7.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
28,050 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
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problem #4

Jul 032018

Malibu LT 1.5L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,920 miles

I have had this auto back to Victory Chevrolet many times and have complained about the paint each time. The clear coat on the auto began to show unusual swirl marks within a year of purchasing it. First I was told it was from the car wash. I took it to the car wash I use. They said it was a problem with the clear coat application.

Next time I took it to the dealership and I inquired again about the problem with the paint. I was told to take it to a detailer and have it polished. I polished it myself before we left for Florida for the winter. When I returned the following spring the paint looked as if it had been rubbed with sand paper. Took it to the dealer again and was told they could not do anything with it. Made a complaint to the service manager, he took pictures of it and said when the area manager was there he would have him look at it and would call me when he was in. Never received a call within two weeks so I called the dealership and was told that the area man could tell by the pictures that it was from washing and they could not do anything for me.

I took it to a local reputable collision and paint shop and was told that the clear coat was not properly applied, but that they could fix it for me if I wanted. Early August I called their customer complaint department and was told someone would be assigned to my case and call me within a few days. In less than a week I received a call from Scott (phone #866-790-5600 ext:#5921602) & he promised to look into my problem and call me back. He called me on 08/25/2020 and I missed his call. Called him back on the same day and left a message. Never received a return call. Called him again on 8/28, 9/04, 9/08 and he never returns my calls.

I have been a Chevy customer for years and bought new cars and pickups from GM since 1984. It appears that I made a terrible mistake this time, since I have never been treated this way at any dealership ever. Guess I am going to have to buy one of those froeign cars, everyone I talk to says that they stand behind the cars. Hope to hear from someone who cares soon.

- Gene O., Mount Holly, NC, US

problem #3

Feb 012018

Malibu Limited

  • CVT transmission
  • 7,000 miles

click to see larger images

water leaks into trunk water leaks into trunk water leaks into trunk water leaks into trunk water leaks into trunk water leaks into trunk

Took car to Chattanooga TN for trunk diagnostics, which consisted of spraying water over trunk while closed. Went to drop off and they notified me I missed my (month/year warranty) by one month and couple of days. Left. Called manufacturer (claim #1) they rescheduled my appt due to mileage warranty was under 30000. Dropped off one evening, dealership called me 2 days later to pick up. Dealership claimed, because they saw my passenger tail light was cracked, that the rear end incident was the problem (that I was unaware of) that it was body damage resulted the problem. When i told them the leak is on the other side of the trunk, they wasn't willing to discuss. I had the passenger brake light replaced. Still leaking on the driver side. Took car back to body shop for new bulb for new/used brake light. From time I had brake light replaced and new bulb put in (3 weeks), body shop told me they had another person come in with same type car with exact same issue. They were unable to locate the water leak in the trunk. Couple weeks later called manufacturers for claim #2. Currently waiting for returned call. Two days ago, while tornado warning was out, I went out to my car, back seats were already laid down, trunk flat panel already out, i crawled into back door laid out into trunk with light trying to feel, look and listen for leak(s). I cant trade out for another vehicle because the trade in value for this model has decreased soooo much. Less than Half of the remainder balance owed on the car. From the git go, i googled Malibu forums on trunk leaks. I want to know just how many complaints have to made before a recall happens. I am thinking about putting an add in the paper asking, if you have this problem, please report it.

- koshields, Rossville, US

problem #2

Apr 262019

Malibu LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,500 miles

We bought our Malibu in May 2016, brand new, with less that 20 miles on it. The following January, we noticed a mildew smell. We discovered items in our trunk completely mildewed - 2 softball gloves and other sporting items. I lifted the cover over the spare tire and found the tire completely under water.

Called the dealer where we bought the car and they had us bring it in to be looked at. They replaced the seal around the trunk. Jump ahead to April 2019. I took my dad's wheelchair out of the trunk and water poured off of it. The armrests, seat, and back is mildewed and the chrome parts are rusted! Lifted the cover over the spare tire again, and it is under water AGAIN! I called the dealer and she told me that GM is aware of the issue and there are 3 causes.

She had me look at the headliner for water spots (there were none), check the back dash to see if it was wet (it wasn't), and try to wiggle the back brake light on the back window to see if it was loose (it wasn't). She said because the car was out of warranty, I would be responsible for the repair. I assured her that I would NOT be paying, that if GM was aware there was an issue with a flooded trunk, then that means it is a manufacturing issue, and NOT wear and tear. She said I could bring it in so they could see where the problem is. If it was the seal again, it would be on the dealer. If it was anything else, I would be responsible. I took it in and of course, it was a different cause. (she said it had to do with the brake light)

She quoted me a price of $2200 to repair. I told her I would not/could not pay that. I told her that I felt GM should be responsible since they know there is a problem. She said that she tried to run it through GM but they denied it. I told her to put my car back together and I wound never buy another GM/Chevy vehicle again. (this is my 8th purchase from them) She asked me to give her a couple more days to try it again. She called a week later (they did give me a loaner) and told me that GM was willing to pay $900 of the $2200 bill. I said no, I will be getting rid of this car as soon as possible. If GM wants to be that way, so can I.

I got the car home and THEY DIDN'T EVEN DRAIN THE WATER!!! I removed the spare tire and jack from the lockdown space. The tire was SLIMY and the jack is so rusted, it's useless! I have had to use a wet vac on my trunk several times since then because it has rained so much. When parked at home, I cover the car with a tarp.

So now I have a vehicle I can only drive in good weather. If it rains, I have to park it at home and cover it and hope I can get a ride from someone. I have to replace a wheelchair & jack. I'm done with GM/Chevy!

- Tammy C., Springhill, LA, US

problem #1

Dec 312017

Malibu LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,700 miles

There is water inside the trunk and I don't know why or how it got there.

- Dennis T., San Antonio, TX, US