Faults:

Lower intake manifold gasket failed at 75,000.

General Comments:

We researched purchasing a new car, and checked around and found that the earlier Chevy Malibu's had problems, and the 2000 was a newer model, and that the problems from the previous models were repaired.

Today a puddle of coolant was found under the car after parking, and the low coolant light became lit on the dash. The car was taken to a local repair shop to be looked at. They said that the lower manifold gasket had started leaking, and needed to be repaired. The shop quoted a price of $600.00 to $800.00 dollars to repair the gaskets, depending on what else they found wrong with the vehicle.

I have been searching, and found another person with the same problem, and the repair shop and dealer said it's a common repair. The dealer and Chevy Customer service were contacted about the technical service bulletins that were issued for the Malibu, and said that there was not a specific bulletin issued for failure of the manifold gaskets. GM has even redesigned the original manifold gaskets since they were failing.

The Deal and GM would not assist with repairs. I checked out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.dot.gov) and there are two other complaints regarding the coolant leaks. I think they would look into the problem if more reports were placed with them regarding the issue.

The vehicle is a 2000 Chevy Malibu 4 door, automatic transmission, and only 75,000 miles.

Faults:

I have had to replace the front wheel bearings twice.

I have had to replace the rotors three times.

I have replaced the brakes 5 times.

Multiple electrical issues including resistors that continue to burn out, instrument panel lights that go on/off for no reason and a directional that turns itself on and off.

General Comments:

The front wheel bearings went at 30,000 and then again at 75,000. I have never replaced the wheel bearings on a car twice in my life - let alone at 30,000 miles!!!

The rotors began to shake at about 20,000 miles, were replaced, went again at 55,000, were replaced and then went again at 75,000. I drive mostly highway miles so there is limited stopping in my driving and no reason for the rotors to warp this often.

The brakes are the same way. To replace the brakes every 35 - 40,000 is acceptable. I have had to replace them every 15-20,000. That's crazy considering all of the highway miles.