9th Nov 2009, 18:52

Wow, reading all the comments is pretty interesting. I have a 2000 Malibu and have had it for about 6 years. About 4 years ago I had to replace the engine and tranny. I have pretty much experienced everything listed at least once.

I have had to replace the fuel pump twice.

My air only works on 3-4 for the settings.

Half my lights don't work on my stereo, and actually only a few stations.

The check engine light is on all the time, along with the ABS light.

The blinkers only work when they want, and make a loud squeak noise.

We are now having problems with it overheating, trying to change the thermostat and it's such a tight place to get to.

We have to change the brakes about every 6 months.

The shocks have always been bad.

I have called about the dipstick to check the tranny fluid, and was told there wasn't one. The list could go on and on.

One thing I can't tell you is if I had a different car, would I have a lot of the same problems???

6th Jan 2010, 20:53

All I can say is: I am glad I am not alone. I have experienced MANY of these, and am currently experiencing an electrical problem where my car is dead in the driveway. I'd be surprised, but this is the 3rd time it has happened!

10th May 2010, 13:02

I bought a 2001 Malibu LS used with 15,000 miles on it.

Never had brake rotor problems. I found that most rotor problems with aluminum rims are caused by inconsistent torque on the lug nuts (usually from an air wrench). A difference of 5 ft/lbs torque between lug nuts can cause rotor warping. I use a cheap torque wrench to tighten all wheel lug nuts to 100 ft/lbs whenever a tire is removed. A local mechanic told me that the fleet Malibus from a local hospital had rotor problems, and he replaced the rotors with Bendix brand steel rotors and the Malibus never had problems afterward.

Problems I have had:

- A/C with a mind of its own. A/C switch turns off by itself. Recirc switches to outside air whenever it feels like it.

- Theft system left me stranded at lunch one day while at work. Tow to the dealer + new ignition module + labor = $400.

- New intake manifold gaskets + water pump recondition = $1100.

- 2nd set of intake manifold gaskets to fix the incorrect repair from another dealer = $850.

- Horn stopped working. Then it wouldn't shut off. Removed the horn fuse.

- Engine always surges when going uphill between 40-55 MPH, and now when accelerating at highway speed (55-60 MPH). Dealer cleaned the MAF, but problem still there.

- Had transmission fluid changed at 80K miles to try and fix the surging problem. Now the transmission has intermittent problems when the fluid gets hot ~ car shifts from 2nd to 3rd with a godawful bang and the whole car jerks. Took car to local transmission place and the diagnostic computer showed lots of codes thrown by the torque converter. Cleared the check engine light and told to drive the car to generate new codes while the mechanic researches the problem. No cost for the diagnostic.

- Replaced serpentine belt/normal service work at 85,000 miles. parts and labor = $80.

- Dealer cost to change spark plugs = $300! Not committed to this one yet.

18th Jun 2010, 14:29

I own a 2000 Malibu for the past 3 years, and I have to admit that I've had several of the problems mentioned.

The surge, does exist on my car, but since I've changed out the EGR valve, it has a better speed and less surging uphills, although I have noticed since, that when I'm on the interstate, there is a little surge, but not as noticeable.. I think I need to change out the oxygen sensor to clear it up.

Over heating cause by the blown headgasket has been fixed, but I notice I still need water in the radiator about once every 2 weeks. I decided I need to replace the radiator and that should fix that... especially since it sometimes runs a little high over the half mark for overheating while waiting at the light, which means the radiator is not circulating.

The brakes I change about every 4 to 6 months, but I drive hard so I can expect that, as well as the rotors needing changing. I will try Bendix for better traction on the brakes.

I have to say that overall the car has been a challenged for up keep, but it's holding its own now.

21st Aug 2010, 11:07

I have a 2000 Malibu with 125.000 km on it, not miles, KMs.

I have the same problem; it surges going up hill about 50 or 60 km per hr, or about 1500RPM. Can't find the problem. Had the rotors replaced 3 times, pads 3 times, 4 wheel bearings, intake gaskets changed, tranny filter and fluid. There are no light on in the dash. Had a computer read out; didn't pick up any codes on the engine. Also replaced the gas tank, and replaced the spark plugs.

It's been nothing but trouble. I was a Dodge man, but decided to try the Chev. Big mistake...

I have taken care of this piece of junk. I'm a senior 65 years old. Thank god I'm still in excellent health, but this Malibu is driving me to drink LOL.

I WILL never ever buy a North American car; it will be a Honda or a Toyota; anything but a Dodge, Chev or a Ford.

22nd Aug 2010, 12:41

Join the club. Our family stopped buying domestic vehicles as well. We drive only Honda's, Toyota's and most recently Hyundai (we love our Elantra. It's a 2007 and already has almost 90,000 miles on it. One front sway-bar link has been the only issue). We've never had any serious issues with any of our imports, and all of them easily made over 300,000 miles (the ones that didn't make more than that were traded-in before they got the chance!)