13th Jul 2010, 11:00
We love our 2001 Malibu. Yes, it has been in the shop multiple times, but several of those were for actual recalls and were repaired for free. We did have the ignition problem where it would think it was being stolen and wouldn't start. All we had to do was follow the manual instructions to reset it and it would start, but after having to do that just about every day, we took it in and had the ignition module replaced. Now it works like a champ.
We have not had to replace any head or manifold gaskets, though I am just about to have to replace the heater core. It is not blowing hot air any more even though the temp gauge shows the engine is hot.
181,000 and it drives great. Our paint is peeling though...
18th Sep 2010, 02:48
I own a 2001 Chevy Malibu LS, and I love this car. I have only had a couple of problems with it since it was purchased used in 2005.
I had to have an after market alarm system removed and a new ignition system installed, because it froze up and refused to start after someone tried to steal it.
I had to have the catalytic converter replaced after a trip to the Midwest; apparently the gas along the way didn't agree with the CA emissions package on the converter.
Now I am having overheating problems, however this is only after a non DEX-COOL anti-freeze was used.
Before that this car has been a dream. She handles real well, gets excellent freeway miles, town miles really depends on the traffic.
Going to get the radiator flushed, and a new water pump put on. After all, she is 10 years old, and parts do wear out or need cleaned out.
Just to be safe, going to add that sealant stuff for the gasket problem.
I really don't think I would be having the overheating problem & coolant boiling out the pressure release hose problem, if someone had followed the directions right there on the coolant reservoir; says use only Dex-Cool 50/50 coolant. Do Not Add Water. The owner's manual even warns about these problems occurring if proper anti-freeze is not used.
The only other problem is the air conditioning went out last year; haven't gotten that fixed yet; it's not too bad a problem except when it's a real hot southern Ca day.
26th Jan 2011, 16:44
I got a 2001 Malibu. Can't complain a lot. I have some issues with the anti theft system. The light comes on out of the blue, and you have to wait 20 minutes for it to go off before it will start.
For the past 2 weeks, I've have had a problem with it starting. Went to a Chevy dealership, and they said it was a ignition switch, and wanted to charge me 650 dollars to change it, and I told them I didn't want to bough another car, so I replaced it myself. Came to find out that wasn't it. Couldn't take the part back, because it was a electric item, so I ate the 100 dollars for the part.
Someone else said it was the camshaft positioning sensor, so I bought that part; was gonna put it on, but was too entailed, wasn't gonna go through all that, so took it back to a shop, and came to find out it is the fuel pump, a 275 dollar part. I'll get it fixed.
The ABS system is nothing but a joke. I had problems with mine, so I just unhooked it. I go through tires every couple of years, but it's better than being in the shop every couple of weeks. My wife always said "everything happens like it's suppose to", so when I get ticked off enough and junk it, it is suppose to happen LOL.
28th Apr 2011, 02:21
I love this car to death. I have had it 3 years now, and it only has 34000 miles on it to this date.
I am getting caught in the black hole in my wallet that this car creates; 800$ for a new intake manifold gasket, I need new tires, the windshield wiper tranny unhinged itself, but on the plus side, most parts are cheap, but installation is costly.
The sun roof is nice, sounds nice, and the people above that said you're hearing a grinding noise; that is either your valves clapping, because the engine is not warm, or your pistons clapping, because the gap is too big on the 3.1.
If anyone buys this car, please just take out the Dexcool and put the nice green stuff in; save yourself 500-2500$.
It's a great car, just not engineered greatly, but that's GM for you, they use plastic parts.
29th Apr 2011, 19:20
I flush my Dexcool every 2 years in my GMs. There is the yellow universal, but I do not use it. Mix Green with Dexcool and you are really asking for problems, even if you think you flushed it entirely... why? That's a really bad move.
19th Jun 2011, 19:28
I had the same problem with my car. It would not start. But that is just a security thing. All you have to do is turn it to on for 10 seconds then turn off for 5 seconds I believe, then it should start right up. That only happened to me once, but my car has really no other problems.
1st Aug 2014, 04:24
Get a new starter - it costs like 150 bucks, and it's really easy to change with a tutorial on YouTube (How to change a starter on a Chevy Malibu). I hope this works.
28th Sep 2014, 20:57
The engine has a safety factor that will shut the fuel pump down and you cannot start it. Get out your owners manual. You need to let the computer re-start the fuel pump. It's a series of putting the ignition just past start mode and wait for the signal. From there you will turn off and back on and it will engage. Again, check the owners manual for accuracy... this has happened to me numerous times. Always an easy fix.
24th Jun 2010, 07:36
I too am the owner of a 2001 Malibu. I bought it used. I have experienced every one of the these problems. I took care of the leaking intake manifold gasket by adding a liquid sealer, but am keeping my fingers crossed. I also experience the car not wanting to start. I have had to put in a new fuel pump. My check engine light comes on, my theft system light comes on, then it won't start. I truly hate this car, and I would never recommend anyone to buy a Chevy, especially a Malibu.