Malibu 2 Words Never-again...............

If you ever get a chance to purchase a used Malibu, say 97-00, DON'T.......I may be the minority here, but I have had nothing but trouble with this car. From the upper strut shock mounts to the brakes to the cooling system......same problems over and over again. I swear I have to change the brakes every 6 months....I can be hard on vehicles, but my wife drives this car mostly, and she's gentle as can be with her vehicles.

I've had the same problems with the cooling system also. First it was the water pump, then the thermostat gasket and then the water pump AGAIN......I must admit, I'm a Chevy guy....but I am less than thrilled with GM's warranty policy.....3yrs/36000 does not compare to some of the other foreign makes, and that's a shame.

BTW, 3 people in my family own Malibu's. My sister-in-law bought one new in 97, my mother in law bought a 99 new and ours is 2000....ALL 3 HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS.......NO BS..........WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF THAT?!

And I've racked up nearly $4,000 in repairs (covered under the Extended Warranty, thankfully) on my '98 LS, which was purchased new.

Until yesterday, I was being an idiot by even considering an '04 or '05 Maxx. That's when I found out that the new one is having far WORSE teething troubles (which, GM may or may not get around to fixing) than the '97 did. I specifically waited for a '98, and got the same exact problems as on the '97. GMs philosophy must be "well, that one's out the door, time to spend our money on other upcoming models instead".

Yea, my mom has a 99' with the 3.1 V6. She bought it with 26,000 miles on it, and right off the bat, the fan speed control went out which = $25 because I could install it. This car only had a 3 month/3000 mile warranty. About a 9 months went by and the rotors, wheel speed sensors, and wheel bearings which = $600 by a mechanic were replaced. 8 months later and 45,000 on the odo, the rotors and calipers got replaced, as well as the water pump= $400. And lastly this summer I am going to replace the intake manifold gasket, but the mechanic wanted almost $1000 because it is a 6-7 hour job. I definatly would recomend against purchasing a Malibu. And I believe the 2004's 3.5 V6 is just an enlargement of the 3.1. Wow, GM, that's so not cool.

i have a 2001 Malibu and I have to admit that I certainly have not had the same problems as the rest of you have (just real minor stuff). It has almost 60K miles, in case anyone was wondering. I guess Chevy wisened up a bit after the 2000 model or something. However, I would have to agree with everyone that I wouldn't recommend anyone to buy a Malibu. The 3.1L underpowered v6 it has eats up fuel like crazy when driving on the streets (way more efficient on the highway, however). I also noticed that certain parts on the car are cheaply made too when compared to other cars, such as Toyotas, so that sucks. But yea, that's just my :2cents:.

we have an 01 malibu and have ad nothing but porblems too, we used to be replacing the brakes all the time, there was one time that we were at the dealer replacing the brakes once a month until we decided to go to a local shop and havnt had to replace the brakes since. the chevy dealer mus have been messing up the installs or something. also many other probs with the bu. i wouldnt recomend them to anyone. also about chevys brake pads i know a few people that unfortunatelty bought chevy cars and the first thing they did was get aftermarket pads.
just thought id give my 2 cents

if your sister and mother in law both had alot of issues with their chevy malibu's, then why did you decide to get one also?

I agree. I have a '97 Malibu that I have $4000 in repairs - rebuilt transmission, 2 intake gaskets, 2 alternators, etc. The problems are continuing to crop up.

And what is this "reliabe" information that you are getting on the 2004's? Those cars are 100% different in many ways. But I am sure you know that since you obviously researched it.

That stinks about your rig though. I heard that the brakes on those cars have had many problems, that is the main reason a few years ago that I shyed away from a '97.

I know the feeling about the problems with the Malibu's. I purchased a 2000 LS in Jan 2001. I also purchased the extended warranty (75k mile b - b), which turned out to save me, and my wallet, on a few occasions.

May 2001: front brake systems failed - covered by warranty
August 2001: interior fan setting 1 & 2 fail, half the lights in the stock stereo go out, #5 coil in my distributor corroded, catalytic converter failed, A/C system failed – covered by warranty
July 2002 – water pump fails, leaks in coolant hoses, head warps, #5 piston scores cylinder wall – covered by warranty

Total cost of warranty = $1,200
Total cost to dealer/mfg for repairs = $12,392.57

And after all of that, I still like my Malibu. hmmmm.....

Yeah, and I love my '04 Maxx (never really actually HATED the '98). Comforting to know I got the Extended Warranty again, though.

Haven't changed my stance about the Malibu. Now I think my turn signals are going out! :mad: My friend has a Toyota Solara for two years and has never had to take the car in for anything other than general maintainance stuff. No problems, whatsoever! Never buying a GM car again, that's for sure. And Chevy cannot lure me with a $4000 rebate/bribe. It's not worth the trouble. :2cents:

Hey badboy,

you know that there is a recall for the turn signals right?

Hey badboy,

you know that there is a recall for the turn signals right?
Hmm...this is news to me. Can anyone tell me more?

I just read this and copy for your info all below "Please visit: blinker problems" directly below.- thanks to e2helper. See thread "blinker problems, bottom of page 1 at this forum!

As for me, Alternator, ACc switch and pretty much everything in front end- brakes, hubs, etc seems to be poop on this car. I have a purchased-new 99 with only 15K on it today on it and have experienced/am experienceing all. Going to dump mine ASAP, even though I am a "GM man" (up till now, anyway) and more or less like the 99 I own. Drove the MAXX and almost bought then "sobered up" on my maliby (Cutlass) doubts and held off. Subaru or Volvo is next for me.

Please visit: Blinker problems

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KillerKeller_jr
I'm checking this out for my fiance's 2001 Malibu LS. Her problem is that the blinkers seem to only work when they feel like it. I have checked the fuse and it is good. Next I was thinking that maybe the Blinker relay or whatever that device is called maybe bad. I had one go bad in the grand am I use to have. Does anyone here have any tips on what could be wrong? I am unfamiliar with what problems Malibus have because I own a 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora and have my own problems. Thanks in advance.

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e2helper
Hope this helps

Make : CHEVROLET Model : MALIBU Year : 2001
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 03V327000 Recall Date : AUG 27, 2003
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 670740
Summary:
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE HAZARD WARNING SWITCHES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE SOLDER JOINT CRACKING CAUSED BY RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS. IF SOLDER JOINT CRACKING OCCURS AND RESULTS IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT, THE TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LAMPS BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.
Consequence:
WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
Notes:
GM RECALL NO. 03043. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

If you ever get a chance to purchase a used Malibu, say 97-00, DON'T.......I may be the minority here, but I have had nothing but trouble with this car. From the upper strut shock mounts to the brakes to the cooling system......same problems over and over again. I swear I have to change the brakes every 6 months....I can be hard on vehicles, but my wife drives this car mostly, and she's gentle as can be with her vehicles.

I've had the same problems with the cooling system also. First it was the water pump, then the thermostat gasket and then the water pump AGAIN......I must admit, I'm a Chevy guy....but I am less than thrilled with GM's warranty policy.....3yrs/36000 does not compare to some of the other foreign makes, and that's a shame.

BTW, 3 people in my family own Malibu's. My sister-in-law bought one new in 97, my mother in law bought a 99 new and ours is 2000....ALL 3 HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS.......NO BS..........WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF THAT?!

Thanks
for all that information man we had on our 2000 model had to get the gaskets replaced , it was so bad that we had coolant in the engine when we took in to be worked on , know I am haveing to replace the fuel filter. Take a look and see where it is ,there is no way of doing it youreslf.
DARRELL

Is there any way to take off a fuel filter on a 2000 MALIBU car with out taking it to a shop. If you a 2000 model you ll see what I am talking about , there is no room for a f.... tool to loosen up the filter.

Guess I better hold my breath in anticpation of cooling system crapping out? Too bad I like the car so much. Its a joy to drive, so far.

1999 Malibu for sale. Bought new, original owner. 15K miles, metallic grey, suped up stereo system Clarion AM FM tape casette CD. Lovingly cared for very clean (pristene) car very gently driven very little (obviously!). Signals, brakes, front end struts, hubs etc and probably cooling system, as is typical with this model, will need attention in another 5K miles plus or minus. $10,000 (Was offered 8 for dealer trade-in on Maxx, reasonable offers considered). Location Richmond VA.

Maybe I got lucky, but I haven't had much trouble with my 97 Malibu. The biggest thing was when the ABS computer went, Which cost me $325 to fix. Other than that, all I've done is general maint. And mine has high miles!! I bought it 1 1/2 years ago with 130k and now it has over 170k. Maybe they get better with age???

Just a note for any Chevy Malibu owner with brake problems DO NOT and I repeat Do Not buy regular brake pads for this vehicle, You must specifically ask for ceramic pads. You will never have a squeal or a shudder again. The difference in price is about $15.Which is worth the much saved aggravation..

If you ever get a chance to purchase a used Malibu, say 97-00, DON'T.......I may be the minority here, but I have had nothing but trouble with this car. From the upper strut shock mounts to the brakes to the cooling system......same problems over and over again. I swear I have to change the brakes every 6 months....I can be hard on vehicles, but my wife drives this car mostly, and she's gentle as can be with her vehicles.

I've had the same problems with the cooling system also. First it was the water pump, then the thermostat gasket and then the water pump AGAIN......I must admit, I'm a Chevy guy....but I am less than thrilled with GM's warranty policy.....3yrs/36000 does not compare to some of the other foreign makes, and that's a shame.

BTW, 3 people in my family own Malibu's. My sister-in-law bought one new in 97, my mother in law bought a 99 new and ours is 2000....ALL 3 HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS.......NO BS..........WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF THAT?!

Yes. I have a 97. Junk! Struts, rust, injectors, manifold gaskets, crankshaft oil seal, oil pan gasket, heater, evaporator core on AC unit. Too many corners cut.

I have a 1999 Ols Cutluss same boby as Malibu, my sister has a 1998 Malibu, My mother has a 2001 Malibu all have some miles on them lowest is 44600 my 1999. None ever had any big repaires, no major problems not even minor problems all run great. As far as front brakes all the cars listed even my 2 trucks all get new pads around every 30k miles even my daughters Suzuki Grand Vitera gets brakes every 30k I am very happy with my car
P.S. My father always tell me your cars last as long as the care you put into them (mine all have been minimal effort)

chevy sucks

My wife traded of a perfect 95 ford escort on 97 malibu in 98. The malibu only had 10,000 miles on it. Every other day it is fix something and check the gas. It has sounded like a grain truck since the day we got it, they put a up-date kit in the front end, that didn't help. The electrical system is a joke some light is always flashing. Due to an illness in the family, I was not able to get rid of it so know it has 116,000 on it and I use it as spare vehicle. I drive an 02 ford f150 with 132,000 on it and it drives and runs like a new truck yet.

The only good about a chevy is that us mechanics will never go hungry.

I've had to put new brake pads on my car, replace all the hoses, the water pump, tires, power-steering, battery, and soon my heater core since I bought my 97' Malibu at 100k miles for $3,000 and it's now at 110k.
The only problem I can't firgure out whats wrong is the ABS light will just randomly turn on and off. All those replacements aren't too bad because I put most of them in my self so it didn't cost alot. I'd still rather have a honda or a japanese made car.

I have all the same problems as most everyone else on this thread with my 1998. I took mine in to be checked out about 98 miles before my warranty expired. It had around 95,000 miles on it and was making a knocking noise in the engine. My husband thought it could be the lifters. Anyway, I got a call the next day from the dealer telling me I needed a new engine. The lifters were clacking because the camshaft was wore out! Now I have 115,000 miles and guess what? The lifters are clacking yet again! Not to mention we have changed the rotors, calipers (they are sticking again), the wheel bearings, and the struts. Now we think it may need ball joints! We are die-hard Chevy drivers that own a truck and a '69 Chevelle and my previous car was a 1996 Lumina (that I loved). But, I will never own a Malibu again!

I regretfully have to agree as far as the MALIBU NO MORE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate this stoopid car I have a 99 and it was wonderful until this issue that I am trying to figure out now you can see in my thread about 99 chain or belt timing

EXACT same complaints here in Massachusetts about our 98 Malibu piece of crap!

Thanks for the info regarding the blinker recall.

Now all we need is a pad/rotor, speed sensor/hub assembly, strut, intake gasket & water pump recall!

I have had everything go bad that you have discribed. I finally put on ceramic pads with drilled and slotted rotors, J.C. Whitney, 125.00, and I haven't had any problems for over a year. Now I have the overheating problem to fix. Damn!:banghead:

I've got a '98 with a 4 cylindar engine. The thing has been one big hassle after another. I've racked up over $5,000 in repairs. I'm giving up on GM cars, too. I think I'll go for a Honda or Toyota hybrid.