Starter problems of the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu

2000 Chevrolet Malibu consumer is inquiring if any gm dealer will service vehicle per recall although it was purchased at a Mazda dealer the consumer stated he previously had problems with the ignition. The repair shop replaced the starter.

2000 chevy Malibu, periodically doesn't start - was told it was a passlock problem. Since February have had various businesses replace fuel pump, pass lock sensor, fuel filter, starter and crankshaft sensor to try and fix this problem. None of these have worked and this problem still exists today. No one knows what else to try. If I can't start the car, I have to turn the key to the off position (not the lock position) and leave it for 10 minutes then the car will start. Unbelievable. I am 79 years old and this is no way to live with an otherwise perfectly good automobile. Still not fixed and no knowledge of what to do now. Car only has 32000 miles and is in excellent condition and it will be very difficult to sell if it won't start.

I have 2000 chevy Malibu with 108,000 miles . Purchased it with about 78,000 miles on it. When purchased I started having problems with ignition getting stuck and not turning so I replaced it. Ran fine for a little while and then wouldn't start one day. Was told that it wasn't getting fuel so I replaced the fuel pump. Ran fine for a little while then won't start again. So this time I take to mechanic. He said that my that I may need to replace my starter. . So ok I did hoping it would fix this problem. Again it happens. . I notice the theft system light is on and won't go off. I take back to mechanic and they hookup to computer and get a code that says my passlock system has error and I need to take to dealership so they can take off. I took to dealership and they said I was missing some turntables in my ignition so they added a few more and sent me on my way saying that should fix problem. Next day won't start again!!! I have to turn key to acc and leave on for 10 minutes. . Turn key off when light finally go away and then it will start. Having been left stranded over 100 times with a 2 year old I may add in 20 degree weather and also in 90 degree weather. . Its really scary! unreliable and quite frankly very unsafe!!!.

Recurring problem with a "theft system" error. In cold weather, the theft system disables the vehicle for 10 minutes, then maybe will allow car to start. There are numerous complaints on auto forums regarding this exact issue. Each year for the last 4 we have issues with the car not starting. This is related to a "pass lock" system in this vehicle. This vehicle does not have an alarm, not remote starter.

Previously submitted this report/complaint on this site, to gm and to the ftc around 2004 with no response. The Chevrolet Malibu from 2000 has similar ignition and engine issues now reported on the news in the cobalt and other cars. Owner had to replace the intake manifold several times, the ignition,starter, key system, idle control valve, and other parts numerous times due to the car engine smoking, "turning off" or not starting after stopping, parking, and not starting upon inserting the key, idling high or timing off. This began within 2-3 years of owning the car. The engine light came on when driving or starting the car. Multiple times the security light would blink and owner would have to wait 15 minutes to turn it on. Gm even has this listed in the manual (in security feature/lock system). Owner first told it was due to problems with the engine, then key, then it was a security programming issue, then it was the intake manifold (not covered under warranty for some reason). Some of the repairs cost hundreds of dollars and costs for towing. Eventually the car will not start at all and it must be reprogrammed, worked on by dealer. The Malibu and other cars such as Saturn have this issue. May be related to the engine and ignition issue mentioned in the news. At times owner was stuck far from home and had to tow the car. Highway driving was nerve wracking because you never knew what the car would do. There are hundreds of internet complaints about the Malibu from 2000 and onward related to engine and ignition failures.