1999 Malibu paint problems and rust

[rowene5]

hello, this is my first post, just registered. I have a 99 Malibu and I noticed some paint blistering around my gas cap in the fall which quickly led to the paint just peeling and flaking off. Now, I have a severe rust problem all around the area. Went to 2 collision shops for estimates to repair the area, one said they could not repair rust problems, and the other said the only way to repair it would be to put on a new quarter panel at a cost of $1500! The second shop even said it looked like the area had been repaired before, there was this fiber type substance that he just flaked off with a pencil. I told him I bought the car new. I googled my problem and found several other people who have noticed this problem, but the dealerships would not help. Now I have made it a mission to check out Malibus I see in parking lots and am amazed at the number who have peeling paint and rust around the gas cap area. Has anyone else had this rust problem? What can I do?

[steve_o]

I have the same problem. I paid someone to fix it and it came right back. I am tempted to just sand it down and use some sort or fiberglas or Bondo, and then have it repainted. It is an epidemic with these cars as I see it everywhere. I have no other rust on the car and keep it clean most of the time. Do you think it is gas vapors or gas being pushed out of the cap?

[jrsmail]

I have it too, but don't give a Sh!t, It's a car and they will a rust at once time or another. As long as it run, stops and drives ok, I'm good.

[Bonham]

I have the same problem. I noticed the blisters and 3 months later I had a huge rust spot right under the filler.