Faults:

Intake gaskets replaced

Front brake rotors

2x fan Control.

Alternator.

Transmission seal (driver's side).

Wind noise.

Window trim falling apart.

Wheel bearings (both front).

ABS sensor (passenger side).

General Comments:

This car must have been designed and built by morons. The car has had WAY too many problems for a new car. From faults in the brake design, to premature rusting in the rear wheel wells, to major engine work. This car is the main reason why I will never buy a GM again.

Faults:

Water pump was replaced, luckily under extended warranty.

A/C button flicks on and off just like everyone else's.

Anti-lock Break System (ABS) light generally comes on unexpected.

General Comments:

I fortunately have been blessed with a good reliable vehicle. I try to keep general maintenance, IE. oil changes, tuneups, tire rotation, fuel injection cleaning up on it and much as possible.

Faults:

Rotors had to be replaced at 38,000 miles.

Glove compartment door is loose; light flickers on and off.

Intake manifold gasket had to be replaced at 50,000.

Tires (Firestone Affinity) had extensive channel cracking and had to be replaced at 28,000.

General Comments:

This car was poorly manufactured. For being a 5-year old car, I've had excessive problems that has added up to approximately $2500.

In addition to having extensive problems, getting them fixed has also caused me nothing, but grief. When the car was under warranty, the dealership (Mike Savoie of Troy, MI) repeatedly refused do perform covered maintenace work, and gave me the run around. I had to call GM and file a complaint against my dealer in order for them to do their job.

I would not wish this car on my worst enemy.

Faults:

My brake pads and rotors have to be replaced every 10,000 miles and each time I must get my calibers rebuilt. There is also a humming noise that comes from the front right side when going over speed bumps or anything slowly. I have had problems with the tale light working properly, the horn works when it wants to it seems, driver and passenger seat-belts cracking and finally the blasted trunk doesn't open properly when the button is pushed.

General Comments:

I have only had my Chevy Malibu for three years. It has given me nothing, but problems since the day I got it. I replaced the engine after having it for a year because of the radiator. I am a college student and I spend more money on this car than my education. It is very high maintenance. I can no longer afford this car along with the car payments and insurance.

Faults:

Fan speed control - I'm on my third set of speed control resistors.

Total bill $70 each time.

Springs - replaced both front springs, one a 67K kilometres and the other at 115K. Total bill approx $1300 - 2 springs, one tire, strut mount.

Paint - peeling on the rear quarter panel.

Intake manifold gasket, replaced at 125K kilometres (78K miles). Total bill $809.

Anti-lock brakes (gone at 80K - $975 to repair - not done).

Wheel bearing (front left). Total bill $550.00.

Water pump. $300, 115K.

Rattles and squeaks to beat the band.

General Comments:

Without a doubt the worst car purchase of my life. I’ve owned a Mustang GT, Mercury Topaz, IH Scout, Volvo 240 and now a Saab 900 along with the lowly Malibu. I’ve read some of the other comments about this car and echo the sentiment.

I also had the antenna connection problem mentioned in other comments, a simple fix, but annoying still. These repairs I would consider to over an above the normal wear and tear on a car. I have also gone through a set of rotors and am on the third set of brake pads, but I don’t consider this too excessive.

Gas mileage has been constant although this is clearly a weak engine design as the head gasket (there isn’t really any gasket according to my mechanic) will likely be ready to go soon as well. What makes this so incredulous is the dealership recognizes the weaknesses in design and does nothing in defence of their customer. They just add up the bill and try and pay you off with a credit towards the purchase of another GM vehicle – not bloody likely.

One of the other comments was GM should be embarrassed about this car. I’ll go one further – they should be liable. What is supposed to be a family oriented car and thus for someone on a budget has turned out to be a hole into which I pour money. In the past two years I have not gone 6 months without dumping between 500 and 1,000 bucks onto a repair bill. Oh ya, Firestone, forget about it……

Don’t walk from your GM dealer… run!!!