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.
Electrical system, Jun 8, 2004
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN PUTTING KEY IN THE IGNITION TO START VEHICLE IT WILL NOT START. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER THE FIRST TIME, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER. CURRENTLY, IT WAS DOING THE SAME THING. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS ON 5/28/04,AND AGAIN ON 6/3/04.*AK
Equipment, Jun 7, 2004
INTERMITTENTLY THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP REPROGRAMMED THE SYSTEM, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *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
Electrical system, May 12, 2004
CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO START THE IGNITION. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
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
Steering, May 11, 2004
THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A POWER STEERING LEAK ON A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU WHICH IS SIMILAR TO RECALLS MADE ON 1996 AND 1997. *LA *SC *JB
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
Steering, Apr 29, 2004
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL VEHICLE MADE A CLANKING NOISE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO CLAIMED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALL 03V527000 AFFECTING CHEVROLET, MALIBUS, 1997-1998 CONCERNING STEERING GEAR BEARINGS. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK IN ADDITION, BEARING IN STEERING SNAPS EVEYRTIME WHEEL IS TURNED. *LA
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 20, 2004
AFTER TURN SIGNAL RECALL WAS PERFORMED, CONSUMER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH THEM WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. *PH AFTER THE DEALER PERFORMED RECALL 03043 THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT SINCE THEY REPLACED THE RECALL COMPONENT THAT THE PROBLEM HAD TO BE WITH ANOTHER PART. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY ADDITIONAL REPAIR. THE EVAPORATOR VENT SOLENOID AND GAS CAP WERE NOT HOLDING PRESSURE, AS A RESULT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Apr 16, 2004
THE FUEL GUAGE REPORTS INCORRECT FUEL LEVEL. YOU CAN GO THE THE GAS STATION AND FILL THE CAR UP AND THE GAS HAND WILL SHOW IT AS BEING EMPTY AND BEFORE YOU PUT FUEL IN THE TANK THE GUAGE WAS AT A 1/4 TANK. YOU MAY HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT WILL SHOW THAT IT IS FULL. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WILL CUT OFF IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. ONE TIME THE CAR SHOWED 3/4 TANK OF FUEL WHILE IT WAS EMPTY. LUCKLY, I WAS ON A DOWNGRADE AND WAS ABLE TO GET IT INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE ON THE INTERSTATE. THE DEALER HAS TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. FURTHERMORE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON BECAUSE THE OXYGEN SENSOR HAS BEEN DAMAGED BY THE CAR RUNNING OUT OF GAS.*AK
Exterior lighting, Apr 15, 2004
CONSUMER PURCHASED A CHEVROLET, MALIBU AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON AND STAYED ON. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP 2-3 TIMES, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC, THAT CHEVROLET KNEW THAT THERE WAS A BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM BECAUSE IT WAS AN ONGOING THING WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE.*AK
Exterior lighting, Apr 10, 2004
I HAVE A 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU WHICH IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT TURN SIGNAL OPERATION. THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE IN 2001 FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. GM ANNOUCED A RECALL IN AUGUST 2003 FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. NHTSA ID NUMBER 03V327000. I HAVE CONTACTED GM REPEATEDLY ABOUT THIS RECALL AND KEEP GETTING TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THEY REFUSE TO TELL ME WHY IT IS NOT COVERED AND HOW THEY DETERMINED WHICH VEHICLES ARE COVERED. THEY KEEP REFERRING ME TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING FOR ME IF IT IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. I FEEL THAT GM EITHER DID NOT CORRECTLY IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM OR THEY HAVE NOT INCLUDED ALL THE VEHICLES WITH A HIGH PROBABILITY OF THIS FAILURE. I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING I CAN DO TO TRY TO RESOLVE THIS IN A REASONABLE MANNER. AT THIS POINT I FEEL THE ONLY THING THAT WILL GET THEIR ATTENTION IS CORRESPONDENCE FROM EITHER THE NHTSA OR A LAWYER.
Steering, Apr 8, 2004
MY 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU STEERING CYLINDER FELL APART WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. MY STEERING WHEEL DID NOT LOCK AND MY KEY WOULD NOT TURN AFTER I PARKED IT. I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR A YEAR AND A HALF. *AK
Air bags, Apr 5, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED. NO INJURIES REPORTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *MR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 5, 2004
SUDDEN FUEL PUMP FAILURE AND CONSEQUENT VEHICLE STOPPAGE LED TO HAZARDOUS ROADWAY SITUATION. *JB
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
Steering, Apr 1, 2004
CONSUMER STATED WHILE TURNING LEFT STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF. THEN, AFTER THE TURN WAS COMPLETED HE HAD TO FORCE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK. CONSUMER WILL TAKE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC, BUT SOMEONE TOLD HIM THAT THERE MAY BE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON HIS OTHER CHEVROLET VEHICLE. *AK
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
Structure, Mar 31, 2004
THE TRUCKS BED CRACKED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. *PH THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A FULL REFUND AND A GUARANTEE THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE INSPECTED. (MODEL/FLEETSIDE) *SC *JB
Other or unspecified, Mar 22, 2004, crash
WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN A HOSPITAL PARKING STRUCTURE THE GAS THROTTLE GOT STUCK AND I HIT A BRICK WALL APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MILES IN HOUR. I WAS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET FROM THE WALL SO IT WAS A HARD IMPACT. THE AIRBAGS INFLATED IN I HAD MINOR DAMAGES TO MY FACE AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH. AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND I WAS APPROXIMATELY GOING 2-3 MILES IN HOUR BECAUSE I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PARKING THE VEHICLE. THE CAR IS COMPLETELY TOTALED AND MY HUSBAND AND I ARE NOW IN THE DEFICIT OF $4,000 AFTER THE INSURANCE PAYOFF.*AK
Exterior lighting, Structure, Mar 16, 2004
DRIVER SIDE DOOR CLICKS LOUDLY WHILE OPENING/CLOSING, IS IT A BAD HINGE? ONE OTHER PERSON HAS COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS. DOES NOT FEEL LIKE A LUBE PROBLEM. AFRAID BAD HINGE MAY BREAK/MOVE CAUSING DOOR TO SHIFT. TURN INDICATOR WORKS INTERMITTENTLY-SAW ON YOUR SITE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH CAUSING THIS. *JB
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