The great Malibu TRAP

I am the formerly proud owner of a 2000 Malibu. My week has been the worst automotive week of my life thanks to this piece of crap car. (As you can see I am NOT proud now) Listen to the hooror story unfold.....

My car has 58000 miles of flawless operation. I have changed the brake pads only twice (knock on wood) and was thrilled at how easy the brakes are to change.

But I was cruising the highway early this week when I noticed something odd. Steady speed 62mph, flat ground, no wind, tach at about 2000 RPM when I felt a very slight "shudder". Further focus on the problem reveals that the tach will jump up to about 2300-2400 RPM then fall back in place (takes about one second). If I had to guess I would say my torque converter is unlocking. Another interesting characteristic--IF the cruise control is activated it will shut down during the "shudder" but the problem exists whether the cruise is activated or not.

SO--I discovered this message board during my search for people with the same problem. This is how I search for answers sometimes with intermittant problems because I have learned that mechanics LOVE to charge you for ZERO information. "Sir--we aren't able to duplicate--that'll be $90" ANYWAY--much to my surprise I noticed people were VERY upset with their Malibus and were having all manner of mechanical troubles. So--I took mental notes and re-examined my car.

SHOCKER--I find oil in my coolant and immediately know (thanks to this board) that my intake manifold gasket is shot (AT 58000 miles????) well--that's not a cheap repair and I don't have the confidence to attempt it without good technical info so that'll run me about $750.

And (another shocker) the dealer can't duplicate the tranny problem so I'll still have that when the shop gives me back Malli.

Other problems (Malibu owners I bet you can guess these without reading!)

Blower won't work on 1 & 2
Blinkers intermittant (just punch the hazard switch and they'll work--recall pending)
Loud noise coming from right front wheel well when I hit bumps
Humming noise from front wheels (wheel bearing probably going bad)

People--Chevy needs to help us out with this crap! I know five people who have Malibus and WE ALL have the SAME problems--and roughly the same mileage.

The new commercials really tick me off--DON'T LET ANYONE YOU CARE FOR PURCHASE A MALIBU, IT WILL DRAIN YOUR MONEY

And the coolant filler cap in my own Malibu ticks me off "You will not need to service the coolant system for 5 years or 150,000 miles" BULLCRAP--you will end up replacing the ENTIRE COOLANT SYSTEM by then unless you are EXTREMELY lucky.

American made Malibu--WHAT A SHAME!!!--I won't buy foreign made cars, still won't, but the thought HAS crossed my mind and that is a SHAME. SHAME ON CHEVY--SHAME, SHAME!!

I'm sorry for your terrible experiences and would hope Chevy has learned their lesson(s).
Our Maxx is a far cry from the previous generation Malibu. Perhaps this is some indication that Chevy has finally made changes.
Only time will tell.

Hi ,
Please check my post concerning the 20000 Malibu. I think Chevy knows about the blower problem, and won't admit it, further, there is a cooling system problem. See if you can find my post about a class action lawsuit, and if you are intrested in getting in, then I think we may have 10-12 people already. The more people you can get involved, the more Chevy will pay attention.

Rick
[email protected]
p.s I am buying a Mazada6. It may have been Jap car, but it is made in the USA now! Still its a great car....





I am the formerly proud owner of a 2000 Malibu. My week has been the worst automotive week of my life thanks to this piece of crap car. (As you can see I am NOT proud now) Listen to the hooror story unfold.....

My car has 58000 miles of flawless operation. I have changed the brake pads only twice (knock on wood) and was thrilled at how easy the brakes are to change.

But I was cruising the highway early this week when I noticed something odd. Steady speed 62mph, flat ground, no wind, tach at about 2000 RPM when I felt a very slight "shudder". Further focus on the problem reveals that the tach will jump up to about 2300-2400 RPM then fall back in place (takes about one second). If I had to guess I would say my torque converter is unlocking. Another interesting characteristic--IF the cruise control is activated it will shut down during the "shudder" but the problem exists whether the cruise is activated or not.

SO--I discovered this message board during my search for people with the same problem. This is how I search for answers sometimes with intermittant problems because I have learned that mechanics LOVE to charge you for ZERO information. "Sir--we aren't able to duplicate--that'll be $90" ANYWAY--much to my surprise I noticed people were VERY upset with their Malibus and were having all manner of mechanical troubles. So--I took mental notes and re-examined my car.

SHOCKER--I find oil in my coolant and immediately know (thanks to this board) that my intake manifold gasket is shot (AT 58000 miles????) well--that's not a cheap repair and I don't have the confidence to attempt it without good technical info so that'll run me about $750.

And (another shocker) the dealer can't duplicate the tranny problem so I'll still have that when the shop gives me back Malli.

Other problems (Malibu owners I bet you can guess these without reading!)

Blower won't work on 1 & 2
Blinkers intermittant (just punch the hazard switch and they'll work--recall pending)
Loud noise coming from right front wheel well when I hit bumps
Humming noise from front wheels (wheel bearing probably going bad)

People--Chevy needs to help us out with this crap! I know five people who have Malibus and WE ALL have the SAME problems--and roughly the same mileage.

The new commercials really tick me off--DON'T LET ANYONE YOU CARE FOR PURCHASE A MALIBU, IT WILL DRAIN YOUR MONEY

And the coolant filler cap in my own Malibu ticks me off "You will not need to service the coolant system for 5 years or 150,000 miles" BULLCRAP--you will end up replacing the ENTIRE COOLANT SYSTEM by then unless you are EXTREMELY lucky.

American made Malibu--WHAT A SHAME!!!--I won't buy foreign made cars, still won't, but the thought HAS crossed my mind and that is a SHAME. SHAME ON CHEVY--SHAME, SHAME!!

i own a 99 malibu head gasket blown at 55K and and my alternator recently went but i'm more then willing to bet i killed that with stereo other then standard oil changes and various other things i havn't had a problem.. i never noticed the change in my rpms before but if i go on highway anytime soon i'll be sure to look for it now.. which model engine do you own i know for my year they put out a 4 and 2 6's the 4 and one 6 should run at a 150hp the other 6 should run at 170hp. do you know which engine you have and have you put any mods on it that might effect it?

I own a 98 malibu. I have had most of the common problems listed on this board.

1. Blower does not work on 1 & 2
2. Windows will roll down but won't come up
3. Brakes
4. Rattling dash
5. FM quit working on radio
6. Defective head gasket
7. Tramsmision overhaul at 49,000 miles
8. etc.

I hope this helps. I bought a 98 Malibu Nov 97 (now have 60K miles). and have learned a few things that might be worth sharing.

The # 1 & 2 blower settings stopped working. Using info I found on the net, I mail ordered a replacement resistor for $ 16 and replaced the old one.

I ordered the Factory manuals for $ 120 from www.helminc.com

Found the rattle noise (since new) coming from behind glove box when the car was crusing.
Need to brace the blower box/ducting near the passenger side floor. Passenger can press toe of shoe up and in to see if it stops in your car.

I lost partial function of my radio, many stations wouldn't come in.
Under warranty the dealer (had a TSB) lifted the passenger side carpet and pressed the antenna coax connectors back together.

Had the center console glove box cover replaced under warranty, old model catches when opened and slowly peels the top off.

Tires made so much road noise at 45k miles that I thought a bearing was going out. I've rented many Malibus while working, and several had this noise when over 35K miles. I bought Sumitomo tires from Sears and thought I had about like new ride and quiet again.

The Alternator slowly died and didn't show up as a problem until the battery wouldn't power the car with the lights on when stopped at a light.

After I replaced alternator, I charged the battery and started the car. Then I noticed the gas gauge now didn't work. I used the paper clip through the trip knob to flip the needle CCW, as read here tonight.
(Thanks)

I couldn't figure out how to release the old fuel filter, gave up and crushed the old plastic latch. This worked too.

I have a had another problem for a while. If I accelerate out of a sharp left turn like on to a freeway on-ramp the engine stumbles as if running out of fuel. I yanked the steering wheel to the right once and it cleared up almost instantly. I suspect the fuel pump is not producing enough pressure and volume to keep the turn forces from pulling fuel from the injectors. (But that's just a guess, anyone else seen this ?)

Morons at Sears shreaded my stock wheel (3 of 4) and nut covers, when the cheap crap aluminium nut covers slipped. I had one nut slip on me before, I used a (I think the size was 3/4") hole saw to easily cut the nut cover off and removed the nut with a normal socket. Sears broke pieces off the wheel covers until they could pry the nut covers off, because I was buying new wheels with the tires...

No cooling problems yet, but I think I'll retorque the intake and head bolts first chance I get.

I get an employee discount from GM (employer was owned by GM) and have a couple K$ on the GM card rebate, this and the other available rebates ( adds up to half retail) are still not enough to make me buy another GM car. The common problems I can understand (the internet helps point out they are common), but the lack of concern from GM has put me off their products. The Malibu was a great standard options package, but GM isn't the company to buy my next car from. I really feel for those people that bought the first year Malibu.

Bobby

Well I bought an extended warranty when I bought my Mali. My extended warranty is probably regretting ever offering a contract on a Malibu. The motor was pulled at 39,000. Pistons knocking when it is cold. Dealer replaced all 6 with redesigned polymer coated ones. Power window in back passanger seat making popping sounds. Dealer replaced window regulator. $500.61. (Warranty paid) Air conditioner does not work on 1&2. Dealer fixed. Noticed again motor makes ticking sounds when first started. Sometimes when I start it, the starter sticks and squeels like you are holding the key in start after it has already started. everyone is scratching thier head at that one.

I had a honda accord that I traded in for this POS. It had 199,984 miles. Ran great everything worked. Never had a problem. Just did normal maint. Going to get rid of the Malibu for another Honda before the Malibu activates it's self destruct sequence.

yep these cars are crap, but the new malibu seems to have less problems than the old style, other than a few recalls and a few probs with the electric steering not much has gone wrong with them yet. working at the dealer i see a lot of problems with the old ones, shit ive done 5 intake gaskets on them this week alone. i work on these cars all day long and i dont want to work on my car after work wich is why i bought a japanese car.

Do you have any suggestions for preventing the intake gasket problem from occuring? I have seen references to using a torque wrench and resetting the bolts.

2003 Mailibu with 41K miles

the best way to do it is to wait until it leaks and then replace it the right way, it may help to re-torque the intake manifold but to do so requires removing certain components and if you are that far into it you might as well replace the gasket

Going to get rid of the Malibu for another Honda before the Malibu activates it's self destruct sequence.

heh it sounds as if it already has :/

I’ve never been one of those fan boys who only buy ford or Chevy etc but from what I’ve seen on Chevy in the past few years, im very disappointed.
My friend had a 96 s10 with the 2.2L and Chevy had to replace the motor 6 times under warranty due to valve train failures, Chevy also had to replace the tranny twice due to improper fluid cooling, his dad had a 99 GMC jimmy, and Chevy had to replace the 4.3L at 15,000 miles due to a head gasket malfunction then again at 26,000 miles due to failed rings on pistons 3 and 6(and 4.3s are usually bullet proof), my supervisor had a 98 Malibu and had every problem mentioned in this thread, he traded that for a 03 impala im scared to ask how its running :p

heh it sounds as if it already has :/

I’ve never been one of those fan boys who only buy ford or Chevy etc but from what I’ve seen on Chevy in the past few years, im very disappointed.
My friend had a 96 s10 with the 2.2L and Chevy had to replace the motor 6 times under warranty due to valve train failures, Chevy also had to replace the tranny twice due to improper fluid cooling, his dad had a 99 GMC jimmy, and Chevy had to replace the 4.3L at 15,000 miles due to a head gasket malfunction then again at 26,000 miles due to failed rings on pistons 3 and 6(and 4.3s are usually bullet proof), my supervisor had a 98 Malibu and had every problem mentioned in this thread, he traded that for a 03 impala im scared to ask how its running :p

damn hearin all these horror stories sorta makes me regret gettin my 03 bu.... but i love the car and haven't had any probs other then hittin a deer. I hope nothing bad goes on with it cause i put a body kit and intake that prob voided warrenty... lol... o well... we will c how it goes. I only have 33k on it... so i'm crossin my fingers!!!!!!!!!!!