2000 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 944 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2000 reports, 47 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 37 people were injured and 3 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignitionJul 3, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Campaign 14V400000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, other, storage, tank assembly, pressure relief devicesMar 12, 2007
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Campaign 07E021000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, hazard flashing warning lights, switchAug 28, 2003
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE HAZARD WARNING SWITCHES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE SOLDER JOINT CRACKING CAUSED BY RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS. IF SOLDER JOINT CRACKING OCCURS AND RESULTS IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT, THE TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LAMPS BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.
WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
Campaign 03V327000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, filler pipe and capOct 29, 1999
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE FUEL FILL FITTING IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED TO THE FUEL TANK. IN THAT CONDITION, FUEL LEAKAGE WOULD EXCEED THE PERMISSIBLE AMOUNT IN AN FMVSS TEST. FUEL LEAKS MAY OCCUR, PARTICULARLY AFTER REFUELING OR WHEN THE TANK IS MORE THAN HALF FULL.
IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY.
Campaign 99V302000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
944 reports, newest first.
Exterior lighting, Nov 19, 2007
I HAVE A 2000 CHEVY MALIBU WITH A FAULTY HAZARD SWITCH. AS PER GM MY CAR DOES NOT HAVE ANY RECALLS BASED ON MY VIN#. THE COST FOR THE PART IS UNDER $30 BUT THE COST FOR LABOR AT THE CHEVY DEALER IS MORE THAN $200 FOR A TOTAL OF ALMOST $300. I HAVE SINCE REPLACED THIS PART MYSELF AND MY TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD'S ARE IN WORKING ORDER. I PAID THE $30 FOR THE PART AND IT TOOK ME LESS THAT 6 MINUTES TO REPLACE. NOW SINCE I'M SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HIS WAY AROUND A CAR, IT UPSETS ME THAT A DEALERSHIP WOULD CHARGE THAT MUCH. SINCE THE PART FOR THE RECALL FIXED MY PROBLEM AND GM SAYS IT HAD NO RECALLS I WOULD LIKE THEM TO PAY ME FOR THE REPAIR OF THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE STATED IN THE PAST THAT IF THEY FOUND THAT THIS WOULD BECOME A RECALL ISSUE THEY WOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIR. IT'S ONLY FAIR SINCE THEY WOULD CHARGE ME IN THE FIRST PLACE TO MAKE THE REPAIR SINCE IN THEIR SYSTEM MY CAR DOES NOT NEED ANY RECALLS. I COULD SEE THEM CHARGING FOR AN HOUR OF LABOR, PARTS AND TAX. BUT THAT WOULD BE ABOUT $100. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU FIND OUT. THANKS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Oct 31, 2007
2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER COMPLAINT ON LEMON LAW. CONSUMER BELIEVES HIS VEHICLE FALLS UNDER THE LEMON LAW SPECIFICATIONS. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEFECTIVE CALIPER DESIGN CAUSED PREMATURE WEAR OF THE CALIPERS AND ROTORS. AFTER REPLACING THE FACTORY SUPPLIED CALIPERS, THE PREMATURE ROTOR AND BRAKE PAD WEAR CEASED. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. ONCE THE NEW GASKET MATERIAL WAS IMPLEMENTED THE INTAKE GASKET NO LONGER LEAKED. THE SAFETY HAZARD LIGHT CONTROL ASSEMBLY ON THE STEERING WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES BECAUSE THE DEALER REPLACED DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS WITH ADDITIONAL DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS IT WAS FINALLY DETERMINED THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH WAS COVERED UNDER A SPECIAL AGREEMENT WITH NHTSA, HOWEVER, GM REFUSED TO HONOR THE AGREEMENT. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 29, 2007
AUTO THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT STARTS BLINKING AND CAR WILL NOT START. CAR WILL NOT START UNTIL 10 MINUTES LATER. IF CAR DOES NOT START AFTER THIS, IT WILL TAKE ANOTHER 10 MINUTES BEFORE YOU CAN TRY TO START IT AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT IN 2001. WILL LEAVE ME STRANDED EVERYWHERE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 23, 2007
2000 CHEVY MALIBU MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO PAY FOR REPAIRS ON THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. CUSTOMER RECEIVED A LETTER FOR THIS REPAIR. VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. GM STILL REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED 7 MONTHS AFTER RECEIVING THE NOTICE, SHE SOON BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH THE TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS. THE CONSUMER HAD THE PROBLEM FIXED AT HER LOCAL DEALER, HOWEVER LESS THAN 2 YEARS LATER, SHE BEGAN EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE SERVICE WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THE CONSUMER STATED HER VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER 150,000 MILES AND WAS LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 12, 2007
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACED THREE TIMES UNDER AND OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. HAZARD SWITCH MALFUNCTIONING - ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENT TURNING SIGNAL/WIPER WASHER SWITCH MALFUNCTIONING PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR UNTIL CALIPERS REPLACED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT VARIOUS EMISSIONS AND FUEL VAPOR LEAKS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 12, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE DISPLAYED HOT. THE COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE COOLANT LEVEL WAS LOW. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND CHECKED THE LEVEL. HE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CARMAX AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET CAUSED THE FAILURE. CHEVROLET STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 133,000. UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF UPDATED.
Exterior lighting, Oct 2, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE BULBS WERE REPLACED, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V327000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 70,000. UPDATED 12/12/07
Exterior lighting, Oct 1, 2007
TURN INDICATORS AND FLASHERS NOT WORKING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 24, 2007
HAZARD AND TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 21, 2007
I HAVE A 2000 MALIBU AND IT HAS 129K MILES ON IT. THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR MONTHS AND I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE REASON FOR THIS WAS, BUT IT NEVER SEEMED TO AFFECT MY CAR IN ANY WAY. TODAY THE CAR TURNED ON FINE TWICE, ONCE COMING OUT OF THE HOUSE AND THE SECOND TIME COMING OUT OF THE GAS STATION. WHEN I TRY TO TURN IT ON AFTER LEAVING FROM A JOB INTERVIEW, IT CRANKS AS IF IT WANTS TO TURN ON BUT DOESN'T. IT SOUNDS LIKE IF THE GAS TANK IS ON EMPTY BUT IT'S ALMOST FULL. I CHECKED ALL CONNECTIONS AND EVEN TRIED A JUMP START AND IT DIDN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE. FINALLY I GOT IT TOWED HOME AND FIND OUT ON THE INTERNET THAT CHEVY MALIBUS ARE FULL OF DEFECTS.(HTTP://WWW.AUTOSITE.COM/CONTENT/RESEARCH/FORUMS/INDEX.CFM/ACTION/POSTS/FID/1601) (INCLUDING MY AC THAT ONLY WORKS ON 3, 4, AND 5). MY ANTI THEFT DEVICE WON'T LET ME DRIVE MY OWN CAR, AND I ALREADY MISSED AN IMPORTANT CLASS. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO LEAVE THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE ON POSITION FOR A WHILE UNTIL THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT TURNS OFF, BUT IT NEVER TURNS OFF. IT HAS BARELY STARTED WITH THIS PROBLEM TODAY, BUT AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS, MORE LIKE HORROR STORIES, I'M SCARED OF MY MALIBU AND I DON'T TRUST IT ANYMORE BECAUSE I KNOW IT WILL GET WORSE. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY THE DEALER TO FIX AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM THAT THEY KNOW EXISTS BUT WON'T ADMIT TO; THERE NEEDS TO BE A SERIOUS RECALL. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 19, 2007, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AS THE CONTACT APPROACHED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE WINDOWS APPEARED TO BE BLACK DUE TO SMOKE INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. HE OPENED THE DOOR AND NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD AND INSTRUMENT PANEL WERE MELTED AND BURNED. THE FAILURE EXTENDED TO THE DRIVE SHAFT AREA. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 13, 2007
SMALL LEAK DEVELOPED AT REAR OF INTAKE MANIFOLD. CAUSED OVERTEMP AND ALL COOLANT BOILED OUT. @ $800.00 TO REPAIR. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE 2 SEPARATE REPAIR SHOPS INFORMED ME THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT FOR THIS MODEL, TO THE EXTENT THE DEFECT IS POSTED ON ALL REPAIR DATA BASES. IT IS VERY COMMON TO SUSTAIN A CRACK IN THE ENGINE BLOCK BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT.
Electrical system, Sep 10, 2007
PASSLOCK ANTI THEFT LIGHT COMES ON MAINLY ON HUMID DAYS AND THE CAR WILL NOT START FOR AT LEAST A TEN MINUTE WAIT. SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO WAIT 2 OR 3 TIMES. I BELIEVE GM SHOULD PUT OUT A RECALL SINCE THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE OUT THERE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. *JB
Exterior lighting, Sep 7, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIGHT AND LEFT TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. HE HEARD BUZZING AND TAPPING SOUNDS COMING FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE SPEED AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 127,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 4, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION BECAUSE THE HAZARD AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 03V327000 (HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Electrical system, Aug 28, 2007
I OWN A 2000 MALIBU WITH A PASSLOCK PROBLEM, JUST LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHER SUCKERS. THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON AND YOU HAVE TO WAIT 20 MINUTES TO START THE CAR. GREAT FEATURE! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 26, 2007
FROM THE TIME I GOT MY CAR IN 6/07, I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AC SYSTEM HAVING A MIND OF ITS OWN. 1 AND 2 WON'T WORK AND THE AC POWER LIGHT FLICKERS ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING AND RESETTING IT TO PULL THE AIR FROM OUTSIDE INSTEAD OF CIRCULATE. THE PREVIOUS OWNER ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING IN THE MORNING AND HAVING TO WAIT ABOUT 15 MINUTES. HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT STALLING, BUT HAVE ONLY HAD IT 2 MONTHS. OCCASIONALLY WHILE AT A LIGHT OR IN PARK, I FEEL THE CAR JOLT SLIGHTLY AND THE RPM GAUGE MOVING, AND WHILE IN PARK PRESSED THE GAS TO SEE WHAT IT WOULD DO, AND WHILE MY FOOT WAS STEADY ON GAS, THE RPM WENT UP AND DOWN LIKE CRAZY. MECHANIC FRIEND OF MINE LOOKED AT MOTOR BRIEFLY AND SAID I HAD A BAD SENSOR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Aug 14, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVY MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER WAITING APPROXIMATELY 40 MINUTES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN TRYING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, DETAILS RE: THE WARNING INDICATOR WAS NOT IN THE MANUAL. THE WARNING INDICATOR WAS OF SOMEONE SITTING IN THE SEAT AND THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS NOT RELATED TO THE SEAT BELT. THE LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNALS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY, UNLESS THE HAZARD BUTTON IS USED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS SWITCH (NHTSA CAMPAIGN #03V327000); HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,778. UPDATED 02-01-08. *KB
Visibility, Aug 10, 2007
2000 TAHOE: REAR HATCH WINDOW HINGE BROKE. IT IS MADE OF PLASTIC...PRETTY SHODDY FOR A 4W DRIVE VEHICLE. I HAVE ONLY OPENED THAT WINDOW 5-6 TIMES SINCE 2002, SO IT DEFINITELY WAS NOT ABUSED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW...WOULD LIKE GM TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE $600 WINDOW PLUS HINGES (THE CHEVY DEALER QUOTED $1300.) *JB
Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT FOUND RECALL NUMBER 03V327000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH), BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN THE RECALL. HE STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS HAVE NOT WORKED FOR THE PAST TEN MONTHS. THE HAZARD LIGHTS BEGAN ACTIVATING BY THEMSELVES WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT ORIGINALLY, BUT IS NOW CONSTANT. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 7, 2007
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THE PROBLEM IM HAVING IS WITH MY WIFE'S 2000 CHEVY MALIBU, AND FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN READING THIS WILL CAUSE A NUMBER OF DEATHS AND CRASHES IF NOT ALREADY BUT NO ONE HAS FIGURED IT OUT YET. THE CAR WILL NOT START AT THE MOST IMPORTANT TIME MAYBE WHEN SHE MAY ONE DAY MAY BE TRYING GET AWAY FROM A RAPIST OR A MURDER. AND NO I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THERE ARE OVER THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE LIKE SOMEONE CHILD OR WIFE THAT IS RIGHT AT THIS MOMENT STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, OR MAYBE THE CAR TURN OFF ON I-95 WHILE THEY WERE DOING 70 ON THE INTERSTATE WITH A 18 WHEELER MOVING AT THE SAME SPEED THAT COULD NOT STOP BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM AND IGNITION SWITCH. TO THE POINT THE CAR WILL CUT OFF WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING IT DOWN THE ROAD WITHOUT NO WARNING, AND IF YOU MAKE IT SAFE TO WHERE YOU ARE GOING THE CAR WILL NOT START IF YOU TRY TO. YOU HAVE TO WAIT 10 MIN. TO TRY TO START IT. THERE MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE HAVING THIS PROBLEM CHEVY IS NOT HELP OUT ANY. IT WILL NOT GIVE A TROUBLE CODE, SO THEY SKIP AROUND WITH UNEEDED REPAIRS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM. AND WHO IS TO SAY HOW MANY PEOPLE THAT MANY HAVE BEEN HURT OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS THAT MAY NOT KNOWN ABOUT THIS. IT IS A DEATH TRAP AND NEEDS TO HAVE A LOOK INTO. THANKS *TR
Electrical system, Jul 23, 2007
ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM KEEPING CAR FROM STARTING. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 17, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAS HAD TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S FUEL FILTER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME WAS SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE MOST RECENT FUEL FILTER CHANGE WAS ON JUNE 20, 2007 AND IT NOW HAS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN ON JULY 17, 2007. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL ON THE FUEL FILTER, BUT SHE DOES NOT KNOW IF IT APPLIES TO HER VIN. THE PURCHASE DATE AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 120,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Electrical system, Jul 6, 2007
IN HOT AND HUMID OR WET WEATHER, MY 2000 CHEVY MALIBU'S PASSLOCK SYSTEM GOES INTO FAIL SAFE/STANDBY MODE WHEN I ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE WHICH RENDERS MY VEHICLE UNABLE TO START FOR A MINIMUM OF 10 MINUTES. THIS HAS LEFT ME INNUMERABLE TIMES STRANDED FOR 10 MINUTES IN RATHER DANGEROUS LOCATIONS SUCH AS ILL-LIGHTED PARKING LOTS AFTER DARK. THE FREQUENCY OF THESE FAILURES RECENTLY BEGAN TO INCREASE, SO I RESEARCHED INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF DISABLING THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM THAT FAILS TO DO LITTLE MORE THAN CAUSE A HEADACHE FOR MY MECHANICS. TO MY DISMAY, I FOUND THAT CHEVY'S PASSLOCK SYSTEM CANNOT BE OVERRIDDEN BY ANY METHOD SHORT OF A DO-IT-YOURSELF RE-WIRING PROJECT. TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED TEMPORARILY, I COULD HAVE THE ENTIRE IGNITION SYSTEM REPLACED BY CHEVROLET FOR SOMEWHERE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $450. NOTE THAT I SAID TEMPORARY BECAUSE FROM THE STORIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE HAD THE REPAIR DONE, IT WILL NEED TO BE DONE AGAIN A FEW YEARS LATER AS THE IGNITION WEARS DOWN ONCE MORE. I AM ALSO CONCERNED BY STORIES I HEAR ABOUT FURTHER PROBLEMS THAT DRIVERS HAVE HAD WITH THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM WHERE THE CAR ENGINE TURNS ITSELF OFF WHILE BEING DRIVEN AND REQUIRES THAT THE DRIVER PULL OVER TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. I HOPE THIS NEVER HAPPENS TO ME. GIVEN THAT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO EVERY MODEL OF CAR THAT HAS HAD THIS PASSLOCK SYSTEM IN PLACE SINCE PASSLOCK'S INCEPTION, I AM SURPRISED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS MADE BY CHEVROLET IN ALMOST 10 YEARS. IT WOULD SEEM THAT CHEVROLET IS MORE INTERESTED IN PROFITING FROM CONTINUALLY REPAIRING A SYSTEM THAT WE COULD JUST GET RID OF AND NOT IN THE SAFETY OF ITS CONSUMERS. THEREFORE, I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE MANDATE A RECALL ON ALL CHEVROLET'S WITH THE PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2007
I HAVE HAD ONGOING PROBLEMS 3 YEARS., APPROXIMATELY WITH FREQUENT LOW COOLANT LEVELS AND LOW OIL LEVELS, IN ADDITION TO NOTICING A STRONG ODOR OF COOLANT AFTER TURNING CAR OFF. I WAS INFORMED RECENTLY , DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE IN MAY, 2007, OF A COMMON PROBLEM OFTEN OBSERVED IN GM 3.1 L AND 3.4L V-6 ENGINES. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKED AND ALLOWED CROSS CONTAMINATION OF THE COOLANT AND OIL SYSTEMS. THE OIL SYSTEM LEAKED INTO THE COOLANT SYSTEM, CLOGGING THE FLOW OF ENGINE COOLANT AND DAMAGING OTHER SYSTEMS, GASKETS AND FLUIDS. THE COOLANT LEAKE D INTO THE OIL SYSTEM AS WELL, CAUSING ENGINE WEAR.*AK NOW I AM TOLD IT WILL COST ABOUT $1000.00 TO REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, IN ADDITION TO ALL THE OTHER GASKETS AFFECTED BY THIS LEAK. THE MAIN EXPENSE IS FOR THE LABOR TO REACH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IN MID-ENGINE. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS ALL GM 3.1L AND 3.4L V-6 ENGINES SINCE 1996, AND THAT THESE ENGINES HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED, IN SPITE OF THE FREQUENCY OF THIS COMPLAINT. MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, BUT SINCE THIS ENGINE'S PROBLEM HAS BEEN KNOWN SINCE BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR, I BELIEVE I AM JUSTIFIED IN REQUESTING THAT GM COVER THE COST OF ANY NECESSARY REPAIRS TO REPLACE THIS LEAKING GASKET BEFORE THE ENGINE IS DESTROYED.