8.7
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $590
- Average Mileage:
- 42,500 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 6 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace the rotors and brake shoes (4 reports)
- not sure (1 reports)
- replaced brake drums, rotors, pads, tires, replaced (1 reports)
I bought my car brand new with less than 5 miles on it. Within the first 6 months, it would shimmy when I was applying brake pressure. I did not abuse my brakes and this was too soon for brake problems, but I took to the dealership and they fixed it free of charge. I believe it was the front rotors and brake pads but don't know for sure cause they never gave me any information or paperwork that said what they had done. Then the same thing happened about 6 months later with only about 9,000 miles on the car and they again did some work on the brakes but also did not give me any paperwork regarding what was done. Both times it was done for free. But then after about 3 years, I had the problem again and this time it cost me over $500 to replace rotors and brake pads and grind down something else with the brakes. After reading all the complaints about Chevy Malibu's, I guess I should consider myself lucky. No brake problems since and none of the engine problems. I shouldn't say anything cause I might jinx myself. Hopefully not.
- Mavis K., North Ridgeville, OH, US
told the dealer before I bought it twice to check the breaks, they reassured me both times that nothing was wrong and that they had checked them and fixed them. Here I am six months later after my short warranty has expired looking at a bill of over 1,400 dollars. The rear brake drums were warped, which tore up my tires; the front and rear brakes had to be replaced with ceramic brake pads, the front rotors had to be replaced; the ABS light is on and brakes are malfunctioning, the front censor and hub assembly is worn and must be replaced. My mechanic says these Malibu's are prone to repeat these problems over and over because in his opinion the car could be too heavy for the brakes. Oh lucky me!
- warrior121, Blackstone, MA, US
I,m reporting this problem this time because this is the second pair of rotors and brakes that I have have to change in the last year. And it is always the right outside rotor that wears down so much that it can't be resurfaced but all other brake components are fine.
- tankcommander, puyallup, WA, US
car runs good, i have 160,000 km on it now, its never broke down, but every 8 months
- git r done, Espanola, ON, Canada
bought the car used with 40,000 miles, and was replacing the front brake shoes and rotors less than 2,000 miles later. Extended warranty didn't cover. At least the parts are easy to get, and replace yourself
- eadeal55, Suffolk, VA, US
My car is a 2002, Chevy Malibu and it still only has 50,000 miles on it. I now have to put new brakes, pads, and probably rotors on this car AGAIN, for the 4th time. It seems like they only last 2 years and we have to do the same things again. It makes a real loud grinding sound, and the wheels are totally black from whatever it is . I would NEVER recommend buying a CHEVY again to anyone with these kinds of problems. Are you sure there was never any recalls on this problem?? Good luck to anyone that buys a Chevy !!! Joyce
- Joyce Y., Berkeley Springs, WV, US