While driving at 55 mph I had to stop for a car, the brakes failed, ( brake clear to the floor) I had to drive into the bar pit to avoid a collision. I have had the vehicle to a GM authoriized service department 3 times to have them fixed because of how slow it stops. Brake pads were replaced, calipers replaced, everything was done to the brakes that they could. The brakes failed after the brakes on the wheel were in working order. I think the ABS system is going out.!

- Castle Dale, UT, USA

We have had to replace the brake pads and rotors three times since Feb. 11 2000. The mileage was 34,000. The vehicle only has 62,000 miles as of today April 30, 2002. With the receipts we kept the combined total for brake work in the past two years equals $800. Our machanic did some of his own investigating and came up with the conclusion that the rotors are too thin, and the calipers were too light for the heat dispersment causing premature brake failure.

- Rockford, MI, USA

I bought this 1997 Malibu with 20,000 miles on odometer in 1998. In one month I noticed coolant system warning light coming on. I added anti freeze and water to system. This would last about a month and I would have to add more coolant. On 2/ 26/2002 the light came on and I added more coolant. I drove about 4 miles and coolant warning light came on again. I checked oil dip stick and it registered about two inches above full. I knew then that water was in my oil. The coolant had never leaked out where I could see it on the ground. I had to pay $430 to have gaskets replaced for the intake manifold. My other problem is that the front disk brakes are wearing out much faster than any car that I have owned. I have replaced two set of front disc pads and have had rotors turned and replaced. I am very light on brakes and have had extremely good ware on other autos. After 2000 miles they are making a noise again. The pads are guarantied for life by the manufacturer.

- Dyersburg, TN, USA

I almost hit a large number of cars due to this problem. Once I tired to up up the the mouintains and when I returned, brakes would make the card shake and vibrate and I could not control the weel and could not brake the car. I praid and reduced speed via gear, and then I could stop the car, but my car was so out of control that I almost went out of the road. I have changed my rotors and pads like 10 times and calipers once within 20.000 miles. I have checked the internet and there are over 5000 compaints about the same problem I am having with my brakes, wearing out very soon. I have spent over 3500 dolars on pads and brakes, with and without original parts and nothing seens to work. Even the dealer mechanic says that the brakes is fine, but for me and everyone else, they are not.

- Pasadena, CA, USA

While driving would step on the brakes and it will makes noise like grinding metal to metal. Brakes had to be replaced nine times.

- Fontana, CA, USA

At 19,000 front rotors needed to be resurfaced, and at 24,000 miles rotors needed to be resurfaced again. At 47,000 miles front brakes, and 1 rotor needed to replaced. At 71,000 miles front rotors and pads needed to be replaced again. Dealer claimed it was normal to have rotors turned every 15,000-20000 miles.

- North Bend, WA, USA

Disc brakes have never worked properly. Pads replaced at 30K miles. Brakes have never been right since I have owned this car.

- Four Oaks, NC, USA

Vehicle made a grinding or groaning noise while stopping from various speeds. Had brakes replaced three times.

- 29 Palms, CA, USA

Front end shimmy at 50-60 mph when brakes applied;rotors&pads replaced.

- Eldersburg, MD, USA

Severe shaking of front wheels when applying brakes at speeds of 55 to 70 mph. Traveling over the mountains of western Maryland, I could not keep my foot on brakes. Had to pump the brakes to avoid the severe shaking of the front wheels. This is more than just annoying, it is frightening because you have to get off the brakes to stop the shaking when descending long grades. Have had the car to the dealer twice for this problem. First time at 21,368 (dealer machined rotors) and the second time at 30,467 (dealer machined rotors and replaced pads). Each time, problem only stopped temporarily. At 54,400 I had to purchase 2 rotors ($240) and was told that GM had redesigned the rotors to fix the problem. Since I was beyond 3yr/36,000 mile waranty GM would not cover this cost. The original rotors are defective and dangerous under high speed downhill conditions. I have just learned of a GM bulletin to dealers that acknowledges that the rotors are a problem. My neighbor advised me of a 1999 Malibu that exhibited the same severe front end shaking under braking. I have the original rotors and the pads that I replaced on 10/27/2000 at a cost of $357.30 (parts only). This problem deserves immediate attention.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

Ongoing problem with pulsation when applying brakes. At 21,000 miles/at low speed it appear moderate, and severe at high speed. Dealer was notified, and had front rotors turned. At 30,000 miles problem reoccurred. Dealer notified again, and returned front rotors, and replaced pads at consumer's cost. At 33,000 miles, again problem reoccurred while coming down the mountain at 60 mph and applying brakes, it caused severe vibration / pulsation. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

Loud squeaking noise coming from the idle pulley. Had that part replaced with new part. By the time I got home noise was back. Brought car back to mechanic this morning. He is checking to see if new part was defected or if belt needs replacement. I am very disappointed with the Malibu's performance. In the 3 years that I have the car, I have replaced front and back brakes, alternator, battery, etc. Etc. And now the idle pulley (hopefully nothing else major).

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

I have had three new front control arms put on. Now the rear suspension is bad. The brakes wear out fast because the rotors are junk, they need to be replaced every 15K to 20K miles. The car has 47K miles on it and I have owned it for 20K of those miles and have had the rotors replaced once and they need it again now. The brakes need replaced often as a result of the rotors wearing down so quickly. I don't know why this is but I urge Chevy/GM to offer a solution shortly or they will lose a lot of loyal customers. I have spoken to a number of Malibu owners with similar problems.

- Davenport, IA, USA

While driving on road and whenever applying brakes, vehicle shakes and grinds. Contacted dealer, and they have replaced rotors twice and pads four times.

- Edgewood, MD, USA

Brake pads failed with out audible warning damaging rotors. Bulb bases in rear light both melted for 2nd time. Pwr window fails intermittently. Noise in suspension, dealer couldn't find it.brakes also not covered under extended warranty, very expensive to repair. Model should be investigated by all the complaints listed.

- Hastings, MI, USA

Throttle body was clogged, causing the accelerator pedal to stick. Also, the vehicle has expoerienced premature brake wear.

- Morgantown, WV, USA

This car is a lemon (wife's car). In many instances, the car would not start at all, despite it being brand new. While parked or driving, the instruments would go haywire (pinning and moving violently), and the dash lights would turn on and off by themselves. In addition, my wife's brakes failed for a few seconds, then started working again. The front end makes a strange noise, and the ride is very harsh. Been to the dealer many times for the electrical system problem, but they did not 'find anything wrong'! at this point, they should have given us professional customer service and a new car! this is the last time we are buying an american car. It's Japanese and german from now on!!

- North Olmsted, OH, USA

No summary

- St. George, UT, USA

We have had numerous things repaired or replaced on this car. Everything from the carpet to the radio to warped rotors. We are currently trying to "get out of" our lease due to the number of problems that we are experiencing. It's become quite a nuisance to have and we are dissappointed and even angry at the fact that these many problems have gone uninvestigated by the dealer that we take it to for repairs. Fortunately, there have been no serious malfunctions with the car causing accidents. We have an extensive list of repairs done to the car starting less than six months from the date of purchase. To date, we have had this car serviced for repairs on average, once every six weeks.

- Norwood, OH, USA

Right brake pad wore out/grinded, and left rotor was warped. Dealer has been contacted.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA