004C INSTRUCTS TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE THE LAMP HOUSING FOR SIGNS OF DISCOLORATION AND TO REPLACE THE BULBS AND OR SOCKETS DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE DISCOLORATION AND THE CONDITION OF THE BULBS AND SOCKETS.THE SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION IN THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE08-062) WAS THE 2004 MALIBU/MAXX.HOWEVER, THE AGENCY EVALUATED GM'S WARRANTY DATA WHICH INDICATES THAT THE 2005 MODEL YEAR (MY) MALIBU AND MALIBU MAXX VEHICLES ARE ALSO AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION.THIS INVESTIGATION IS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-004).
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
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) NUMBER 06-08-42-004C INSTRUCTS TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE THE LAMP HOUSING FOR SIGNS OF DISCOLORATION AND TO REPLACE THE BULBS AND OR SOCKETS DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE DISCOLORATION AND THE CONDITION OF THE BULBS AND SOCKETS.THE SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION IN THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE08-062) WAS THE 2004 MALIBU/MAXX.HOWEVER, THE AGENCY EVALUATED GM'S WARRANTY DATA WHICH INDICATES THAT THE 2005 MODEL YEAR (MY) MALIBU AND MALIBU MAXX VEHICLES ARE ALSO AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION.THIS INVESTIGATION IS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-004).
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
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) NUMBER 06-08-42-004C INSTRUCTS TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE THE LAMP HOUSING FOR SIGNS OF DISCOLORATION AND TO REPLACE THE BULBS AND OR SOCKETS DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE DISCOLORATION AND THE CONDITION OF THE BULBS AND SOCKETS.THE SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION IN THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE08-062) WAS THE 2004 MALIBU/MAXX.HOWEVER, THE AGENCY EVALUATED GM'S WARRANTY DATA WHICH INDICATES THAT THE 2005 MODEL YEAR (MY) MALIBU AND MALIBU MAXX VEHICLES ARE ALSO AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION.THIS INVESTIGATION IS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-004).
EA04018 · Loss Of Electric Power Steering
Opened Jul 1, 2004 · Closed May 10, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System
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 FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS INVESTIGATION IS NOT WARRANTED AT THIS TIME: - GM ISSUED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (CSC) 04050A INDECEMBER 2004 TO ADDRESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY58,700 SUBJECT VEHICLES, ENCOMPASSING AT LEAST 97 PERCENT OF THECOMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIMS POPULATION.VEHICLES OUTSIDE THECSC 04050A POPULATION CONTAIN A NEWLY DESIGNED TORQUE ANDPOSITION SENSOR AND HAVE EXPERIENCED A RELATIVELY LOW COMPLAINTRATE.THIS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN PRESENTLY HAS ACOMPLETION RATE OF 52%. - THE IMPACT ON THE DRIVER?S ABILITY TO CONTROL THESE RELATIVELYSMALL AND LIGHT VEHICLES WAS LIMITED.VRTC TEST ENGINEERS WEREUNABLE TO INDUCE A FAILURE MODE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE EPS TOSUBSTANTIALLY LIMIT THE DRIVER?S ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN APARTICULAR DIRECTION OR TO PROVIDE THE DRIVER WITH UNINTENDEDPOWER ASSISTANCE.- THERE IS NO RISK OF FIRE.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.(FOR FURTHER DETAILS SEE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-018)CLOSING REPORT.)
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:electric Power Assist System
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 FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS INVESTIGATION IS NOT WARRANTED AT THIS TIME: - GM ISSUED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (CSC) 04050A INDECEMBER 2004 TO ADDRESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY58,700 SUBJECT VEHICLES, ENCOMPASSING AT LEAST 97 PERCENT OF THECOMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIMS POPULATION.VEHICLES OUTSIDE THECSC 04050A POPULATION CONTAIN A NEWLY DESIGNED TORQUE ANDPOSITION SENSOR AND HAVE EXPERIENCED A RELATIVELY LOW COMPLAINTRATE.THIS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN PRESENTLY HAS ACOMPLETION RATE OF 52%. - THE IMPACT ON THE DRIVER?S ABILITY TO CONTROL THESE RELATIVELYSMALL AND LIGHT VEHICLES WAS LIMITED.VRTC TEST ENGINEERS WEREUNABLE TO INDUCE A FAILURE MODE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE EPS TOSUBSTANTIALLY LIMIT THE DRIVER?S ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN APARTICULAR DIRECTION OR TO PROVIDE THE DRIVER WITH UNINTENDEDPOWER ASSISTANCE.- THERE IS NO RISK OF FIRE.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.(FOR FURTHER DETAILS SEE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-018)CLOSING REPORT.)
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 FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS INVESTIGATION IS NOT WARRANTED AT THIS TIME: - GM ISSUED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (CSC) 04050A INDECEMBER 2004 TO ADDRESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY58,700 SUBJECT VEHICLES, ENCOMPASSING AT LEAST 97 PERCENT OF THECOMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIMS POPULATION.VEHICLES OUTSIDE THECSC 04050A POPULATION CONTAIN A NEWLY DESIGNED TORQUE ANDPOSITION SENSOR AND HAVE EXPERIENCED A RELATIVELY LOW COMPLAINTRATE.THIS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN PRESENTLY HAS ACOMPLETION RATE OF 52%. - THE IMPACT ON THE DRIVER?S ABILITY TO CONTROL THESE RELATIVELYSMALL AND LIGHT VEHICLES WAS LIMITED.VRTC TEST ENGINEERS WEREUNABLE TO INDUCE A FAILURE MODE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE EPS TOSUBSTANTIALLY LIMIT THE DRIVER?S ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN APARTICULAR DIRECTION OR TO PROVIDE THE DRIVER WITH UNINTENDEDPOWER ASSISTANCE.- THERE IS NO RISK OF FIRE.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.(FOR FURTHER DETAILS SEE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-018)CLOSING REPORT.)
PE04031 · Loss Of Electric Power Steering
Opened Mar 30, 2004 · Closed Jul 1, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System
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. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE UTILIZES AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM (EPS) THAT PROVIDES VARIABLE STEERING ASSISTANCE BASED ON STEERING WHEEL TORQUE, STEERING WHEEL POSTION, AND VEHICLE SPEED.GENERAL MOTORS DOCUMENTS IDENTIFIED THE FOLLOWING TWO FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES: A.CONTAMINATION OF THE TORQUE AND POSITION SENSOR FROM THESEPARATION OF GREASE APPLIED TO THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. B.ELECTRICAL NOISE GENERATED ON THE POWER AND GROUND SLIP RING SURFACES OF THE TORQUE AND POSITION SENSOR.THE NOISE IS GENERATED AS THE SENSOR CONTACT BRUSHES MOVE ALONG THE SLIP RING SURFACES WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS ROTATED.ODI'S ANALYSIS SHOWED FAILURERATES THAT ARE OF CONCERN TO ODI AND INDICATED THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS CONTINUING TO OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS CONCERN, TO ASSESS THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES, AND TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE AFFECTED POPULATION.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:electric Power Assist System
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. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE UTILIZES AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM (EPS) THAT PROVIDES VARIABLE STEERING ASSISTANCE BASED ON STEERING WHEEL TORQUE, STEERING WHEEL POSTION, AND VEHICLE SPEED.GENERAL MOTORS DOCUMENTS IDENTIFIED THE FOLLOWING TWO FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES: A.CONTAMINATION OF THE TORQUE AND POSITION SENSOR FROM THESEPARATION OF GREASE APPLIED TO THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. B.ELECTRICAL NOISE GENERATED ON THE POWER AND GROUND SLIP RING SURFACES OF THE TORQUE AND POSITION SENSOR.THE NOISE IS GENERATED AS THE SENSOR CONTACT BRUSHES MOVE ALONG THE SLIP RING SURFACES WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS ROTATED.ODI'S ANALYSIS SHOWED FAILURERATES THAT ARE OF CONCERN TO ODI AND INDICATED THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS CONTINUING TO OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS CONCERN, TO ASSESS THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES, AND TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE AFFECTED POPULATION.
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. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE UTILIZES AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM (EPS) THAT PROVIDES VARIABLE STEERING ASSISTANCE BASED ON STEERING WHEEL TORQUE, STEERING WHEEL POSTION, AND VEHICLE SPEED.GENERAL MOTORS DOCUMENTS IDENTIFIED THE FOLLOWING TWO FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES: A.CONTAMINATION OF THE TORQUE AND POSITION SENSOR FROM THESEPARATION OF GREASE APPLIED TO THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. B.ELECTRICAL NOISE GENERATED ON THE POWER AND GROUND SLIP RING SURFACES OF THE TORQUE AND POSITION SENSOR.THE NOISE IS GENERATED AS THE SENSOR CONTACT BRUSHES MOVE ALONG THE SLIP RING SURFACES WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS ROTATED.ODI'S ANALYSIS SHOWED FAILURERATES THAT ARE OF CONCERN TO ODI AND INDICATED THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS CONTINUING TO OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS CONCERN, TO ASSESS THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES, AND TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE AFFECTED POPULATION.