Ten problems related to engine cooling system have been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I have a 1997 chevy Malibu (54,000) miles that seized up in traffic due to antifreeze in the oil. I have recently learned that the antifreeze (dexa-cool) use by gm has a long history of causing premature engine failures by eating away the gaskets, water pumps and other associated engine cooling components. I?m not able to take advantage of the class action law suit since my problem happened long after the closing date. I feel a national recall should be initiated by NHTSA.
Automotive cooling system> vehicle began loosing coolant on driveway. Took vehicle to repair shop. Was informed that vehicles entire cooling system was corroded. And needed to be replaced. The cause was attributed to the use of the coolant dex-cool this was required by general motors to keep up warranty on the vehicle. Now I find that this was the wrong thing to use and I will be out $1800 in repair work. I believe g. M. Should be responsible for the largest part of this expense.
Car engine overheating not due to thermostat or water pump.
Complaint #1 a/c cuts on and off. Complaint #2 suspension knocking, serviced 4 times, still have same problems.
Brakes gone (again). Been replacing about every 10000 miles. This car has been one thing wrong after another. Already replaced lower control arms at 7500 miles, leaking antifreeze gasket, a/c control head (twice), and the brakes are ongoing.
Coolant leaking, engine overheats after highway driving. Brakes and rotors fail consistently within 15000 miles of replacement.
I bought this 1997 Malibu with 20,000 miles on odometer in 1998. In one month I noticed coolant system warning light coming on. I added anti freeze and water to system. This would last about a month and I would have to add more coolant. On 2/ 26/2002 the light came on and I added more coolant. I drove about 4 miles and coolant warning light came on again. I checked oil dip stick and it registered about two inches above full. I knew then that water was in my oil. The coolant had never leaked out where I could see it on the ground. I had to pay $430. 00 to have gaskets replaced for the intake manifold . My other problem is that the front disk brakes are wearing out much faster than any car that I have owned. I have replaced two set of front disc pads and have had rotors turned and replaced. I am very light on brakes and have had extremely good ware on other autos. After 2000 miles they are making a noise again. The pads are guarantied for life by the manufacturer .
Consumer stated there was a fluid leak coming from the engine, the dealer replaced the coolant hose, consumer also stated while driving, the vehicle began to vibrate, consumer was informed that 2 of the 3 engine mounts failed, which caused damage to the front exhaust pipe converter.
Coolant seeps out.
I bought a 1997-malibu LS brand new. Before it turned 14,000 miles had to have work done on brakes. Before even turning 30,000 miles I had to replace a complete brake job, (2nd set) tires, water pump, wheel cylinders, my head lights pop on, and I have a little over 33,000 miles. The dealer were I bought the car said unless they see the lights pop on. They could do nothing. Gm sent out a recall. Which I did take my car into dealer. I took it to the dealer I bought it from a few times. I moved back to indiana and took it to coyle Chevrolet in new albany. I have had nothing but problems with this car. Both dealers said there was nothing I could do as a consumer. . I am mad as hell-and feel I was ripped off, and will not recommend to no one to ever buy a Malibu. I had one in 1969. And, it was the best car. When you pay around $25,000. 00 for a new car-you would think you would not have all the brake trouble. I to this day do not feel safe with these brakes. I am a single women and thought by buying a new car I would feel safer. Please check into this. As soon as I can afford to get rid of this car I plan too. I have spent several hundred dollars on out of pocket repairs. Battery-2 brake jobs-abs brakes-wheel cylinders-roaries-water pump.