Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2007
6th generation · GM Epsilon (GMX380 sedan / GMX381 Maxx)
NHTSA data through 13 August 20265,753 complaints, 4,489 with mileageMethod
- Reports with mileage
- 4,489
- Median of reported failures
- 87,000 mi
- Most-reported system
- Steering (50.9%)
- Recalls
- 4
Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 50,000 and 128,000 miles.
Figure 1 · Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2007 · 4,489 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 234 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 183 complaints (4.1%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 14,200
- 25%
- 50,000
- Median
- 87,000
- 75%
- 128,000
- 90%
- 162,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 234 | 5.2% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 131 | 2.9% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 100 | 2.2% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 69 | 1.5% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 78 | 1.7% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 65 | 1.4% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 96 | 2.1% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 94 | 2.1% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 108 | 2.4% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 132 | 2.9% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 169 | 3.8% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 111 | 2.5% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 171 | 3.8% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 146 | 3.3% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 144 | 3.2% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 132 | 2.9% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 182 | 4.1% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 158 | 3.5% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 159 | 3.5% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 147 | 3.3% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 196 | 4.4% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 123 | 2.7% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 122 | 2.7% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 99 | 2.2% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 141 | 3.1% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 89 | 2.0% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 118 | 2.6% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 74 | 1.6% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 112 | 2.5% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 85 | 1.9% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 122 | 2.7% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 81 | 1.8% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 77 | 1.7% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 71 | 1.6% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 44 | 1.0% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 34 | 0.8% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 37 | 0.8% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 21 | 0.5% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 20 | 0.4% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 14 | 0.3% |
| 200,000+ | 183 | 4.1% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 5,753 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004–2007 Chevrolet Malibu, and 4,489 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 50,000 and 128,000 miles. The median is 87,000 miles.
The most-reported areas are the steering (50.9% of complaints, typically around 86,000 miles), the electrical system (10.3% of complaints, typically around 98,000 miles), the exterior lighting (6.0% of complaints, typically around 77,000 miles).
4 recall campaigns cover this generation.
If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.
How many miles does a 2004–2007 Chevrolet Malibu last?
Half of the failure reports on the 2004–2007 Chevrolet Malibu were filed by 87,000 miles and 90% by 162,000 miles — figures drawn from 4,489 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.
183 reports (4.1%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Malibu reached that mileage, not that it died there.
Before you buy a 2004–2007 Malibu: the 3-minute check
Generated from 4,489 mileage-tagged complaints, 4 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check steering on 2004–2006 cars. Column-mounted electric power steering (EPS) motor/torque-sensor failure causing sudden loss of power assist; subject of NHTSA recall action covering Malibu and Malibu Maxx.
- Check engine on 2004–2007 cars. 3.5L/3.9L V6 intake manifold and coolant sealing leaks; 2.2L Ecotec timing chain and camshaft position correlation faults.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 50,000 and 128,000 miles, with a median of 87,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the steering and the electrical system are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The steering in particular shows a median failure mileage of 86,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
What fails, and when
Figure 2 · Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2007
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Exterior lighting343 reports77,00049,000–110,000Exterior lighting: 343 reports, median 77,000 miles, middle half 49,000 to 110,000 miles.
- Steering2,930 reports86,00049,000–128,000Steering: 2,930 reports, median 86,000 miles, middle half 49,000 to 128,000 miles.
- Seats156 reports90,00068,000–116,000Seats: 156 reports, median 90,000 miles, middle half 68,000 to 116,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline227 reports95,00054,000–136,000Transmission and driveline: 227 reports, median 95,000 miles, middle half 54,000 to 136,000 miles.
- Electrical system595 reports98,00059,000–137,000Electrical system: 595 reports, median 98,000 miles, middle half 59,000 to 137,000 miles.
- Airbag system161 reports99,00050,000–137,000Airbag system: 161 reports, median 99,000 miles, middle half 50,000 to 137,000 miles.
- Brakes159 reports100,00062,000–137,000Brakes: 159 reports, median 100,000 miles, middle half 62,000 to 137,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 2,930 | 50.9% | 86,000 | 49,000–128,000 |
| Electrical system | 595 | 10.3% | 98,000 | 59,000–137,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 343 | 6.0% | 77,000 | 49,000–110,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 227 | 3.9% | 95,000 | 54,000–136,000 |
| Airbag system | 161 | 2.8% | 99,000 | 50,000–137,000 |
| Brakes | 159 | 2.8% | 100,000 | 62,000–137,000 |
| Seats | 156 | 2.7% | 90,000 | 68,000–116,000 |
| Fuel system | 140 | 2.4% | 75,000 | 57,000–100,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 133 | 2.3% | 100,000 | 71,000–140,000 |
| Engine | 127 | 2.2% | 109,000 | 86,000–153,000 |
Where your car sits
Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.
Figure 3 · Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2007 · 4,489 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 31% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 52% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 71% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it below
The staircase tops out at 96%: the remaining 4.1% of reports (183) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
At 60,000 miles
31% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
In the reporting window
- Steering — middle half 49,000–128,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 59,000–137,000 mi
- Exterior lighting — middle half 49,000–110,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 54,000–136,000 mi
- Airbag system — middle half 50,000–137,000 mi
Mostly reported later
- Brakes — middle half 62,000–137,000 mi
- Seats — middle half 68,000–116,000 mi
At 90,000 miles
52% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
In the reporting window
- Steering — middle half 49,000–128,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 59,000–137,000 mi
- Exterior lighting — middle half 49,000–110,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 54,000–136,000 mi
- Airbag system — middle half 50,000–137,000 mi
- Brakes — middle half 62,000–137,000 mi
- Seats — middle half 68,000–116,000 mi
At 120,000 miles
71% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Exterior lighting — median 77,000 mi
- Seats — median 90,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Steering — middle half 49,000–128,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 59,000–137,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 54,000–136,000 mi
- Airbag system — middle half 50,000–137,000 mi
- Brakes — middle half 62,000–137,000 mi
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 87,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The steering accounts for 50.9% of complaints (2,930 reports, 2,450 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 86,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 49,000 and 128,000 miles.
A single system taking 50.9% of all complaints is a concentration worth noting. It means that for this generation, most of what owners reported came back to one area of the car rather than being distributed across many small faults.
The electrical system accounts for 10.3% of complaints (595 reports, 415 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 98,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 59,000 and 137,000 miles.
The exterior lighting accounts for 6.0% of complaints (343 reports, 264 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 77,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 49,000 and 110,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 3.9% of complaints (227 reports, 145 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 95,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 54,000 and 136,000 miles.
The airbag system accounts for 2.8% of complaints (161 reports, 118 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 99,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 50,000 and 137,000 miles.
The brakes account for 2.8% of complaints (159 reports, 110 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 100,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 62,000 and 137,000 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2004 model year drew the most — 1,639 complaints — while 2007 drew the fewest at 1,253. The median year sits at 1,430.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 4 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the steering (2), electronic stability control (esc) (1), the transmission and driveline (1). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 5,753 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 257 (4.5%)
- Fires
- 57
- Injury reports
- 141
- Fatality reports
- 4
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Documented problems
Steering 2004–2006
Column-mounted electric power steering (EPS) motor/torque-sensor failure causing sudden loss of power assist; subject of NHTSA recall action covering Malibu and Malibu Maxx.
Engine 2004–2007
3.5L/3.9L V6 intake manifold and coolant sealing leaks; 2.2L Ecotec timing chain and camshaft position correlation faults.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1,639 | 1,305 |
| 2005 | 1,386 | 1,023 |
| 2006 | 1,475 | 1,166 |
| 2007 | 1,253 | 995 |
Recalls (4) — is your car included?
Feb 2015 · 2006–2007 · SteeringIf power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured April 1, 2006, to June 30, 2006, and 2006-2007 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured April 18, 2006, to June 30, 2006. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14772. Note: This is an expansion of recall 14V-153 to cover additional vehicles built between April 1, 2006 and June 30, 2006.
Aug 2014 · 2004–2007 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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
What can happen. Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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.
Jul 2014 · 2004–2006 · SteeringIf power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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 fr
Jun 2014 · 2004–2007 · Power TrainIf the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection…
The defect. 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 r
What can happen. 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
The free fix. 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.
What owners reported
Chevrolet Malibu model uses inferior brake rotors causing rotors to be warped almost immediately upon installation on vehicle. Upon taking delivery of 2004 Chevrolet Malibu in july 2004 it was immediately apparent that the front brake rotor was warped causing unsafe braking conditions and a general uneasyness when…
2004 · 5 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit
First, the car routinely burns out turn signals, and overheats the turn signal to the point that it melts the housing thta the light bulb snaps into. I have had to replace the headlight housing/lamp wirings harness multiple times along with many light bulbs. Second, there is a recall for the electronic power steering.…
2004 · 5 miles · Exterior lighting
Auto: 2004 Chevrolet Malibu ls - front turn signal-daytime running light melted a hole in the amber lens on both sides of the car. Grand prize Chevrolet of miami replaced both headlight assembly's . Have seen other malibus with the same problem and i am trying to find out if this is going to be a recurring problem. I…
2004 · 25 miles · Exterior lighting
My power steering has went out on my vehicle on its on with out warning i was driving when it happened. In the beginning i could power the car off and then turn it back on the check engine light would disappear. But now the light stays on. Its absolutely hard to make turns and i get stuck in parking lots and turns…
2004 · 55 miles · Steering
Built from 4,489 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page