10th Nov 2004, 12:22

11/09/04..All within this year. Issues with my 2001 Malibu which now has 62000 miles.. First leaving me stranded, was the battery.. Few months later replace the intake manifold gasket then replace fuel pump, fuel pump relay, replace the radiator, the tempeature gage is jumping around replace the sensor three times still doesn't work right!.. replace oil pressure sensor a month later started up again leaving me stranded, it was the theft anti system. change ignition cylinder and ignition switch, working fine a week later my car just doesn't want to start nothing no lights just nothing started three min later.. going back to the dealer today to have it check on again.. Nice car, but so many issues. I just want a good car.. it's not very much to ask for is it?

Linda Perales.

6th Jan 2005, 13:33

2001 Malibu.

I got mine about 3 years ago and it hasn't left me so far. Although after reading these comments, now I'm scared! It has taken me on many road trips, I now have almost 96,000 miles on it. When I got the car it was used with about 12,000. I have also had trouble with the fan not working on 1 & 2, many problems with brakes and rotors. Yes, I was beginning to think I was crazy, until now, about my horn blowing whenever where ever!!! But over all I do like my car, but I do wish GM would fix the problems that are happening again and again. Get a clue people.

9th Feb 2005, 11:23

1999 Malibu 65k miles v-6.

1. Brakes about every 6 months

2. Have replaced a window motor/regulator. right side rear

3. Left side passenger periodically works.

4. Currently, drivers window control has a bad switch, but of course you have to buy the whole control panel. In fact I was looking for one when I came across this site, and decided to share. Misery loves company.

5. There is no telling where air is going; Example, defrost, floor, panel. It is usually a combination.

I will not buy another Malibu, nor would I recommend one, except to someone I dislike.

17th Sep 2005, 14:02

I have a 2001 Chevy Malibu and I'm about to drive the car off the road. I bought it at a used car dealership 1 year ago. I have made a huge mistake. Right now, just at this moment, the car will not START. The car was fine for about two months until winter started. Then all of a sudden, the car won't start in cold weather. Changed just about everything in the car. The beginning of this year, the car was again fine. Until two weeks ago, when the weather started to get colder. I took it to repair shop and he has no idea what could be wrong. He thinks it's a number of different things. I really seriously think all Malibu's should be recalled.

8th Oct 2006, 08:02

I just inherited a 2000 Malibu, after reading all the comments I am scared. This car has 32,000 miles and had the brakes,fuel pump, anti-lock system etc repaired. Now the A/C is acting up.

10th Nov 2006, 14:47

I too own a 2001 Chevy Malibu and it's junk. What a lemon! I have also changed the brakes & rotor's, too many times to keep count. Now I have a clunking noise under the front end when I turn & have had a mechanic look at it & he can't figure it out. Anyone else have this problem? I'm ready to get rid of this car, hopefully next year, if I can. Good riddance if you ask me!

Un-happy Gm owner in W. Washington.

18th Dec 2006, 11:10

I own a 2001 malibu. I've got 60k on it. I've replaced the brakes and the intake gaskets. These cars aren't lemons, but they do have there faults. If you put on cheaper rotors and semi metalic pads you'll stop having problems with the brakes going out every 15k. The intake gaskets can be a do it yourself job if you have some experience at it AND a torque wrench.

These are cheaper cars that have a good ride and a little power.

3rd Feb 2007, 04:17

I have a 2001 Malibu LS I bought it With 28,000 it now has 124,000 on it. I drive 80 miles a day with it. Never had any of these problems the car runs great so maybe the comments on this page are from people who think a car should be perfect. I love the car it is a poor mans dream...

17th Feb 2007, 07:14

Before buying this car, read this first. Since I own both a 01 and 05 model, I somewhat made some comparisons.

I bought this car without doing too much research, so when I looked up some of the problems that have occured with this make and model, I became afraid. Fortunately, I've never had any signficant problems with the 01 base model, and it has quickly become one of my favorite cars.

The brakes aren't the best, but I knew about that before I bought the car. The stop distance is mediocre, and sluggish, but that seems to be typical of this make.

The number one draw back with this car is that it is TERRIBLE for city driving. If you do a lot of stop and go, then DO NOT get this car! It will really hurt your wallet. You could fill your tank up on Sunday, and be praying to God you make it to the gas station by Thursday. It is crucial to make sure you keep a tune up with this car, or fuel mileage becomes deplorable. When it comes to fuel efficiency, Chevy has a lot to learn from the Japenese counter parts. Highway driving is decent, though not impressive.

Also the temperature sensor went out, but that was a $30 fix. It went out three times, however after the third, I was able to rectify the problem. As far as the intake issues that other people had, I've yet to have this problem, though I've saved money just in case. When quoted on a price to fix it, it would only take $300, and face it any car worth keeping will involve money in the long run. I will say this: I've been advised by someone who has had the intake manifold problem, and they said that the dealership tend to run very high as far as cost repairs. Your best bet is to find a local reliable and cheap mechanic.

Also something worth noting with this car is the steering. It is very firm, but not harsh or light (like the 2004 and up models). It handles decent, but responsiveness needed improvement. Transmission should also be noted. This car is notorious for waiting till the very LAST minute to shift into 5th gear when highway driving (my friend who owns the same make and year says the same), so until it does the ride tends to seem a little strained. Unfortunately this is something I must deal with.

Six years and 82,000 miles later, the car still drives as new as when I first got it, and no major repairs. Though the mileage is low considering the year, I drove this car EXTREMELY hard, often having cruise control set at around 80 to 95 mph, extensive mountain driving, and various terrain travels. I personally think that it was a really great car and had no major problems with it (except gas), however a mechanic that knows the car best will tell you that the potential is there (especially the intake manifold gasket). I cannot stress enough that if you really like this car, get it thoroughly checked before buying it, but don't let all the negative reviews deter you. It can be a very good car, and will last you if you keep up with the maintenence. All in all, it was one of the better cars I've bought, however based on the complaints of others, it is imparative to have this car thoroughly checked before buying one!