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
739 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED, CAUSING IT TO STALL. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT UP VERY LITTLE BEFORE THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READ COMPLETELY HOT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SERVICE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE HEAD GASKET TO FAIL, LEADING TO THE WARPING OF THE CYLINDER WALL AND HEAD. THE ENTIRE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS LOOKING INTO THIS MATTER. *AK
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2005
THE TURN SIGNALS WORK OFF AND ON ,I NEVER KNOW IF THEY WILL WORK OR NOT .IF THEY DON'T WORK I FOUND IF YOU PUSH ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHER SWITH THEY MIGHT COME ON. THIS CAR WAS RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT THE DEALER SAYS IT DOESN'T INCLUDE MY CARS VIN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER IS 03V327000
Service brakes, Air, Jul 9, 2005, crash
ABS SYSTEM FAILURE ABS ACTIVATES WITH OUT WARNING EVEN IF THE BRAKES ARE NOT APPLIED
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
Electrical system, Jul 7, 2005
MY CHEVY MAILBU 2001 VIN # [XXX] THE THEFT SYSTEM ALARM SETS ITSELF AND TO RESET IT YOUR HAVING TO WAIT TEN MINUTES. I GOT ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE WAS HAVING A PROBLEM. I FOUND THAT MOST ALL CHEVY'S FROM THE YEAR 1998 TO 2005 ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. ONE PERSON SAID THAT IS ALARM SET ITSELF WHILE ON THE FREEWAY DOING 60 MPH SHUT ITSELF OFF. IF THAT'S NOT A SAFETY HAZARD I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS. I WOULD NOT WANT THAT TO HAPPEN TO ME. CAN SOME ONE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS THEFT ALARM SYSTEM CHEVY IS PUTTING IN THEIR CARS? IT'S VERY FRUSTRATING. I COULD ONLY WISH SOME ONE WOULD STEAL THE CAR. IT'S A BIG PAIN AND WOULD OF NEVER BOUGHT A CHEVY IF I NEW THIS!*JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2005
DT: WHEN GOING OVER A RAILROAD TRACK OR A MAN HOLE, CONSUMER'S CAR SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO MANUALLY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN PARK.*AK *SB *NM
Exterior lighting, Jun 15, 2005
DT: CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TURN SIGNAL WOULD OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. IT WORKED SOME TIMES, AND SOME TIMES IT WOULD NOT WORK. CONSUMER FIXED, IT WAS AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE HAZARD SWITCH. WHICH FAILED. CONSUMER KNEW OF NHTSA RECALL 03V327000 ON SAME MAKE/ MODEL, AND YEAR, BUT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Exterior lighting, Jun 8, 2005
DT: ON THE 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU THE RUBBER ON TAIL LIGHT DETERIORATED, RAIN COLLECTED IN TAIL LIGHT, AND DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO TICKETS AS A RESULT.*AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Air, Wheels, Equipment, Jun 6, 2005
CAR HAS VIBRATIONS AT HIGHER SPEEDS 60+ WAS TOLD IT WAS TIRES/WHEELS THEY WERE REPLACED FOR $280 FOR TIRES AND $200 FOR JUST STEEL RIMS. CAR STILL VIBRATED AT HIGH SPEEDS AND ALSO FELT LIKE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED-THE KIND OF VIBRATING WHEN BRAKING. REPLACED ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS $49 A PIECE FOR ROTORS AND $40 A PIECE FOR BRAKE PADS. CAR CONTINUED TO VIBRATE EXCEPT WHEN STOPPING. AFTER TIME NOW (3 MOS) WHEN THE CAR IS VIBRATING AND YOU GO TO SLOW DOWN IT SHAKES THE CAR EVEN WORSE. WAS THEN TOLD TO REPLACE THE WHEEL BEARINGS. JUST DID THAT YESTERDAY THEY COST ME $230 NOT ONLY DOES THE CAR STILL VIBRATE IT HAS A GRINDING NOISE WHEN YOU TRUN TO THE RIGHT NOW. SINCE IVE BOUGHT IT IT HAS VIBRATIONS AT HIGH SPEEDS AND A "RUBBING" VV, VV, VV NOISE WHEN TURING RIGHT. AFTER REPLACING WHEEL BEARINGS THE CAR STILL MAKES ALL THE NOISES AND GRINDS NOW. DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO TO FIX IT, BEGINNING TO THINK IM JUST GOING TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FRONT END. REALLY USED TO TRUST CHEVY NOW IM NOT SO SURE. I HAVE HAD WAY TOO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND I JUST BOUGHT IT IN JULY2004- RIDICULOUS IF YOU ASK ME.
Electrical system, May 28, 2005
WENT TO CRANK CAR AND IT WOULD NOT CRANK ANTI THEFT LIGHT WAS ON. THIS IS THE 4TH TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED AND EACH TIME I HAVE TO SPEND 300.00 PLUS DOLLARS TO GET IT FIXED. CHEVY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. LAST YEAR I HAD THE SAME THING REPLACED 3 TIMES AND NOW HERE IT IS AGIAN.
Engine and engine cooling, May 27, 2005
I HAD TO HAVE THE FUEL INJECTOR CLEANED ABOUT AYR AFTER I GOT THE CAR? NOW I AM TOLD I HAVE TO HAVE IT DONE AGAIN! ALSO THE ENGINE IS LEAKING ANDTHE COOLANT SYSTEM. I HEAR IT MIGHT NOT HAPPEN AGAIN AS GM MADE NEW PARTS FOR THE ENGINE SO IT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. MY MECHANIC FEELS THE ENGINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO HIM WHEN THEY DIAGNOSED THE CAR AS NEEDING THE FUEL INJECTOR CLEANED THE FIRST TIME---IT SHOULDN'T HAVE NEEDED IT AND PROBABLY DIDN'T. I FEEL I MAY BE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF AGAIN BY THIS DEALERSHIP. I HOPE THIS CAR IS RECALLED FOR THE WRONG OR BAD ENGINE ITTING PARTS. I WAS ONE WHO REPLACED THE HAZARDS BEFORE IT WAS EVER RECALLED-I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED THE WAY THEY WERE ACTING HALF HAZARDLY! I DID AND THEN THIS SAME DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT I HADN'T THAT THE WRONG PART-THE OLD PART WAS PUT IN THE CAR AND REPLACED IT. THIS IS DELAND CHEVROLT/CADILLAC IN DELAND FL. THEY SAID THEY REPLACED IT WITH THE RIGHT PART BUT I DOUBT THEY DID.
Electrical system, Equipment, May 23, 2005
2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE NOT STARTING. THE CONSUMER HAS HAD THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM, AND THE IGNITION SWITCHES REPLACED. *MR CONSUMER STATED THE THEFT LIGHT COMES ON AND VEHICLE DOES NOT START. *BF *NM
Electrical system, May 23, 2005
AC AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHES FROM INTERNAL CIRCULATION TO VENT INTERMITTENTLY
Engine and engine cooling, May 19, 2005
I HAVE RECENTLY HAD TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC TO GET FIXED. IT WAS LEAKING THE ENGINE COOLANT AND THE MANIFOLD GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED WHICH COST OVER $800 TO FIX. NOW , THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND THAT WILL BE ANOTHER EXPENSE THAT I WILL HAVE TO MAKE ON A 4 YEAR OLD 26,000 MILE CAR.
Electrical system, May 19, 2005
TYPE OF VEHICLE- 2001 CHEVY MALIBU ON AT LEAST 5 OCCSASIONS, THE VEHICLE HAS FAILED TO START. THE BATTERY IS OK, AS ALL ACCESORIES ORK PERFECT. THE CAR HAS HAD FUEL, AND WE ACTUALLY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, JUST TO SEE IF THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. IT WILL ACT AS THOUGH IT WANTS TO START. I HAVE HAD AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN TRY TO SEE WHAT IT IS BY HOOKING UP TO A DIAGNOSTICS MACHINE, ALTHOUGH AS QUICK AS IT IS RELEASED FROM THE WHEEL DOLLY, IT STARTS, AS IF JARRING THE CAR MAKES A DIFFERENCE. IN LIGHT OF THIS WE ARE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH WE KNOW IT IS LIKELY RELATED TO A MISFIRING OF A WIRE TO THE COMPUTER. AFTER HOOKING UP TO MACHINE WHEN IT STARTS, NO FAULT CODES ARE SHOWN. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING. THE ENGINE WILL CRANK, FUEL PRESSURE OK. IGNITION SYSTEM PLUGS AHVE FIRE. ALL NORMAL SYSTEMS ARE GOOD, HOWEVER ENGINE WILL NOT FIRE.
Electrical system, May 13, 2005
THE DRIVER PLACED THE KEY INSIDE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN ON. THE DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT IGNITION CYLINDER SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR WITH NO WARNING. THE THEFT LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED DUE TO THE IGNITION SENSOR AND HAD TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE THEFT LIGHT WOULD ALSO FLASH AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME HARD TO START AT TIMES. THIS PROBLEM ALSO MAY HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. *SC *JB
Tires, May 11, 2005
DT:HAS HAD TO REPLACE THREE DIFFERENT SETS OF TIRES BECAUSE THE TREAD HAS SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE AND THE RIM WILL NOT HOLD AIR. THE LAST TIME HE HAD THEM REPLACED THEY PUT TOO MUCH AIR IN THE TIRE AND ANOTHER DEALER CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE AND TOLD CALLER IT WAS DANGEROUS TO HAVE THAT MUCH AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES. NOW HE CAN'T GET IN TOUCH WITH FIRESTONE AT ALL AND THE DEALER WILL NO LONGER HELP OR GIVE HIM THE PHONE NUMBER TO FIRESTONE. *NM
Suspension, May 3, 2005
CONSUMER STATES: ABS SYSTEM 11OO MILES BRAKES STARTED GRIDDING, AT 37000 HAD TO REPLACE MASTER CYCLINDER, ABS SYSTEM AND THE DRUM AND BRAKE LINES IN 2003 JULY AND IS GETTING WORSE. HAD NEW BRAKES PADS PUT ON AGAIN IN JANUARY 2005. NOW ABS COMING ON AGAIN FOR 2 OR 3 DAYS AT A TIME.
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
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 27, 2005
HAD A LEAKING INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST ABOUT $1000 TO FIX. I CALLED THE PHONE # FOR CHEVY IN MY OWNERS BOOK. FILED A COMPLAINT, AND WENT TO THE DEALER, GAVE THEM MY CASE # CHEVY GAVE ME. THEY CALLED CHEVY, CAME BACK AND TOLD ME IT WOULD COST ME $350. THEY CHANGED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, FLUSHED THE RADIATOR, AND CHANGED MY OIL. CHEVY HAS A REIMBURSMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR PROBLEMS THAT AREN'T BAD ENOUGH FOR RECALLS. THEY ALSO REIMBURSED ME $862.00 FOR MY PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI-THEFT , FULLY REIMBURSED. IF YOU LIVE IN ILLINOIS, THE BEST PLACE TO HAVE YOUR CAR SERVICED IS GEORGE WEBER CHEVROLET IN COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS. THE PEOPLE ARE GREAT , THE SERVICE IS GREAT. I LIVE 50 MILES AWAY BUT AFTER DEALING WITH OTHER CHEVY DEALERS IN MISSOURI GIVING CRAPPY SERVICE, ITS WORTH THE TRIP!
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
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2005
CAR WONT START ANTI- THEFT SYSTEM AGAIN, TOWED TO GARAGE REPLACED IGNITION SYSTEM AGAIN. *AK
Electrical system, Apr 25, 2005
MY 2001 CHVROLET MALIBU LS HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP IN ORDER FOR THE ANTI-THEFT/PASSLOCK TO BE REPLACED WHICH WAS AROUND $300.00. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME MY CAR HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED THE FIRST TIME AND THEY HAD TO RESET IT. I FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS TO WAIT 10 MINUTES AND THEN UNLOCK YOUR CAR AND TRY AND START IT. NOTHING WORKED. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND EXPENSIVE TO DEAL WITH. *AK
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2005
CAR IGNITION. WOULD NOT START. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. WE WERE TOLD THAT IT APPEARED THAT IT WAS THE ANTI THEFT DEVICE. UPON PUTTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IT WAS BEING SEEN AS AN INTRUSION AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO START. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY BOTH THE DEALER AND SECONDARY REPAIR SHOP THAT THE CAUSE APPEARED TO BE A LOSS OF MEMORY IN THE CHIP. THE PROCEDURE, WHICH WAS QUITE UNACCEPTABLE, WAS TO WIPE THE KEY WITH ALCOHOL AND PROCEED TO TURN THE IGNITION ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES. MY WIFE ,WHO IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER, HAS BEEN STUCK ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. CAR HAS BECAME COMPLETELY UNRELIABLE! DEALER, WITHOUT KNOWING THE PROBLEM, INSISTED THAT WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND TO REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER WAS AROUND $300, 00 SOMETHING THAT DRASTIC SHOULD BE COVERED BY GM. *AK
Electrical system, Apr 5, 2005
I PUT KEY IN IGNITION SWITCH AND IT WOULD NOT TURN TO ANY POSITION , BUY IT DOES STILL LOCK ALL DOORS. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT REPLACE THE SWITCH ,FREE OF CHARGE.VEH. ONLY HAS 62000 MILES ON IT.I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT THIS DEFECT.*AK