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7.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
80,650 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (9 reports)
2004 Chevrolet Malibu lights problems

lights problem

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2004 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments

problem #9

Jan 012009

Malibu LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At first I thought the headlights were just getting old and faded. Upon further inspection, I noticed the bulb had actually burned through the amber plastic. This happened for both left and right headlights. I've replaced multiple bulbs and now they keep going out. I put 2 new bulbs in the headlights just 2 weeks ago and one is already out. I'm the original owner and I've never owned anything but GM cars; however, I'm ready to check out Toyota. I even use a GM credit card, and have over $3,000 in earnings toward the purchase of a new car, but I am willing to sacrifice those earnings and buy from a different manufacturer. This is definitely a safety issue because I hate driving at night with only one headlight working (which I did last night). GM should definitely step up and replace this part since it sounds like many people have the same issue.

- Paul T., Redondo Beach, CA, US

problem #8

Apr 102012

Malibu 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Gee, Chevrolet, with all the complaints about this, couldn't you have a recall?

This could cause a melting of wires or fire.

Not a happy camper. Like the car otherwise. Never gave us any problem until this.

- kbrz, Kouts, IN, US

problem #7

Apr 052011

Malibu LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles

I purchased a new 2004 Chevrolet Malibu from Davis Chevrolet in Houston, sad to report that I have several problems starting with the casing lights melting all over the light and the casing dropping off. I purchased 2 after market sets of lights, both in a matter of a half hour burned through the casing and melted onto the bulb.

Two years after I purchased the car I noticed a small hole on the orange casing, took the vehicle to the dealership and they said that I had the wrong size bulb....I told the gentleman that I had no reason to change the bulb when my vehicle was only two years old. He said I can take it to the back and check the bulb....did not trust him, he could very easily have picked up any bulb and said that I had changed the bulb. I took the vehicle to Allen Samuel Chevrolet in Houston, one of the service in-take lead me to believe that once I met with the Service Manager the situation would be take care of.....MANAGER WAS NEVER IN!!!

I took my car to get inspected and the associate mechanic told me that he has seen many of the same cars with the same problems. Now the RIGHT TURN SIGNAL HAS A MIND OF IT'S OWN...FAST CLICK THEN IT WORKS ITSELF OUT AND YOU JUST DON'T EVER KNOW. I called General Motors and THE LADY said there were NO RECALLS, I said that I was inclined in stopping a lot of Malibu's on the road and starting a PETITION in order to start a class action suit since most of the vehicles I've seen have fogged lights and bulb are burned. THE LADY asked if I had taken it to get a diagnosis (because I told her there was a short somewhere). I said I'd take it if GM was going to pay for it....said no but I can find out how much it would cost you....150.00. WHAT DO THEY NEED TO POST A RECALL???? I will not buy anymore American cars!!!!

- pujols, Houston, TX, US

problem #6

Oct 152011

Malibu LS 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I replaced the front light assemblies with after-market units and they went bad in about 12000 miles. The bulb sockets melted. I am going to try to find replacement sockets and install resistors to cut down the voltage to the parking lights which are on all the time as marker lights. I will update this as I proceed with the modifications.

- Arleigh J., Tuscola, IL, US

problem #5

Sep 012012

Malibu LX 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 184,785 miles

I think Chevrolet should recall these headlight assemblies and make sure these are not a fire hazard. I am replacing bulbs quite often and the melting is burning the covers from the inside out and making the fogging issue worse. I will have to replace the whole assemblies soon and that is not cheap. The plastic out sides are a pain with the frosting and yellowing so that you do not have enough lights on the highway to see. The polishing of these are a big pain.

- omazopp, Morganton, NC, US

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problem #4

Oct 062006

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

I have a 2004 Malibu, and I have problems with the lights burning out. Right now, the turning lights have burned a hole in both bulbs, and the entire light fixture has become scorched. I have taken the car to the dealer many times, and they have no solution, they have contacted GM and GM has no solution, neither has GM re called the car. Now we see why they are facing bankruptcy, its not because of the credit market, its because no one wants to buy their sub standard cars. For me this is the last American car I will purchase, looking to get a Toyota Camry. I am really mad that my tax payer money is being given to such as GM that has no interest in their customers.

- Karl K., Miami, FL, US

problem #3

Sep 102008

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I used to love Chevy Malibu - had a 1997 one that was perfect! So I brought another one, the 2004, and it is far from perfect or even good. The blinker light has been blowing out over and over, the truck won't pop open either from inside or with auto, already had to replace a hub and had numerous, numerous, steering and front end problems

- kathync, Oak Island, NC, US

problem #2

Jul 142008

Malibu LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

I have had several problems with the lighting on my Malibu. I have had the blinker replaced 6 times because Chevy never put a sealer on the light fixture. It took me mentioning that maybe that was the problem before they finally checked for it. Now I see that the blinker has burned through the plastic casing on both sides. It is obviously a manufactures defect but of course there is no recall!

- Kristin R., Perris, CA, US

problem #1

May 282008

Malibu LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,000 miles

The problem first occurred in November of 2007. GM dealer told me nothing was wrong. I replaced both complete headlights. 5 months later the turn signal bulb is burning through the orange plastic casing on both of the brand new headlamps. It has also melted the socket holding the light bulb. GM won't stand behind there product and offer any assistance with this issue. I strongly advise against buying a GM car for 2 reasons: I have had NUMEROUS problems with the 2004 Malibu and GM isn't willing to provide ANY assistance. Once it's out of warranty, they have nothing to do with the car (even though I've consistently had something go wrong on the car since 13,000 miles)

- Andrea F., Columbus, OH, US

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