2002 Malibu brake problems!

[shellylynn]

I am sooooo upset. I am leasing an 02 malibu and they are saying the front brakes need replaced. I only have 22000 miles in this "leased" vehicle and they are saying I have to pay for it. I have never heard of a car that needs new brakes after 22000 miles. Has anyone else?

[wymi]

22K on Malibu brakes,if they are the originals is not too bad. I had to replace the rotors at 10K, 21K and 40K miles on my 01 Malibu. I finally figured out through the help of a GM Tech to use cheap Metalic pads and good rotors. I've put 20K miles on that setup and the brakes still work great, I've got lots of brake dust on my wheels, but thats a small price to pay for reliable long lasting brakes. Go to an independant garage and tell them to use metalic brake pads with new rotors and you'll be fine to the end of your lease. Even better, go buy the parts yourself and just negotiate one price to have them installed.

[bcopeland]

Join the club. That's standard for the Malibu. Just peruse the web site and see for yourself. I recomend that you check the calipers. If one pad is worn down and he oother pad is good, its usually the caliper.

[johnholl]

Originally Posted by shellylynn

I am sooooo upset. I am leasing an 02 malibu and they are saying the front brakes need replaced. I only have 22000 miles in this "leased" vehicle and they are saying I have to pay for it. I have never heard of a car that needs new brakes after 22000 miles. Has anyone else?

When you say the brakes need replacing what do you mean? Brake Pads? Pads and rotors? If the say you need rotors at 22K, tell them to cover the cost or kiss off and cancel the lease agreement, and lease an entirely different vehicle.

[bcopeland]

Yes, Yes and Yes. And no - it was not a lease, it was a purchase. And yes, Mac Haik Chevrolet on the katy freeway in Houston Texas lied to me and said it was normal wear and tear and it was not covered under warranty. I took it in at 15K miles (brake pads worn out - replaced at $30), 23K miles (rotors and brake pads worn out - replaced the brake pads only) and at 31K miles (same thing - brake pads). Each time, Mac Haik lied and said it was normal wear and tear. I even wrote GM HQs. Silent ears. So I say now to the Chevy commercials on tv - I have silent eras. I will NEVER again buy a new Chevy car.

PS - not to mention the 2 valve jobs I had before I had 80K miles on the car! Oh yeah - I bought rotors (3 times), brake pads (Please - I cannot count the number of times), and calipers (both sides about twice). Any more questions?

[johnholl]

Originally Posted by bcopeland

Yes, Yes and Yes. And no - it was not a lease, it was a purchase. And yes, Mac Haik Chevrolet on the katy freeway in Houston Texas lied to me and said it was normal wear and tear and it was not covered under warranty. I took it in at 15K miles (brake pads worn out - replaced at $30), 23K miles (rotors and brake pads worn out - replaced the brake pads only) and at 31K miles (same thing - brake pads). Each time, Mac Haik lied and said it was normal wear and tear. I even wrote GM HQs. Silent ears. So I say now to the Chevy commercials on tv - I have silent eras. I will NEVER again buy a new Chevy car.

PS - not to mention the 2 valve jobs I had before I had 80K miles on the car! Oh yeah - I bought rotors (3 times), brake pads (Please - I cannot count the number of times), and calipers (both sides about twice). Any more questions?

Sounds to me like the dealer waited untill the warranty was off so that the customer had to pay for the rotors and calipers. I'd contact GM or the FTC and file a complaint. Unless the calipers malfunction or the pads are neglected, the rotors should last 100K miles

[bcopeland]

What would that get me? I would love to get my money back. Maybe then - I would re-consider Chevy as a choice. But I thiunk the lack of attention bothers me the most.

[johnholl]

Well we all know that unless it's a safety issue: ie wheels in danger of falling off, a complete brake or steering failure,or chance of electrical fire or tire failure GM isn't obligated to repair anything out of warranty and out of pocket for their customers. Then when the sales of GM vehicles slump, they'll blame it on the maketing department, instead of quality...Well I guess they can always rely on the NASCAR fans for their customers.