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: hydraulic
78 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 16, 2008
DANGEROUS BRAKE ROTOR WARPAGE EVERY 16,000 MILES LIKE CLOCK WORK. CAUSES WEAK BRAKES AND EXTREME WARE TO FRONT END MOVING PARTS. NEW TOP OF THE LINE ROTORS AND PADS WILL NOT CURE PROBLEM. IT IS AN ENGINEERING SCREW UP. THIS IS AN ONGOING ENGINEERING PROBLEM AND WHY GM IS GOING BROKE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 14, 2008
BOUGHT 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU NEW ON MARCH 14,2001 ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AROUND 35,000 MILES. HAS GRADUALLY GOTTEN WORSE. SOUNDS LIKE A DIESEL. IT IS EITHER PISTON SLAP OR BAD LIFTERS. DEALER WOULD NOT FIX ISSUE AT THE TIME. CAR CONTINUES TO RUN. ALSO THIS VEHICLE HAS POOR BRAKES. REPLACE ROTORS AND SHOES AT 12,000 MILES AT DEALER. REPLACED ROTORS AGAIN AT DEALER AT 30,000 MILES. CURRENTLY HAS 111,000 MILES ON VEHICLE AND IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. WOULD LIKE GM TO FIX ENGINE ISSUE AT LITTLE OR NO COST. BRAKE ISSUE IS BETTER WITH AFTERMARKET PARTS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 7, 2007
IN THE PAST 3 YEARS WE HAVE HAD TWO SETS OF FRONT CALIPERS LOCKE DON THE 2001 CHEVY MALIBU. BOTH OF THESE HAVE CAUSED REPLACEMENTS OF BOTH THE CALIPERS AND THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 16, 2007
BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES IN LAST YEAR. THERE HAVE BEEN CONTINUAL FAILURES WITH THE ROTORS AND CALIPERS. WHEN BRAKING IT APPEARED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM THAT WAS DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE BRAKING LOCK UPS WAS ENGAGING WHEN IT WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO. BRAKES WERE WEARING AT AN EXTREMELY HIGH RATE , WHICH WAS WARPING THE ROTORS WHICH HAVE BEEN INSTALLED BRAND NEW. PULSATING NOISE WAS COMMON ALONG WITH SCRAPING AND SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL. IN RESEARCHING IT APPEARED THAT THE MALIBU HAD AN EXTENSIVE HISTORY OF BRAKE FAILURES IN A SHORT TIME. SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. THESE CARS NEED TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED BEFORE ANY FURTHER INJURIES OR DEATH OCCUR. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 21, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKES ON HIS 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU (50000 FAILURE MILEAGE) HAD TO BE REPLACED EVERY SIX MONTHS FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ANTIFREEZE LEAKS INTO THE OIL. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD TIME THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A MECHANIC SIX TIMES CONCERNING THESE ISSUES. THE BRAKE AND MANIFOLD PROBLEMS STILL EXISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 17, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE GETTING AN INSPECTION, THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS WERE LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO REPLACED THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS. THE FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 11/03/06*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Mar 29, 2006
2001 MALIBU HAS HAD FRONT BRAKE DISC AND BATTERY REPLACED, 16804 MILES ON VEHICLE.. MECHANIC HAS NOW INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IGNITION SWITCH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TS *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 17, 2005
THIRD REPLACEMENT OF ROTORS AND BRAKES WITHIN 3 YEARS OF OWNING CAR. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 15, 2005
THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS WERE WARPED TO THE POINT WHERE THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS APPROXIMATELY 8K MILES APART. *NM
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 8, 2005
2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU HAS DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKING AND THE COOLING SYSTEMS.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR ONE MONTH AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE ROTOR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OVER BUT IT WOULDN'T START. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE'S COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK AT THE BY PASS PIPE AT THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE HAZARD AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WERE REPLACED. THE RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD WERE WORN LOOSE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD ENDS AND SET THE FRONT END. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED. THE ABS MALFUNCTIONED. *NM
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Apr 27, 2005
2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES, TURN SIGNALS, COOLING SYSTEM AND THEFT DETERRENT LIGHT. *MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: A CONTINUOUS BRAKE PROBLEM WITH THE ROTORS, THE THEFT DETERRENT LIGHT ILLUMINATED, SO THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER THE SIGNAL LIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE HAZARD SWITCH. THE RIGHT SIDE HUB ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THERE WAS WATER IN THE OIL, THEREFORE THE INTAKE GASKETS WERE REPLACED DUE TO LEAKING. *SC *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 26, 2005, crash
THE TAHOE BRAKE ROTORS WERE BADLY GROVED, AND THE VEHICLE BRAKES WERE LIKE NEW. DEALER SAID THE VEHICLE STOPPED OKAY, BUT WHEN I HAD THE ROTORS AND BRAKES REPLACED, THERE WAS A WORLD OF DIFFRENCE AS HOW THE VEHICLE STOPPED.I KEPT THE BRAKES AND ROTORS FOR PROOF. VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Mar 20, 2005
ABS LIGHT GOES ON AND STAYS ON. TOOK TO DEALER ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, HUBS HAD TO BE REPLACED APOXIMATELY. 2003 AND JAN. 2005. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Mar 18, 2005
AT 36,370 MILES HAD TO REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND GASKET ON 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU. *BF THE FRONT ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT 28,000 AND THE BLOWER ONLY WORKED ON HIGH SPEED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2004
I HAVE HAD THE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED TWICE SINCE BUYING THE CAR IN APRIL OF 2001. I TOOK THE CAR TO JIM BUTLER CHEVROLET FOR THE TURN SIGNAL/FLASHER PROBLEM WHICH WAS LATER RECALLED AND I WAS REIMBURSED. I TOOK IT TO DON DARR CHEVY WHICH FIXED A FAULTY SWITCH OPERATING THE AIR CONDITIONER/SWITCHING TO OUTSIDE AIR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO DOBBS WHEN IT WOULD NOT START, THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP AND ASSEMBLY MODULE. TODAY,JIM BUTLER CHEVROLET REPLACED THE LOCK CYLINDER AND IGNITION SWITCH BECAUSE OF THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT AND THE CAR NOT STARTING.BUT WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS NOT WORKING. OH! BUT THEY NOTICED A RECALL ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND REPLACED IT. THEY WERE THE ONE WHO REPLACED IT THE FIRST TIME. I ALSO TOLD THEM OF THE OVER CRANK/GRINDING NOISE AFTER THE CAR IS STARTED, HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY. THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE, SO NO REPAIR. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THIS CAR OR CHEVY BECAUSE OF ALL THE PROBLEMS AND THE EXPENSE IT HAS CAUSED AND COST ME. I USED TO HOLD CHEVROLET IN HIGH REGARD, BUT CAN NO LONGER RECOMMEND ANYONE OWNING ONE.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 28, 2004
CONSUMER STATED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 17, 2004
MULTIPLE REPAIRS ON BRAKING SYSTEMS OF 2001 CHEVY MALIBUS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 11, 2004
WHILE BRAKING VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM 5 TIMES BEFORE, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK *NM
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 20, 2004
LEFT AND RIGHT HUB BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *PH STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES WHEN BRAKING DUE TO FRONT ROTORS HAVING EXCESSIVE RUNOUT AND PADS WORN OUT EVENLY. ALSO, CONSUMER HEARD NOISE COMING FROM HUB BEARING, DEALER REPLACED BEARING. *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 18, 2004
WE HAD BOUGHT A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU IN NOV 2002 . AND IT IS NOW APRIL OF 2004 . WE HAVE HAD THE CAR 16 MONTHS AND WE HAVE WENT THROUGH 5 WHOLE BRAKE JOBS . WE HAD RECENTLY HAD OUR BRAKES DONE IN FEB OF 2004 WITH 65,000 MILES AND IT COST US $557.00 AND WE HAD REPLACED THE PADS,SHOES ,ROTORS AND CALIPERS . BY THE TIME WE HAD 5,000 MILES ON THE BRAKES THEY WERE GONE SO WE HAD TO DO THE WHOLE PROCESS OVER AGAIN . ANOTHER $600.00 BRAKE JOB . WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HUBS TWICE AND I FEEL WE HAVE BOUGHT A LEMON AND THE DEALER DOSE NOT WANT TO TALK TO ME . I FEEL THAT THERE ARE SOME MAJOR PROBLEM THAT NEED TO BE FIXED DEALING WITH THE BRAKES AND THE FRONT END ON THESE CARS . I FEEL THE SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN RIDING IN THIS CAR . I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE . I WOULD LIKE THE PROBLEM FIXED OR A REPLACEMENT CAR . WE CAN NOT PUT ANYMORE TIME/$$$IN THIS CAR WHEN THE BRAKES GO EVERY TWO MONTHS OR 5,000 MILES . PLEASE HELP. *JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 1, 2004
EVERY 15,OOO MILES BRAKES FAILED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, DEALER STATED WHEEL BEARING MALFUNCTIONED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 1, 2004
FRONT BRAKES WORE OUT PREMATURELY, DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 13, 2004
THE CAR HAS EXPERIENCED VIBRATIONS WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE FRONT ROTORS WERE TURNED AND PADS REPLACED BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. *AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility, Structure, Equipment, Jan 15, 2004
** I DON'T HAVE ALL THE ABOVE INFO AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. BOUGHT 11/01- HIT POTHOLE 12/01, REPLACED TWO PASSENGER WHEELS(BENT) AND COMPLAINED OF "THUMPING" NOISE. DEALER 2X CLAIMED NOT TO HEAR NOISE. CAR WOULD NOT START ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS STARTING 5/02. PAID 111.00 FOR RENTAL WHILE DEALER INSPECTED. DEALER FOUND NOTHING. NEXT WEEK, FAILED TO START AGAIN, 800# TECH ADVICE TOLD ME ABOUT "ANTI-THEFT" WAS ACTING UP AND GAVE ME PROCEDURES TO START CAR. "ANTI-THEFT" SYSTEM HAS SINCE QUIT WORKING. AUTO IN "VERY MINOR" FENDER BENDER" IN 10/02, THAT WEEK DRIVER DOOR HINGE STARTED "CRACKLING", HANGING UP. INSURANCE COMPANY BODY SHOP SAID "NO RELATION" TO MINOR ACCIDENT. HINGE HAS COMPLETELY BROKEN AND NOT WORKING AT ALL SINCE THEN. 7/03 DRIVER POWER WINDOW "FELL DOWN" UPON ATTEMPT TO OPEN AS NORMAL WITH POWER BUTTON. OTHER PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN/ARE: REAR PASSENGER SPEAKER DOESN'T WORK, INTERIOR LIGHT DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK, "" BLINKERS/EMER. FLASHERS"" HAVE QUIT WORKING PROPERLY ABOUT 4 TO 6 MONTHS AGO. (THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS SINCE I LIVE 'UP' A BLIND DRIVEWAY ON A HIGH SPEED ROAD)?!! 1ST WEEK I HAD THE CAR I NOTICED MOTOR RATTLED PRETTY LOUDLY UPON START UP. QUESTIONED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS "LIFTER BLEED DOWN" AND DEALER WAS WAITING ON GM FOR REMEDY, IF AVAILABLE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR AS USED WITH NEW WARRANTY IN PLACE, ABOUT 23,300 MILES ON 36/36000 NEW CAR WARRANTY AS WELL AS BOUGHT A 1500.00 EXTENDED 5YR/100000 WARR. ANY SUGGESTIONS, VERY TICKED OFF AND DON'T KNOW WHERE TO TURN.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 15, 2004
THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS ON THIS VEHICLE FLEX WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THIS HAS RESULTED IN UNEVEN AND PREMATURE WEAR OF THE BRAKE PADS. THE PADS WERE REPLACED TWICE, ONCE AT 17,000 MILES AND ONCE AT 30,000. THE ROTORS WERE REMACHINED AT 17,000 MILES, REPLACED AT 30,000 MILES AND RESURFACED AT 33,000. THE FLEXING OF THE CALIPER CAUSES MISALIGNMET OF THE GUIDE PINS, CAUSING THE CALIPER TO HANG UP. AS A RESULT ONLY THE INNER BRAKE PAD IS STOPPING THE CAR. THERE IS VIRTUALLY NO WEAR ON THE OUTER PAD. THE INNER PADS SHOW SIGNS OF OVERHEATING, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE ROTORS TO WARP (PULSATING), AND BRAKE FADE IN A PANIC STOP. THE CONSTANT FLEXING COULD ALSO COMPRIMISE THE INTGERITY OF THE ALUMINUM CALIPERS OVER TIME. GM CLAIMS THIS IS NORMAL. I HAVE CHECKED THE NHTSB WEB SITE AND FOUND 28% OF THE COMPLAINTS FILED FOR THIS VEHICLE WERE BRAKE RELATED AND ALMOST ALL COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO THIS CONDITION.