2000 Chevrolet Malibu LS from North America - Comments

I have owned this 2000 Malibu for 9 months and have only 6,100 miles on it.

There is "all-over" rusting on the finish - front, back and sides - even up the back of the car. GM is saying that the brakes on the Malibu have metal flakes which fly up and out and land on the car's finish causing brownish/red rust spots in the clear coat. GM are not standing behind the car. They say it is not a defect. Supposedly all Malibu's have this problem, but owners of white Malibu's will notice it far ahead of other color cars. There is no known cure for this problem and GM is saying owners must "clay" their cars twice a year to slow down the rusting process! Do not buy a Chevrolet Malibu!

I had a 1997 White Malibu with this rust problem. No one knew what it was. Thanks for your info. Also the car was solid from 0 to 60,000 miles. From 60,000 to 85,000 it cost me $5500 in repairs. I have traded it in and bought a different vehicle. I wouldn't buy another Malibu.

Today is May 2002,my 2000 Malibu has 56,000 miles. Overall am satisfied with it, however, the front brake disk warp!

The dealer changed my front disk, pads etc at 12,000, 24,000,37,000 and now again they are warped. Car "shimmies" when I apply brakes on warped disk. I am a mature driver, don't slam on brakes, anticipate stops and slow down before I apply the brakes. Has any one else had this problem? How did you fix it? nlsmt@yahoo.com.

I have recently purchased a used 2000 Malibu at 40,000mi. I have owned this car approx 3 months. A week after ownership the coolant light came on. I took the car back and they filled it up. The next morning the car ran hot and the water pump bust. Now the coolant light is on again, smoke comes out the air conditioner that runs when it feels like it, it starts when it wants to and then pretends like it going to shut off, then the lights dim for a moment and then get real bright. This is my first time owning an American made car and it will be my last. The rotors need to be turned, but they are brand new along with the brakes. I just got the tires balanced 2 weeks ago, but again the tires are new. I wish I would have gotten a warning about Malibu. I owned a 1996 Corolla with 90,000mi and the only thing I had to fix was that was not normal wear and tear was an $8 hose and the right front bearing for $400 and this car was 6 years old.