Brake Disc Pads problems of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu

Brakes (rotors and front pads) keep needing to be replace. First at 14,000 miles and then again at 28,000 miles. The first time they were replaced under the 36,000 mile warranty, but the second time the dealer refused to do it under the warranty and wanted $500 for job. Dealer first said the rear brakes were not adjusted but wouldn't blame the self adjusters that should keep them adjusted. Then they said that it was my driving habits, refusing to refer to all the other complaints about Malibu's brakes and the fact that none of my other cars have ever had brakes were out so soon. Now they say it is "normal" for Malibu brakes to wear out after 14,000 miles and again they won't cover them under warranty. Brakes do not wear out after 14,000 miles.

Vehicle safety issue: 2003 chevy Malibu has been into the dealer three (3) times for brake repairs. First complaint I was told brakes needed to "wear in", car one (1) week old. Second complaint, soft and pulsating pedal with poor stopping, rotors were "refinished", vehicle mileage 6,800. Third complaint, vehicle uncontrollable when stopping at highway speeds, dealer advised that rotors have "excessive run-out" and inner pads are "low". Cost to repair three hundred and fifty dollars ($350. 00), vehicle mileage 30,000. Dealer and general motors refuse to admit the brake wear is caused by a safety defect in the braking system. No repairs have been made and vehicle was released from the dealer and is now unsafe to operate due to uncontrollable steering while brakes are applied.

While driving between 30-35 mph a metal to metal noise occurred upon depression of the brake pedal. Vehicle was driven to a mechanic, who indicated that the front driver brake pad broke in half.

I have not had any accidents or injuries but I have had to replace the brake pads and rotors twice since purchasing the vehicle 6/18/03. I was told the first time which was in January of this year that I had to have my brake pads and rotors replaced that it was because my brake pads were sticking and had worn completely away so they were replaced under warranty because it had occured before I had put 12000 miles on the car. The second time was in September and they had to replace the brake pads again, but after I took my car home I noticed that my car would shudder violently when braking so I took it back the first week of November and they had to repair/replace the rotors for the second time as well.

I have put 3 sets of brake pads and rotors on my Malibu. I had the right front hub assembly changed twice. My cars brakes throw off alot of brake dust and must be pushed way down before stopping.

When the consumer applied the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. A loud squeaking noise was heard when the brakes were applied. The consumer was able to drive to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the brake pads and rotors needed replacement. Please fill in additional information.

Dealer replaced at 12,000 miles the fronts rotors and pads, at 23,000 miles fronts rotors and pads were replaced, at 25,000 miles rotors were resurfaced and replaced the pads, and at 27, 000 miles dealership indicated the needed resurface the front rotors and replaced the pads once again.

The brakes developed poor braking at speeds over 35 mph the front end would shimmy when applied. Twice replacing the brake pads and resurfacing of the rotors failed to correct the problem. Replacement of the front disk rotors that would not wrap with use corrected the problem gm failed to cover the repairs under warranty.

The contact states that she owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS . She purchased the vehicle in September of 2003. January 2004 she noticed a quivering pulsating brake problem. She took vehicle to the dealer, they cleaned the brakes and then they were fine. March 204 she took vehicle in for a regular pennsylvania inspection and she had them check the brakes. They said they were excellent. May 12 2004 she had brake failure. The brake pads, shoes, and rotors had all burnt off the vehicle. So she had all of them replaced. She takes her vehicle in every four to five weeks for an oil change. Every other oil change she has brakes inspected, so it is about every 10 weeks. The last week of March she went in for another inspection everything, including the calibration on the brakes looked perfect. May 10th 2005 brake failure again, the brake shoes, pads, and the rotors burnt off again. The contact called three dealer in the pennsylavnia area and all the dealers stated that Chevrolet Malibus are known for brake problems. She called gm on may 10th, and they were only worried about how many miles on the vehicle she had, and told her to get brakes serviced more often. In a total of six weeks vehicle has burnt out the brake pads, shoes, and rotors.

Manufacturing safety issue - Chevrolet Malibu 2003 front wheel assembly hubs rotors, and brakes. Continuous problems. Dealer and general motors refuses to correct. Rotors warped, causing brake pads to wear out. Turned twice already. Left hub replaced. Now experiencing same problems again with braking. Dealer refuses to repair during November 28, 2003 visit.

While driving at 50 mph and when depressing the brakes vehicle shuddered violently and the pulled to the right. This problem occurred on many occasions, and the consumer felt that lost of control was imminent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the front brake pads. Afterwards the vehicle performed worse than prior to repairs. The rotors were warped.

2003 Chevrolet Malibu brake pads and rotors need replacement after 8,000-25,000 miles due to rust and wear. Brakes were "excellent" at 10,871 miles, then needed replacement at 16,350 along with new rotors.

Chevrolet 2003 Malibu - the car was leased in March 2003. The brakes were failing and the car was taken back to the dealer. They could not detect any problems since no lights came on in the car. The problem occurrence is unpredictable. Brakes become very hard and car doesn't stop, steering wheel vibrates, car does not accelerate, consumes a lot of gas. Problem detected was brake pedal remained down even when it wasn't being used. The car was brought back to the dealer three times before the defect was detected by the service manager. The car was reportedly repaired (readjusted switch for proper release of brake, replaced ft pads and rotors due to excess heat on ft brakes), but after a week, the problem represented itself. The car is now (8/21/03) at the dealer for repair (4th time it goes in). The manufacturer customer service is giving me a difficult time admitting that the car has a serious defect. They are trying to convince me that the symptoms the car presents may not signify that the problem is the same. I totally disagree because, it is the same problem. My husband and I were almost killed on the NJ turnpike due to this problem. I have asked them to take back the car but I have had little success. I am hoping that this complaint will spark an investigation. The dealer mentioned that this exact problem was found on the avalanche models.

I have had to replace not only the brake pads but the rotors as well, every 20,000 miles dealer tells me it's the way I drive. It just so happens that I drive for a living and I'm sorry it's the product!.

2003 chevy Malibu. 18,000 miles, had to replace front brake pads and have rotors turned. I was charged $200 for 2 hrs labor through a chevy dealer, but I feel the brake pads should have lasted longer. When I questioned the dealer, they said that most of the Malibu's and several other cars had soft brake pads and had to be replaced early. They were replaced with a thicker brake pad. How come they didn't use these to start with?.