2001 Chevrolet Malibu sedan from North America - Comments

I own a 2001 Chevy Malibu and ever since I have bought this car, I have had nothing, but problems. It is not because I don’t take care of my car, but because of how the car was made. These are some of the problems (from when I first purchased my car to current) that I have had with my car…I couldn’t remember them all:

1. Hole in fuel pump so it had to be replaced

2. Blinkers would quit working at times

3. Check engine light and ABS light came on a few times and computer system had to be rebooted.

4. Replace a computer chip

5. One morning my car wouldn’t start and had to replace my battery and also noticed my CD player quit working as well. Repair man said I would have to replace the whole CD/Radio system.

6. Replace temperature gauge

7. Replace brakes

8. Auto theft system light has gone on at least 4 times and car doesn’t start. Every time I take it in, they have to “Reboot the computer system” which cost me $30. First time they just rebooted the comp. system. The second time, they rebooted the system again and replaced key sensor. The third time, they rebooted the system again and replaced the key. Finally, I work with a girl who has a 2000 Malibu and has the same problem. She told me to turn my key to ACC (between off and start) and let it sit there for 10 minutes until the auto theft system light turns off and it will start. So the fourth time when my car didn’t start, I tried it and by golly it worked. So, now when this happens again I at least don’t have to have my car towed in and pay $30 to “Reboot the comp. system.” The sad thing is, it will probably happen again, I just don’t know when. So I have to leave 10 minutes early if I have to be somewhere in case this would happen again.

9. Not done yet…Wheel bearing on right side replaced

10. Now I think I have to my car in for front suspension

This is one car I would NOT recommend to anyone! I totally regret buying this car because of the amount of money I have had to shell out for the repairs. I feel bad for the other people that have had the same problems and had to suffer with the extra cost of Chevy Malibu's. Chevy should be ashamed of themselves for making a vehicle that has had this many problems.

I agree with you. My 2001 Malibu has had all the same problems minus the computer chip problem (knock on the fake burled wood on the dash board). In addition to your problems, I have had the water pump replaced (30k miles), brakes (30k miles, brakes should last more than 30k miles), the fuel pump replaced (50k), 3 batteries, all leaked around the GM poorly designed side terminals, (plus the positive cable which was destroyed by the leaking battery acid), and the power steering rack (no not the pump the whole steering rack) The salesman probably felt pretty good when he sold me that extended warranty for $1600, in the long run, I made out big with over 6000 in repairs on the extended warranty. Absolutely the worst car I have ever owned in my entire life (out of about 10). I will never buy another Chevy/GM, ever.

I have had quite a few problems, but nothign worth calling my car unreliable.

I have had to replace my brakes last year, but I put some from autozone where if they wear out, they replace them for free. Also replaced both clipers. both front hubs.

The hazard light is a recall and is doen for free. Contact GM.

I love my car and right now am happy with it.

And as for the computer being restarted because it wouldn't start, you got robbed. All you have to do is leave the key in the on mode for 10-15 minutes until it stops flashing and then turn the key to off then back to on, and viola, it should start. A very common problem.

The failing security computer should not be a "very common problem" on ANY vehicle. What if you have to rush someplace in an emergency, and you have to sit there for 10 to 15 minutes waiting for the computer to let you start your own car? GM needs to have a recall instead of sitting on their behinds. The LEAST they can do is to install a bypass switch that works with the key moved to the Accessory or On position. We got along for about a hundred years without security systems - we can get along fine without malfunctioning ones.

I agree with the last comment writer in Feb. That system was so stupid and cost me $600.00 to get fixed after the key and tumbler system failed after having to use the switch so many times. Anyway, the Malibu leaves a lot to be desired..

I, myself, own a 2001 Malibu. I love my car. Out of all the cars I have owned (about 8), it has given me the least amount of problems.

I had to put new brakes on the car after about 3 years of driving it, when I had bought it used. I would consider my experience normal wear and tear for brake pads. I also bought the brake pads from auto zone, so when they wear out in the future I just have to bring the old ones in and I get a new set for free.

I had a small problem with it using power steering fluid, but I put brake fluid in it a couple of times (it's thicker), and I haven't had any more problems out of it since then.

The theft system is annoying, but it tells you what to do if that happens in the owners manual, and I found it relatively quickly.

The only other thing I can think of is that I had a battery put on the car about 2 years ago, which means the battery would have been 5 years old. I don't consider that too bad either. but I'm no mechanic. I just don't believe all Malibu's are bad.

My ex owns one too, and they haven't had any problems out of theirs either so far. I just believe that it's just like anything else, some are good and some are bad. It's the same for any car. Some people have bad luck with their cars, and others have really good luck, and it's not always how good of care you take of your car. I just get in and drive, have the oil changed every so often (sometimes it 10,000 miles before I get it changed), and drive some more.