Comments: 1-15, 16-21
Lower intake manifold gasket failed at 75,000.
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. 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 other 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.
My Malibu has had the same problems. I've had the car for 3 years now, and it has about 73,000 miles.
I've had to change the front brakes twice. The brand new ones squeak. There is a rough sound at the front, at low speeds. The air conditioning doesn't work. It turns on and works fine. After a few minutes the A/C turns off. My coolant leaks, and there is a "low coolant" light no matter how often I fill it. And finally, the oil seems to be leaking. How do I fix all these problems?
I have a 2000 Malibu with only 37,000 miles on it, and the "add coolant" light is continually coming on and I am adding coolant. While in for a routine service last week, the mechanic told me that the intake manifold was leaking and needed to be replaced and would eventually cause all the coolant to leak out. Also, all four struts on the car were bad and needed to be replaced. Hard to believe after only 37,000 miles. The mechanic told me that he has seen 3 or 4 malibu's this year with the same manifold leak. I think it is about time for GM to fix this problem.
I own a 2000 Chevy Malibu LS. I bought the car used in 2001 and since then, I have had more problems than I can list. I now have only 62,000 miles on the car.
Recently, my coolant light continually kept coming on and took my car to an auto mechanic. They had to replace the gaskets because they were cracked. That put a nice dent in my pocket book...$900.00.
My most recent problem is with the transmission. I was on a little road trip and the transmission gave out. No warning or indication of any problems.
Also, the A/C does not work. It works when it wants to, but right now, not at all. I have also had the brakes replaced twice.
It brings me to wonder what will happen next???
My 99 chev malibu with 91000 miles had it upper and lower gasket leaking coolant. Dealer is charging me 1400!!! for replacing both gaskets.
It's not wise to take an out-of-warranty car to a dealer since they are all criminals, cheats, liars, incompetents.
Use a trustworthy small repair shop or talented individual who can fix the car at your home.
Regarding the gasket problem in the 3.1 engine. I own a 2001 Malibu bought new. Just paid off in May.
So of course now the car has developed a leaking gasket. I'll be taking it in tomorrow to have the "problem" fixed to the tune of $750. Two repair places told me that this is a common problem with this engine and has been a problem in earlier models as well...
I wonder why GM is not fixing this "common" problem, and keeps putting this engine in with the same recommended coolant (could be the problem)when they should be trying to make a better car.
Besides this gasket repair I've had two costly brake jobs and there always seems to be a lot of brake dust on the wheels. I'll not buy this model again.
I have a 99 chevy Malibu that has 42,000 miles on it and it also has a lower manifold gasket leak. I was also quoted at a round 1400 to fix it.
I have had the lower manifold gasket problem 3 times with my 1999 3.1 motor. The 1st time occurred at 20,965 miles and was repaired under warranty on 10/9/2000. Then it happened again at 69,801 miles and was repaired on 9/2/2003. It happened a 3rd time at 86,184 miles and was repaired on 9/26/2005. I called Chevy to see what if anything they would do about this problem. After the second occurrence they sent me a certificate worth $800 off the purchase price of a new Chevy. I also called after this latest occurrence and they said the car had too many miles on it for them to do anything. I was told this last time that the gasket installed was the upgraded one that Chevy recommended. Its too bad that Chevrolet does not care about their customers. I asked the dealer who repaired the vehicle to please have the regional Chevy representative give me a call. After about 3 weeks with no call I went back to the dealer and was told that they don't call customers. You would think with this same problem happening 3 times they might be a little interested.
I have a Malibu with 275,700 miles on it- no intake gasket leaks, computer problems, brake problems, electrical problems, ignition security lock malfunction, headgasket leaks, transmission problems, seats wearing prematurly due to cheap grade materials, leaky door seals, frequent blowing out of various bulbs for no known reason, frequent blow switch relay problems, $400.00 charge for a tune-up, $600.00 charge to re-flash the computer at the mercy of the rip-off dealers... and on and on and on... Oh yea, I forgot, I DRIVE A 1980 Malibu!= = = Made with real heavy-duty cast-iron heads and heavy-made quality components like it should be. A simple car that will not drain your wallet every year- just so you are not seen driving an (Oh my God!) = older car!- - Heavin forbid... I only have had to spend an average of $300.00 a year in repairs (some years more... some years much less) to keep my 25 year-old Malibu going since I drove it off of the lot in the fall of 1979... You "new car" people probably hate to hear painfull statements like that huh??...
How refreshing to hear from an owner who obviously looks after and respects his car, as well as displaying a trait which, sadly, is not in great abundance these days. It`s called: "common sense".Good on you, mate! Regards from 'Down Under'.
Before replacing the intake manifold gasket, CHECK THE WATER PUMP!!! I was told from 2 dealerships that the gaskets were leaking, but they weren't! It was the water pump draining out, and the leak would seem to come from the gaskets.
I have a 2000 Malibu LS. Intake manifold gaskit went out at
42,000 miles. Cost $580.00 At 45,000 miles the head gasket
went out. Cost $1200. At 47,000 miles I still have the
original brakes. I live in Chicago where stop signs are more numerous than trees. 70% of my driving is in the city. You guys blame GM because your replacement brakes fail? I'd look at your driving habits if you want to avoid brake jobs. Back to the Malibu. Mine is paid off and I'm on a fixed income
and expect this to be my last car. I regret buying this car
and should have looked at Asian cars made in this country.
I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu with 75000 miles. There were recurring problems with brakes and AC. Now in addition to those I have problem with the radiator flusing out the coolant. And the warning sign constantly flushing to add more coolant. And it keeps doing that no matter how often I add coolant. Finally, I gave up and traded that in for a camry LE 2006. It is much more reliable and comfortable to drive. And good review too.
My daughter's Chevy Malibu with 32,000 miles has a gasket leak. Too many other owners have the same problem, GM should start thinking recall... I had to change the water pump when it reached 19,000 miles. This is why when my son recently purchased a car, I recommended Nissan.
Hello to all whom are having the same problem that my wife's 2000 Malibu is having Low coolant level lite, with mechanic telling her that her intake manifold gasket is allowing fluid to escape and burn away;;;therefore no leaks under the car!
His approx. fix will cost about $750.00 if nothing else is found when he pulls it apart. Most of that cost is in labor as the 8 bolts and new gasket is quite cheap! Just had to share my frustration with all of you that have the same problem. mileage = 43k she has had the car for about 4 yrs. when it had about 25k miles!
Best regards,
wayne