22nd Mar 2003, 14:03

2000 Malibu. Wife loves the car - except - we are now preparing to repair the brakes for the 4th time in 77,000 mile. Rotors replaced twice (first time under warranty). Previous three cars (Bonnevile's) gave us 65,000 to 75,000 miles per set of "linings". Same drivers, same conditions. Will not consider another Malibu nor would I recommend one. After having owned something like 30 GM cars, will look around more next time.

27th Mar 2003, 07:17

I bought my 2000 Malibu in October of 2002. I loved the features and the look of the car and could pass up "what I thought was" an excellent deal. It had 36000 miles on it when I bought and did great for the first 2 months. after it hit 38000 miles I started having a lot of brake problems as it seems so has everyone else. It makes a lot of grinding noise and shakes when I stop. I am embarrassed to even drive it sometimes. I have took it to 3 places that all said my brakes are fine. The 3rd place finally recommended replacing the rotors. I never dreamed it would be such a headache and so costy. I have had no other problems with anything else except for the brakes, so I guess I am lucky there, so far! But I think I'll be going back to Nissan for my next purchase.

30th Mar 2003, 03:06

I purchased 2000 Malibu in October of 2000 with about 5000 miles on it. In the beginning the car ran just fine. Here is the list of problems I had:

1. Moaning noise from the front wheels when I turned at a very low speed.

2. Knocking noise from the engine, all six pistons were replaced. The noise was still there, actually the engine was damaged from inside. Finally the dealer replaced almost half of the engine.

3. Started to problems with the turning signals. Now, the hazards need to be turned on and then the signals would work.

4. The car started to shake when the brakes are applied. I found out it was the rotors. I had them turned. They are working fine for now.

Please realize that these comments are to help people in their decision to buy a Malibu. It was my decision to buy a Malibu; Nevertheless, in the future I hope to do a thorough job of finding out consumer experiences with a car I'm looking to purchase.

4th Apr 2003, 12:11

I really hate to add any bad comments on the Malibu, but this car really sucks... I own a 1995 Chevy Lumina and she has over 210,000 miles on it and still rides like a champ. My Husband has a Chevy Tahoe, really nice. Chevy Lovers, but I never would have thought Chevy could make such a mess, my 2001 Malibu I've only had for a month, twice it's been towed for not starting, when it's towed to dealer they say that found nothing and starting fine for them. It's really loud when you turn it on and it ticks, had wheel alignment because of shaking in front end, but already bad again, there's even many more problems with this car and I've only just began. Last night it had me and my children stranded at a Blazer game... towed again.Good thing I still have my faithful Lumina and didn't sell it yet. Chevy needs to be ashamed of this peice of plastic, and saved it for something else. very displeased!

6th Apr 2003, 00:37

I have a 2001 Malibu with 65k miles. Like several other entries, I have the cold engine tick, no blower on 1 and 2, shaking at high speeds, and brake changes. All in all it runs better and has had less repairs than my 1998 S10. The check engine light will come on at around 60k. This indicates a new software update. This is hinted at in the vehicle handbook in the maintainance schedule. I have had false lights come on like low coolant and airbag.

7th Apr 2003, 10:39

I own a 2001 Malibu that has 45,000 miles and I haven't experienced any of the problems mentioned here. I'm very happy with the car and the way it drives.

10th Apr 2003, 19:21

I have a 2001 Malibu LS. I bought it with 24,000 km on it. Within a couple of months the piston slap problem referred to by others became very noticable, and has got steadily worse.

A District Rep from GM has listened to the car twice, each time noting it was "OK at this time".

The truth is that it is not OK. That's why I brought it in.

Can anyone who has managed to get their car piston slap problem repaired tell me how they managed it? How do I get a copy of the Service Bulletin?

Mine now has 52,000 km on it. Today the rep said "OK at this time." How best to proceed?

14th Apr 2003, 13:37

My car have 63000 km and I need to change the pistons. of course the warranty finish 60000 km.i called the company at Oshawa to see if can get warranty.they said NO. so next time if you want a bye a new car, think twice before to by a MALIBU.

17th Apr 2003, 10:18

The Techinical Service Bulletin for the piston is 01-06-01-005 JAN 01 Engine - Ticking Noise on Cold Start.

25th Apr 2003, 22:02

We purchased our 2001 Malibu in July of that year. We had it in the shop in August, which was the beginning of our relationship with service departments. We have had the rotors replaced twice, turned several times, work done twice to our steering system, speakers replaced three times, drums replaced, brakes replaced more time than I remember, but the worst thing is we can get no help from GM to resolve our problems. We bought American to support our country, but didn't know American made cars don't support Americans. We will trade ours in as soon as we can get it worthy of trade. It needs new rotors again and new tires due to all the front end problems.

25th Apr 2003, 22:29

The Malibu are junk and they are the only piece of junk that Chevrolet make that I know of. You should trade it in and get either a used/new Impala or Cavalier. These cars are wonderful!! I have owned several of them and I have had no serious problems with them. I love my Cavalier the most. Of course I also like Hondas too. My GM cars have lasted a long time and I do a lot of driving too.

29th Apr 2003, 09:20

This is to Steven - you are only putting the bad things about Malibu's - huh. I know - I have written a good review and have not seen it on your webpage!!

30th Apr 2003, 06:49

This website is maintained by hundreds of raters, perhaps your reviews were offensive. Try again or e-mail steven at steven@carsurvey.org..

15th May 2003, 10:48

Hello, I have a 1999 MalibuI also must agree that there needs to be a recall. I brought my Malibu brand new with 14 miles on the odometer. Within the first 6 months of ownership I had to replace the motor in my driver window and having other electrical problems. Also having to change brake and rotors often. Now I'm have problem with engine overheating. The thermostat was missing when the hose connected to engine was remove. I only buy Chevrolet cars (used and new) and this is the first time I've had so many problems.