2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS from North America - Comments

Brakes - replace with Power Slot rotors and Carbon Metallic pads myself for $300.

Coolant Leak - intake manifold gasket replaced under extended warranty.

Starter - replaced under extended warranty.

Turn Signals / Hazard Flashers - circuit board replaced under warranty.

Tires - Firestone Affinity tires have no wet / snow traction yet are noisy.

Rattles and Squeaks - a 2001 automobile should not rattle like a 1915 Model T Ford, but this car does. My dad's Model T runs better than this car and has fewer reliability problems.

I've heard several problems with this car which keeps the resale value down. I owe more on my car than what it's worth, and will complain to my bank that I cannot afford payments if I have to spend so much money on its maintenance just to keep it on the road.

If your ABS light comes on and none of your electrical accessories work, your alternator needs replacing. The power train control module will sense a lower voltage than normal so it tries to save electrical power by turning off high-current draw accessories, like ABS and power windows. This is according to the GM Factory Service Manual for 2001 L- and N-body cars (including Malibu's).

I do not think that my next car will not be Chevrolet, I am considering a Model T as a daily driver around town. It's more reliable than any Malibu (except maybe a 1969 Malibu).

Update - ignition switch went out, stranding me out of town. The theft system wouldn't let the car start, so had the car towed and the switch replaced under extended warranty for $150.

Thanks information provided, I think you hit the nail on the head about the alternator. I couldn't figure out why my dome lights wouldn't come on after I had got the car serviced for a bad Door lock cylinder that I had to replace. I just realized today that the ABS light came on. After reading many reviews I was thinking bad rotor, but luckly I caught your comment and hopefully it'll save me some money and time if it is indeed the problem. Thanks for the post, it makes a lot of sense.

If your theft system comes on again and doesn't let you start the car, don't get towed. All you have to do is leave the keyed turned to the "on" position and let the Theft System keep blinking until it stops and goes out. Then turn the key to the off position and proceed to start it up. this happened to me 4 times before I figured it out and after I had 2 starter switches and one starter coil replaced under warranty, but with a $100 deductible. This is a rip off and the dealership's service dept is making a killing.

My 2001 Malibu purchased in 2005 with 55,K km, is experiencing the same events as most owners listed here. I replaced The pistons on the front brakes at 95,000 km. That was a new one on me. I am expecting to replace the pads and rotors with great frequency judging by the state of wear. Simply too much car for such little brakes? I like the ride despite the noise. Current problems are that the temperature gauge is not reading, and the fans are stuck on all the time. Signal is going out from the temperature sensor. The EGR is done also. I have yet to replace the intake gasket- am still running the DEX coolant- Once most of the flaws are attended to I may be able to afford better tires and other more routine maintrenance. I chose not to pay more and get a Toyota. WHat is quite disturbing is that the same flaws have recurred over several years of the same model.

"Current problems are that the temperature gauge is not reading, and the fans are stuck on all the time."

Currently I am experience the same problem. Took the car to the mechanic today and was quoted the following:

Intake $600.00

Oil Change $25.00

Front brakes $300.