9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
111,350 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. new transmission (1 reports)
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problem #3

Jul 012013

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

The stupid thing won't go into gear because the button you have to push doesn't catch, instead, you have to use both hands, push down on the Gear Shift and press the side button and jerk back and forth for 5 minutes or more, especially if it's cold outside!!!!!

- tshipp, Pampa, TX, US

problem #2

Nov 072008

Malibu 3.1L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,000 miles

I purchased a 1998 Chevy Malibu a year ago, with 97000 miles; it now has 114000 miles; me and my boyfriend drove it Thursday night and it was fine. Woke up Friday to take it to work and my boyfriend could only drive it to the corner gas station. would hardly move; revving very very high; he pulled it in and left it there; i had a tow truck come and take it to the Chevy dealership; we purchased an extended warranty through AUL when we got the car; Chevy states that the there is no transmission fluid in the car due to a leak and the transmission in blown; not only that, but that the intake manifold is done and there is also no coolant in the car; my warranty clearly states that damage due to lose of fluid regardless of the reason is not covered so i started freaking out. well, my warranty company called back and finally said they'd cover all the work, but they would put a used transmission in the car, or i could pay the difference for a new one. we opted to pay the $887.00 difference to put a brand new Chevy issued transmission in the car with a 3 year warranty. total damage was $3400.00. We ended up paying $887.00 plus tax.

- Erin L., Hamilton, NJ, US

problem #1

Feb 012001

Malibu LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

in cold weather the car will not go into gear. We thought the car needed transmission fluid which could cause it to hang up, however have been told by several mechanics that this particular transmission does not require transmission fluid. There is no dipstick for it. We have to run the car for at least an hour to warm up prior to trying to put into gear, but this does not always work. Any ideas?

- Melissa L., Fairburn, GA, US