Two problems related to transmission not engage have 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.
~tl the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact stated that while making a left turn the vehicle shifted into neutral independently without warning. The contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact attempted to manually shift the vehicle into park however, the transmission failed to engage. The contact pushed the vehicle over to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to midway Chevrolet (2323 w bell rd, phoenix, az) where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned NHTSA campaign number: 14v224000 (power train) as a possible solution to the failure, however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Vehicle experienced steering and transmission problems. The steering went out, forcing the vehicle to the right side of the road and into an embankment. Consumer had the vehicle towed to a service center. Transmission will not engage into the interlock. If going into reverse and changing into drive it was difficult to control vehicle. Consumer must use about 45 lbs of pressure to get the gear shift to operate smoothly. Also, vehicle was having brake problems. Consumer was driving on an off ramp and applied the brakes down to the floor. Vehicle slowed down but did not stop completely. Consumer contacted the manufacturer and the dealership, who told the consumer that there was a brake recall, and that the brake problem was electrical. The brakes were electronically programmed controlled. Recall campaign; 04v190000. Summary: some of these passenger vehicles have an electronic control unit (ecu) that may calculate a higher than actual vehicle speed because of an erratic rear-wheel speed sensor signal, and cause abs activation where it is not needed or needed abs activation to be extended during braking as the vehicle speed drops to about 3 mph. The trunk release button on the drivers door came apart. The shifter handle broke. The brake pedal went to the floor after being in traffic.