3.3
definitely annoying- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 41,437 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
5/05 coolant leak- replace intake manifold gasket $1100 8/05 coolant leak(continued)- replace head gasket, completely replace the air conditioning unit-$1085 1/06 replace egr valve, solenoid, gaskets $435 I've been around cars all my life, my father was a mechanic. My point is that I know if you take care of a car it will last longer. I take very good care of this car and I know gaskets should not deteriorate the way these did. Looking at the reports on mycarstats.com it appears to me that what ever material was used for the gaskets in this car must be defective. There are way too many complaints for this to be any thing else. Maintaining my car is a priority for me as I am disabled. To have a mechanical breakdown is a major issue. This cars engine was unable to maintain compression because of the leaky gaskets. It kept stalling repeatedly, I feel putting my safety at risk. I have tried to work this out with the dealership but it's clear to me what their priority is and it's not me or my car. I believe there should be an investigation into this matter. I have been told that the gasket material they used in this model was different from other years. I believe this is a bigger problem than GM is ready to admit.
- Portland, OR, USA
After driving approximately 20-30 minutes, car will surge, and then stall. After waiting a few minutes the car will start and go another 15 min or so. This has happened on multiple occasions, and after multiple repairs. The last incident occurred on a busy bridge with no hazard lane; a police officer pushed me off the bridge with his squad car. I have replaced the alternator, fuel filter, & fuel relay. After each repair I was assured that the problem was corrected. After each repair the problem occurred again. I have taken it to two mechanics and they have not been able to find any problems.
- Carrabelle, FL, USA
3.11 GM V6 engine has a common problem of a notable intake manifold gasket leak, which oil and coolant system contaminates one or the other or both. Had to get an extreme engine flush and further diagnosis and repair is needed.
- Portage, MI, USA
: the contact stated the engine hot light illuminated and the antifreeze was replaced to remedy the problem. When engine hot light illuminated again and the antifreeze was replaced a second time. On the third occurrence, the vehicle was taken to the dealership where it was determined the head gasket was blown which caused the antifreeze to get into the oil. The head gasket was replaced.
- Atlanta, GA, USA
Six months into driving our new Malibu a intake manifold develop a slow leak of antifreeze. In the winter more aggressive in the summer slower. Yet it increased gradually over the next few years. I found out this is a common manufacturing problem. The leak grew so bad that it had to be repaired this month. The leaking antifreeze is not only a danger to the parts in the engine compartment but also the environment. This is a poorly manufactured part and GM should stand behind the repairs. The total cost to put a properly manufactured gasket with labor is $ $691.25.
- Winfield, IL, USA
My 2001 Chevy Malibu has started leaking coolant. The low coolant light has come on, gone off, come on and gone off. When I check the reserve, the level is so low it's empty. After purchasing, so far 6 gallons, of dexcool and mixing it according to the directions each time, the coolant lasted a shorter and shorter period of time. The temp. Warning light began flashing and ringing, then went off and the temp went down. I took it to Firestone, where I just had the car inspected. Now I'm being told that the manifold intake gasket is bad and the repairs will cost me $1023 after doing research on the problem, it seems that GM has been aware of this problem with the plastic gaskets for some time. Does someone have to die due to an overheated engine, a catastrophic engine failure before GM will recall and fix this problem" or is this how Mr. Goodwrench can make so many repairs and advertise about how many cars they fix and man hours they work" I loved this car! I bought it with 5 miles on it(4 of which I put on during the test drive.) a 2001 with only 45K miles" am I the only one who sees that this is a manufacturing issue and that GM should stop issuing "private" notices and recall the cars for proper parts & servicing"
- Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Our 2001 Malibu developed a coolant leak and in may of 05. The dealer replaced the upper intake gasket and said it was fixed. The engine would not maintain compression and kept stalling. I am disabled and I felt there was a safety issue. After 3 or 4 trips to the dealer without results I took the car to another mechanic who pointed out that it was the head gasket that was leaking. I am out a lot of money for a car that's not very old. After reading the other complaints from other Malibu owners I am convinced there must be a defect with these gaskets. I have also had to have the air conditioner completely replaced as well. I don't know if one has any thing to do with the other but it was at the same time. Now my heater won't turn off so it's over riding the air conditioner. Because of all of these repairs I have over $1000 in rental car expenses. This is a matter of safety as far as I'm concerned.
- Portland, OR, USA
Fax from consumer (oh) re the problem he and his wife had with the head gaskets in their 2001 Chevrolet Malibu and 2001 Chevrolet Venture. The head gasket was leaking coolant into the oil system.
- Columbus, OH, USA
Fax fm (oh) re the problem he and his wife had w/the head gaskets in their 2001 Chevrolet Malibu & 2001 Chevrolet Venture. The head gasket was leaking coolant into the oil system.
- Brook Park, OH, USA
The vehicles heat gauge stopped working and low coolant light came on. Checked coolant level and discovered sludge in expansion chamber ( coolant recovery tank). Flushed system of sludge and trouble shot reason for coolant loss. Found intake manifold gasket leaking. Vehicle will require new intake manifold gasket set, thermostat, hoses, water pump and possibly radiator. Tried to flush system completely but found secondary plumbing such as heater core, radiator, coolant crossover and coolant bleed hosing gummed up with oily waxy type substance resembling gumballs (dex-cool?). I think GM should step up to the plate and take responsibility for the so called "wonder coolant". after all the sticker on the expansion chamber does say anything about changing every 5 years or 150000 miles.
- Boaz, AL, USA
Leakage of oil and coolant due to the failure of a lower intake manifold gasket. Caused a mixture of coolant and oil that required a complete flush of the coolant system, replacement of coolant, oil filter, and oil change. Cost of the repair was over $900.
- Carol Stream, IL, USA
The contact had the egr valve, thermostat, water pump, intake gasket, and head gasket replaced. Additionally, she had the block inspected for cracks. It has been 18 months since the replacement of the aforementioned defects, and the check engine light came on again, and there was a decrease in the amount of gas mileage. The dealer reprogrammed the computer, and informed the contact that the vehicle was running properly. The manufacturer has only offered a discount on a new vehicle.
- Clermont, FL, USA
Dt when starting the vehicle in the morning one could hear a metal pinging sound coming from the motor. It will rattle for a mile or two and the noise will quietly lower itself. Noticed this on July 1, 2005. This vehicle only had 40,000 miles on it. Had it diagnosed at the dealership, and they confirmed that it had a piston slap in the motor.
- Clausen, MI, USA
2001 Chevrolet Malibu experiencing problems with brakes, turn signals, cooling system and theft deterrent light. The consumer experienced the following: A continuous brake problem with the rotors, the theft deterrent light illuminated, so the dealer replaced the ignition cylinder the signal lights worked intermittently and the dealer replaced the hazard switch. The right side hub assembly was replaced. There was water in the oil, therefore the intake gaskets were replaced due to leaking.
- Mechanicsville, MD, USA
Had a leaking intake manifold gasket. Was told it would cost about $1000 to fix. I called the phone # for Chevy in my owners book. Filed a complaint, and went to the dealer, gave them my case # Chevy gave me. They called Chevy, came back and told me it would cost me $350. They changed the intake manifold gasket, flushed the radiator, and changed my oil. Chevy has a reimbursment assistance program for problems that aren't bad enough for recalls. They also reimbursed me $862 for my problem with the anti-theft, fully reimbursed. If you live in Illinois, the best place to have your car serviced is george weber Chevrolet in columbia, Illinois. The people are great, the service is great. I live 50 miles away but after dealing with other Chevy dealers in Missouri giving crappy service, its worth the trip!
- Cedar Hill, MO, USA
At 36,370 miles had to replace the intake manifold and gasket on 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. The front rotors were replaced at 28,000 and the blower only worked on high speed.
- Shawmut, ME, USA
Vehicle shut down in the middle of traffic. Consumer took the vehicle to dealer for service, and was told that oil was low, and that made it shut off. A few weeks later, vehicle continued to cut off in traffic, and the consumer stated this was unsafe.
- Philadelphia, PA, USA
While driving coolant light came on. Consumer drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who deermined that the head gasket was leaking coolant. The manufacturer offered no help.
- Gettysburg, PA, USA
In November of 2004, car stalled while driving and would not restart. Got it towed to repair shop. Was told that fuel pump had gone out. Paid $350 for repairs. Replaced pump and car stalled again after driving about 150 miles on highway. Luckily (wife and our 2 kids were with me and it was 15 degrees F outside) it restarted and was able to make it home another 100 miles away. Took it to dealer (ogden Chevrolet-630-986-8000) to get it checked. Was told that it had a bad intake gasket and needed new water pump and drive belt-total cost approx $1100. Got the water pump and belt replaced but not intake gasket. Paid $500 for repairs. Did research on the internet and found that this was a recurring problem. GM had more than 900 complaints about bad intake gaskets causing expensive repairs on their vehicles 2 weeks later, car would not start. Towed it to repair shop. Was told that 2 ignition coils were burnt and needed replaced. Got this done with new plugs, wires and tune up and antifreeze. Paid $520 for repairs. Feb 2, car would not start again. Got it towed to repair shop. Car started ok and could not replicate problem. Was told that the head gasket was blown and would need replaced. Costs $700-$1000.
- Hinsdale, IL, USA
- Atlanta, GA, USA