1999 Chevrolet Malibu

Summary:

Nice car, but, too many repair problems

Faults:

Horn inoperable. Have taken back to the dealer twice and it still does not work.

Dash board overheats. The radio control buttons overheat when headlights are turned on. I've had the dealer look at this problem twice; only to be told it's a design defect and I'll have to live with it. Their solution was to dim the lights to reduce the overheating.

I had to replace the rotors and pads at about 30,000 miles. This seems to be a recurring problem among other owners of this model as well.

The air condtioner/fan does not operate at settings 1 and 2.

I recently have problems shifting the gear from park to drive. At just 39,000 miles, I should not have these problems.

General Comments:

Overall the car looks nice, is roomy and I like the trunk space. It handles well on the road. However, I'm having too many problems that require repairs and am seriously considering getting rid of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th September, 2003

1999 Chevrolet Malibu LS

Summary:

Too costly for maintenance for this car!!

Faults:

Back Lights went out at about 4000 miles.

ALternator went out at about 25000 miles.

Battery went out at about 30000 miles.

Intake gasket went out at about 40000 miles.

Tires needed to be replaced at about 36000 miles.

Starter went out and needed to be replaced at about 1000 miles.

Brakes had bad pulsation and rotors and pads were replaced at about 33000 miles.

Brakes have the bad pulsation again at 50000 miles and rotors need to be replaced.

Air conditioning works some times, need to turn knob back and forth several times and usually the a/c kicks in.

Belt was replaced at 42000 miles.

Glove compartment door does not close tight.

Air bags light indicator goes on on panel. refuse to pay the money to replace these sensors.

General Comments:

Car does handle well and is fun to drive. The problems with this car are well know on all the Malibu models. the service managers all say, this happens to all of them, we only sell and repair them, we do not make them.

Chevrolet has not done anything for me to make me buy another car from them, given all the problems. They say that the car is off warranty and will not support any of the cost of replacing faulty parts. How can they get away knowing that these parts have all failed in the passed? Maybe that is why they now have a new model for the Malibu. Did they run out of their time limit.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd September, 2003

1999 Chevrolet Malibu

Summary:

One problem after another

Faults:

Pulsing brakes and warped rotors are a constant problem with this car. Rotors were replaced at 22,000 miles. Brakes were "fixed" many times under warranty and again at my expense.

Failed control head caused A/C to turn off and fan not to blow air under setting 3. Had replaced, again at my expense, and compressor now turns on when I press the button to recirculate air. So it's back to the dealer, again.

Rear brake light unit allowed water in when car was new.

Engine makes a ticking noise when first started. We have nicknamed the car "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" because of it.

Car makes an unidentified thunking noise on humid days after first starting. Does not happen predictably so, of course, the dealer cannot replicate.

General Comments:

I really want to like this car. It has some good features, but I do not trust it given the number of problems I've had with it. What an awful consumer experience. I will never buy a GM car again!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th September, 2003

1999 Chevrolet Malibu

Summary:

Best stay away from this one. Lemon all the way

Faults:

We bought the car used. We had nothing but problems with the brakes and rotors. Constantly changing pads, etc.

We have a tail light/brake light assembly that was wired backwards, ie. The brake light comes on where the taillight is instead of where the turn signal is. Radio antenna NEVER was connected properly to the radio, thus very poor reception, but the worst thing is Front Wheel bearing/hubs. Both are shot and roaring like you wouldn't believe. 182 dollars a SIDE for the parts. Our Service garage is hellbent on charging us full price for everything, although these faults obviously existed before the car left the line. I'm ashamed to own this automobile.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th September, 2003

19th Aug 2007, 13:22

At 109,000 miles the 2002 malibus front wheel hub/bearings are sounding verry crunchy. Does anyone know if the damages can be in the the cast that the assembly goes to?