9th Aug 2005, 13:33

I own a 2000 Chevy Malibu LS. I bought the car used in 2001 and since then, I have had more problems than I can list. I now have only 62,000 miles on the car.

Recently, my coolant light continually kept coming on and took my car to an auto mechanic. They had to replace the gaskets because they were cracked. That put a nice dent in my pocket book...$900.00.

My most recent problem is with the transmission. I was on a little road trip and the transmission gave out. No warning or indication of any problems.

Also, the A/C does not work. It works when it wants to, but right now, not at all. I have also had the brakes replaced twice.

It brings me to wonder what will happen next???

11th Aug 2005, 12:42

My 99 chev malibu with 91000 miles had it upper and lower gasket leaking coolant. Dealer is charging me 1400!!! for replacing both gaskets.

1st Sep 2005, 14:48

Regarding the gasket problem in the 3.1 engine. I own a 2001 Malibu bought new. Just paid off in May.

So of course now the car has developed a leaking gasket. I'll be taking it in tomorrow to have the "problem" fixed to the tune of $750. Two repair places told me that this is a common problem with this engine and has been a problem in earlier models as well...

I wonder why GM is not fixing this "common" problem, and keeps putting this engine in with the same recommended coolant (could be the problem)when they should be trying to make a better car.

Besides this gasket repair I've had two costly brake jobs and there always seems to be a lot of brake dust on the wheels. I'll not buy this model again.

5th Dec 2005, 19:45

I have a 99 chevy Malibu that has 42,000 miles on it and it also has a lower manifold gasket leak. I was also quoted at a round 1400 to fix it.

16th Dec 2005, 18:16

I have had the lower manifold gasket problem 3 times with my 1999 3.1 motor. The 1st time occurred at 20,965 miles and was repaired under warranty on 10/9/2000. Then it happened again at 69,801 miles and was repaired on 9/2/2003. It happened a 3rd time at 86,184 miles and was repaired on 9/26/2005. I called Chevy to see what if anything they would do about this problem. After the second occurrence they sent me a certificate worth $800 off the purchase price of a new Chevy. I also called after this latest occurrence and they said the car had too many miles on it for them to do anything. I was told this last time that the gasket installed was the upgraded one that Chevy recommended. Its too bad that Chevrolet does not care about their customers. I asked the dealer who repaired the vehicle to please have the regional Chevy representative give me a call. After about 3 weeks with no call I went back to the dealer and was told that they don't call customers. You would think with this same problem happening 3 times they might be a little interested.

17th Dec 2005, 07:25

How refreshing to hear from an owner who obviously looks after and respects his car, as well as displaying a trait which, sadly, is not in great abundance these days. It`s called: "common sense".Good on you, mate! Regards from 'Down Under'.

10th Feb 2006, 07:53

Before replacing the intake manifold gasket, CHECK THE WATER PUMP!!! I was told from 2 dealerships that the gaskets were leaking, but they weren't! It was the water pump draining out, and the leak would seem to come from the gaskets.

10th Sep 2006, 12:08

I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu with 75000 miles. There were recurring problems with brakes and AC. Now in addition to those I have problem with the radiator flusing out the coolant. And the warning sign constantly flushing to add more coolant. And it keeps doing that no matter how often I add coolant. Finally, I gave up and traded that in for a camry LE 2006. It is much more reliable and comfortable to drive. And good review too.

18th Sep 2006, 08:42

My daughter's Chevy Malibu with 32,000 miles has a gasket leak. Too many other owners have the same problem, GM should start thinking recall... I had to change the water pump when it reached 19,000 miles. This is why when my son recently purchased a car, I recommended Nissan.

25th Sep 2006, 12:14

I bought a used Chevy Malibu in 2005 for what I thought to be a good deal. It had approximately 40,000 miles and seemed to be in good running condition. Within the first 30 days of the warranty my engine light came on, so of course I brought it back to the dealership. The dealer than fixed it and said it was just a system flushing that was needed. Then of course right after the 30 day warranty runs up my coolant light comes on, so I fill it thinking problem solved. Only issue was when I went to fill it the gasket was melted to the coolant holder which I found a little odd, but things do go wrong. Shortly after my coolant light comes on again, so I filled it again, and then it does it again in another 2-4 weeks. This has been an on going problem and has not stopped. Also my back lights went out and when I took them to be changed the wires were melted, and under my seats were rusted along with a rotting sealant to my trunk, therefore causing leakage of water. There has been unusual rust age under the car and a remarkable amounts of fluid changes, fillings and breaks and rotors needed. Now as I read all these complaints I see similar issues and additional ones. I was wondering has anyone heard of any suits against Chevy for these strange similarities? The other thing was does anyone know how to find if your car was flooded and not reported to Car fax? The mechanics I've seen have also said the rusting and melting of wires seems to point in such a direction. Sorry to hear of all your issues and wish all the best of luck.

4th Feb 2007, 12:40

I own a 2001 Chevy Malibu. It currently has 101,000 and all sorts of lights keep coming on like the check engine soon & the theft system light. The brakes don't ever stop making noise no matter how many times I change them and yes it is also leaking anti-freeze from underneath. The temperature arrow is always high and it looks like the car is over heating. If I had known all of this before I wouldn't have purchased it. I am sorry I did.