Chevy Malibu Maxx

csandste

When and if the steering column goes it's an $800 repair. It's essentially a big grease stick with electrical equipment in it. You might want to look at the 'Bu steering/suspension forums.

marlap

i take my car in tomorrow to replace the steering column and the rack. thank the lord i came to this web site. you guys saved me some major $$ thanks

dianafish

Hello all...I have a 2005 Maxx that has now had 2 steering columns, and a rack & pinion put in. It's in the shop right now for the front end noise that it's had for almost the life of the vehicle. They told me it was tie rods; replaced the left one - no luck. They now say it's the bushings, but when they drove it this morning the noise was still there. Has anyone else had all these problems? I've had their loaner car more than mine!! Getting very frustrated, but the dealer is really helping me get through all this. It has only 20,000 miles...! :lemon: ?

pao

on the good side....04 Maxx LT...95K on it...same steering column and suspension....yes it has a slight clunk, but I havent bothered with it..based on the failure to eliminate it despite numerous replacement here on the board....it hasnt impacted performance or long term maintenance at this point...I only hear it at low speeds when making a turn....so it honestly hasnt bothered me....

maxx4me

dianafish, it is the steering geer. There has been an "improvement" designed by GM. There is no reason why your dealership cannot find that TSB: 06-02-32-007

dianafish

Thanks for the info. I will call them right now! They actually replaced the torsion bar bushing (?), and it seems to have fixed it for now. But I will call them to see if they've ever replaced that part.....Thanks again!

eddiekopas

I am buying my first vehicle, and am looking at a 1994 MALIBU MAXX. Is this a good reliable vehicle?

pao

Malibu Maxx wasnt offered until 2004....so doubt your 94 is one.....94 how many miles....a 14 year old car....hard to say reliable or not...not knowing the maintenance and ownership history of the vehicle

eddiekopas

sorry, I meant 2004; the description...auto a/c 3.5V6 economical 9.0l/100km city and practical built on Saab 9.3 platform all power options incl moon-roof remote starter very low km certif e-test like new condition 17,600 km.

csandste

Sounds like you're really sold on the car. I've walked away from more deals than I've closed. I'm such a hard negotiator that I was thrown out of a Hyundai dealership. Cars are depreciable assets, don't fall in love.

Malibu Maxx plusses--
1. great engine and transmission. Some may [non-permissible content removed] about the low tech nature of ohv and four speed transmission. Don't believe them.
2. Wonderfully versatile.
3. Comfortable for long trips.
4. Did I mention the low tech engine? Well, great mileage/kilometerage and long oil change intervals are big plusses.
5. Lots of gadgets in base car. Good DIC, useful OLM.

Maxx minuses--
1. You get used to the steering, but a drive in a more responsive car (my other is a Kia Optima) reminds you of how vague it is.
2. Read all those steering suspension/complaints. I didn't enjoy paying $800 for a replacement steering column. Others have put many steering columns (and racks) in. That can get old fast.
4. I think the Maxx is much better looking than the 4 door, but it's still not a thing of beauty. The front clip, especially the pre-06's is ungainly.
5. Each year gets better. The 04's were the most troublesome.
6. Interior grows on you but seating surfaces are ugly (but durable).

On balance it's the best car I've had out of 30+. On the other hand, one more steering column or (god forbit) a rack and I'll have real second thoughts.

bluedevils

My 2004 Maxx has some bubbling under the paint. This is underneath the 'overhang' above the license plate area -- you know, the chrome piece above the license plate. Seems that water must like to accumulate/drip down in there somehow, and over time it has caused this issue. There's a rust-bubbled area on the left side under the overhang and another on the right side, each covering at least a 1" diameter area.

Browsing the warranty booklet, this seems like exactly the type of rust that is NOT covered by 99% of manufacturers.

I haven't yet taken it to my friendly local dealer to see what they say about it.

Any thoughts/suggestions? I'm not excited about the prospect of a several hundred dollar repair, but the prospect of a rusty rear end is equally unappealing.

This issue, and the mediocre fuel economy combined with $3.50/gallon gas, has got me thinking about selling our Maxx even though I like the car and it has been relatively trouble-free.

eddiekopas

Indeed, the frequency of steering column problems is troublesome. Not really sold on it, mostly shopping, and more importantly, doing some homework. I'm looking for a V6, at a reasonable price. It seems that domestic automobiles are cheaper than imports (Honda and Toyota).

I was also looking at the Chevrolet Equinox, Tracker and Ford Escape.

pao

why would you say the MPG is mediocre as compared to what other V-6.....im average about 27 MPG in city driving..with the A/C.....and get 30-31 on the Highway.......in our Maxx.....dont know what more you can expect in a V-6.....

as far as the rust repair.....I would take it to the local body shop vice a dealer...if it is our to warranty...doesnt hurt to ask the dealership first....doesnt sound too bad at this point.....I dont think you are alooking at a big repair...

prdm

Rear hatch on Maxx is aluminum not steel.

maddmaxx

I have 110k on my Maxx now and I'm very happy with it. I've never had any steering column issues and the TSB's have fixed the "clunks." My leaks are now fixed and the car drives well. In fact, I like electric steering personally. I do all the maintenance myself and like the ease of servicing it. My biggest complaint at this point is how easily the upholstery spots. 1 drop of condensation on the seats and they have to be shampooed. I've only replaced the tires once. I think this car is really a good value for the long haul.

maddmaxx

I don't know if it's true, but I have been told there were 2 updates on the rack and pinion and then also a bulletin for a clamp adjustment that also caused the clunk. I have had all done and no noises currently.

eroni

As we all know there is no dipstick for the transmission fluid in the Maxx with the 3.5L engine ( I am referring to the 2006 model). I wonder why they did that, since the one with the 3.9L has it. Even though the owner's Manual does not mention it, I found a large plug (threaded plastic cap) with correct symbol on it, on top of the transmission case, that, obviously is there to refill it. My main question is about another plug, this one on the front side, right below the cooling lines connection. Upon loosening it, fluid will drip, so the level must be above it. Does anybody know this plug's function ?. Is there fluid pressure, behind it, when engine is running ?. Thanks for any info in this subject.

hgr3inok

We just completed a ten-day, 3,200 mile trip to northern Arizona and southern Utah (the National Parks loop). Our 2004 Maxx performed flawlessly and averaged 30.3 mpg (31.8 per the DIC). We now have 31,500 miles on the car, and no problems/issues so far.

maddmaxx

On my '04 Maxx, the top of the tranny has a red cap to fill tranny fluid and a plug on the passenger side of the tranny to adjust the level. It takes a 10mm socket to remove and with the engine warmed up, you fill the tranny till it runs out and then you have the correct level. They may have gone to this system to prevent incorrect filling. It can be very easy to misread an AT dipstick if a person is not real familiar with it while filling it. By the way, a GM bulletin has updated all previous Dexron III tranny requirements to the new Dexron IV as I understand it. Better cold weather performance and shifts.

maxx4me

maddmaxx: what fluid type came with the 2004 'Bu, III or IV?

eroni

Thank you so much for the info. I shall check the passenger side of the transmission for the plug that you mention. By the way, do you know how to remove the radio in these cars ? Thanks again.

csandste

You radio is also your d.i.c.-- wouldn't do that.

eroni

Thanks for your concern. I would not pull any plug. I just want to reach the antenna connector. I wonder if there is any special tool required to pull the radio/d.i.c. out.
Thanks again.

pao

dont know at this point if the dealer would be willing to do any of the TSBs or adjustment since Im at 96K on the car....you are by far I beleive the lead in mileage at 110K....just did the transmission drain and fill, new filter, plugs, wires and new accessory drive belt...and running good as new.......

maxx4me

he, he, he,....am I taking up the rear at 38,000 Pao (2004 Maxx)???? At $3.25 a gallon, I'm not willing to try to catch up. :P

bluedevils

"why would you say the MPG is mediocre as compared to what other V-6.....im average about 27 MPG in city driving..with the A/C.....and get 30-31 on the Highway.......in our Maxx.....dont know what more you can expect in a V-6....."

Because not everybody is doing as well as you in the fuel economy department.

Our 2004 started out great in terms of fuel economy, but I have grown tired of getting 24-25 mpg in mixed driving that includes probably 60% highway @ 73 mph. I don't know if the swings are caused primarily by winter blend fuel and colder temperatures here in Michigan. Maybe that is the case, because our last few tanks have been in the 28 mpg range -- although that was with 80% highway driving @ 73 mph or so.

Sure, the Maxx has a V6 but it doesn't have the power of the competitors' V6s. And there are plenty of fairly peppy 4-cylinder competitors out there that beat the pants off the Maxx in terms of fuel economy.

bluedevils

Thanks for the reminder that the hatch is aluminum. What is your point, though? Does aluminmum NOT rust? I don't know if it really is rust or something else, but there are noticeable areas under the chrome strip on the rear hatch of our 2004 Maxx where the paint is bubbling. Normally I have considered this rust when seen on other vehicles.

pao

would concur that regional fuel blends probably play some part...would assume scheduled maintenance had been performed...proper tire pressure etc...is maintained..I also run full synthetic oil....in DC area traffic....you mentioned it started out great.....but I would assume has gone done since you have owned it....

comparing V-6s to other competitors....power wise..perhaps.....but again...quite happy with the MPG and HP in the Maxx.....and yes.....the 4 cyl....MPG will of course be better...but the utility of the car suffers too....so we are comparing apples to oranges...

davidwli

Dear readers; My malibu is finally running great after 5 visits for the suspension noise! GM replaced the steering rack gear as mentioned by others but my dealer;, Wilson -Niblett,has beeen obsessive in tracking down the noises. They've also replaced both front struts, both sway bar links and two loose ball joints all under warrenty; I'll keep my fingers crossed now that the warrenty is expired...dave

maxx4me

Thanks Dave, please do. I had my front right strut replaced; no luck. I've had the steering column replaced; no luck. I then had the steering gear replaced: 75% better. I'd be interested in hearing more about the sway bar links and ball joints. Did you get them replaced early on, and if so, did it help? Were they replaced before the steering gear? Also, when did you have the steering gear replaced? Most people notice some of the noise returning months after the gear is replaced, but as in my case, it is noticably better.

carolinamaxx

I just purchased this car 4 days ago and noticed the infamous clunk...clunk...clunk...when steering at slow speeds. I've read that most folks had no luck at getting it fixed, and even made it worse.

Does the steering clunking affect the mechanics of the car or is it merely a pain in the rear?

Thank you.

pao

It has had no effect at all on my 04 Maxx with almost 96K on it now....still have original OEM suspension and steering column

prdm

Non-ferrous metals don't rust. The point is unlike a steel hatch which will continue to rot away you just have a bad paint job.

bluedevils

Thanks. It just seems very strange that this bubbling is in the same sort of place that is so common on many vehicles and is usually rust on most vehicles. I guess I don't just attribute it to being a 'bad paint job'. It seems obvious that water must somehow be contributing to this problem.

Either way, it seems doubtful that the dealer can fix this under my GM Major Gard extended warranty -- aren't paint and surface rust issues both non-covered once you go past something like 12 months / 12,000 miles? I need to get the car in to the dealer so they can tell me what they think.

prdm

Could well be. Aluminum has to be meticulously prepared to accept paint and if not done well water will lift paint film. Still, it is of some comfort realizing the defect is cosmetic rather than structural. I don't know what GM's policies are for these kind of things but do ask.

carolinamaxx

Thank you, pao. I have a few minor cosmetic things for the dealership to fix tomorrow and I think I'll still let them take a peek at the steering just so there's some sort of record of it. I'm more than a little apprehensive to let them attempt to "fix" it, though.

davidwli

Dear Maxx; They replaced the items in this order;

Left front strut
Steering gear
Both sway bar links
Right front strut
Both ball joints (loose)

The steering gear was replaced in Dec 06 and my car has travelled approx. 8000 Km (5200 miles) since then. So far the car is running fine ;no unusual noises...Dave

kiltman

2005 Maxx Lt 24K, owned since new one year ago. Love this car. Recently went to change the wiper blades and the local auto parts stores don't carry a blade or refill for the rear wiper. Tried one of the same length and the rubber didn't fit the grooves so I went to the dealership. There is no refill or replacement blade available. You have to replace the whole wiper arm which is $50. Unbelievable. Anybody else come upon this. Anybody found a work-around?

csandste

Glad I have an LS. Story was that the rear deck was specifically designed to shed water so that the rear wiper wasn't necessary, but that GM installed in the 05 LT because of demand (didn't know what was good for 'em). Obviously they didn't think the problem through, or maybe some engineer got even. Think there was some discussion of that here, but I don't want to pour over 4784 responses.

pao

04 Maxx LT here..the need for the rear wiper was driven by the addition of the rear lip spoiler the next year....without the spolier...the rear window stays perfectly clear at highway speeds without a problem....the addition of the spoiler which was for cosmetic appearances only changed the flow dynamics over the rear hatch..thus the need for a wiper.......

e2helper

Yep, that is correct

carolinamaxx

You should have seen the look on the service gentleman's face when I handed him a copy of the TSB for the clunking noise! LOL He did the first step repair which was to lube something and refit something else. I've read that was what most of you had done to begin with, but the clunking came back after a few hundred miles. I'm going to be optimistic and see what happens.

Tomorrow will be my first semi-long drive in the car. I'll be driving about 120 miles one way, so we'll see how it goes.

dianafish

I just came back from a 4,000 round trip and my Maxx did fine....so far, the noise has not returned. The last repair they did was to the sway (torsion) bar. Hopefully, this has fixed the problem. I'll keep everyone posted.

maddmaxx

Dexron III

maddmaxx

I have an extra 16 inch alloy rim in good condition for my 2004 Maxx and was wondering if anyone had any interest in it.

meandmymaxx

Haven't heard anything from anybody with an 07. Would be interested to hear if they worked out some or all of the bugs.

carolinamaxx

Woohoo! I'm glad you and your Maxx survived the long trip. I ended up not going on my trip, and, as a matter of fact, haven't even driven the car since last Friday.

gordonwd

I'm new here in this section and know little about this car except that it might fill the bill for our next vehicle. But has there been any word if the Maxx will continue to be offered in the redesigned '08 Malibu line?

One thing I noticed about the '08s in general is that the standard Malibu will be built on the same 112-inch wheelbase currently used by the Maxx (and by the Saturn Aura, which we were also considering). Has the Maxx been doing well enough that they will keep it going forward?

csandste

No. Thanks to incompetent marketing on the present car.

a21ozcoldcup

I agree with the above statement, it wasn't marketed.

at all.

And a shame because most reviewers praised the car, only giving the original model a few negative comments-later models were just fine.

What really suprised me was that the Forbes website actually gave the car a good review, something they pretty much never do for any car under 40k.

And to another comment above, I don't have an '07 but I do own an 06' Maxx SS and so far no problems with anything, it's a wonderful car. I also owned an 04' Maxx and the only problem I had with that was the bizarre noise when I accelerated.

As for whether to buy an Aura or Malibu... So far they look like virtual clones to me (aside from some /minor/ aesthetic changes). Get whichever you think looks better.