Eight problems related to engine have been reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu based on all problems reported for the 2001 Malibu.
I notice that my coolant had to be refilled because the "low coolant" light was staying on in the dash. The repair shop told me they had to replace the intake manafold and I now have coolant in my engine and in my oil. This is a potential dangerous problem with the Malibu. The engine could blow creating other problems. The same problem has been noted with many other Malibu owners.
During inspection dealership informed the consumer that water was leaking from the head gasket. The problem was repaired.
Engine problem.
After researching the service bulletins section of this website, I have come to realize that I have complained/had serviced about 85% of the same problems that are listed on your database. I purchased this car new, from everett Chevrolet, wa in 2000. Since the purchase. Date, I had chevy do the following: new brakes (all the way around - once, front rotors/pads - twice), all new pistons, transmission replaced, miss on #1 cylinder - replaced 1 failed spark plug, left rear door squeaks when open/shut - lubed (has happened 3 times now), front left noise from struts/brakes - not able to verify as of yet (possible strut problem/lube), fan in dashboard has a sound in the middle (just above the cd player/radio) like there is a piece of paper caught in the housing (confirmed after 4 complaints, faulty fan motor), passenger front seat squeaks when occupied (dealerships have not been able to duplicate. /fix), rearview mirror rattles while driving at highway speeds (tightened, still does it in hot weather). Bottom line, this is my first new car purchase and I am having serious doubts about keeping the car - as it only has 21,405 miles on it. With the 3/30 warranty. Coming up in oct. 2003, I am very much afraid that I have purchased a lemon and not looking forward to spending anymore time/$$$ on this vehicle. Any suggestions?.
I am trying to sell a 2001 chevolet Malibu LS for my dad who is 86 years old and cannot because of a start up noise that doesn't go away till the engine warms up. I have lost 4 buyers so far. This automobile has only 5600 miles on it. I have found a service bulletin saying there can be a noise from cylinder 1 thru 4. This is interfering with the resale of the car as no one trust it. I had it analized by the dealer and they said it was a piston slap. And it would cost around 1600. 00 dollars to fix it. Gm agreed to go half and half but then the dealer said if the piston slap had damaged the cylinder it would need a new engine. This to me is a defect that the manufactuer should be responsible for because as I stated be fore the car has only 5600 miles on it. Please contact me at 856-227-6671 if need be. Thank you.
Bought 2001 Chevrolet Malibu new on March 14,2001 engine started knocking around 35,000 miles. Has gradually gotten worse. Sounds like a diesel. It is either piston slap or bad lifters. Dealer would not fix issue at the time. Car continues to run. Also this vehicle has poor brakes. Replace rotors and shoes at 12,000 miles at dealer. Replaced rotors again at dealer at 30,000 miles. Currently has 111,000 miles on vehicle and is in excellent condition. Would like gm to fix engine issue at little or no cost. Brake issue is better with aftermarket parts.
Took car in cause of knocking in engine service advisor said couldnt hear it when picked the car up made him ride in it with me could hear knocking told me to bring it back. Took back work order says piston slap. Diagnoisis polymer coated pistons slapping inside clyinders;replaced all pistons,hone cylinders,replaced rings replaced allconnecting rod bearings. Water pumbm went out told me to bring it in a week and a half later car kept running hot all the way in red had to have it towed inhoses were not reconnected when motor was worked on cd player went out also face of cd player gets extremely hot told me that was normal blinkers have went out twice first time said fixed them still not working now when you crank car it knocks have reported it it is doing the same thing when had pistons replaced lasted Nov. 06out.
On two occasions 2001 Chevrolet Malibu has failed to start. ** answer required*** the vehicle was taken to the dealer twice. Diagnostic test were run but the dealer was unable to find a cause for the problem either time.