6.2
fairly significant- Typical Repair Cost:
- $400
- Average Mileage:
- 69,350 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 12 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (8 reports)
- replaced the AC/heater control head (4 reports)
We just brought this car down from MN to AZ. In AZ, you desperately need to use recirculate to get the car temp inside cool enough to be comfortable. It's nearly impossible for the car to cool the outside air in AZ to a comfortable level. Don't know what to do to fix this problem and don't have a lot of money to do it.
- Michelle E., Prior Lake, MN, US
A/c is always popping off and on. If you put it on 3 the a/c doesn't work at all. Car also runs hot when the a/c on. This car has driven me crazy and about to lose my mind.
- rwillis, Longview, TX, US
Throughout the nearly three years I had the car, the AC light would shut off from time to time and the recirculating air function would switch to fresh air. Simply adjusting the fan fixed the issue. Sometimes it would do it a lot. Sometimes a little. Someone told me the Malibus at the time had AC compressor issues. Don't know if that's the case. The problem was fairly annoying, but I managed to deal with it until I ended up getting rear-ended by somebody totaling out the car.
- Jon E., Indianapolis, IN, US
I've had this same problem fixed twice, both times they replaced the controller head. It is now going out for a third time. My car has 140,000 miles on it and we bought it new. I can't complain to much, because other than this we have had not problems. Although I paid a small fortune for an extended warranty that only fixed this problem twice. The car is now out of warranty, but I think this is a repair that they should still fix for free. I'm going to fight over it.
- sakelly1210, Jacksonville, AR, US
I've had the same problem, the A/C cuts out when it feels like it. Sometimes keeping the blower on high prevents it, but then it's too cold. Level 3 on the blower seems to be the worst. I've also notice that putting it on recirculate runs the A/C even without turning on the A/C. Sooner or later I'll get it looked at, but it's more of a luxury item, and the car is still running...
- soulmotor, Cleveland, OH, US
I too have experienced the A/C shutting off intermittently to only have hot air blowing for a couple minutes until it decides to start again. It is definitely annoying and I will have to see if it gets worse this summer. This would be a third repair bill in less than a year on a car with only 49,000 miles.
- Joan C., Frederick, MD, US
Recirculation didn't work for the last three years.
- Anand S., Yorktown, VA, US
I've had this same thing happen TWICE now. The first time was at 24,000 miles and they fixed it under the warranty. Now the car has 50,000 miles on it, of course it is out of warranty and I have to have it replaced again. The quote I received was $300-$400 but I live in AZ and not having A/C is NOT an option.
- Karen A., Phoenix, AZ, US
Bought the car used with extended warranty in 2004. Only about 4 years old. The AC switch would drop out or turn off intermitently. Returned to dealer who replaced the control unit, and replaced Schrader valve.
- Brad G., Lees Summit, MO, US
Hello, I have seen several entries on the from different people. If anyone finds out the fix, please let me know. I have replaced the control panel with another and this did not fix the problem. Thanks
- kennison, Louisville, KY, US
The air conditioner will switch from recirculate to fresh on it's own. Occasionaly the compressor will also shut off, blowing hot fresh air.
- beeper1977, St. Augustine, FL, US
July of 2007 had GM replace AC/Heater Control Head, Worked find for 13 months, the dealer would not make good on it. Had to GM they then replaced it in Aug of 2008. Its now Almost Sept 2009 and its at it again.
Update from Sep 3, 2009: Went to dealer today 9-3-09 about my trouble, they told me that it is noy in warranty anymore (know kidding ) and told me to call GM. I did just that and we will see what happens.
- glasser620, Newark, DE, US