10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 48,306 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 a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition and the auto theft warning light was illuminated for ten minutes. After ten minutes, the contact was able to start the vehicle. The contact stated the failure would occur intermittently. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 160,000.
- Faith, NC, USA
2001 Chevy Malibu, ignition theft system keeps blinking and the car won't start.
- Warren, MI, USA
Constant problems with the passlock system on my 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. Passlock engages constantly, causing me to wait 10 minutes for reset every time this occurs. This is a safety issue for my wife and daughter who must wait, in sometimes dark areas of town for passlock to reset before they can start the car and get safely on their way. Have had ignition replaced once but issue has not corrected.
- Seabeck, WA, USA
- 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
Engine stops running, instruments do not light up, both gas and temp gauge needles fall back to off position. Car can be restarted by moving gear selector lever and twisting ignition key to engage starter. Car also is at times hard to start. If the ignition key is inserted and twisted to on, sometimes icons do not light up, nor will the gauges register, the engine will crank but not start. If the key is twisted back to the off position, then twisted back to the on position and the needles of the gas and temp gauges move, the engine will start. This car is 5 years. Old and has 45,000 mi. On the speedometer has happened several times, but since the engine restarts, it has not been taken for repairs. The PCV valve has been replaced, and car has been subjected to the state mandated testing, which requires use of the obd port. This was last fall.
- Mt.Prospect, IL, USA
I put key in ignition switch and it would not turn to any position, buy it does still lock all doors. Dealership would not replace the switch, free of charge.veh. Only has 62000 miles on it.I am not happy about this defect.
- Emigrant Gap, CA, USA
Consumer was unable to start the ignition. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
- Kernersville, NC, USA
As an auto-tech for many years, there are times when a vehicle's starter needs to be "bumped over'' or short cranking time, to assist in testing. Some of the newer GM cars, (1999 and newer), have a feature that is dangerous for a tech. That is to say, once the start position is reached by the ignition switch, the computer continues to crank the car, whether or not the ignition is held over or released. This was unexpected and could be extremely dangerous for technicians. I do not know the reason behind this feature, but it was a rude awakening.
- Huntington, WV, USA
Car ran fine the night before. The following morning vehicle would not start. Battery is good, all lights and radio work. Starter is not turning at all. Car is 2001 Malibu with 32000 miles.
- Tampa, FL, USA
This car has stopped in traffic 3 times. The first time was April 25, 01. The engine light came on and the car went dead someone ran over and assisted me in getting the car out of the street. It was towed to crain Chevrolet. They reprogrammed the car and I got it back the next day. May 4, 01 the car stopped again in traffic on a main thoroughfare I pulled over and a few minutes later it started back up and it stopped again. It was towed to gwatney chev. They repaired it and I got it back on May 10, 01 and it stopped again in traffic on a main thoroughfare on May 11, 01. It is now at gwatney chev. I also contacted GM and informed them that I am a risk to me and to other motorist. GM called today and said that they found the problem and are having to order a part. It will take a few days for me to get it back. Has anyone else reported problem of their 2001 Malibu stopping in traffic. The manufacturer is working with me however, I think that others should be made aware.
- North Little Rock, AR, USA
- Memphis , TN, USA