2004 Chevrolet Malibu - Electric Vehicle Guide
The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu belongs to a Chevrolet Malibu lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 7 model years, from 2000 to 2021. It is an all-electric vehicle, so it skips the oil changes, spark plugs and exhaust-system service of a combustion Malibu entirely. It is configured as front-wheel drive with an automatic 4-spd. The 2004 sits mid-run, with both earlier (2000) and later (2021) Malibu model years also documented.
The high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, separate from the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Routine upkeep centers on tire rotation, DOT 3 brake fluid, Dex-Cool battery/cabin coolant, cabin air filters and brake service rather than engine oil. Know Your Ride lists 14 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include lug nut 100 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around steering (870), seats (137), electrical system (112). A representative report reads: "Electric Power Steering has failed on my car. Warning shows up saying power steering. Live in a snowy deer populated area impossible to turn wheel in these..." There are 9 safety recalls on record; one covers: ...425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering....
Estimated annual charging cost runs near $1,750.
Quick Specs
| Battery warranty | 8 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Est. annual charging | $1,750 |
| Tire size | 215/55R17 |
| Coolant | Dex-Cool |
| Open recalls on record | 9 |
| Technical service bulletins | 200 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
Related Vehicles
Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.