3.3
definitely annoying- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 41,437 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.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
Vehicle stalled while driving. Consumer tried was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer. Mechanic could not be duplicate the problem. Consumer informed mechanic this problem occurred more than once, and had not been resolved.
- Bryant, WI, USA
Gasket leaks antifreeze. Most of my firends and co-workers who own Malibu have the same problem. The dealer estimated the repair at $1266 (michael Chevrolet, summerville, SC - 843-875-8034). To me, it appears that most of the cars (2 years or older) have the problem. The part should last much longer.
- Goose Creek, SC, USA
While driving 55-60 mph consumer noticed that engine hesitated. Consumer had vehicle serviced, but the technician was not able to identify the cause of the problem.
- Pflugerville, TX, USA
Engine has experienced "valve-slap" since approx 5000 miles. The dealer advised that this is inherent in the design of this particular engine to make it economical. Chevrolet offered 100,000 mile extended warranty on the engine. The (check engine) light activated several months ago. Code indicated "small emissions leak". made sure gas cap was on tight, then cleared code with reader - issue resolved. Approx a month ago, check engine light on again. Code was P1404 (temporary code). Tried to clear out code with reader, came back. Dealer advised that this was caused by faulty egr valve so replaced the egr valve with genuine chevey part, cleared code with reader - approx 20 miles later (check engine) light back on. I suspect that issue is related to the valve-slap problem and related wear on pistons.
- Denver, CO, USA
I have 43,000 miles on my 2001 Chevrolet Malibu and have been told my head gaskets are leaking. Anti freeze is leaking external to the engine. I have had the car maintained and see no reason a head gasket should fail with only 43,000 miles, the mechanic said this is a very common problem with this engine. If the local mechnic's knows about the problem why hasn't Chevrolet been made to take care of this defect at there cost instead of the consumer for a know defect.
- Williston Park, NY, USA
My 2001 Malibu has 45,000miles and I now have to change the intake manifold gasket, because it is leaking coolant. This I'm told is a frequent problem with the Malibu 3.1 liter motor. Is this possible" I've never heard of such a thing? I also have had the egr valve changed 3 times by the dealer. It now seems to be fixed"
- Amherst, NY, USA
- South Hadley, MA, USA