1997 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1 from North America
Summary:
Bad performance
Faults:
Ignition keys was replaced three times, security theft protection problem.
Brakes - rotors, pads four times.
Two fuels ejectors.
Tune-up at 60000, promised times was 100000.
Lights for check engine on and off for year.
Computer was change qt 80000.
Fan Blower not working on 1 and 2.
Left automatic window not working.
Trunk is wet all the time.
Left side two doors, and spot close to gas tank rusted beyond repair.
High-pressure hoses on power steering.
Engine head gasket and oil caps.
Now have recall on rack and pinion, but cannot do it because dealer ship not providing a loner, sad GM not paying for it.
After 50 m/h car is shaking and not going straight on a highway.
If it is not enough let me know what is.
General Comments:
The car has more problems than it should for that price.
All recalls was made on miserable problem not affecting real problems.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 30th April, 2004
8th Dec 2003, 14:27
It would seem that you are the victim of a mechanic who is either deliberately deceptive or a poor troubleshooter:
A bad starter coil CANNOT be the root cause of a backfire. Fueling problems (like fuel being shut off due to a defective fuel sensor) or ignition problems cause backfire.
A vibration is usually a tire out of balance. Control arms do not wear out. If they do, they do so only after the car is very old. Control arms can be damaged if you hit something such as a large pothole or a curb. Vibration at a particular speed (esp. 60-80mph) is almost without exception a tire balance problem ($10/tire). 2nd is a bent rim. When the control arm was replaced, your mechanic probably also balanced the tire, so your problem disappeared.
The rest of your problems (especially fit & finish interior stuff) are likely the result of GM's cost reduction initiatives.