2001 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 739 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 37 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 29 people were injured and 2 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
Representative owner complaints: engine
176 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 9, 2004, crash
THERE WAS A REAR COLLISION THAT OCCURED A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS FIXED WITH NO FRONTAL DAMGE AT ALL. THE REAR DAMAGE WAS MINOR. A WEEK AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CAR NEEDED A NEW IGNITION(600.00) THAT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY.THE DEALERSHIP RECEIVED THE PAYMENT AND THE CAR WAS FIXED.THE DEALERSHIP DIDNT HAVE ANY SORT OF EXPLANATION TO WHY THE IGNITION WAS NEEDED THAT SOON AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. EIGHT MONTHS LATER THE CAR WOULDNT START.THE CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP.A FUEL PUMP WAS INSTALL BUT OTHER ITEMS WEREN'T COVERED UNDER WARANTY.THE CAR WAS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEALERSHIP RECEIVED THE PAYMENT. FOUR MONTHS LATER,( MAY 1,2004),THE CAR DECELERATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY.THE DRIVER WAS FORCED TO STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT TO THE MAXIMUM LEVEL AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR WAS TOWED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 29, 2004
WE ARE PAYING ON A 2001 MALIBU. THE FUEL SENSOR WENT OUT SHOWING GASOLINE WHEN THERE WASN'T. THE CAR STALLED IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED BUT I HAD TO PAY FOR THE FUEL FILTER PLUS A DEDUCTIBLE ON MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. NEXT THE BLINKERS DECIDED TO ONLY WORK OCCASSIONALLY SAME WEEK THE STARTER STARTED DRAGGING THEN THE CAR STARTED TO RUN HOT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, REPLACED BLINKER SWITCH (NO MENTION MADE OF THE RECALL) REPLACED THE STARTER AND REPLACED THE GASKET THAT WAS LEAKING. WHEN I HAD ADDED COOLANT TO GET MYSELF HOME THE COOLANT THAT WAS N THE CAR WAS GREEN, THE COOLANT I PUT IN THE CAR GREEN..WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ORANGE WHEN I TOLD THE DEALER THERE WAS GREEN COOLANT IN THE CAR HE SAID OH SOMEONES BOOBOO UNFORTUNATELY YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR IT...ALMOST 300.00. YESTERDAY, LONG MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND LEFT WORK AGAIN RUSH HOUR, CAR BEGINS TO MAKE A HORRIBLE NOISE I PULL OFF NOTICE THE ALTERNATOR BELT IS COMING APART BUT THE NOISE THAT I HEARD HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ALTERNATOR BELT SOUNDS LIKE METAL ON METAL. $1400.00 WORTH OF WORK DONE IN APRIL, 800.00 A FEW MONTHS BEFORE THAT AND NOW THIS...THE CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED BY MY HUSBAND. NOW I READ WHAT I HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO, THE CAR WAS BOUGHT CHEVY CERTIFIED FROM A CHEVY DEALER. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, May 10, 2004
DRIVING AT HWY SPEED CHECK COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON ADDED COOLANT TOOK TO LOCAL GARAGE. THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROX. $900. IT ONLY HAS 44,000 MILES AND I HAVE HAD ALL THE REQUIRED SERVICING DONE TO THIS CAR.THE GARAGE TECH SAID THAT THEY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THIS ON SEVERAL OTHER MALIBU'S. THIS MUST BE A DEFECTIVE PART AS IT SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACED THIS SOON. WHAT CAN BE DONE? *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2004
NOTICED SMELL OF BURNING COOLANT AND TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. GM DEALER REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. CONTACTED CHEVROLET DIRECTLY BY PHONE, WHO DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT PROBLEM WAS COMMON, NOR OFFER ANY TYPE OF COMPENSATION. TOTAL SERVICE COST 1050.19 (PARTS AND LABOR). *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 13, 2004
I AM TRYING TO SELL A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS FOR MY DAD WHO IS 86 YEARS OLD AND CANNOT BECAUSE OF A START UP NOISE THAT DOESN'T GO AWAY TILL THE ENGINE WARMS UP. I HAVE LOST 4 BUYERS SO FAR. THIS AUTOMOBILE HAS ONLY 5600 MILES ON IT. I HAVE FOUND A SERVICE BULLETIN SAYING THERE CAN BE A NOISE FROM CYLINDER 1 THRU 4. THIS IS INTERFERING WITH THE RESALE OF THE CAR AS NO ONE TRUST IT. I HAD IT ANALYZED BY THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS A PISTON SLAP. AND IT WOULD COST AROUND 1600.00 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. GM AGREED TO GO HALF AND HALF BUT THEN THE DEALER SAID IF THE PISTON SLAP HAD DAMAGED THE CYLINDER IT WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. THIS TO ME IS A DEFECT THAT THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR BECAUSE AS I STATED BE FORE THE CAR HAS ONLY 5600 MILES ON IT. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [XXX] IF NEED BE. THANK YOU. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. CONSUMER ADDED COOLANT, AND NOTICED COOLANT STAINS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF ENGINE. DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH INDICATED THAT THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS BAD.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Mar 8, 2004
THE CAR TURND OFF AND DOORS LOCKED. KNOCKING NOISES AT ENGINE AND EGR SCENSOR CAUSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO TURN ON/ VERY POOR QUALITY. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 19, 2004
ANTI-FREEZE LEAKS FROM ENGINE. AREA OF LEAK SEAMS TO BE AROUND THE MANIFOLD OR HEADS. THIS CAUSES FUMES TO INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND MAKES THE OCCUPATES DIZZY OR WITH HEADACHES.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 13, 2004
ENGINE HAS EXPERIENCED "VALVE-SLAP" SINCE APPROX 5000 MILES. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THIS IS INHERENT IN THE DESIGN OF THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE TO MAKE IT ECONOMICAL. CHEVROLET OFFERED 100,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE ENGINE. THE (CHECK ENGINE) LIGHT ACTIVATED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. CODE INDICATED "SMALL EMISSIONS LEAK". MADE SURE GAS CAP WAS ON TIGHT, THEN CLEARED CODE WITH READER - ISSUE RESOLVED. APPROX A MONTH AGO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AGAIN. CODE WAS P1404 (TEMPORARY CODE). TRIED TO CLEAR OUT CODE WITH READER, CAME BACK. DEALER ADVISED THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY FAULTY EGR VALVE SO REPLACED THE EGR VALVE WITH GENUINE CHEVEY PART, CLEARED CODE WITH READER - APPROX 20 MILES LATER (CHECK ENGINE) LIGHT BACK ON. I SUSPECT THAT ISSUE IS RELATED TO THE VALVE-SLAP PROBLEM AND RELATED WEAR ON PISTONS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 30, 2004
I HAVE 43,000 MILES ON MY 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND HAVE BEEN TOLD MY HEAD GASKETS ARE LEAKING. ANTI FREEZE IS LEAKING EXTERNAL TO THE ENGINE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR MAINTAINED AND SEE NO REASON A HEAD GASKET SHOULD FAIL WITH ONLY 43,000 MILES, THE MECHANIC SAID THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE. IF THE LOCAL MECHNIC'S KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM WHY HASN'T CHEVROLET BEEN MADE TO TAKE CARE OF THIS DEFECT AT THERE COST INSTEAD OF THE CONSUMER FOR A KNOW DEFECT.
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Dec 23, 2003
THIS CONCERNS THE QUALITY OF A 2001 MALIBU PURCHASED NEW. THIS CAR HAS HAD A NEW ENGINE, TWO IGNITION SYSTEMS, TWO BRAKE JOBS, AND NOW A MAJOR COOLANT LEAK THAT IS TO COST OVER $800.00 TO REPAIR. IT HAS HAD TWO SETS OF TIRESAND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAS HAD TURN SIGNAL PROBLEMS, INJECTOR FUEL PROBLEMS, AND EMERGENCY LIGHT SWITCH PROBLEMS. IN OTHER WORDS THE COST OF OPERATION IS MORE THAN THE CAR PAYMENT PER MONTH. THE QUALITY OF THIS VEHICLE RANKS AS A LEMON.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 21, 2003
ENGINE COOLING. MANIFOLD GASKETS LEAK ALLOWING OIL AND COOLANT TO ENTER INTO ENGINE. BEEN ADDING FLUIDS FOR A YEAR. THE GASKET MUST BE DEFECTIVE AND A RECALL ISSUED. I HAVE READ MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON YOU SITE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 16, 2003
SINCE I HAD BOUGHT MY 2001 MALIBU IN OCTOBER OF 2003 I HAVE HAD TO ADD COOLANT INTOT HE CAR ABOUT EVERY OTHER DAY. I FINALLY GOT FED UP WITH DOIN THAT AND DECIDED TO HAVE IT PRESSURE CHECKED. ONCE I DID THAT I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE COMPANY THAT DID THE PRESSURE TEST ALSO TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE REPAIRED THIS EXACT PART IN SEVERAL OTHER CARS WITHIN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 28, 2003
MY 2001 MALIBU HAS 45,000MILES AND I NOW HAVE TO CHANGE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, BECAUSE IT IS LEAKING COOLANT. THIS I'M TOLD IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH THE MALIBU 3.1 LITER MOTOR. IS THIS POSSIBLE? I'VE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING?*AK I ALSO HAVE HAD THE EGR VALVE CHANGED 3 TIMES BY THE DEALER. IT NOW SEEMS TO BE FIXED?
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 19, 2003
THE CAR'S CHECK-SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON REPEATEDLY SINCE I PURCHASED IT ON 14 NOVEMBER 2001. THE DEALER HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM OVER A DOZEN TIMES BUT IT CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM. IT WAS REPAIRED AGAIN ON 17 NOVEMBER 2003 AND FAILED AGAIN THE VERY NEXT DAY. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Structure, Nov 12, 2003
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S TURN SIGNALS, DOOR LOCKS AND BRAKES.*MR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED FOR SIX MONTHS UNTIL THE DEALERSHIP WAS ABLE TO SERVICE THE PROBLEM. THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD FREEZE IN THE WINTER TIME AND WOULD OPEN SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALERSHIP RESPONDED BY STATING THEY DIDN'T EXPERIENCE THIS WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING CHECKED. THUS, THE PROBLEM WASN'T HANDLED BY THE COMPANY. APPARENTLY, THE DOOR HINGES WERE NEVER PROPERLY GREASED UNTIL THE CONSUMER'S FATHER DID IT. THIS RESOLVED THAT PROBLEM. BRAKES WERE ROUGH AND UNRESPONSIVE AT TIMES. THE TURN SIGNAL WORK WHEN THEY WANTED TO OR WHEN THE A/C WAS ON MAXIMUM OUTPUT. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO USE MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF ANTIFREEZE. *PH *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Exterior lighting, Nov 11, 2003
I HAVE A '01 CHEVROLET MALIBU, MY FUEL INJECTOR WENT OUT OF CAR, ANTIFREEZE CHAMBER LEAKING (REPLACED), TURN SIGNAL UNIT WENT OUT. ABS SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED, WENT OUT..ALL UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. ALL UNDER 60,000 MILES. DEALERSHIP (BOBB CHEVROLET) OH HAS NO RECALLS ON THIS CAR, I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE LISTED AS A LEMON.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 8, 2003
WHEN DRIVING OR WHEN VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND RUNNING ENGINE WOULD MAKE A KNOCKING NOISE. THE OWNER MADE CONTACT WITH DEALER. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 7, 2003
ENGINE PROBLEM.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 6, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2003
MY UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS NEED TO BE REPAIRED. UNDER CA. EMSSIONS LAW THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS COVERED BUT NOT THE COMPONENTS OR PARTS. THE GASKETS SHOULD NOT WEAR OUT THIS FAST ON A NEW CAR THAT HAS BEEN KEEP IN GOOD REPAIR. THESE PARTS SHOULD BE RECALLED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 9, 2003
AT APPROXIMATELY 30000 MILES MY CAR STARTED HESITATING WHEN STARTING. THE DEALER COULD FIND NO FAULT AND I KEPT DRIVING WITH ONLY PERIODIC PROBLEMS. THEN MY GAS GAUGE, RADIO, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND PASSIVE ALARM SYSTEM KEPT COMING ON. AT, 43,000 MILES THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE DEALER SAID THE KEY HAD LOST ITS MEMORY BUT I STILL KEPT HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. AT, 48,354 MILES THE CAR TOTALLY WENT OUT. AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. UNDER CALIFORNIA LAW THE IGNITION SYSTEM IS COVERED TO 50,000 MILES BUT THE DEALER STATED TEH IGNITION SWITCH IS NOT PART OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM. AFTER WRITTING CHEVY COMPLAINT DEPT MANY TIMES I GOT NO WHERE BECAUSE ALL THEY DO IS CALLL THE DEALER, THEY DO NOT GO WITH AN INDEPENDENT BODY JUST THE DEALER THAT GAVE ME THE ADVICE IN THE FIRST PLACE. I HAD THE DEALER RETURN THE BAD PART TO ME AND WANT TO KNOW IF THIS PART IS COVERED. I PAID 400.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE DEALER DID GIVE ME A 75.00 CREDIT BECAUSE IT WAS NEVER MY KEY MEMORY THEY STATED IT WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH THE ENTIRE TIME.*AK NOW, THE CAR IS AT 54,000 MILES AND COOLANT IS LEAKING AROUND, IN AND NEAR THE ENGINE. I HAVE KEPT THIS CAR IN GOOD REPAIR AND HAVE ALL RECEIPTS. THESE MAJOR PARTS SHOULD NOT BE WEARING DOWN THIS FAST. THE DEALER HAD TO CHANGE THE HAZARD SWITCH SHORTLY AFTER I FIRST GOT THE CAR.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2003
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLS. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 16, 2003
ENGINE NOISE DEALER IS UNABLE TO LOCATE. HAZARD SWITCH SHORTS OUT NO TURN SIGNALS. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, May 12, 2003
1) LEAKING COOLANT FROM INTAKE MANIFOLD INTO ENGINE, REQUIRED GASKET REPLACEMENT AND COOLANT / OIL CHANGE 2) TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMITTENTLY, HAD TO REPLACE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH 3) A/C DOES NOT WORK, BLOWS HOT AIR, DEALER UNABLE TO REPAIR 4) BRAKES WEAK, VIBRATE. REPLACED WITH AFTER MARKET COMPONENTS (POWERSLOT ROTORS AND PERFORMANCE FRICTION CARBON METALLIC PADS) 5) AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS INOPERATIVE, DEALER UNABLE TO REPAIR 6) POOR FUEL MILEAGE, BEST IS 28 MPG HIGHWAY (CAFE VIOLATION??) 7) STARTER FAILED, REPLACED WITH REBUILT UNIT. *NLM