2000 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes25320.4%
- Exterior lighting23719.1%
- Electrical20616.6%
- Engine19415.6%
- Fuel system806.5%
- Steering453.6%
- Suspension332.7%
- Tires & wheels332.7%
- Airbags312.5%
- Body & structure252.0%
- Driver assistance221.8%
- Transmission201.6%
- Visibility121.0%
- Interior & seats110.9%
- Other / unspecified80.6%
- Powertrain (other)60.5%
- Seat belts30.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT TO REAR BRAKE LINES ARE HEAVILY CORRODED AND ERODED AND STARTED LEAKING. THE RESERVOIR DESIGN ALLOWED ALL THE BRAKE FLUID TO DRAIN OUT LEAVING NONE AVAILABLE TO SAFELY BRAKE THE CAR WITH AIR BEING INTRODUCED INTO THE WHOLE SYSTEM. ALL THAT WAS LEFT WAS THE PARKING BRAKE WHICH IS A PRESS ON AND PRESS OFF TO RELEASE STYLE. FORTUNATELY THE CAR WAS CLOSE TO HOME AND THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS GETTING STUCK IN THE ACC AND ON POSITIONS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE KEY COULD ALSO BE REMOVED AND THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING. THE CONTACT ALSO APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD CAUSING THE CONTACT TO HAVE TO APPLY FORCE NUMEROUS TIMES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD MALFUNCTION OR FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER FIDDLING WITH THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH, THE INDICATOR WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. STEVENS CREEK CHEVROLET (3640 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SAN JOSE, CA 95117; (408) 490-0013) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VIN. THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V327000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,900.
GAS FUEL TURNED BLACK AND WAS SPILLING OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING THEN TURNED OFF ON ITS OWN IN THE INTERSECTION OF PALM ST N MAIN STREET SANTA PAULA CA.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL, TURN THE SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION THEN BACK TO THE ON POSITION AND THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 OR 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE NEEDED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSS POWER BEFORE SHE COULD SHIFT OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND HAD THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO WEST CHEVROLET, INC., (3450 AIRPORT HWY, ALCOA, TN 37701) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS NOT REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE SAME DEALER AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000.
EMAIL FROM SENATOR NELSON ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE: REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS ON 2000 CHEVY MALIBU DUE TO GENERAL MOTORS RECALL 14350 UNINTENDED IGNITION KEY ROTATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER RELAYED INVALID INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE'S KEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT WAS NOT THE IGNITION THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. *JS
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL, TURN THE SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION THEN BACK TO THE ON POSITION AND THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 OR 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE NEEDED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSS POWER BEFORE SHE COULD SHIFT OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND HAD THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO WEST CHEVROLET, INC., (3450 AIRPORT HWY, ALCOA, TN 37701) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS NOT REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE SAME DEALER AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000.
I'VE REPLACED BATTERY, HEAD GASKETS, OVERFLOW TANK, AIR SYSTEM CONNECTORS, WATER PUMP, PCV VALVE, EVAP CANISTER, SPARK PLUGS, SPARK PLUG WIRES, RADIATOR, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, COOLANT TEMP SENSOR, BUT MY CAR IS STILL LEAKING COOLANT FROM UNDERNEATH LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD AND ISN'T TRYING TO START. I'VE SPENT OVER $2000 AND STILL HAVEN'T SEEN RESULTS OR GOT IT TO FULLY FUNCTION. LAST TIME I DROVE IT WAS ON REGULAR GEORGIA ROADS GOING TO AND COMING HOME FROM WORK WHEN IT OVER HEATED TWICE GOING BOTH WAYS. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I'VE REPLACED BATTERY, HEAD GASKETS, OVERFLOW TANK, AIR SYSTEM CONNECTORS, WATER PUMP, PCV VALVE, EVAP CANISTER, SPARK PLUGS, SPARK PLUG WIRES, RADIATOR, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, COOLANT TEMP SENSOR, BUT MY CAR IS STILL LEAKING COOLANT FROM UNDERNEATH LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD AND ISN'T TRYING TO START. I'VE SPENT OVER $2000 AND STILL HAVEN'T SEEN RESULTS OR GOT IT TO FULLY FUNCTION. LAST TIME I DROVE IT WAS ON REGULAR GEORGIA ROADS GOING TO AND COMING HOME FROM WORK WHEN IT OVER HEATED TWICE GOING BOTH WAYS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 137,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
GAS FUEL TURNED BLACK AND WAS SPILLING OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING THEN TURNED OFF ON ITS OWN IN THE INTERSECTION OF PALM ST N MAIN STREET SANTA PAULA CA.
MY CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING IT, WHEN I TRY TO TURN IT ON IT WON'T TURN ON. I COULD SMELL GAS BUT IT WON'T TURN ON. IT'S A HAZARD WHEN I'M ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT JUST CUT OFF ON ME AND I'M STUCK IN THE MIDDLE LANE WITH INCOMING TRAFFIC. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND COULD NOT FIND ANY ISSUES WITH ANY OTHER PARTS OF THE VEHICLE MY FUEL PUMP IS IN GREAT CONDITION MY TUNE UPS ARE UP TO DATE I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS THE ANTI-THEFT AFFILIATED WITH MY KEY IGNITION PLEASE ADVISE.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUBFRAME RUSTING AWAY ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT. CAN'T REPLACE DUE TO THEY DISCONTINUED MAKING THE PART. EVEN IF THE PART WAS FOUND IT WOULD COAST ABOUT $900.00 THEN THE TIRODS WOULD NEED REPLACING. IN ALL AFTER NEW TIRES AND ALL IT WOULD COAST $2000.00 TO FIX.
WHEN MAKING A TURN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND COULD NOT CONTROL MY CAR I HAD TOWED TO A MECHANIC THAT TOLD ME THAT THE SUBFRAME TO RACK BRACKET WAS RUSTED OUT AND THAT THE SUBFRAME AND THE RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE REPAIR COST WILL START AT ABOUT $2000.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT AN EXPERIENCE AT DISCOUNT TIRE 580 W TELEGRAPH WASHINGTON UTAH. AND YOU CAN FORWARD THIS TO ANY REGULATING AGENCY.FROM MY KNOWLEDGE, WHEN TWO TIRES ARE PURCHASED NEW, IT IS REQUIRED TO MOUNT THEM ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE IF IT IS FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. AND MOVE THE LOWER TREAD TIRES TO THE BACK.WHILE AT THIS LOCATION, THE PERSON RUNNING THE SHOP STATED THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TOUCH TIRES OR ROTATE THEM IF THEY HAVE LOW TREAD.AND THEY MOUNTED THE TWO NEW ONES ON OPPOSITE CORNERS (FRONT DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER). AND TRIED TO SELL 2 ADDITIONAL TIRES.THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW. I WANT THIS BUSINESS REVIEWED FOR THEIR LICENSE. *TR
MY 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU HAD 37,500 MILES ON IT WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE FIRESTONE AFFINITY P21560R15 TIRES WERE CRACKING. THE DEEP GROOVES BETWEEN THE TREADS HAD CRACKS AND THE SHOULDER OF THE TIRE HAD A WEB OF CRACKS. THERE WAS STILL A LOT OF TREAD LEFT ON THE TIRES. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS OCCUR ON ANY TIRES I HAVE OWNED IN MY 40 YEARS OF DRIVING. ONE LOCAL TIRE STORE ADVISED ME THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON IN AFFINITY TIRES BECAUSE FIRESTONE DOESN'T PUT ENOUGH MOISTURE INTO THE COMPOUND THEREBY SHORTENING THE LIFE OF THE TIRE.*AK
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING A CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE AIR BAGS AND THE DIAGNOSTIC WAS UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STEER TO THE LEFT. ADDITIONALLY, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE FLEW UP AND STRUCK THE TOP OF THE ROOF RESULTING IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
GAS FUEL TURNED BLACK AND WAS SPILLING OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING THEN TURNED OFF ON ITS OWN IN THE INTERSECTION OF PALM ST N MAIN STREET SANTA PAULA CA.
RACK AND PINION MOUNT BRACKET RUSTED OUT
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE WATER PUMP AND THE BODY CONTROL MODULE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
THERE ARE THREE SAFETY PROBLEMS THAT HAVE OCCURRED. THE FIRST IS THAT THE TURN SIGNALS SOMETIMES WORK AND SOMETIMES DON'T. THE SECOND IS THAT THE ENGINE WILL AT TIME ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE IDLE. THE THIRD IS THAT THE ENGINE SOMETIMES COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING WHEN IT RAINS. A CAR REPAIR SHOP HAS IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR AND THE IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR. SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET REVEALS THAT THIS PARTICULAR CAR HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE EMERGENCY LIGHT CONTROL THAT CAUSES TURN SIGNAL PROBLEMS. I PERFORMED A RECALL SEARCH AND THE ONLY RECALL I FOUND WAS FOR AN IGNITION SWITCH MODIFICATION WHICH DOESN'T SEEM TO RELATE TO MY PROBLEMS.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWELVE OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 01/28/15*LJ AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER WOULDNOT COME ON. UPDATED 08/28/2017*CT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS WOULD FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY. SHE COULD NEVER PINPOINT WHEN THEY WOULD MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS; HOWEVER, THE LIGHTS FUNCTIONED PROPERLY EACH TIME AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V327000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH) AND THEY INSTALLED A NEW SWITCH. THE REMEDY CORRECTED THE ISSUE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED IN THE LATTER PART OF 2008. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE AGAIN BECAUSE THE RECALL REPAIR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED. IN ADDITION, THE HEATER DID NOT WORK. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,902 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,668.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SURGES AND SEEMS TO WANT TO UPSHIFT, ESPECIALLY WHEN CAR IS DRIVEN ON AN INCLINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I STARTED NOTICING THIS 2002 AND HAVE BEEN PUTTING UP WITH THIS DEFECT FOR YEARS. I BELIEVE THIS IS CAUSED BY A FAULTY TRANSMISSION TCC SOLENOID, AS MANY OTHER CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS COMPLAIN OF THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO NOT ALLOWING DRIVER TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
WHILE GOING BETWEEN 45 TO 65 MPH THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS NOT SHIFTING OR ENGAGING RIGHT. I HAD TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER SHIP WHEN IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE OVERDRIVE ENGAGING AND TO GIVE IT MORE GAS. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE AND MORE OFTEN AND NOW MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. *NM
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I'VE REPLACED BATTERY, HEAD GASKETS, OVERFLOW TANK, AIR SYSTEM CONNECTORS, WATER PUMP, PCV VALVE, EVAP CANISTER, SPARK PLUGS, SPARK PLUG WIRES, RADIATOR, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, COOLANT TEMP SENSOR, BUT MY CAR IS STILL LEAKING COOLANT FROM UNDERNEATH LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD AND ISN'T TRYING TO START. I'VE SPENT OVER $2000 AND STILL HAVEN'T SEEN RESULTS OR GOT IT TO FULLY FUNCTION. LAST TIME I DROVE IT WAS ON REGULAR GEORGIA ROADS GOING TO AND COMING HOME FROM WORK WHEN IT OVER HEATED TWICE GOING BOTH WAYS. *TR
HAZARD FLASHER BEGAN WORKING INTERMITTENTLY, THEN THE TURN SIGNALS BEGAN WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. NO PATTERN, THEY WOULD BE ON THEN GO OFF. I WAS IN HEAVY FREEWAY TRAFFIC WITH NO TURN SIGNAL OR HAZARD FLASHER. I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY AND DRIVE HOME USING ARM SIGNALS AND SLOWING TO ALLOW FASTER TRAFFIC TO PASS ME. *NM THE CONSUMER WISHES TO WITHDRAWAL THE COMPLAINT HE FILED WITH NHTSA. THE MANUFACTURER HAS AGREED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE'S PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. *NM THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE RECALL DID NO APPLY TO HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. THE WASHER PUMP WAS REPLACED DUE TO A LEAK.*JB
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STEER TO THE LEFT. ADDITIONALLY, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE FLEW UP AND STRUCK THE TOP OF THE ROOF RESULTING IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM IN MY 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU SOMETIMES (TOO OFTEN!) WILL ERRONEOUSLY PREVENT ME FROM STARTING MY CAR. I'M USING THE ORIGINAL GM KEYS - NOT COPIES!! EXTREMELY INCONVENIENT - YOU HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES BEFORE YOU CAN TRY AGAIN - AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE ARE ALL TOO SIMILAR TO THE PROBLEMS OTHERS ON HERE ARE HAVING ESPECIALLY WITH THE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM NOT LETTING THE CAR START IF THE SECURITY LIGHT STARTS TO BLINKING AFTER FAIL ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE , DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO GET HURT OR KILLED BEFORE YOU ALL CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY ON THIS VEHICLE MORE TIMES THAN NORMAL IN A SHORT TIME FRAME. I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULDN'T BE OUR PROBLEM TO PAY FOR IF IT IS GM [XXX] UP. I AM MAD AND PISSED TO SAY THE LEAST. ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS AND NO REACTIONS. SAD NOT LIVING UP TO STANDARDS . WHEN OBAMA WAS BAILING YOUR [XXX]OUT HE SHOULD OF LET YOU JUST STAY [XXX]OUT. I AM DISGRACED BY THIS OUTRAGE. ILL NEVER BUY A HEAVY CHEVY AGAIN. TOYOTA HERE I COME. AT LEAST YALL HONOR RECALLS. :( LATE FOR WORK ,LATE TAKING KIDS TO SCHOOL ,LATE FOR DR APPT. ,TICKETS FOR OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC. BY THE WAY GM GREAT THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM FAIL IT SEEMS LIKE THE ONLY FEATURE THAT'S GETTING YOU A LOT OF PUBLICITY. NOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
I PURCHASED MY 2000 CHEVY MALIBU IN MARCH OF 2001. IN EARLY 2003 I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE I HAD LOST STEERING ABILITY. I WAS TOLD THE SUB FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED SO I HAD IT DONE. A WEEK LATER I HAD TO BRING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS. I WAS THEN TOLD THE ABS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED SO I HAD THAT DONE. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE MY BRAKES NUMEROUS TIMES. JUST LAST YEAR I HAD TO REPLACE THE PADS 3 TIMES IN A 9 MONTH PERIOD BECAUSE THE PADS HAD BEEN WORN ALL THE WAY DOWN. DURING THAT 9 MONTH PERIOD I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE CALIPERS AND ROTORS ONCE THEN A WEEK LATER THE ROTORS HAD TO BE RESURFACE AGAIN. NOW I AM HAVING TO HAVE MY BRAKE PADS REPLACED AGAIN THIS WEEKEND. SO THAT MAKES A TOTAL OF 4 BRAKE PAD CHANGES IN LESS THAN A YEARS TIME. *TR
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS CAR HAS BEEN ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER. THE DAY AFTER WE LEASED THE CAR IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR THE BRAKES, THE CAR HAS HAD 2 ENGINES IN IT. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REBUILT. THE BRAKES ARE STILL NOT CORRECT. TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AGAIN AND THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY IS UP. WE COMPLAINED TO CHEVROLET AND THE BBB. TO NO AVAIL THEY SEEMED TO BE ON CHEVROLET'S SIDE IN THE CASE. WE WERE TO THE POINT THAT WE WERE JUST GOING TO LET THE CAR GO BACK BUT THAT WOULD ONLY HURT MY HUSBAND'S CREDIT MORE THEN IT WAS ALREADY. WE HAD TO KEEP THE CAR THROUGH THE LEASE. THIS LEFT A REALLY BAD TAST IN MY MOUTH FOR PURCHASING NEW VEHICLES BECAUSE YOU ARE STUCK WITH IT FOR THE DURATION OF THE LEASE OR PURCHASE.
BRAKES PULSE/VIBRATE, ESPECIALLY AFTER STOPPING FROM SPEEDS OF 30+ MPH. DEALER ATTEMPTED 6 TIMES TO FIX WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, INCLUDING TURNING ROTORS, REPLACING ROTORS (AT 2200 MILES), REPLACING HUB ASSEMBLY. ALL EFFORTS HAVE FAILED AND PROBLEM RETURNS IN 3-9 MONTHS. MILEAGE AVERAGES 8000 MILES PER YEAR, AND BRAKES ARE NOT SUDDENLY APPLIED. LATEST ATTEMPT IS TO REPLACE BRAKES (AT 29K000 MILES) AND INSTALL "SHIM KIT."*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
LATCH PLATES ON THE REAR SEAT BELTS BROKE TWICE SINCE VEHICLE OWNERSHIP.*AK PH *JB THE FEATURE WAS A SLIDING LOCK BAR BUILT INTO THE LATCH PLATE ASSEMBLY WHICH BROKE TWICE ON THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE. GM INSPECTED THE PART AND IT WAS SENT TO AN ENGINEERING FOR REVIEW. GM AGREED TO REPLACE THE LATCH PLATE AS A GOOD WILL EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS FEATURE WAS DESIGNED TO LOCK THE BELT INTO PLACE AND PREVENT A CHILD SAFETY FROM ROCKING WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.*CB *JB
ON 4 OCCASIONS THE TONGUE HAS BEEN "FALSE LATCHED" INTO THE BUCKLE. ON 1 OCCASION I TRAVELLED OVER 12 MILES, CAME TO A STOP & IT OPENED. ON THREE OCCASIONS IT OPENED WHEN I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVE. ON EVERYONE OF THESE OCCASIONS, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT OUT AND REMAINED OUT UNTIL THE TONGUE TOTALLY DISENGAGED FROM THE BUCKLE. I DO NOT SPECIFICALLY RECALL HEARING THE "CLICK" BUT I DO SPECIFICALLY RECALL FEELING AS IF THE TONGUE HAD ENGAGED, BUT APPARENTLY IT WOULD "HANG" ON THE LOWER LEFT INBOARD CORNER OF THE BUCKLE. (IF THAT MAKES SENSE.) I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THE REPLACEMENT PART FOR IT WILL BE INSTALLED THIS MONDAY, JULY 1ST. THE SERVICE MAN SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND IT WOULD BE FIXED UNDER WARRANTY (ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY), BUT HE WOULD NOT (OR COULD NOT) TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. I KNOW IN THE "REAL WORLD" "FALSE LATCH" CAN NOT OCCUR. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THESE EVENTS CONTRADICT THIS THEORY.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .