Engine Cooling System problems of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu

1998 chevy Malibu: faulty intake manifold gasket resulting in coolant leak, gasket has been replaced twice within 100,000 miles (may be related to mandated usage of dexcool antifreeze in vehicle per manufacturer).

1. I checked the coolant level in the reservoir and noticed coolant was needed. I put water into the reservoir (car was on) and everything seemed to be fine. I drove the car about 10 miles. I stopped to put gas in and noticed water/coolant coming from under the car. I replaced the water and drove to a mechanic. The mechanic told me that my intake gasket needed to be replaced; he showed me the leakage coming from the side of the engine. He also stated, this is a common problem with this type of car. Similar comments had been made to me in the past in regards to the intake gasket; mechanics, auto part sales men and the dealer where I get my car serviced had all been concerned in the past for this area of my car, but until now everything had been fine; 2. Failure of the intake gasket prevented the engine coolant from maintaining the proper coolant level, the consequence was that I needed to take time out of my day to inquire about this matter and seek advice in preventing further damage; 3. I have an appointment to fix the problem on Tuesday (9/6/05). I will not have my car for a full day due to this problem and the estimate to fix the car was 550. 00 to 600. 00 dollars.

The engine leaked coolant and oil from the block, which is not supposed to happen. My car then overheated on the road which led to my coolant bursting out of the overfill tank. The engine then started to steam, and all the coolant laid there on the road. I was told by 3 different shops that it was the head gasket that needed to be replaced, which cost me $1000 in parts and labor.

Radiator fluid leeks because of bad manifold gasket.

Intake gasket leaking, needs replacement.

I was told I had a coolant leak which caused my cam to break in my engine. I had to replace my engine with a used one. I contacted gm for some help and they gave me none. They would not recognize the problem with the manufactured defect on the coolant system. I am out of pocket nearly two thousand dollars on a car that should be still going strong with the original engine and still, uncomfortable with this used engine as I may have the same problem again down the road. I am very upset and disappointed with gm because I put a lot of trust in them and their vehicles and they let me down. Not only that, but I have had consistent brake problems. Something needs to be done about this. There are too many people having the same problems with this type of vehicle and it would be a sad thing to wait until there are fatalities to rectify the situation.

I was on a major highway when I tried to get over in another lane. I could not because my steering wheel would not turn. So, when I could get over I heard a loud bang under my hood. All my lights lit up and I could not stop my car. I tried to make it home and my car started smoking. I called my mechanic and found out that my belt had popped off along with the pulley that was burned badly. My antifreeze was leaking also, I went alone w/my mechanic to get the part and was informed by autozone that it was a recall on this part. I was not notified at any time buy the company. I called and reported it this morning and was informed that is not true. I have the part to show that this is a danger because the part is a cheap piece of plastic. The corporate office was al so rude and stated my warranty had expired and that it was nothing they could do. Also, I called the dealer and was informed there was no recall and they were not gone to handle this situation. Nlm.

Consumer states coolant is leaking around the water pump area, dealer was not notified at this time. Nlm.

Engine cooling fluid is leaking from underneath. Dealership is aware of problem.

Number of problems since the car was purchased new in 1998. The front brakes have been an ongoing problem, the cooling system has a leak at the intake manifold and numerous other major problems that everyone I talk to or read about is having the same problems with this car. Chevy will not do anything about it.

I bought the extended warranty and I feel my car is a lemon. Every single person with a Malibu has had problems and we really need help since Chevrolet wants to ignore the problems. With all the problems I will have paid for this car twice after all of the repais I have incorred.

My Malibu has had both front brake shoes replaced twice. The rotors and calipars replaced the altinator replaced. Now the coolant system is leaking all over the engine. The passenger window will not roll down everytime. The dashboard is loose and rattles. My a/c light in car clicks on and off. The left tailight burned out twice. That's all that I can think of right now.

Vehicle would overheat and engine check light would stay on while driving at low speed. Vehicle would not overheat while driving at high speed. Dealer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

Antifreeze was leaking into the engine causing the check engine light to illuminate. Nlm.