2001 Chevrolet Malibu Base from North America - Comments

Honestly speaking, I didn't have any problem when I drove this car for the first 18 months (I bought this car at 3 years old with 82k miles on it).

But recently, I have had lots of problems. Like most others, the blower motor quit work at 1-3, ignition switch sometimes doesn't work and results in a stall even when you drive.

Hazard switch sometimes goes off all time and puts you in trouble in traffic.

Now one of my engine coils may have problems because the insulator of one of the spark plugs was broken when I changed spark plugs. Good thing is that just the outside part was broken, not the tip, which may drop inside the cylinder and damage the engine.

I tried to repair these problems by myself. It's easy to fix the blower motor problem: replace the so called resistor nearby the blower motor (it's a painful job due to little space there), it looks like a name card once you get it out. It costs about 19 dollars at autozone.com.

About the ignition switch, I took it out, and remove the plastic cover, I found the contact parts are covered by black deposits, so if you scratch off those things, then it works as new. (I asked dealer, they said this work costs around $450 because the ignition switch costs $150, and lock cylinder costs $200+labour).

There is a hazard flash recall on many GM cars, so I got it repaired for free today. (Use Google to search for Malibu recall.) However, for me, I am afraid there are more and more new problems coming out, so I think keeping this Malibu is not a good idea. There were also problems with my old Accord, but not like this one. It seems everything could go wrong.

Handling is good, pretty good space inside, gas mileage is bad (17 in town), lots of problems.

I have a 2000 Malibu LS purchased new in August of 2000. I have experienced recently (90,000 miles) a problem with the vehicle not starting (all power not operative.) After sitting for various periods of time the car would again start. I recalled problems about the pass lock system that I had read about and after reading this comment on the ignition switch, I decided to remove it and check it. As stated, the

switch had black burn deposits on some contacts. The job to

remove the switch required a lot of removal of dash board components, but was not technically difficult. I cleaned up the contacts with fine #400 sandpaper. The car now starts properly and I hope it continues to work well.

A note on some other problems I have experienced over the

years with this car:

Front brakes vibrated on hard stops and brakes wore out fast (within 12000 miles). Original factory pads were installed wrong which caused the wear and vibration. The

squeal sensors were on the outside pad, but should be on the inside. I changed pads with ceramic pads and they lasted 30000 miles with smooth stopping.

Blower motor speeds 1 and 2 not working. Replaced resistor

and solved problem.

Emergency flasher switch needed to be replaced (under warranty at about 20000 miles.)

Valve cover gasket leaking. Replaced by dealer under warranty at about 30000 miles.

Also, keep a eye on your coolant level as if it starts disappearing without being on the ground, more than likely your lower intake manifold is shot. Very Common Problem, but no recall. If not under warrently, DO NOT TAKE IT TO DEALER, they will charge you atleast 800 to 1000 dollars. I got mine done at a local garage for 600.