Bought 2001 Chevrolet Malibu new on March 14,2001 engine started knocking around 35,000 miles. Has gradually gotten worse. Sounds like a diesel. It is either piston slap or bad lifters. Dealer would not fix issue at the time. Car continues to run. Also this vehicle has poor brakes. Replace rotors and shoes at 12,000 miles at dealer. Replaced rotors again at dealer at 30,000 miles. Currently has 111,000 miles on vehicle and is in excellent condition. Would like GM to fix engine issue at little or no cost. Brake issue is better with aftermarket parts.

- Frankfort, ME, USA

Brakes have been replaced 4 times in last year. There have been continual failures with the rotors and calipers. When braking it appeared that the ABS system that was designed to eliminate braking lock ups was engaging when it was not supposed to. Brakes were wearing at an extremely high rate, which was warping the rotors which have been installed brand new. Pulsating noise was common along with scraping and spongy brake pedal. In researching it appeared that the Malibu had an extensive history of brake failures in a short time. Several close calls due to brake failure. These cars need to be recalled and fixed before any further injuries or death occur.

- Shelley, ID, USA

ABS light goes on and stays on. Took to dealer on two different occasions, hubs had to be replaced apoximately. 2003 and Jan. 2005.

- Oil City, PA, USA

I have a '01 Chevrolet Malibu, my fuel injector went out of car, antifreeze chamber leaking (replaced), turn signal unit went out. ABS system had to be replaced, went out..all under extended warranty. All under 60,000 miles. Dealership (bobb Chevrolet) oh has no recalls on this car, I believe this should be listed as a lemon.

- Blacklick, OH, USA

At 47,000 miles my brakes began to pulsate violently when pressing the brake pedal. Also the ABS warning light came on. A metal on metal sound could also be heard. This car was taken to a repair shop where the rotors were turned, new pads were installed and the ABS light was reset. At 90,000 miles the exact same thing occurred. This time the rotors and pads were replaced, new calipers were installed (they were binding) and the ABS light was again reset.

- Cochran, GA, USA

Odor associated with brake failure.@-day rest and brakes appeared to be okay. Am afraid to drive because this could happen again. I was on highway when I sensed faulty braking power. Off highway on hilly road brakes went aout completely and there was an odor like burning plastic. I had car towed to broome Chevrolet-Oldsmobile on Saturday. It stayed there until Monday when service shop opened. It was there for two days. The only thing I can get from the service manager is that they road tested it 3 times and they could not duplicate the problem. I tried to find out exactly what they had done to determine the possible cause. He did not know what his mechanics did except rod tested it and looked through the wheel. He could not define what looking through the wheel meant. I asked if they took a logical approach to solving the problem. He could not answer this. I gave some examples, such as, the brakes were engaged for some reason. They got hot and chemicals in the materials vaporized and thius the odor. Now what caused the brakes to lock. Then he said that he knew that the brake peddle would floorboard if the brakes got hot. He also said that hard braking would cause that and slow driving and braking would do that inferring that I did tht. I told him that I did not hard brake and I did not ride the brakes. I also said that if slow driving and braking would cause the problem I had then most everybody driving in the citu would experience what I did. I called General Motors customer assistance office and got no help. I aske for sources (telephone numbers) where I could find out about similar problems and where I could talk with knowledgeable people on the subject. All I got was that theyb could not replace every part; she had not numbers; that the ca wass road tested by threer people at broome (she had called and talked with the service manager. I had given her the number.). my wife will not drive the car, because the problem could happen again.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

When driving brakes pulsate erratically. Has to apply full pressure to pedal before stopping vehicle.

- Alto, MI, USA

While traveling at 50-55 mph and when depressing brakes consumer heard a popping noise, and there was extended stopping distance rotors have been replaced 4 times. Please provie further information.

- Austell, GA, USA

Item#1) brought vehicle in for service for engine noise. Advised pistons needed replacment. Advised car was "safe to drive". pistons on national backorder. Left copy of service repair order with saleswoman and advised her to contact general manager of dealership and Chevrolet of problem. Item#2) brakes, brought in vehicle for service on 02-14-2001 for brake instability on wet pavement. Advised brakes were "normal" after test drive. No on hoist inspection was performed. Brought in vehicle on 03-21-2001 for brakes and engine noise. Advised brakes were "normal" again, no action was taken regarding brakes after road test by dealership. Pistons needing replacment constitutes a failure of major drivetrain components and this vehicle will not be construed as "safe". a replacement vehicle must be provided or refund of all expenses and return of trade-in vehicle which was reliable.

- Eastpointe, MI, USA