My car started leaking engine cooler, I had it checked, they said it was coming from the overflow valve or hose, and that I may have put too much in there. And then one morning I got up and started to drive, it cranked up fine and then I started hearing a noise, I didn't know where it was coming from, so I took it back home. One mechanic said it may be my intake manifold or a gaskets, I really don't know much about cars, but I know it will probably cost a lot of money that I don't have to fix the problem, I probably will try to trade it sometime in the near future, I spent a lot of money keeping my car running, if you can make some suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu. While the contact was attempting to lift open the hood of the vehicle the engine coolant suddenly splashed on top of the engine and the pavement below the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact had the coolant tank replaced. Two weeks after the repair while traveling at 20 mph the contact noticed that coolant had begun leaking and that smoke was coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 155,000.

- Santa Monica, CA, USA

Gasket on intake manifold leaking again replaced in 2001 will have to replace in 2008.

- Kalamazoo, MI, USA

The headlights get condensation behind them and I have seen several complaints on internet. Also the coolant tank needs to be refilled more than average.

- Statesville, NC, USA

Coolant system overheating.

- Festus, MO, USA

Chevrolet Malibu 1999. 84000 miles. In the last four years I had to replace the tail lights twice this is the entire unit which cost over $250 each I also had to replace the stop/brake light bulbs at least six times on each side. The socket that holds the bulbs keep melting and last December it melted to the point that I saw smoke coming out and when I opened the plastic socket was completely melted. As of now neither light is working. I checked in this site and NHTSA action number RQ04005 indicates the following: GM in December 2004, GM will issue a special policy for my 1999-2000 Alero, Grand Am and Malibu vehicles not covered under recall 03V327. The policy covers turn signal/hazard flasher failure for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever occurs first) to provide a no cost replacement of the hazard switch. GM will send letters to owners starting December 30, 2004. The actions taken by the manufacturer is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The Agency reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances. I called GM as well as the local Chevy dealer and they would not replace the light they claim the agreement was only for some of the 1999 Chevy Malibu and my vehicle [xxx] is outside the range they are covering. I was told by a GM customer service to wait and see if they recall other cars. I am very disappointed of the advice as this is a safety issue. Also, the information and agreement posted on NHTSA (see above) does not indicate any exceptions. Can someone investigate this please? in addition to this problem, the coolant was leaking and I had to have the manifold removed and a new gasket put in twice. Replaced brake pads 5/6 times and rotors once. Updated 07/16/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Everett, MA, USA

Brakes and rotors have been replaced 3 times since 2002- A/C goes off and on- ignition switch replaced due to electrical failure- driver's side window don't roll down- alternator and battery replaced- intake manifold gasket and radiator replaced.

- Riverside, CA, USA

. I bought car new. The rotors, calipers and brake pads on this car have been replaced 4 times. The passenger side tail lights have had to be replaced every year due to water getting into the assembly. The ac switch - blower resistor has had to be replaced. The first time I replaced the rotors - it only had 5000 miles on it. It has 61000 today.

- Palm Harbor, FL, USA

At only 43000 miles the vehicle's intake gasket failed. When the gasket failed it let coolant into the oil. The consumer requested reimbursement from the manufacturer.

- Canton, MI, USA

Chronic coolant leak due to faulty intake gasket.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

After making buying this car, I found out what a lemon really is. One month after the purchase, the front end started shaking so bad, I could not drive over 55 on the interstate. I brought it back to the dealer who told me the rotors were a bad design. They apparently had made them too thin, which was causing them to warp during braking. After they were changed to a thicker rotor I still continued to have problems. The dealer new of several complaints with the same thing happening, and even though they put a thicker rotor on, it was still happening. I could not get help anywhere. They blew me off until there was no warranty left. I was told it was the tires being out of balance. When I went to the tire dealer, they would tell me it was the rotors. Needless to say, after 6 new sets of tires, and 7 sets of rotors, I learned to deal with it. I would drive it about a month, the shaking would come back, and I would change the rotors again. This however would eventually ruin the tires after a few months, so I would replace them to. I to had the same problem with the antifreeze light coming on, and was loosing it somewhere within the motor. When my husband went to change the oil, there was antifreeze mixed in with it. I only had 6 payments left on this car, but I was tired of 5 yrs of dealing with this lemon. I traded it in! never will I own another Malibu. They are junk! I now own a Subaru! these dealers need to learn the secret Subaru has. Treat your customer good after the sale!!!!!!!!!!!!! word. Of mouth is the best form of advertisement. As for the dealers I dealt with. I would not send my dog to them!!!!.

- Livingston, LA, USA

Intake valve. Seal leaked, lost anti freeze almost over heated engine.

- Waupaca, WI, USA

Noticed a smell of antifreeze around my 1999 Chevrolet Malibu. Looked and found the intake manifold gasket was leaking antifreeze. This car is driven by my wife, and thankfully has not left her beside of the road. Will replace the gaskets on my own, will have the old parts available. Found a lot of people with the same problem. And if no problem why did GM redesign the gasket (part # 89017279). Why also is there a service bulletin on this dated March 2003 ( # 03-06-01-010). Why has a recall not been started. This problem could start a fire in the engine bay, and a whole list of other things.

- Independence, MO, USA

Overheat, purchase of numerous gallons of coolant. Brought to dealer 8 times over a 2 year period, was told nothing wrong when warranty in place. Warranty ran out, problem of gasket fixed. Car still overheats if sits for more than 10 minutes.

- Lake Bluff, IL, USA

36000 miles plus....ever since I purchased the car. Was searching the web and found this site so I decided to add my two cents worth about my Malibu. Replaced front brakes (drivers side 3 times - due to caliper) and rotor twice. Engine gasket problem - overheating. Still have problem with fan motor control settings 1 and 2. engine misfiring - had injectors cleaned twice and replaced entire ignition system. Have a rattle in the front for the last 20000 miles. Car has failed to start around 8 times. Engine has died multiple times after starting and sometimes while in motion. ABS light and brake light problem. Theft system light occassionally lights up. Looking forward to a class action suit. Would rather settle for an admission by Chevrolet/GM and compensation for some replacement parts and labor. This is the worst GM product I've ever owned and due to the other complaints I've read on the internet, this volume of complaints is way to high.

- Sidney, OH, USA

Engine cooling light went on, and vehicle began to overheat. The intake manifold gasket was defective and leaked into the engine, causing white smoke to appear from the exhaust.

- Woodbridge, NJ, USA

Ltr re defective 1999 Chevrolet Malibu coolant system, requesting reimbursement for repairs and a recall investigation. The intake gaskets and the water pump had to be replaced it cost the consumer almost $2000 for repairs. Also the brake pads were replaced.

- Mohegan Lake, NY, USA

Engine coolant leaking.

- Carrollton, GA, USA

Consumer complained about an anti-lock brake problem. The transmission was also performing poorly and the ignition switch required a little jiggling before it ignited. The intake gasket leaked and the vehicle overheated. The vehicle became inoperative.

- Cosby, TN, USA

This 1999 Chevrolet Malibu was purchased in July 2001 in had a water leaking problem took 3 tries before they found it needed thermostat gasket didn't even have one in it they sold it to me.this way with a promise it had been fixed. Within the first year I had the car they had to replace both front wheel bearings & strut bushings. Then the alternator went out & it cause my battery to go bad overcharged it they replaced alternator but refused to re-emburse me for the battery. Then ignition switch caused problem with anti-theft system would not start. Had that replaced in March 2002. Then anti-lock brake system went out had to have it replaced window switch very slow had to be cleaned another one not working at all now, not covered under warranty, at this time also had to have anti theft system fixed again light on all the time another bad ignition switch. Also had blower motor & relay switch for heater to go out over the summer most of the interior lights have long ago burnt out & had to be replaced lock out for trunk lid also broke not covered on warranty. Hub caps have lug nuts made in them that screw onto your lug bolts stripped out when took for repairs by dealer refused to replace them because they cost $500 for a new set. So I purchased the lug nut part & repalced it myself at a dealership for $10 set of 5. November of 2002 brakes & rotors were replaced in Jan. 2003 brake pads replaced again in March 2003 pads replaced again in July 2003 pads replaced once again then in Sept. 2003 master cylinder replaced in Oct. 2003 master cylinder replaced again now it's Nov 2003 & master cylinder being replaced again tomorrow.these cars have a real brake problem that needs to be fixed it's costing a fortune.

- Junior, WV, USA