Faults:

I have had 4 wheel bearing failures, requiring the replacement of the complete hub, at a cost of approximately $275.00 each.

The fuel pump malfunctioned and was replaced at a cost of approximately $875.00.

The engine is somewhat noisy, sounds like a piston slap, which is disappointing. The engine has not been abused.

Original tires were replaced at 85,000 km. Brakes were replaced/repaired as required... more often than I would have anticipated.

General Comments:

The car is comfortable on the highway, seats are adequate. The 3.1 engine has sufficient power for highway travel, including passing. It is nimble enough for in-town driving as well.

It has been a reasonably satisfactory vehicle for all around driving. I am in my 60's and not a "hot rodder", but I do spend a great deal of time in my vehicle and do expect a level of performance. Having driven mostly bigger cars, I find the Malibu has enough of a "big car feel" to satisfy my requirements.

Although not unusual in the industry, I find it appalling that one should have to pay $600.00 for a fuel pump, and $150.00 for a wheel bearing. I can recall the days when we paid $25-$35 for either one of those parts, plus the same amount for installation.

Faults:

I'll try to explain this the best I can. When I turn on the air conditioner and push the recirculation button, it continues to switch back to the vent side where the air comes from the outside. So I basically have to keep pushing the recirculation button in order for my air to stay cool. Sometimes it will stay on the recirculation side, but the majority of the time, it keeps switching. I was told that it seems to be an electrical problem with the relay switch. After speaking with 2 other Malibu owners, they are having the same problems and know others who are having the same problems.

General Comments:

The front tires wear down really fast even though they are balanced, etc.

The brakes wear down really fast, too, and we've replaced pads, etc.

It's a fairly decent car for the money.

For some reason, I just do not feel safe in the car and I worry whether or not it is going to start every morning.

Faults:

A wheel bearing went bad at 7,000 miles. Replaced under warranty.

Gas pedal began sticking at 14,000 miles. Problem was repaired under warranty.

CD player also went bad at 14,000 miles. Replaced under warranty.

Horn stops working yesterday at 18,000 miles.

The brakes have been fading rapidly and the rotors also seem to be warped. Brakes feel unsafe.

The paint is starting to show tiny, nearly invisible spots of rust all over. Salt is not used on the roads in my area so this is not the cause.

Odd vibrating at high speeds.

Tires are wearing badly despite proper alignment, balance and inflation.

General Comments:

It's had a bunch of little things going wrong with it in only 18,000 miles of driving. This worries me because I suspect the problems are only going to become bigger and the warranty will eventually expire.

I just don't feel like the car is going to be reliable in the future. I don't trust it.

It does, however, have good acceleration.