Transmission Failure problems of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the power steering malfunctioned and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. Also, the transmission failed to shift into the reverse gear. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control), 14v153000 (steering), and 14v224000 (power train). The dealer indicated that only one of the three recall repairs would be performed since the parts were not available. The brake light recall repair was performed. The dealer was unable to indicate a specific timeframe to schedule the two remaining recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.

On Saturday, August 18, 2007 my wife and I were traveling at 60 mph along a windy, hilly stretch of road. At the top of the third hill, the transmission dropped to zero. After coasting down the hill, I was able to continue in first gear only. After stopping for 15 minutes, I was able to continue driving in low gears. However, if I tried to accelerate quickly (such as to merge with interstate traffic, or to make a legal u-turn) then the transmission failed again. On Sunday, August 19, I took the vehicle to a service station and had the transmission flushed and filled. My hope was to avoid any mechanical problems. However, this service did not resolve the problem. On Tuesday, August 21, I took the vehicle to my local chevy dealer who told me the clutch was completely burned out. They asked me why I waited so long to have the transmission serviced. I pointed out to them that the owner's manual states that it is a "maintenance free" transmission that should never need servicing.