7.9
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $340
- Average Mileage:
- 72,850 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 49 complaints
Most common solutions:
- wait 10 minutes and car starts (16 reports)
- not sure (12 reports)
- recall the stinking thing (4 reports)
- replaced ignition switch (4 reports)
- turn key on until lght goes off then turn key off for 30 seconds (4 reports)
- added an after-market remote starter, which bypasses the anti-theft system (2 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
every so often when i go to start my car the theft light comes on and the car wont start for ten minutes. Happens anywhere at any given time and all you can do is wait
- Ryan N., Umatilla, OR, US
First,I wish had researched the quality of the Malibu before making a purchase in May 2006. The car had 27,000 miles on it at the time. Anyway, I am having a very similar problem as all the others mentioned. The car starts in the morning, and in the afternoon, the car turns over 8 to 10 times before starting. I can tell when it is getting ready to start, all the lights start coming on, engine, seat belt, etc. It reminds me of a computer that is for some reason shut down temporarily, and it starts to come alive again. I am apalled that Chevrolet continue to put these flawed devices in their cars and allow the consumers to deal with the headaches. There should be a recall.
- Pat P., Kennesaw, GA, US
One morning I went to go to work and my car wouldn't start. I called a tow truck to go to the dealer. When the car got their it started!!!!! They told me nothing was wrong, and then it happened again as I got ready to leave!!!!!!
- wildaboutjesus, Cleveland, TN, US
What a pile of crap!!! I don't trust this car to drive to the mall let alone drive out of town. I work in the automotive business and I do not recommend any of the GM products when people ask about buying cars. With garbage like this coming out of Detroit it is no wonder that the Japanese are eating our lunch!!. My 79 Malibu is a jewel, compared to this turd. This is unacceptable for a car to have this type of problem.
- Ed U., Burlington, NC, US
Had to argue with the service writer over who should cover the problem.
- Ed U., Burlington, NC, US
Stupid pass lock sensor issues!!! replaced cylinder and ignition switch 300.00 and counting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Melanie F., Denver, CO, US
We have paid for towing 5 times to dealer with car starting at dealer and problem going unsolved. Last trip (#6) reprogrammed anti theft system and was told could last forever or 3 weeks. Well it lasted 2 weeks. Luckily found the wait 10 minutes answer. No longer costing me any money just serious inconvenience car won't start at least twice a week. I am logging weather conditions and days and times that it won't start to try and determine pattern, as of now it appears to be random. Good luck to all !!!
* interesting note- called Chevy complaint line to officially log a complaint and they told us there have been no other complaints filed. Huh?
- Hollie S., Auburn Hills, MI, US
Several times, my theft system light came on and stayed on for short periods of time. The dealer said I needed to bring the car in because there was a problem with the security system and eventually it would cause the car not to start. I ended up needing a new ignition switch and cylinder. The cost was extremely high. This car is a POS. This is the 2nd time in 5 weeks a major problem occurred with this car.
- Charlotte S., Minneapolis, MN, US
This is happening on average two times a day now. I can't possibly do this complaint thing for everytime it happens. I do know that I have to turn the key on, sit for 10 minutes, turn key off and then back on again for another 10 minutes, and when the theft deterrant light quits flashing, it will start.
- Deborah J., Wetummpka, AL, US