Manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe problems of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu

While driving at stop intervals I noticed that my temp guage was reaching the hot mark, I made it home and my reservoir was boiling. Then I notice coolant leaking from the manifold housing. When I had it checked out, I was told that my manifold gaskets had to be replaced at a costly expense. Upon further investigations I found out that gm knew that this was a default issue and only sent out recalls to certain customers and I wasn't one of them. I believe that gm should be held accountable and make the proper recalls to get this matter solved. Any help would be greatly appreciated since I missed the recall. I believe that the recall it was in 2008, and my problem didn't occur until now.

We had to have the intake manifold replaced, at 55,000 miles, which didn't occur until 2012, because I don't put a large amount of miles on my car annually. I could not get any money from the recall, because the class action suit payout ended in 2008, and I was never made aware. Both the front and rear struts are leaking fluid. I was told all four need, replacement, and the mounts as well. . The mechanics said normally these shouldn't need replacement until 75,000-80,000 miles minimum, and should have lasted until 100,000 which is normal. I'm a gentle driver who doesn't lend my car out. I drive over speed bumps very slowly in our town, because I didn't want suspension issues. Our town's speed limit is 15 mph over the speed bumps, and I do 7mph over then. Others with a 1999-2003 Malibu, have told me their struts have worn out just as fast also. (at 50,000 miles or so).

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon inspection, the engine coolant was found to have mixed with the engine oil when the dip stick was pulled to check the engine oil. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle stalled without warning and had to be towed to the contact¿s residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the engine had to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The failure and current mileage was 139,126. Updated 01/28/lj the consumer stated the intake manifold was defective. Updated 04/21/14.

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. While the vehicle was being inspected, the inspector stated that the fuel was not traveling through the vehicle properly. The dealer stated that the intake manifold failed and damaged the engine. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Intake manifold gasket at less then 55,000 miles due to plastic gaskets. . After numerous mechanics say a cheap unreliable part that will cost anyone from 600$ or more depending on how server it could be. I am surprise there are no recalls on this. . . This should be looked into plus reimbursement to those whom have receipts for this particular procedure.

My wife has a 2003 chevy Malibu. We went to take my car to an auto shop because we thought there was a leak somewhere under my car. The mechanic told me it was a gasket on the thermostat. He replaced that and still the car leaked. Then mechanic told me it was antifreeze leaking from the lower intake manifold gasket and that this was a common problem on this type of engine. Imagine how upset we was to know that cars this problem is occurring to a lot of people and that it will cost nearly $500. 00 to fix. Since this is happening to alot of car there must be a major problem. I was later told gm uses a glue onto a gasket in this area when they build the car. Gm must do better. This is not right.

Went to take my car to auto shop because I thought had a transmission leak. The mechanic told me the good news ,the tranny wasn't leaking, however it was antifreeze leaking from the lower intake manifold gasket and that this was a common problem on this type of engine. Imagine how upset I was to know that cars this problem is occurring to a lot of people and that it will cost $700 to fix it. The mechanic said that there was a class action suit for this defect. Considering the economic problems and all the help gm has received from americans it seems like they would help their loyal customers by fixing this for nothing. This Malibu is the 4th chevy that I have owned since driving. If american companies want us to buy their product they should make with quality material. I also had to have the fuel pump about 3 months after buying the car in 2007. That cost me almost $800. If I had known that these cars were going have such a list of problems I would have listened to my brother and got a foreign vehicle. Gm can earn some goodwill with its vehicles by admitting its mistakes and helping the little guy out, like the little guy has helped them out with the bailout.

I have a 2003 chevy Malibu with approx 72,000 miles that has been leaking antifreeze (small visible marks on pavement) that require refilling coolant every 3 to 4 weeks. I took the car in for a diagnosis, and it was found to have a leak around the intake manifold. The price estimate is $878 and 7 hours to repair. There was a class action lawsuit against dexcool for this problem, but window for claims ended on oct. 2008. I spoke with gm dealership, and there is no gm recall for this issue, even though there are many cars with this problem (leaky intake manifold gasket). Will have work done, but unhappy with the cost involved.

I own a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu with 51,000 miles on it. I was checking my oil when the dip stick showed it a quart low. I then checked the engine coolant and discovered the oil had gotten into the coolant. I took it to a mechanic and he confirmed that the coolant had oil in it. He said the manifold gaskets had to be replaced which included flushing the cooling system. I know gm doesn't care about our problems with their sorry built car. The total cost of the repair was over $600. This is the first car that I have ever owned that a manifold or head gasket had to be replaced.

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 5 mph, the anti-freeze warning indicator illuminated on the instrument control panel. The contact pulled back into the driveway and noticed that the reservoir was empty. He had to refill the vehicle with anti-freeze. Approximately one month later, the reservoir was almost empty again and he had to refill the vehicle with anti-freeze. In January of 2009, the vehicle was driven to a local repair shop for an oil change and the mechanic stated that there was some anti-freeze on the engine due to the manifold gasket being defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified. The current mileage was 79,000 and failure mileage was 78,500. Updated 2/5/09 the consumer was informed the gasket was made out of plastic that was the reason for the failure. Updated 02/10/09.

You can add my name to the list of individuals shelling out an excessive amount of money to replace what appear to be defective parts and/or manufacturing designs in the 2003 chevy Malibu. We purchased the car new in Feb 2003 and repair costs to date are in excess of $2,000 and the car only has 52,000 miles on it. First, the brakes and rotors needed placed after about 40,000 miles (most of which were interstate driving). . . Cost was over $300. Next, we were getting the car repaired after an incident with a deer and the mechanic informed us that coolant was starting to leak into the engine because of a faulty intake manifold gasket. . . Repair cost almost $1,000. Finally, my wife was recently stranded because the fuel pump failed. . . Repair cost $1,000. All of these incidents occurred within the past 6 months. By far the most frustration thing is that all these items appear to be very common failures with this make and model made by Chevrolet and there has yet to be any recalls. . . Very disappointing. My entire experience has continued to snowball ever since we had issues with getting the dealership to fix items that were still under warranty. General motors seems to be more focused on earning profits that compete with the foreign producers rather than taking care of their current customers. If things don't change, the company will have very limited repeat customers.

The car has died at night in not a very good side of town and would not start on 10/07. Had it towed and they found the intake manifold gasket damaged $1,000. 00. Feb 08 car would not start after work. 10 miles away from home. Had the car towed back to firestone thinking it was the same thing instead the anti-theft system had caused the car not to start. 4/08 car again would not start after work. Please force gm to take responsibility for their vehicles malfunctions before some one gets hurt because of the anti theft system.

The contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 30 mph for approximately ten minutes, the temperature gauge displayed hot. The coolant light illuminated, which indicated that the coolant level was low. The contact stopped the vehicle and checked the level. He then took the vehicle to carmax and they confirmed that the lower intake manifold gasket caused the failure. The failure was repaired. The current and failure mileages were 45,000. Updated 12/12/07.

Manifold intake gasket cracked and leaked into the engine. This caused the car not to start.

I have had several issues with my car over the years. The first was when the fuel pump failed and my car stalled in traffic in 2006 and repair was $600. The intake manifold gaskets failed about 10 months later that was repaired at the dealer for $1200. I have replaced the engine twice ($600 each time) because of the head gaskets and too much oil inside the engine. Now I have a strong odor of gasoline inside my car when I start it up that lasts for about 15-20 minutes each day. I've replaced the ignition switch twice now and the gear shift does not lock properly. Now anti theft security light comes on often and I have to wait approximately 11 minutes to reset it before I can leave my location. The hood latch recently broke and now the wire must be replaced from the inside to the exterior of the car.

I have a 2003 chevy Malibu, the coolant started to slowly leak out, then proceeded to leak faster within a few weeks, we couldn't see where the coolant was going. I called my older brother every weekend, and his 2001 pontiac grand prix was in the shop getting a new engine installed, his grand prix, and my chevy Malibu have the same engine, I asked what happened, and he said that his coolant started leaking, he couldn't see where it was going so he took it into the shop, and the mechanic told him that a common problem with these vehicles made by gm was that the lower intake manifold gasket is faulty. I have looked it up on line,and there is a class action law suit in canada against gm for this problem, as well many people say (including my mechanic) that the dex cool is very bad for you vehicle. Anyway, my brother got his car to the mechanic too late, and after shelling out 700 to fix the lower intake manifold gasket, he ended up having to pay 5900 to replace his 2001 grand prix engine. As it turns out my Malibu had the same problem with the lower intake manifold gasket, we have yet to replace it, it is worthless, the mechanic who is chevy certified, said that the coolant has gotten into our oil, and the engine is worthless, we don't have the 5900 to shell out for a new engine. I have contacted gm twice, the first time I talked to a representative on the phone, and he said that he doesn't know why they are not recalling the gasket, it is a known problem, but they aren't going to recall it, the second time I talked to them they told me that they will not discuss the matter with me any further. I am a single mom with three kids, and a full time job, and full time school, I have a car that when I bought it the salesman talked me into, he told me "a Malibu will last you a very long time," as it sits in my parking lot while I am left riding the bus, and making payments on a car that does not run, due to a problem that gm knows about.

I own a 2003 chevy mailbu. I have had numerous problems with the anitfreeze draining out. I have had it in the shop a couple times and have had the manifold intake gasket replaced. This was very expensive for a single mom on a budget. The problem still persists. I have also started having problems with the theft system light coming on and preventing the car from starting. I can turn it to "on" and get it started after 10 minutes, but this is bothersome when I am in a hurry. I think that gm should have these problems under recall and pay to have them fixed.

I have been informed that I need a new intake manifold gasket. I was told that gm went to a cheap cam shaft and intake gasket on most of the 3. 1 to 3. 8 litre v6 engines about 7 years ago and that over 90% of these engines have a leaking intake gasket which causes the cheap cam shaft to rust and then break destroying the engine. I was told that this happens between 50,000 and 90,000 miles on these engines, that there are no replacement engines available in the salvage yards and that gm continues to produce this defective product. Now im looking at approx. $600. 00 to replace just the intake manifold gasket. I don't think that I should have to foot this bill to replace a problem that gm has known about for a long time and refuses to correct.