One problem related to side/window air bag has been reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu based on all problems reported for the 2004 Malibu.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu sedan. While driving 30 mph, she crashed into a dirt mound and blacked out. When the driver side air bag deployed, the steering wheel was detached. There was smoke and some flames present around the steering wheel. The driver was able to regain consciousness, smelled smoke and stopped the vehicle by shifting the gear into park. The seat belt also broke, threw the contact into the rear seat and the vehicle flipped over into a field and was destroyed. The driver sustained a concussion, whiplash and the passenger had minor injuries. The passenger air bag deployed normally. Pictures and a police report and pictures are available. The fire department attempted to determine the cause of fire and was unsuccessful. The failure and current mileages were approximately 100,000. Rk updated 5/5/08.