chevrolet classic 2004 Complaints

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

dt: the consumer states she purchased the vehicle used in march 2005. the transmission was jumping real badly. this always happened. the dealership told her it was alright, she then had the vehicle checked by another mechanic and was told the transmission was defective. . it happens when the vehicle went above 25 mph, and continued to happen. she has not called the manufacturer, but will call them next. when the vehicle was purchased it did have a little jump in it, and she took it to the dealership. they did not say they performed any work, but the vehicle was okay. the jump has gotten progressively worse.*ak *tt

Reported in: ROWLAND NC || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F04M

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

i purchased my car less than a year ago as a certified used car, and the brakes are becoming a very big problem. i have researched recalls that have been made to the make and model of my vehicle and notice that there has been a recall concerning the brakes. i would like to know why, if my car was in fact a certified used car, how it is possible for my brakes to be working so poorly. this problem is one that is potentially life threatening due to the increasing time that it takes to stop the vehicle. this car was purchased less than a year ago and therefore i feel strongly that i was deceived into buying a car that is a death trap!!! *jb

Reported in: TALLAHASSEE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F14M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

i purchased my car less than a year ago as a certified used car, and the brakes are becoming a very big problem. i have researched recalls that have been made to the make and model of my vehicle and notice that there has been a recall concerning the brakes. i would like to know why, if my car was in fact a certified used car, how it is possible for my brakes to be working so poorly. this problem is one that is potentially life threatening due to the increasing time that it takes to stop the vehicle. this car was purchased less than a year ago and therefore i feel strongly that i was deceived into buying a car that is a death trap!!! *jb

Reported in: TALLAHASSEE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F14M

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

i had purchased my chevy in feb 05'.it was certified used vehicle with only 15,000 miles. on 2-25-07 i heard a humming noise coming from the front of my car. i brought it to two mechanics and to my surprise both of my wheel bearings needed to be replaced, one was falling off. both mechanics told me that this should not have happened on a car that is 3 years old. was wondering what i could do about it. i will be contacting gen. motors. *nm

Reported in: LIVERPOOL NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F04M

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM

tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. the contact stated that the defogger has stopped working. when trying to clear the interior windshield glass, the exterior windshield fogs up very quickly. the failure occurs during different types of driving conditions. while driving 25 mph, the front windshield fogged up almost immediately and the contact's visibility became impaired. the vehicle jumped over a median and crashed into a pole. a police report was filed. the current mileage is 50,000 and failure mileage was 49,000.

Reported in: GEORGETOWN TX || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1G1ND52F24M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

car would not start. replaced the fuel pump. not the problem. found out that the theft system light was the problem after my brother in law called a friend of his that worked at gm. theft system light comes on while driving and there are times that the car will not start and i have to leave keys in ignition for 10-15 minutes and then come back, turn off and then turn on again, and it starts. this is a common problem with the chevy malibu's. i am fortunate that i have not been driving and my car cut off on me like other malibu owners who are experiencing the whole theft system light coming on. i am taking it to the shop tonight to have the ignition cylinder replaced but have read forums where that didn't help either. gm /chevy knows that have a problem and aren't during anything about it. why not investigate before you have fatalities on the road and it comes back to faulty equipment on chevy. *jb

Reported in: PURCELLVILLE VA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F44M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER

i own a 2004 chevrolet malibu classic. for the past year or more i've been having problems starting my car and the only resolution is to wait 10min. with the ignition in the on position until the theft system light goes off. i figured this out by reading the owners manual but i feel sorry for the many folks who spent hundreds of dollars before doing so. it was only happening every couple of months and has progressed to happening 1-2 times a day. the theft light will now even come on at times while driving. i'm just afraid the car might shut off while driving and cause an accident. the gm dealer says it's probably the ignition cylinder or the body control module that need replaced. from what i've read on the internet forums that has not fixed the problem. the problem resides in the passlock security system and the only way to remedy it is to have it disabled or bypassed, but not by gm of course because they won't admit to the problem. since gm won't fix the problem, there should be a recall that will force them to. i challenge you to read the forums for yourself on this issue. i feel the evidence is compelling as i expect you will also. someone needs to step in and take control on this one and i'm afraid that you are the only one who can. americans are struggling to afford driving with fuel at $4.00/gal let alone being deceived by gm into spending hundreds of dollars for unjustly repairs. thank you for listening.

Reported in: COLUMBIA CITY IN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F34M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

i own a 2004 chevrolet malibu classic. for the past year or more i've been having problems starting my car and the only resolution is to wait 10min. with the ignition in the on position until the theft system light goes off. i figured this out by reading the owners manual but i feel sorry for the many folks who spent hundreds of dollars before doing so. it was only happening every couple of months and has progressed to happening 1-2 times a day. the theft light will now even come on at times while driving. i'm just afraid the car might shut off while driving and cause an accident. the gm dealer says it's probably the ignition cylinder or the body control module that need replaced. from what i've read on the internet forums that has not fixed the problem. the problem resides in the passlock security system and the only way to remedy it is to have it disabled or bypassed, but not by gm of course because they won't admit to the problem. since gm won't fix the problem, there should be a recall that will force them to. i challenge you to read the forums for yourself on this issue. i feel the evidence is compelling as i expect you will also. someone needs to step in and take control on this one and i'm afraid that you are the only one who can. americans are struggling to afford driving with fuel at $4.00/gal let alone being deceived by gm into spending hundreds of dollars for unjustly repairs. thank you for listening.

Reported in: COLUMBIA CITY IN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F34M

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

in the early part of 2008 my flasher began working intermittently on my vehicle and i was forced to get the system replaced at the dealership. sometimes the turn signal would work, other times it would stop flashing prior to the physical turn. in some instances it would not initiate at all. after getting the flasher replaced i've had no incidents. i had it replaced in october when i was about to travel long distance with the vehicle for $411.

Reported in: HEPHZIBAH GA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F14M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

chevy classic 2004 would not start. first time this has happened. out of warranty. noticed anti-theft light on a few times, for a few minutes, 3 or 4 times in last month. electrical system, batt, starter, alternator fine. lots of fuel. starts in neutral for 2-3 seconds then dies. passlock assembly, part of the anti-theft system was diagnosed as failed. it is a computer component built-in to the ignition system. mechanic claims new passlock assembly and new key are required. this vehicle was never in an accident. this vehicle has no after-market parts installed i.e. radio, alarm, etc. this vehicle is kept in 2 car garage and is only car in the garage.

Reported in: ORLANDO FL || Crash: N || VIN #:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

i simply tried to turn on my car after a long day at work and the "security" system wont allow the car to turn on.

Reported in: SHALIMAR FL || Crash: N || VIN #:

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

turn signals work intermittently. when the turn signals are inoperative, the driver cannot use them to signal intent to turn that could result in a crash.

Reported in: FRANKLIN MA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F84M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2004 chevy classic anti-theft system engages every time the engine fails to start on the first spark. it has left me stranded once (till i figured out the problem) and since has occurred about 8 times a week. engine cold or hot does not matter. the ten minutes is certainly inconvenient and at times a safety hazard. the problem began at work about 2 months ago. i have tried better fuel, fuel additives, different starting procedures. nothing works.

Reported in: PEARLAND TX || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F74M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

my husband was taking our four youngest children to school oct. 18, 2005, traveling south on i-45 in the houston area in our 2004 malibu classic which had approximately 40,000 miles on it. witnesses said he swerved around several cars and was going 80+ mph. he pulled onto the shoulder, passed and clipped a car; and then pulled off the freeway into the grassy median. he swerved around a post, a large electric box and a large sign pillar. his left front tire hit a culvert and was flattened. according to an expert, this pulled his car to the left, leaving the car hard to steer. the car hit a sign support structure. all five were killed; the car was demolished and caught fire. according to the police report, this all took place in less than 15 seconds. according to the expert report, the throttle body was found stuck at the near full throttle position; the brake pedal had significant deformation in the forward direction (bent from the rear to the front) indicating the driver’s foot was on the pedal at the time of impact; there was little fire damage to the front of the vehicle, however, the front brake pad material was overheated and spalled, indicating hard brake/pedal application; all five seatbelt latches were found and still locked; and the tires plowed up the dry grass and soil from the time the vehicle left the freeway until it hit the pole, leaving a trail that screamed for help and was still visible for weeks after the accident – other vehicles drove all over the median and left no impressions. the expert concluded the brake system, throttle control, vehicle speed control and cruise control system are defectively designed and manufactured. the family has had a lawsuit against gm since oct. 2007 with no resolution.

Reported in: DICKINSON TX || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1G1ND52F34M

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

my husband was taking our four youngest children to school oct. 18, 2005, traveling south on i-45 in the houston area in our 2004 malibu classic which had approximately 40,000 miles on it. witnesses said he swerved around several cars and was going 80+ mph. he pulled onto the shoulder, passed and clipped a car; and then pulled off the freeway into the grassy median. he swerved around a post, a large electric box and a large sign pillar. his left front tire hit a culvert and was flattened. according to an expert, this pulled his car to the left, leaving the car hard to steer. the car hit a sign support structure. all five were killed; the car was demolished and caught fire. according to the police report, this all took place in less than 15 seconds. according to the expert report, the throttle body was found stuck at the near full throttle position; the brake pedal had significant deformation in the forward direction (bent from the rear to the front) indicating the driver’s foot was on the pedal at the time of impact; there was little fire damage to the front of the vehicle, however, the front brake pad material was overheated and spalled, indicating hard brake/pedal application; all five seatbelt latches were found and still locked; and the tires plowed up the dry grass and soil from the time the vehicle left the freeway until it hit the pole, leaving a trail that screamed for help and was still visible for weeks after the accident – other vehicles drove all over the median and left no impressions. the expert concluded the brake system, throttle control, vehicle speed control and cruise control system are defectively designed and manufactured. the family has had a lawsuit against gm since oct. 2007 with no resolution.

Reported in: DICKINSON TX || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1G1ND52F34M

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

my husband was taking our four youngest children to school oct. 18, 2005, traveling south on i-45 in the houston area in our 2004 malibu classic which had approximately 40,000 miles on it. witnesses said he swerved around several cars and was going 80+ mph. he pulled onto the shoulder, passed and clipped a car; and then pulled off the freeway into the grassy median. he swerved around a post, a large electric box and a large sign pillar. his left front tire hit a culvert and was flattened. according to an expert, this pulled his car to the left, leaving the car hard to steer. the car hit a sign support structure. all five were killed; the car was demolished and caught fire. according to the police report, this all took place in less than 15 seconds. according to the expert report, the throttle body was found stuck at the near full throttle position; the brake pedal had significant deformation in the forward direction (bent from the rear to the front) indicating the driver’s foot was on the pedal at the time of impact; there was little fire damage to the front of the vehicle, however, the front brake pad material was overheated and spalled, indicating hard brake/pedal application; all five seatbelt latches were found and still locked; and the tires plowed up the dry grass and soil from the time the vehicle left the freeway until it hit the pole, leaving a trail that screamed for help and was still visible for weeks after the accident – other vehicles drove all over the median and left no impressions. the expert concluded the brake system, throttle control, vehicle speed control and cruise control system are defectively designed and manufactured. the family has had a lawsuit against gm since oct. 2007 with no resolution.

Reported in: DICKINSON TX || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1G1ND52F34M

STEERING

my husband was taking our four youngest children to school oct. 18, 2005, traveling south on i-45 in the houston area in our 2004 malibu classic which had approximately 40,000 miles on it. witnesses said he swerved around several cars and was going 80+ mph. he pulled onto the shoulder, passed and clipped a car; and then pulled off the freeway into the grassy median. he swerved around a post, a large electric box and a large sign pillar. his left front tire hit a culvert and was flattened. according to an expert, this pulled his car to the left, leaving the car hard to steer. the car hit a sign support structure. all five were killed; the car was demolished and caught fire. according to the police report, this all took place in less than 15 seconds. according to the expert report, the throttle body was found stuck at the near full throttle position; the brake pedal had significant deformation in the forward direction (bent from the rear to the front) indicating the driver’s foot was on the pedal at the time of impact; there was little fire damage to the front of the vehicle, however, the front brake pad material was overheated and spalled, indicating hard brake/pedal application; all five seatbelt latches were found and still locked; and the tires plowed up the dry grass and soil from the time the vehicle left the freeway until it hit the pole, leaving a trail that screamed for help and was still visible for weeks after the accident – other vehicles drove all over the median and left no impressions. the expert concluded the brake system, throttle control, vehicle speed control and cruise control system are defectively designed and manufactured. the family has had a lawsuit against gm since oct. 2007 with no resolution.

Reported in: DICKINSON TX || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1G1ND52F34M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

i own a 2004 chevy malibu classic, the "unknown car". unknown for anything worthwhile that is. anyways this cars theft system from what i can tell is totally faulty and randomly makes you have to wait 10 minutes so your car will start. resetting the theft system is the only thing that seems to fix the problem of not starting. maybe replacing the lock cylinder would help but not from what some people say... i haven't tried it yet because it is expensive. so far this has only happened to me 3 times in the last 2 years, i just hope it doesnt get worse.

Reported in: MADISON NH || Crash: N || VIN #:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2005 general motors chevy classic anti theft system. system will arbitrarily not allow car to start. have been to repair shop (not dealer) to find this is a common problem. anti theft light will come on during drive at which time i immediately pull over so as not risk car shutting down. turn key to on for ten minutes or so until anti theft light goes out so i may continue driving. several times this has drained battery so i have to wait for good samaritan to give me a jump.

Reported in: LAFAYETTE LA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52FX4M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2004 chevy classic - sometimes the theft deterrent according to chevrolet, the fix is supposed to be leaving the key turned. turn the key to the on position, right before it cranks when the lights and radio turn on. leave it there for ten minutes until the anti theft light turns off. then turn the key to the off position and then try starting the car.

Reported in: SCHENECTADY NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F34M

EQUIPMENT

2004 chevy classic - sometimes the theft deterrent according to chevrolet, the fix is supposed to be leaving the key turned. turn the key to the on position, right before it cranks when the lights and radio turn on. leave it there for ten minutes until the anti theft light turns off. then turn the key to the off position and then try starting the car.

Reported in: SCHENECTADY NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F34M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

my 2004 chevy classic's passlock theft system has malfunctioned three times in less than a month. fortunately i noticed the theft system light blinking and followed the instructions to get it started again. afterwards i did research on the web about this and discovered that it is something common that is happening a lot after the mileage reaches about 65,000 of more miles. it seems the fix is replacing a faulty ignition switch. why doesn't chevrolet recall these?

Reported in: NITRO WV || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F44M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

my 2004 chevrolet classic's passlock system is faulty. the "theft system" light will come on randomly and my car will not start. this has the potential to be very dangerous as i live in a desert and right now the day time temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees. the 1st time this happened was in the middle of the day and i was stranded for nearly an hour. after checking several sources online it sounds like this will be a continual problem unless i get expensive repairs done. chevy should be issuing recalls on the vehicles that have this problem. this started happening nearly 5 years after purchasing this car and is totally unacceptable.

Reported in: INDIAN WELLS CA || Crash: N || VIN #:

EQUIPMENT

my 2004 chevrolet classic's passlock system is faulty. the "theft system" light will come on randomly and my car will not start. this has the potential to be very dangerous as i live in a desert and right now the day time temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees. the 1st time this happened was in the middle of the day and i was stranded for nearly an hour. after checking several sources online it sounds like this will be a continual problem unless i get expensive repairs done. chevy should be issuing recalls on the vehicles that have this problem. this started happening nearly 5 years after purchasing this car and is totally unacceptable.

Reported in: INDIAN WELLS CA || Crash: N || VIN #:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2004 chevrolet classic has an issue with the anti-theft feature. the car will enter 'anti-theft' mode and won't start for unknown reasons. this has left my daughter stranded multiple times, and her only recourse is to sit with the key turned on for 10 minutes until the system resets.

Reported in: GULFPORT MS || Crash: N || VIN #:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

occasionally, at the most inopportune times, the anti-theft system will not allow me to start my vehicle. the only cure is to turn the key to the on position for 10 minutes until the anti-theft light on the dash goes out. this is getting to be a major pain in the neck, especially because i am handicapped. i could be stranded anywhere, without warning!

Reported in: SAINT CHARLES MO || Crash: N || VIN #:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

security feature on a 2004 chevy classic malfunctions disabling the ability to start the vehicle. the theft protection device fails to read the key properly which then does not allow the car to start. this is a known issue with many chevy malibu and classics with no support from the manufacturer.

Reported in: SAINT BONIFACIUS MN || Crash: N || VIN #:

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. the contact stated while driving 35 mph the vehicle stalled and all of the warning lights illuminated. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who was currently inspecting the failure. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 100,000.

Reported in: CLINTON NC || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F34M

ENGINE

the vehicles anti theft system turned the fuel off. this has happened 6 times and resulted in multiple towing and mechanics bills. has also endangered our safety by leaving us stranded along the road. had replaced fuel pump and filters and lines, etc. before i determined problem to be security system not allowing car to start. this has been expensive and frustrating and endangered my family.

Reported in: NORTH SIOUX CITY SD || Crash: N || VIN #:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

the "theft system" light will come on randomly and my car will not start. the only cure is to turn the key to the on position for 10 minutes until the anti-theft light on the dash goes out. then turn the key to off and the will then start.

Reported in: MAPLEWOOD MN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52FX4M

ENGINE

the "theft system" light will come on randomly and my car will not start. the only cure is to turn the key to the on position for 10 minutes until the anti-theft light on the dash goes out. then turn the key to off and the will then start.

Reported in: MAPLEWOOD MN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52FX4M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

my 2004 chevy classic will not start. suspecting the theft system. i've dealt with the theft system light before, but this time it has been on solid or not on at all. i've tried the 10 minute restart twice with no luck. i tried a variation of the 10 minute reset that had me do it 3 times back to back without starting in between and no luck. i tried waiting 1 minute and 3 minutes after performing the 10 minute reset before attempting to start it. i replaced the battery with no luck. diag was done with no answers. from what i've read online, this is a frequent problem with my make and model, and i just don't understand why they don't do a recall.

Reported in: BLAINE MN || Crash: N || VIN #:

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE

came to a stop at a stop light and the car just stalled out... replaced the battery after draining it from trying to restart it. after reading about the anti-theft problems these models have had and how to reset it, it started but then it does it still occasionally and i have to repeat the procedure which can be an inconvenience.

Reported in: KENOSHA WI || Crash: N || VIN #:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

came to a stop at a stop light and the car just stalled out... replaced the battery after draining it from trying to restart it. after reading about the anti-theft problems these models have had and how to reset it, it started but then it does it still occasionally and i have to repeat the procedure which can be an inconvenience.

Reported in: KENOSHA WI || Crash: N || VIN #:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

for two years now my doors will lock automatically when i turn the car of and get out. also the horn will blow for no reason like i have locked the doors. i can't leave my keys in the car because it has locked with keys in the ignition. recently when i go to start the car i have to jiggle the key to be able to turn it to start. i thought maybe it was the key but i have had new ones made.

Reported in: RADFORD VA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F84M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the contact placed the vehicle into neutral and pushed it to the side of the road. the electrical system was operable during the time of the failure. the vehicle was towed to a private mechanic who stated that the ignition and cylinder switches needed to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 118,500.

Reported in: MINNEAPOLIS MN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52FX4M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2004 chevrolet classic. consumer writes in regards to ignition switches problems. *smd the consumer stated the key would not turn in the ignition, and the key would get stuck. *jb

Reported in: CANYON CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G1ND52F84M