Owners' Stories

I have had my 2011 malibu in the shop 6 times for problems related to the shaking that i feel in the steering wheel when driving. On the 3rd visit they told me about a letter of concern issued by chevy. Not a recall, because it was still under warranty, problem continued and still is present off and on. My drain tubes in sunroof are clogged and reported problem months ago, to no avail. Nothing could be found by dealer. Got in fender bender when steering went shaky then nonresponsive. Took my car to new dealer who confirmed my problems. Electrical now having severe problems!! I am calling Chevrolet today to see what can be done. As I see it this car sems to be lemmon, but then again after looking at these blogs seem to feel could be whole line of malibu. Thought I was buying CAR OF THE YEAR!!

I just purchased my car used.A chevy malibu 2005 the dealership lowered the price because it needed a fuel pump,the gas meter went on the car. that was fixed and the engine light came back on now its says i need a cat. on top of that the left signal light went and burned a whole in the bulb and a burn stain on the car. now i believe the transmission might be damaged due to the color being brown and since the car doesn't have a dipstick i can't check the trans myself. the car is cute but other then that its just trash. i should have kept my nissan altima 1997. Now im stuck and spending all my money on this car.smh

I own a 2005 Malibu LT I really do love my baby cadillac, my auto is fully loaded I bought it brand new. The problem is I had the gear shift replaced about a year ago, I should have taken it back when the vehicle was under warranty but the time of day never came. Now it's 2012 and no warranty and the shifter has gone from bad to worse. Now I can't move the gear shifter at all, it's now stuck in L and can't budge. I'm in St Louis and I tell you that I don't trust a chevy dealer in town. I have been screwed a few times by the dealers here. I will buy another GM products because it's the american thing to do,however I would like to get htis one repaired.Oh I almost forgot the interior was falling apart they said it was fixed and right now the problem still exist today. Can't tell you how many times I bought brakes and bulbs for my car. Knock in the steering column GM did not recall. Oh let me shut up I LOVE MY CAR!

We have a 2011 Malibu LTZ. The problem we are experiencing is the interior lights fluctuate all the time. One time you can see the dash lights really well: speed, RPM, radio, etc. But then all of a sudden, they will lighten so that you can hardly see them. We haven't touched the switch that regulates it at all. Any suggestions, the dealership says that's normal. Really?

I own a 2012 Malibu LTZ I have only 14773 miles on it in the last 4 months I have been experiencing a roaring like that of hydraulics. I took it into dealer they said they have found nothing, on 3-9-2012 was driving down a one way street coming up to a red light as I stopped the vehicle, I preceded to take off the steering wheel locked up and I ran over a huge covert blue out my tire damged my under carriage. Curious to know what the findings will be now that my car is in the shop discombobulated.

muy 98 malibu front right brake hangin up new caliper new rotor new pads please help

I have a chevrolet moalibu 2011, it start and drive but when I start it the car shaking you can feel the vibration,

1998 Chevrolet Malibu I purchased car with 65,000 miles, now it has over 316,000 miles. Original engine and transmission. No major problems other than the lower intake manifold gasket that I replaced at 200,000. Great car

Well I dont know where to begin but i do love my car, unfortunately there is a electrical problem. I change my signal and brake light almost every month on top of the windows, sometime it wants to work and the alarm keep going on when it wants to. Oh and let not forget about the AC/Heater blower that went out. I had to have the front Hub Barren replaced. Just tired of it and looking forward to getting rid of it!

Twice we lost a wheel cover and hub on the front of the car. We had a mechanic say that because they are fastened on with lugs they should not just come off. Has anyone else had a problem with this?

Dash lights don't come on sometimes when they should be during daylight hours. AC works when it wants too, not when I want it or need it, have to play with controls to get it on. Dealer CAN'T find anything wrong. Says that it may be a "loose electrical connection". He also says that he thinks I have a bad actuator but that there are four of them and they can't find out which one is bad unless I bring the car in when it is malfunctioning, I have left the car with them for three days because it will only malfunction most of the time when you first start the car every day. It will sometimes clear up on the second start up of the car. Have had this problem with the AC since I purchased vehicle in 2008.

need to know bout the dashlights not coming on and door locks on driver door not working put new part on and its still not working

gm brakes are ng etc

gm should be ashamed to sell junk like this to the public... PERIOD!

I have had this car for 5 years,and 117000 miles.i haven't had to do anything to it but ,replace brakes,oil & filters changes,tires, etc. Drives great get very good gas miles (36 on the interstate} 29 on combination city & highway.The only problem has to do with a pop in the steering sometimes when turning the wheels after a stop. A mechanic in a goodyear store said this could be fixed in a hour by lub being addded to the steering knuckle in the column.He quoted a cost of $65,I should of had it done but at the time I didn't have time to wait.Overall this malibu 2006 LT 2.2 has been a very good car and I plan on keeping it until it give me problems and then I will be looking to trade it in for another malibu.

The engine and transmission are great. I get an average of 26mpg and a high of 35mpg on open road trips. No issues with drive train. No interior issues. The cruise control doesn't always work but that I think is related to the steering column work because of the horrible electric power steering design. It has been worked on under warrenty 3 times but problems were only temporarily resolved. I refuse to take it in to fix again because I know it will only be temporary. I have been waiting for a recall but no luck. Steering assist occationally turns off and repair service light is always on. If they would just resolve this issue I would think this car is a very good value.

bought this car 18months ago had no problem with it so far car rides smoth and quiet get great gas mileage this is the best car i ever owned only gripe is trans down shifts funny sometimes

Bought this car brand new, have always taken god care of it like any responsible owner should and in return has treated us well. Has never left us broke down on the side of the road. That said we have done some expensive maintenance to it, but thats just it Maintencance. We replaced the head gaskets, and intake manifold gasket. Just replaced the exhaust system, the a/c heat control panel, no problems with the brakes, just replace the pads and rotors every 5 years or so. Replaced the front struts at 65k and the rear at 70k.. All electrical is working fine after 12 years, still rides and handles great, lots of room inside, we plan on keeping this car for many more years yet. It is a great car. So many people just beat on their cars, drive and drive and dont do any p.m. at all, then they wonder why it starts to fall apart ..Take care of your vehicle people and it will take care of you.

Replaced brakes twice and I am an easy driver. Multiple electrical and control problems..they just keep coming. ABS light, Anti theft problems-car won't start, horn honking, blinkers blink constantly.Also door locks don't respond, window motors going out. And fuses go out often, air flow control malfunctions. Engine has been good for me. Exhaust replaced at 85,000 miles. Heating and air not very strong. Steering has been good for me, suspension ok.

I have a 2006 Malibu and continue to have problems with the brakes, had to have rotors turned last time....find myself shifting down to 2nd gear to slow down so there's no shimming of the brakes. Have paid over $600 to replace power steering pump and hear that this is a major problem, along with the brakes, with Malibu's. I now have to take it in because the mechanism in the trunk that helps operate the atuomatic trunk opener has broke. I do love the way the car drives, can pass whenever needed, corners well, etc

I hate this car.

transmition solonoids replacement

Bought this car used 1 year ago. Since then, I have silenced most of the interior noise by tightening snaps/screws/filling gaps with tissue. Brakes were good when I bought the car, are completely shot, after only 10,000 additional miles of easy driving. Steering is electronically assisted, but randomly cuts out at slow speeds, such as turning after stop signs or backing out of driveways. Good highway car, but numerous quality issues on the interior, and several mechanical issues that should have been worked out before it went to production, like the power steering issue, which can be potentially life-threatening if you don't constantly anticipate it. Rides well, roomy for a family of 4, or 4 adults. Handles like a car twice its size, however.

Front suspension went at about 65,000 miles. Both rear window regulators failed soon after that. Always been an issue with the A/C switch---it often turns off, so the cool air suddenly goes warm. Not a horrible car, but definitely has enough issues to make me not want to buy another Chevy.

I've made a few trips between San Diego and Phoenix and consistently get 32 mpg. For only being a 4 cylinder I pass people going up hills doing 65-70 with no problem. It has plenty of room and is very comfortable. We love it. No complaints except air conditioning doesn't seem cold enough.

If you are thinking about buying a used Malibu, don't. Slow speed turning is clunky. Brakes do not hold up well. Check engine light required an exception for state inspection. No one could fix it. On the positive, it is a good size car for a family of four including having adequate trunk space.

2001 Chevrolet Malibu CURRENT MILEAGE: 66,000 I have owned this vehicle new and have always found problems with it. When it had about 25,000 miles the Warning lights kept showing up many times (the lights were on unpredictable times!) I had spent $2500 just trying to fix those lights. Then last year the Smog Failure caused me to spend another $1500; and, now another $3003 is estimated to fix the suspension struts, alignment, brake pads and new tires. My friend tells me to THROW THIS CAR IN THE GARBAGE!!!!! Government people: please give another "CASH FOR CLUNKERS PROGRAM" SOOOON!!!!!

Body, Interior : Worst, no fancy, and seats gets punched inside wihtin few months, no sturdy seats. Interior is very bad/common, nothing special though Dasjboard is good. Drive Train is ok Brakes are also ok Electrical and ligths: tye worst developer/design engineered, Auto Light Mode is fine but no off switch ? this pains when we wait for 10mins to disable anti theft system, lights goes on and on and ahve to hld the breath for battery not coming down after anti theft non-sense is disabled. Enigne: ok, but not great. A/C, just sucks Suspension and steering is ok One bad thing is dont turns on everytim. Anit theft system gettignactiavte for no reason for the owner itself. how many time s need to change the keys ? and GM not worried about fixing them. and Dealers cost $350 for fixing, whats the real prupose of ANit Theft system? to lay te owners in the middel of road and parking lots ?

I bought my car new and have never had any problems with it. The AC switches from internal air to outside air on its own, but I think it's supposed to do that, according to temp inside and out. The struts wore out after 4 yrs , but have not had any major problems and would recommend it for an everyday car for small family or single person.

Blown motor 64,000 metal fatigue on crank shaft $865 for the labor of the motor rebuild the dealer picked-up $3,300 in parts. Two months later electric power steering motor went out $695. Rental car both occations $375 out of pocket. The power steering issue was covered on other GM models but, not this one. Stated not enough reported broken same for the motor issue.

My malibu is a pretty good car for the price.

I bought this car at 47000 miles (now 70,000) and it still takes me where ever I need to go to this day. The power and electrical steering components on this car is amazing and it also saves on gas. The radio can perform many tasks such as showing the percentage of oil in the engine, measuring miles on trips and other cool stuff. Side mirrors on this car is too small but blends in perfectly with the car.

i have only had my car a few days ,but i bought it used 6000 miles and need to know bout the dashlights not coming on and door locks on driver door not working put new part on and its still not working

I've had the problem with my car not starting and I did have to wait 10 minutes before it started. Occassionally, my trunk lock sticks when it is really hot outside and I have to spray silicone spray on it to get the lock unstuck.

By far the best car for the money. I have the LTZ and it is loaded. Satellite radio, Bluetooth, power everything, heated leather seats, paddle shifters and the list could go on and on and on......

Good car with irritating problems like the passenger carpeting pulling up and the A/C turning itself off for no reason. The big one is the starting issue. Randomly does not start even though it turns over fine. The trick is to leave the key in the 'on' position for 10 full minutes, turn it off then it will start. It fools the theft-detection system.

Overall I like the car. Haven't had too many problems with it. I have owned it since 2006. Wondering if anyone else is having issues with their A/C button turning itself off. I have to constantly push it back in to make the a/c work. Also my carpeting in the front passenger side has come up along the side. Almost as if there wasn't enough carpet for it to lay flat. Runs pretty well and overall for a cheaper car it runs really well.

This car isn't awful but, very far from good. My steering completely failed as I was parking luckily. Found out that it was going to be about 1,000 to have it fixed! The car had 56,000 miles on it! The plastic back of the passenger seat has been broken since 20,000. Now at 75,000 my gas gauge no longer works and apparently theirs something wrong with one of my wheels and it could fall off. I wish i had traded it during the cash for clunckers deal.

this car suck big time

The most costly car I have ever owned. Brake, coolant and engine problems. Will never buy a GM again.

Great car gets you where you need to go and back. I love the car

This is a piece of junk. I started having trouble with this car at 2000 miles. The brake rotors warp if you look at them wrong. The engine in noisy and gutless. The AC system starting acting up and 31000 miles. I have had more warranty work done on this car than all my other cars put together. Avoid this car.

I purchased my 2000 Chevy Malibu with 75000 miles on it, didn't have to make any major repairs until last year. Overall this is a reliable car and inexpensive to fix. I love my car and am seriously thinking about upgrading to a newer model.

Excellent car..it was my first car and it is extremely reliable..ive had some serious problem with mine due to my driving (motor mounts, head gaskets) but its always cheap to fix....

I own a 2005 Chevy Malibu LS, I absoltuly love it! I have had nothing go wrong, everything works. Great MPG, it usually get 35-40 MPG. Love the electric steering. Favorite part of the car is the exterior, very stylish, and the interior very comfortable. I would highly recomend this car!

I owen this car since it had 4 miles on it, and it the best all over car I have owen. Love to drive in the city or open roads. I do not think I have one thing more could be added to the car.

Front Wheel berrings replaced @ 95000 miles heater control giving me problems now, no heat. not very comfortable feels like a cheap car . would not recomend

I have had this car for 6 years, bought it new with 88,000 miles on it. I can't say that all I ever changed was the oil, but for the most part, I guess the car has been reliable. Last year's dusting of snow made for a bad winter. I felt the car swerving alot on just a dusting of snow. I have replaced the brakes almost every 2 years, rotors just this past year. The rear struts and coil springs needed replaced about 6 months ago and I am getting the front struts replaced this month. Hopefully this will fix all the rattling in the front end. A/C went out completely and I had to change the A/C compressor this spring. The interior of the car is perfect (except for the driver's side carpeting is worn out and the radio lights have not worked over a year). I can't say that for the exterior. A lot of rust has formed around the gas cap area and the bottom of each door. There is also rust coming through on the wheel wells. My next purchase will be a Hyundai, only because I need a car that is safe driving in the snow.

This car is great for travel it does good on gas and is very comfortable on the inside the engine runs great and gets up when it needs to the tranny could be better but it's good for long distance driving at about 26MPG

This car is a little gem. Handicapped hand controls. Power seat (lumbar only) makes easy height adjustment for my manual or power chair. It gets great mpg averaging over 30mpg on highway and 24 city. Steering shaft was replaced at 46 k. and tires at 34 k. Plan to buy an 2008.

I have to change the brakes and rotors every year. I spent $1100 for intake manifold gasket, $500 for fuel pump, $60 water pump. CD player stopped working after 3 yrs and most of lights behind buttons on dash are out.

I have owned this car for over 4 years and have little to no problems with it. I have had to replace the tires once and the brakes once in over 65,000 miles. It gets great mpg averaging over 30 mpg on highway and 24 city. I love the electric steering, very easy. The interior is very comfortable even in the back seat. I would, and have, recommended this car.

I've almost had my '04 Malibu LS for 5 years now and it's never treated me wrong. I've had a couple minor problems with the interior, specifically the power adjustments on the driver's seat and some rattles in the dashboard; the brakes do seem to wear more quickly than I would hope. Other than that, it's been a fine car with a nice ride and plenty of features. The V6 offers good power with great MPGs. I would recommend it highly.

This car has a plethora of issues. Steering system has failed 3 times, engine has significant trouble starting without any ability to diagnose, transmission struggles to downshift (unacceptable for only 4 gears), brakes need to be replaced every 15,000 miles, suspension gets very loose after 50,000 miles, electric release trunk works when it feels like it, side mirrors don't work after 60,000 miles, driver window auto-down doesn't work after 60,000 miles. Does drive well on the highway and gets excellent fuel economy for having a large V6 engine. Engine is smooth and torquey. I would not recommend this vehicle.

This car is the worst, by far, I have ever owned. Constant steering problems, steering system replaced 4 times. Power steering failures, rear wiper fixed twice. At least 20 times this car has been in the show for warranty repairs in 4 years. The lease is up next month. Thank goodness it's going. I work for GM, but don't think I'll buy another Chevrolet.