Passlock system is awful.

- Dayton, OH, USA

The passlock system keeps locking up. I am using the proper key but still, I am stuck at the store, work, home, ect. Because the car refuses to start, I have heard numerous other reports of the passlock system causing problems, not for those trying to steal someone else's car but for the busy vehicle owners simply trying to accomplish daily tasks. This is ridiculous.

- Whitehall, OH, USA

I have a 2002 Chevy Malibu that locks on me because of the anti-theft system. When I am driving the car shuts off and the security light stays on. Sometimes the car won't start at all. I used to wait for the 10 minutes to restart the system but now the light just stays on. I have to take a baby back and forth everyday and can not have my car cutting off in the middle of the street like that.

- Hyattsville, MD, USA

Theft system problems- failure, ignition problems, replacement, failure to start.

- Granbury, TX, USA

This is a continual problem with the anti-theft/passlock system of my 2002 Chevy Malibu. I am the second owner of the car. The previous owner had the car for 3 years and had similar problems, but he reported that one dealer was finally able to "fix" the problem. The car either selectively won't start, and the theft light comes on. I have to let the key sit in the ignition for 10 min, and then it usually starts. Once the car was running fine, and the theft light came on and then the car just shut off on me after I had been driving for 40 minutes. It was very scary and could have potentially caused an accident. The dealers are giving me a run-around. They replaced the fuel pump and ignition switch, totaling over $1100, and the car is still having the same problems. Then after talking to the previous owner, I discovered that he had the same 2 things replaced when he owned the car, only 3-4 years ago. I talked to the dealer, but they are giving me a hard time, and I don't trust them to fix the problem this time either, let alone free of charge. I also filed a complaint with Chevy, but they do not seem to be very helpful. I have come across so many complaints of the same nature on the internet and from other friends with the same cars. I'm wondering why there has never been a recall. Please help!!! I'm out of money for more repairs, and I just want to be able to drive my car without fear of it stopping or not starting on me.

- Perkasie, PA, USA

I bought a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu on August 10, 2004. The mileage was 45,281. Since that time I have had 2 problems with my vehicle. 1.GM dex-cool/intake manifold gasket. 2.anti-theft light comes on. After car has been stopped, the car will not restart again. With regard to item number 1 above, I understand there is a class action lawsuit pending. With regard to item number 2 above, these are the circumstances concerning my problems associated with the anti theft system. From August to October 2006 I had to tow my vehicle to the Chevrolet dealership to address the problem of my car not starting. It was towed 4 times, the first 3 times and all the dealership said was that the battery needed to be charged. On the last time, October 13, 2006 the dealership said their "educated guess" was the need to change the starter switch and ignition lock cylinder for which they charged me for a starter switch - $96.15, an ignition lock cylinder - $154.79, recode the lock cylinder - $15, and $46 to correct the pass lock sensor data, plus a $10 environmental disposal fee. My son looked on the internet to see if anyone else has had similar problems with their same model car. It appears quite a few owners have had similar problems. The anti-theft problem fix was to allow the car to sit for 10 minutes, and then try to start the vehicle again, and it worked, sometimes after 2-3 attempts. The dealership had also said to try the same fix procedure, it might work. It appears that General Motors knows about this two problem, and is only addressing the GM dex cool intake manifold gasket. General Motors should recall to fix both problems at no charge to the owner. It's only a matter of time before either of these two items becomes a safety issue and causes a loss of life or limb. The current mileage is 55,340.

- Beaverton, OR, USA

The situation arises with no prior warnings, I insert my original GM key in the ignition switch to start my 2002 Chevrolet Malibu and the electronic anti-theft system goes into theft mode (as if I am stealing my own car). The theft system light on the dash starts flashing and the car will not start. The engine turns over but will not start. I have to leave the car switched on for 10 minutes (while draining the battery) until the theft system light quits flashing and stays on steady. At that point I must turn the ignition switch to off and then try starting the car again. To date it always starts after the 10-minute delay and retry. The problem appears to be random in nature and has happened to me as often as three (3) times in one day. It has made me late for work, appointments and stranded at the gas pump (inconveniencing others). I am fortunate that I haven't had any dire emergencies (yet) in which the car has left me stalled. I have not tried to have it repaired as I cannot afford the cost and it is my understanding from others' experiences that it will eventually happen with the new parts. This is a General Motors defective system and a poor design that has been unleashed on the buying public. Apparently General Motors has refused to acknowledge the problem and take responsibility for their faulty engineering. Meanwhile many, many people like myself have unknowingly purchased General Motors vehicles with these systems and continue to have to live with the inconvenience and potentially dangerous results of their poor engineering.

- West Jefferson, OH, USA

Anti theft keeps shutting off my car. My car sits outside all the time. It was -4 this morning, went to start car and anti theft keeps shutting down engine. I have not encountered this problem since buying used in Sept 06.

- Byron, MN, USA

Passlock sensor activates for no apparent reason while driving the vehicle and prevents the car from being started for 10 minutes. This is a safety hazard and could put someone's life at risk.

- Pompano Beach, FL, USA

Car refused to start. Left me stranded in a parking lot in nashville and had to be towed, twice. It took 2 trips to the mechanic before they realized it was a defect with the anti theft system, . it locked up the ignition for thirty minutes. They said there was no fix for this problem except to wait until the car decided to let me start it.

- Pleasant Shade, TN, USA

My 2002 Chevy Malibu's theft system sporadically, but frequently will start flashing and my car won't start. I have to turn the key on for 10 minutes and wait for the theft light to turn off. I turn the key off for 5 seconds and the car starts. Very dangerous for my wife and kids being stranded for 10 minutes - anywhere.

- Ocoee, FL, USA

Car will not start do to anti theft system. You must wait ten min for the light to turn off then restart the car.

- Mount Pleasant, SC, USA

Vehicle prevented from starting due to defective "theft deterrent" system known as pass lock.

- Liberty Township, OH, USA

1. normal usage of car 2. anti theft system engages arbitrarily causing car not to start for 10 minutes until you do a reset procedure. Notified it is a problem with the ignition lock cylinder. It seems this is a widespread defect and the repair is expensive. Also, reports show the new part will have the same problem. It is a fundamental defect. 3. nothing, to expensive, should be covered as a defect.

- Metairie, LA, USA

2002 Chevrolet Malibu 37,000mi. The vehicle anti theft system( passlock system),failure. Vehicle won't start. Recently got the car started but now the anti theft system light stays on permanently.

- Flushing, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights present, however, the theft deterrent light illuminated. The vehicle took ten minutes to finally start. Once the vehicle started, the theft light dimmed. The failure occurred twice before. The current mileage was 69,000 and failure mileage was 68,900. Updated 02-01-08 updated 02/01/08

- Sidney, OH, USA

Car fails to start due to faulty anti theft deterrent system. Components of system including ignition lock cylinder and housing, body control module, and key replaced in 11/06. Same symptoms recurred in 07/07.

- Zanesville, OH, USA

I have had a problem with the anti-theft device in the computer. I replaced the computer 11 months ago and already I have to replace it again. The anti-theft device tricks the computer and disables the engine from igniting.

- Downers Grove, IL, USA

Passlock sensor prevented starting the car although the original key was used. Had to replace the ignition switch and the passlock sensor. Car had to be towed to the service shop for repair.

- College Station, TX, USA

I own a 2002 Chevy Malibu. After much research online as well as multiple visits to my mechanic, I now realize that the problem I am encountering is a common one for my vehicle. The problem is with the theft system or "passlock". my car will fail to start because the passlock sensor detects what it thinks is an improper key. A 10 minute delay will ensue where I can not start my car at all during this time. This has happened frequently for the past year and a half. Within the last month is has happened up to 3 times a day! I find it completely unacceptable that Chevrolet has not recalled the car for this error. I can no longer run the risk of getting stuck in a bad situation/area and my car failing me.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA