3.5
definitely annoying- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 36,774 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.
- the contact owns 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. Less than one month after purchasing the vehicle the ignition/starter failed. The contact paid a repair shop to fix the ignition, and the failure recurred. The towing mechanic stated that when the lights blink allowing the vehicle to sit for 20 minutes, it will restart. The mechanic stated that the starter sensor failed. The contact was advised that there was a recall related to the failure, and the driver requested reimbursement. After the ignition repair the contact experienced problems the air conditioning problems. The mechanic repaired the air conditioning and stated a few days later that there had been a compressor defect, a possible leak which caused air conditioner failure. The contact had been disputing the lemon law, reimbursement, and the failures for quite sometimes. The manufacturer refused to assist her. The current and failure mileage were 61,512. The contact has provided the repair order, the buyer's guide information at time of purchase and a list of major defects that may occur in used cars. Update 5/3/07
- Aiea , HI, USA
Myself and many other 2001 Chevy Malibu owners have had to replace all the major engine gaskets in their cars. I am disabled an the car would stall everywhere putting my safety in jepordy. The engine can't maintain compression because of the leaks. GM refuses to even resond to my emails. I urge you to check into this matter. I even had to replace the air conditioner. It's not fair to the consumer to let GM get away with this. It has cost a lot of money not to mention the safety factor. Please check the mycarstats.com to see all the other complaints.egr valve also had to be replaced. In the process of filing my complaint with the BBB and the doj the dealer inadvertly provided documentation that tha engine had been leaking before we purchased it.
- Portland, OR, USA
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
The ac control panel on my 2000 Chevy Malibu is failing. It is causing the ac light and compressor to turn off. A internet search shows this to be a commonly reported problem amongst Malibu owners. The panel requires replacement and will cost $200 for the part plus labor.
- Litchfield, IL, 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
While driving home from work in 90+ degree heat my car overheated to the point where I had to have it towed in and was told by the mechanics that my coolant had been leaking and causing the car to over heat there blowing the head gasket and causing me to have to pay $1200+ to have another engine put it. I have heard this is a commom with the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. I don't know what the repair shop done with the old motor, but it was fried.
- Wildwood, FL, USA
1) leaking coolant from intake manifold into engine, required gasket replacement and coolant / oil change 2) turn signals work intermittently, had to replace turn signal switch 3) A/C does not work, blows hot air, dealer unable to repair 4) brakes weak, vibrate. Replaced with after market components (powerslot rotors and performance friction carbon metallic pads) 5) automatic door locks inoperative, dealer unable to repair 6) poor fuel mileage, best is 28 mpg highway (cafe violation??) 7) starter failed, replaced with rebuilt unit.
- Tipton, IN, USA
- Sterling Heights, MI, USA