Engine Cooling System Problems of Chevrolet Malibu - part 2

Lower intake manifold gasket leak; ball joint & fuel pump; brake pads replaced 4 times in less than 3 yrs.

See all problems of the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Antifreeze leaking intake manifold valve gasket defective.

See all problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Coolant is leaking, mechanic said it is our lower intake manifold gasket that has failed. Also he says to flush out the dex cool because it is a horrible coolant.

See all problems of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The intake manifold gasket in the consumer's 2002 Chevrolet Malibu was defective. The consumer contacted the manufacturer to see about getting the vehicle repaired free of charge. The consumer was told that the intake manifold gasket would not be replaced because the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The consumer believes the repair should be covered since the manufacturer was aware of a problem with the intake manifold because a bulletin was issued oct 24, 2003.

See all problems of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Fuel pump needed to be replaced on 2/01/06 - cost of repair $800. When service was completed, gm mechanic informed me that the intake manifold gasket is leaking and causing coolant to mix with oil in the engine. The estimated cost to repair is an additional $1,000! we have not yet had the part repaired due to the cost and the car has had limited use since. Gm should issue a recall on this already and stop having the consumers pay for their lack of use of reliable parts!! this is obviously a major problem given the number of complaints listed.

(1) coolant leaking immediately after putting it into my vehicle. (2) my car has overheated three times on the freeway. It will not accelerate, starts violently vibrating, then smoke bellows out of my hood when I finally stop. I have been stranded on the freeway three times with my two-year-old in the car, as well as my unborn child. (3) I have taken my vehicle to a Chevrolet repair man who found a technical service bulletin on the problem issued by Chevrolet. He explained the intake manifold was manufactured crooked causing coolant to leak into my engine and dilute my oil which will eventually burn my motor and ruin it completely. When I contacted Chevrolet, they were very unhelpful both times stating I had to pay a chevy dealership to diagnose the problem and that they might help me with a little cost assistance but not much. It is about $600 to fix this problem that is not normal maintenance or wear-and-tear. It is a manufacturing defect. I have had several people e-mail me about the same problem after posting a comment about it on a website.

Intake manifold leak. . Loss of coolant. . Overheating engine. . Heater malfunction sporadically. This problem continues but abated somewhat after service at a radiator repair facility rodded the radiator twice ,flushed and refilled the system with new coolant and installed new thermostat. Mileage was 39,500.

The initial problem was that the car had difficulty starting after the car was warm. Would usually have to give the car gas to get the engine to turn over. Took the car to the dealer and was informed that was the least of my problems since the intake manifold gasket was leaking coolant into the oil. The cost of repairs for the leaking gasket was over $650 and told was quite common in 2000 Malibus and if the problem was not fixed could cause the vehicle to catch on fire or destroy the engine. The car has less than 60,000 miles. Also had to replace wires, plugs, ignition coil and fuel filter which was an additional $475. I can understand the wires, plugs, coil and fuel filter as usual maintenance costs, however, the leaking intake manifold gasket which is quite common from both your website and chevy website should be addressed a potential recall. Or investigate the possibility of some funding by chevy to offset the high repair costs to many owners of the Malibu who have had to have the intake manifold gasket repaired.

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).

See all problems of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Two weeks ago my water level light came on. I added dexcool coolant per manufacturers recommendation. The light continued to come on and go off for approx 1 week. I added dexcool coolant each time. After approx. 1 week of doing this, the light stopped coming on. Yesterday, when I returned to my vehicle after work, there was coolant in the lot under my vehicle. I filled the reservoir up again and drove the vehicle home. Today, I took the car to a repair garage who informed me that I needed to replace my lower intake gasket and thermostat gasket and valve cover gasket at a cost of $890. 00. The mechanic informed me that gm has had several complaints in reference to this type of problem. They fixed four of this type of problem in the last two years. Apparently the problem is possibly due to the use of the gm-recommended dexcool which gm has since discontinued use of.

We were told this is becoming a common problem that we lose the coolant intake on the engine of our 01 Malibu resulting in a $1000 repair - this dealer has experienced multiple failures on this particular engine.

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.

2000 Chevrolet Malibu developed problems with the brake equipment. The consumer had the brakes replaced 3 times. The first brake service they were replaced under warranty after that the consumer was told it was considered wear and tear. The water pump was leaking.

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.

The reservoir for the coolant had a design flaw which caused it to leak. It caused an o-ring to pull away and let coolant splash on top of the engine. Consumer was told it would cost 750 to 1000 dollars to fix this problem. This caused the engine to run hot. The consumer would like for the manufacturer to pay to have problem remedied.

I had to have the fuel injector cleaned about ayr after I got the car? now I am told I have to have it done again! also the engine is leaking andthe coolant system. I hear it might not happen again as gm made new parts for the engine so it shouldn't happen again. My mechanic feels the engine should have been recalled. He also told me that I should have brought the car to him when they diagnosed the car as needing the fuel injector cleaned the first time---it shouldn't have needed it and probably didn't. I feel I may be taken advantage of again by this dealership. I hope this car is recalled for the wrong or bad engine itting parts. I was one who replaced the hazards before it was ever recalled-I could have been killed the way they were acting half hazardly! I did and then this same dealership told me that I hadn't that the wrong part-the old part was put in the car and replaced it. This is deland chevrolt/Cadillac in deland FL. They said they replaced it with the right part but I doubt they did.

. I bought car new. The rotors, calipers and brake pads on this car have been replaced 4 times. The passenger side tail lights have had to be replaced every year due to water getting into the assembly. The ac switch - blower resistor has had to be replaced. The first time I replaced the rotors - it only had 5000 miles on it. It has 61000 today.

See all problems of the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

3. 1 engine leaking collant at head gasket. Mechanic says this is a common problem with gm 3. 1 v6 engines. About $600. 00 estimate to repair.

In January 2004, the ?low coolant? light went on. It required more coolant to be added. There was no external leaking of the engine coolant. The light went on again about two weeks later. I took it to a private mechanic and the cap was replaced. The leak stopped. In Feb. 2005, the ?low coolant? light went on again and again I added coolant. Two weeks later, the ?low coolant? light went on. This time I took my vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer. I was informed by the service dept. Of this dealer that my car required a new intake manifold gasket. Also, engine coolant might have leaked into my engine, so the oil and transmission fluid required flushing and filters needed to be replaced. The service department informed me that it needed to be done immediately otherwise serious damage could be done to my engine. I had the service done as I thought continuing to operate the vehicle might have posed a serious safety hazard. So the vehicle was repaired and my cost was $1,700. 00. I phoned Chevrolet customer service and was told this repair is considered ?normal maintenance? and I needed to cover the entire price of the repair. Although there was no damage to the engine of the vehicle, neglecting to have the necessary service completed may have resulted in permanent damage like the engine ceasing to work. I think the engine ceasing while in operation might cause a slight safety hazard to myself, passengers in the cabin as well as other vehicles in the vicinity of mine.

The Malibu engine smelled hot and fluid was leaking onto the garage floor. A mechanic discovered that coolant is leaking onto the top of the transmission from the intake manifold gasket. We have added fluid a couple of times. The gasket will have to be replaced. I believe that gm should replace this since it is a commonly known problem on this car.

I need to know who I can speak with in regards to gm having a recall on the intake manifold gasket for 2000/2001 Chevrolet Malibu's. I have been told by the manager at advanced auto parts that several Malibu owners come in to purchase coolant, as well as myself, as our gasket is leaking, which causes us to have to refill at least every other month or sooner. I have also checked online and there are several other people having the same problem, to the point that I felt a recall should be done. Some individuals noted that they contacted their car dealer and the gasket was changed to a newer one that they are using in the newer cars. However, I contacted my dealership and was told that there's nothing they can do, as there are no recalls on the vehicle. I need someone to contact me ASAP regarding this problem. It's not fair to myself, the consumer, to have to pay out of pocket to get this manufacturer defect corrected. Too many people are having this same problem for it not be recalled. Please, please contact me at 410/917-7327. Thank you for your immediate attention to my concern.

(1) the failure occurred under normal driving conditions. (2) the intake manifold leaks radiator fluid due to faulty gaskets. Fortunately, the problem was observed before the engine overheated or caught fire, but there is evidence of coolant contaminating the engine oil: further consequences will likely occur in the future. (3) the failure has not yet been corrected. A firestone service center diagnosed the problem but repairs have not yet been contracted. A Chevrolet dealership/service center (bill heard) gave an estimate of $1000 for the repair. Please note that this is a common fault in chevy Malibus and other gm cars with this engine type. The service rep at firestone stated that this was the most common problem seen in this car, and the service rep at the Chevrolet dealership stated that in Malibus, the intake manifold gaskets fail "more often than not. ".

I have a 2004 Malibu LS, when I first purchased the car during the winter of 04 I had problems with the steering. It was under warranty, I took it back every winter for 4 years and the dealership always repaired the car. In 2010 my power steering light came on and I lost power trying to turn into a parking spot. The next time it occurred, I was driving 50 mph I went to change lanes the power steering light came on and I could not turn the wheel. I was pulling out from a parking spot the power steering light came on and I could not steer the car. This year the seat belt light stays on when my seat belt is on. It happens every day the light stays on. The dealer that I use to use went out of business and did not notify the customers. I found out when I went to have some work corrected that they did. This problem is scary because I never know when the power steering light is going to come on. That is very very scary. My check engine light comes on and they can never find anything wrong. I recently had my car inspected they would not pass it because of the check engine light. I had to drive the car for 300 miles and the light went off and they passed it for inspection. The original brakes were replaced 3 times in the first 2 years of having the car. I only have 45, 000 miles. Purchased 2 batteries from gm the 2nd one lasted less then 2 years and died. An authentic gm battery.

See all problems of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Failure- slight leak in coolant from intake seal, continuous running of fans, and check engine light stays on. Correction- new thermostat, new sensor for the fans, and new seal for intake seal, $900 worth of service.

At only 43000 miles the vehicle's intake gasket failed. When the gasket failed it let coolant into the oil. The consumer requested reimbursement from the manufacturer.

I purchased a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu in Dec 1999. The car had 6 miles on it when purchased. Within the last year I have noticed the car has been overheating a little, and I am having to fill the coolant up once every couple of weeks(with no noticable leaks). At this point I have taken it to a couple of different shops telling me that the lower intake manifold needs replaced (cost 5-700 dollars!!)--I still owe 11000 on the car. I have read and seen many others with this issue and am very dissapointed in the fact that gm will not do anything to help out. Of course now the car is at 66000 miles and out of warranty--so I must pay for the repair--single mother/going to school/working full time this is not what I expect out of a new chevy. . . .

Complaint #1 a/c cuts on and off. Complaint #2 suspension knocking, serviced 4 times, still have same problems.

See all problems of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

I repeated had problems with the transmission slipping and/or not going into gear completely and this problem almost caused an accident on a few occasions. I first suspected something was faulty shortly after purchasing the vehicle - which was a gm certified vehicle. Less than a year after purchase I had to pay almost $2000 to have the transmission rebuilt. Items replaced include the torque converter and solenoids. I also have noticed that I have coolant leaking and assume it is a problem with the intake manifold gasket - but have not had it diagnosed yet.

Radiator fluid leeks because of bad manifold gasket.

Noticed a smell of antifreeze around my 1999 Chevrolet Malibu. Looked and found the intake manifold gasket was leaking antifreeze. This car is driven by my wife, and thankfully has not left her beside of the road. Will replace the gaskets on my own, will have the old parts available. Found a lot of people with the same problem. And if no problem why did gm redesign the gasket (part # 89017279). Why also is there a service bulletin on this dated March 2003 ( # 03-06-01-010). Why has a recall not been started. This problem could start a fire in the engine bay, and a whole list of other things.

Light for low water would come on. About 3-4 times every 6 months starting 2002. Then all of a sudden every time the car was driven, even just a few blocks. At that point, the car had to be towed to the dealer for repair. Fortunately, I was not far from home when the major trouble started. The repair report reads "low coolant light is on and the oil appears to have water mixed. . . Advise. . . Lower intake manifold gaskets leaking -replaced lower intake manifold gaskets. All related gasket/seals. 6 hours of labor in cary, nc. Total bill $768. + $50 for towing. The car only has 36,000 miles. This seems a lot for a relatively "young" car. Thank goodness the low water light worked -- but no excuse for the problem.

Noticed smell of burning coolant and took vehicle in for service. Gm dealer replaced intake manifold gasket. Contacted Chevrolet directly by phone, who did not acknowledge that problem was common, nor offer any type of compensation. Total service cost 1050. 19 (parts and labor).

While driving temperature gauge failed. This made it impossible for the consumer to know if the vehicle overheated. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

36000 miles plus. . . . Ever since I purchased the car. Was searching the web and found this site so I decided to add my two cents worth about my Malibu. Replaced front brakes (drivers side 3 times - due to caliper) and rotor twice. Engine gasket problem - overheating. Still have problem with fan motor control settings 1 and 2. Engine misfiring - had injectors cleaned twice and replaced entire ignition system. Have a rattle in the front for the last 20000 miles. Car has failed to start around 8 times. Engine has died multiple times after starting and sometimes while in motion. Abs light and brake light problem. Theft system light occassionally lights up. Looking forward to a class action suit. Would rather settle for an admission by Chevrolet/gm and compensation for some replacement parts and labor. This is the worst gm product I've ever owned and due to the other complaints I've read on the internet, this volume of complaints is way to high.

At 55000 miles had to replace lower intake manifold gasket. Looks like is a common problem with the Malibu. Gm must do something.