5.4

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$500
Average Mileage:
23,550 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
  2. replace tie rod ends (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.

problem #7

Jan 052012

Malibu LS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

GM bought bad parts from China. My Malibu had less than 50,000 miles on it and the tie rods were really really bad. I changed them out myself. I'm reconsidering my GM loyalty after this. If the ball joints end up going bad because of this, this will be the last GM car I buy. I'm 40 years old and grew up in a GM family that worked there and bought there. If this is the quality they consider acceptable I'm done with them.

- E W., Dimondale, MI, US

problem #6

Apr 042011

Malibu LTZ 3.6L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 26,000 miles

I have repeatly taken my car to get the front checked out. I started noticeing the problem in April, I told Ryan about the popping ,clunking noise on the front right . Even when you pushed down on the right it made a loud squeaking noise. They said that they greased my breaks. Couple of weeks later I took it back, told them to keep it till they got it fixed, Ryan called and said they couldn't hear it. So I suggested the machnic ride and listen, sure enough when we was about 3 to 4 miles from prince the right side was makeing the noise. They claimed they had fixed the problem, I went and picked my car up and before I could get home, the front right side sounded like it was fixing to fall apart, my dad came and checked out the noise the machnic did not replace the ball joint and not one nor two bolts were lose, but seven thats right seven. Meaning my sway bar was barely in. If I had to jerk or make a sharp enough turn my car could have fliped.

My dad went to prince and talked to the guys and told them the part was not replaced and that he would like it to be fixed. I got my car back June 14,2011 and it sounded fine no noise, here we are July 19,2011 and now whole front is making a clunking noise. I pay $500.00 a month for this car that my granddad helped me get. I love my malibu ,and it kills me to have to keep putting it in the shop. I want to know that when I put my little baby girl Raylee in, we are going to have a safe ride.

- Callie W., Albany, GA, US

problem #5

May 072011

Malibu LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

I would like to state that I called the dealership when I first had this problem. I brought the care back about this 3 times and it was never resolved. Also I had defrosting issues, this also was never fixed.

- cyntstev1, Memphis, TN, US

problem #4

Oct 012010

Malibu LTZ 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

Loud clunking sound when in reverse and turning the wheel to the hard right (like backing out of a parking space). Took it to the dealer, was told that it is hitting the inside plastic covering for the wheel-well and no repair was necessary.

- gmlady, Elkton, MD, US

problem #3

Apr 012011

Malibu LTZ V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,000 miles

If had this in shop 3 times still same clunking, annoying sound when you turn the steering.

- mcarey, Ewing, NJ, US

problem #2

Apr 012010

Malibu LTZ V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,707 miles

March 2009 purchased 2009 LTZ (V6) every now and then I would hear a clunk when I turn the turning wheel to right or left~this year its worse so I took it to dealership in March 2011 and they stated that called Manufacturer they claimed it was the pls hose and replaced it~picked it up drove it home it made the very same noise. Called the dealership and stated the problem was the same~he said he would check again with Manufacturer to see what they wanted done~he would contact me that was 7 days ago~so much for customer service.

Update from Apr 1, 2011: Returned called to dealer seemed to be fixed must drive a couple of weeks to be certain. A least dealership was pleasant about the matter.

- mcarey, Ewing, NJ, US

problem #1

Jan 012010

Malibu LT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

The intermediate steering shaft constantly gives me trouble with this car. Every turn, bump, maneuver, this thing clunks, clangs, bangs, rattles, etc.. All the dealers say they cant hear it, but I say they're deaf! Its been replaced once, but still comes back again and again.

- Charlie M., Clark, PA, US