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7.1

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
7,976 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx brakes problems

brakes problem

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2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Owner Comments

problem #4

May 202007

Malibu Maxx 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,800 miles

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

Problems with the brakes, I have to replace the brake pads every 2-3 months and have the rotors turned as well for there is a vibration in the steering column and front end if not turned. I was told my dealership that the rotors are no good for the car and that GM is aware of the problem but refuses to correct it.

- Ruskin, FL, USA

problem #3

Jun 282007

Malibu Maxx 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Car leased brand new in August 2004. As of today on une 28,2007 car had brakes repaired 4 times at the dealer. Rotors have been machined each time, and today brake pads replaced..car has 27,180 miles on it, and it has been maintained, garaged, kept, and no one has been rough on the brakes. The last time we had the car to dealer for brake problems was July of last year. At that time we were told that a brake line was crimped and only found it because we were having tires rotated. Also, told that this was the last time rotors could be machined. Well today they machined them once again as I had said previously for the fourth time. I did some research, and I may be wrong but there was a recall on the car for ABS problems in April 2004 prior to our purchase of the car.. I called GM, and was told that our car was involved, but was later told by owner of dealership that there had been a communication error and our car was involved in another recall concerning seat belts or something along those lines. I am very concerned about the safety of the brakes at this point after so many conflicting stories..I feel very frustated, and had to spend almost $500 because the brake pads were not covered under the bumper to bumper warranty as they had nothing to do with the previous rotor/brakeline problems or so I was told..we had computor sensor problems, short sockets on both real turn signals, loose tie rod, ignition problems, which they could not detect..faulty gas cap etc.

- Denville, NJ, USA

problem #2

Dec 282006

Malibu Maxx 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,103 miles
Rotors repeatedly warp. Have had the brakes serviced twice within the 24000 warranty for brakes and it is requiring a third service at 26,000 miles outside of warranty. Rotors would need to be recut or replaced every 4,000 miles on this car to eliminate the pulsation. There is a systematic issue with the braking system, including the ABS and/or the traction control. This is not a material or service issue, but a design issue. The dealer has indicated that all systems on the car are working properly and there is nothing they can do other than recut or replace the rotors. General Motors has denied there is a problem which is expected possibly facing a recall of many cars. Although the dealer unofficially admitted this problem is a regular at their facility no one will officially admit this is an issue. Now that the brakes are outside of warranty at 26,000 miles, I am forced to pay for the service every 4,000 miles on my own. This could be a safety issue although the brakes have never failed to work. The affect of the design issue is that the brakes pulsate and progressively get worse as time goes on. Even after a few thousand miles the defect begins to surface. By 4,000 miles it is a big enough nuisance to have it serviced. This is an expense I had not bargained for when I bought this car.

- Euclid, OH, USA

problem #1

Jun 252005

Malibu Maxx 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Noticed front end shutter while applying brakes. Took car to dealer under warranty and extended warranty and dealer said excessive rust in brake pads. Also dealer said front rotors were warped. Dealer turned rotors and cleaned. Car had only 28K miles on it. Drove for a couple of days and problem came back. Took back to same dealer and he said rotors fine just excessive rust and brake dust. Nothing he could do. Car has 34K miles on it and in the rain, applied brakes and whole front end shuttered and anti- locks were grinding. Took back to dealer and they could find no problems. Now car has 42K miles and took to midas, they said front rotors severely warped and pads worn away. They could tell someone turned down rotors once and did bad job. Have to replace front rotors with different style rotors and new pads. Costs $500 dollars to replace. Chevrolet will not cover any of it even though existing problem.

- Charlton, MA, USA

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