5.3

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$340
Average Mileage:
47,950 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.

problem #3

Sep 032013

Malibu LTZ 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,710 miles

Car and AC was fine. until one time it started switching the second cooling fan on and off. then after a while the fan switches on then immediately off. It clearly sound like malfunction. I took it to the technician and he verified that the fan motor is damaged and need to be replaced. and got it replaced both fans for $600+. then after few months this happens again but something new is the car temperature started to rise. above average and sometime to extreme hot. this issue is still not fully resolved many recommended changing the cooling system entirely so have a relief. but I refused to pay that much of money for a car that is not worth it. (Major point here: Car engine is not suitable to the car and it generates a very big amount of heat that the cooling system is not designed to take care of).

- Ali K., Ryh, Saudi Arabia

problem #2

Jun 062013

Malibu LT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

The AC is reportedly interlocked with the opening of the coolant thermostat within a set time. When the thermostat doesn't open on a timely basis, the AC will not start/cool.

Replacement of the thermostat is obviously only a temporary fix. The problem has re-occurred. Can and temperature sensor or programming issue be involved?

problem diagnosed as sticking thermostat

Hard to believe in this day & age that thermostats have become unreliable - especially in the presence of such good lubricating and anti-corrosive coolant.

Any ideas or suggestions are more than welcome.

- Don M., Myrtle Beach, SC, US

problem #1

Dec 012011

Malibu LTZ 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,000 miles

defrost option kicks in overriding blower selection

Starting in the winter of 2011, the blower on my vehicle automatically kicks into DEFROST, no matter what the setting is on the dash selector. I have had the vehicle in (3) different times for repair with no success. They had the entire center console torn out one time and still, at any particular moment, the nice warmth/cool blowing on your face and body gets shut off and ALL of the air comes out from the defroster. The last time (2 weeks ago) I had the problem, the dealership said it was a "stuck actuator" and they lubed it and remedied the problem, FOR 3 DAYS!!! I "politely" called the dealership and they are ordering a new actuator to FIX???? the problem. I'll keep you posted!

- Raymond B., Johnson City, NY, US