Faults:

Brakes - replace with Power Slot rotors and Carbon Metallic pads myself for $300.

Coolant Leak - intake manifold gasket replaced under extended warranty.

Starter - replaced under extended warranty.

Turn Signals / Hazard Flashers - circuit board replaced under warranty.

Tires - Firestone Affinity tires have no wet / snow traction yet are noisy.

Rattles and Squeaks - a 2001 automobile should not rattle like a 1915 Model T Ford, but this car does. My dad's Model T runs better than this car and has fewer reliability problems.

General Comments:

I've heard several problems with this car which keeps the resale value down. I owe more on my car than what it's worth, and will complain to my bank that I cannot afford payments if I have to spend so much money on its maintenance just to keep it on the road.

If your ABS light comes on and none of your electrical accessories work, your alternator needs replacing. The power train control module will sense a lower voltage than normal so it tries to save electrical power by turning off high-current draw accessories, like ABS and power windows. This is according to the GM Factory Service Manual for 2001 L- and N-body cars (including Malibu's).

I do not think that my next car will not be Chevrolet, I am considering a Model T as a daily driver around town. It's more reliable than any Malibu (except maybe a 1969 Malibu).

Faults:

Our car started to make a humming noise about 200 miles after we got the car. The dealership had said that it was the hub assemably.

Then our brake light came on at about 33,000 miles and we went to the dealership for the same thing twice.

While we were there for the brake light they had to replace our upper strut on the passagers side.

Now at 40,000 miles our ABS light is on and they do not know what is wrong with it.

General Comments:

The car handles great when not in the shop.

The cabin is very roomy and seats are very comfortable.

We love having the sedan look sporty.

Faults:

Piston slap, cold engine tick (repaired) - There is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) for this.

Gas mileage down from approx. 31mpg to 22mpg - Dealership says cannot duplicate problem. Never fixed.

Oil pan leak (repaired)

AC blower fan not working on #1 & #2 (repaired) there is a TSB for this.

Smell something like antifreeze occasionally. I never figured the cause for this out.

Front tie rod had to be replaced. A bolt was left out on the assembly line when the car was built. No TSB for this. This could have caused an accident.

Brakes replaced and rotors turned prematurely.

Driver's side door lock broke. It stayed either up or down, never switched back to normal position.

General Comments:

This car is pitifully built. It had the potential of being a good family car, however I personally don't feel safe since the tie rod episode. This car was traded at 31,000 miles for a new Honda. I need something more dependable. I will never buy another Chevrolet because of this.