Problems with 2001 Chevrolet Malibu ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine has experienced "valve-slap" since approx 5000 miles. the dealer advised that this is inherent in the design of this particular engine to make it economical. chevrolet offered 100,000 mile extended warranty on the engine. the (check engine) light activated several months ago. code indicated "small emissions leak". made sure gas cap was on tight, then cleared code with reader - issue resolved. approx a month ago, check engine light on again. code was p1404 (temporary code). tried to clear out code with reader, came back. dealer advised that this was caused by faulty egr valve so replaced the egr valve with genuine chevey part, cleared code with reader - approx 20 miles later (check engine) light back on. i suspect that issue is related to the valve-slap problem and related wear on pistons. *ak

my 2001 malibu has 45,000miles and i now have to change the intake manifold gasket, because it is leaking coolant. this i'm told is a frequent problem with the malibu 3.1 liter motor. is this possible? i've never heard of such a thing?*ak i also have had the egr valve changed 3 times by the dealer. it now seems to be fixed?

Vehicle experienced sudden stalling while traveling at various speeds on the road. taken to the dealer 3 times for testing, but the cause was undetermined.*ak

Engine problem.*ak

My upper and lower intake manifold gaskets need to be repaired. under ca. emssions law the intake manifold is covered but not the components or parts. the gaskets should not wear out this fast on a new car that has been keep in good repair. these parts should be recalled. *ak

Anti-freeze leaks from engine. area of leak seams to be around the manifold or heads. this causes fumes to into the passenger compartment and makes the occupates dizzy or with headaches.

When driving or when vehicle was parked and running engine would make a knocking noise. the owner made contact with dealer. *ak

While driving at highway speed vehicle shut off without warning. *ak

While driving vehicle stalls. dealer cannot duplicate the problem. *ak

Lower intake manifold gasket leaking. *nlm

Engine noise dealer is unable to locate. hazard switch shorts out no turn signals. *nlm

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? *jb

When the vehicle hit a bump the it stalled. the dealer changed the ignition switch but the problem re-occurred. *nlm when the vehicle hit a bump the it stalled. the dealer changed the ignition switch but the problem re-occurred. *mr

At approximately 30000 miles my car started hesitating when starting. the dealer could find no fault and i kept driving with only periodic problems. then my gas gauge, radio, engine check light and passive alarm system kept coming on. at, 43,000 miles the car would not start. the dealer said the key had lost its memory but i still kept having the same problems. at, 48,354 miles the car totally went out. after having the car for several days the dealer said it was the ignition switch. under california law the ignition system is covered to 50,000 miles but the dealer stated teh ignition switch is not part of the ignition system. after writting chevy complaint dept many times i got no where because all they do is calll the dealer, they do not go with an independent body just the dealer that gave me the advice in the first place. i had the dealer return the bad part to me and want to know if this part is covered. i paid 400.00 to have it fixed. the dealer did give me a 75.00 credit because it was never my key memory they stated it was the ignition switch the entire time.*ak now, the car is at 54,000 miles and coolant is leaking around, in and near the engine. i have kept this car in good repair and have all receipts. these major parts should not be wearing down this fast. the dealer had to change the hazard switch shortly after i first got the car.

1) leaking coolant from intake manifold into engine, required gasket replacement and coolant / oil change 2) turn signals work intermittently, had to replace turn signal switch 3) a/c does not work, blows hot air, dealer unable to repair 4) brakes weak, vibrate. replaced with after market components (powerslot rotors and performance friction carbon metallic pads) 5) automatic door locks inoperative, dealer unable to repair 6) poor fuel mileage, best is 28 mpg highway (cafe violation??) 7) starter failed, replaced with rebuilt unit. *nlm

I am trying to sell a 2001 chevrolet 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 analyzed 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 manufacture should be responsible for because as i stated be fore the car has only 5600 miles on it. please contact me at [xxx] if need be. thank you. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

I have a '01 chevrolet malibu, my fuel injector went out of car, antifreeze chamber leaking (replaced), turn signal unit went out. abs system had to be replaced, went out..all under extended warranty. all under 60,000 miles. dealership (bobb chevrolet) oh has no recalls on this car, i believe this should be listed as a lemon.*ak

Engine cooling. manifold gaskets leak allowing oil and coolant to enter into engine. been adding fluids for a year. the gasket must be defective and a recall issued. i have read many similar complaints on you site.*ak

2001 chevrolet malibu experiencing problems with brakes, turn signals, cooling system and theft deterrent light. *mr the consumer experienced the following: a continuous brake problem with the rotors, the theft deterrent light illuminated, so the dealer replaced the ignition cylinder the signal lights worked intermittently and the dealer replaced the hazard switch. the right side hub assembly was replaced. there was water in the oil, therefore the intake gaskets were replaced due to leaking. *sc *jb

Lower intake manifold failed, causing water to leak in to oil.*jb..*ak

Consumer states that while driving if vehicle rides over a bump, engine stalls. dlr can not determine cause. ts

White sulfides (fumes) are coming out of the vents and other openings in the vehicle. the manufactuerer has been notified. *tt updated *jb

Vehicle has stalled several times. took to dealership and told it was weather causing problem. nothing done to correct problem. past two months i have taken to alternate body shops, because engine failed to start. mechanics flushed out the car and hooked up to the computer to detect any problems. no found problems and car cranked for about two weeks. car last failed on may 3, 2002 and is still not working as of today. *ts ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***762043

Front brakes pulsate when vehicle stops. brakes had failed and dealer stated the problem could reoccur. *ak consumer states he is hearing a clunk noise in right front wheel area and brake noise in front when braking, vibration is worse after 30 miles of stopping, dealer replaced pads and resurfaced rotors; also, intermittently humming type noise during acceleration. *yd

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. *tr

Engine miss-fires and engine check light remains on after service. *ak

The car turnd off and doors locked. knocking noises at engine and egr scensor cause check engine light to turn on/ very poor quality. *ak

Vehicle misses at speeds of 60-80mph, vehicle jerks when it backfires. dealer cannot remedy the problem.*ak

A knocking noise would come from the engine while driving and cause vehicle to hesitate when accelerating. dealer was not notified at this time.*ak

The front end is vibrating at any speed. dealer has done front alignment, replaced the front tires, and the rotors were turned. did not remedy the problem. *ak the consumer states that the dealer will not replace, but will only turn (three times) to be turned less than three months. the problem still exists. the seventh time the vehicle has been in the shop for one problem or another, and feels that the vehicle is a lemon. the consumer also states that the dealer had the vehicle for twelve weeks for a knocking noise in the engine. a valve adjustment seems to remedy, the front end vibration still not repaireed. *scc

Turn signal lights failed during normal operation. dealership examined vehicle and determined that hazard light switch was the cause of problem. *ak dealer replaced hazard warning switch. weatherstrip around both rear side windows deformed, as well as both door panels, dealer replaced weatherstrip and door panels, experiencing ticking and whinning noise from engine, dealer states this was normal. *tt

The car made a horrible knocking noise shortly after i bought it brand new. 5 different dealers stated that the teflon from the rocker arms in the engine wore out and thatw as what was making the awful noise. itwas cosmetic, so to fix it would cost a lot of money. *ak also, the intake manifold on the car has cracked causing the engine/radiator to leak anifreeze out the exaust. gm needs to recall these cars because of all the problems. i can go on and on with my car. i have maintained it every 3,000 miles meticously and should not have this problem with a car that only has 60,000 miles.

The car's check-service engine light has come on repeatedly since i purchased it on 14 november 2001. the dealer has fixed the problem over a dozen times but it continues to be a problem. it was repaired again on 17 november 2003 and failed again the very next day. *ak

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*ak

Engine pings with no reason, rotors are looking bad early on. *ak

Vehicle stalls intermittantly at slow speeds and when making slow turns, dealer has replaced ignition switch but this did not remedy the problem. nlm

Driver heard knocking sound from engine. took to weber cevrolet and problem was fixed. piston and piston rings were bad. one week later driver hears popping noise from steeering column steering shaft was replaced. gold package decals were fading off as well. driver now hears knoking comming from engine again.

Vehicle stalls while driving, dealer can not remedy the problem, oil pan experienced a leak, service engine light and check engine light illuminated. *slc

Vehicle has stalled numerous times at speeds of 30-40 mph. vehicle taken to dealer 5 times, ignition was replaced, but did not remedy problem.*ak vehicle experiences hard start when cold, engine also makes noise. *yh

Engine pistons replaced at 2395 miles due to" piston slap". replaced all six pistons with teflon coated ones. patch areas on opposite sides of piston in area where the most vibration and wear occurs. all six pistons showed signs of significant wear in areas where teflon added. advised by different dealer ase certified mechanics & service manager that installing teflon coated pistons is just a short-term stop-gap measure and the problem would return. photos were taken of old pistons. brakes continue to make popping noise, like calipers are sticking and there is noticable reduced braking on wet surfaces. dealer says "nothing is wrong". rack and pinion failed initially at 4044 miles . replaced and the same sounds and feel has returned. 24 days out-of-service to date. will take action via lemon law after 6 more days out-of-service.*ak

2001 chevrolet malibu has developed problems with the braking and the cooling systems.***no answer required***. *mr one month after the vehicle was purchased the rotor assembly was replaced. the vehicle would turn over but it wouldn't start. the dealer replaced the fuel pump. when accelerating the vehicle's coolant light illuminated on the dash. the dealer determined that there was a leak at the by pass pipe at the lower intake manifold. the alternator was replaced under warranty. the hazard and turn signal switch were replaced. the right outer tie rod were worn loose. the dealer replaced the right outer tie rod ends and set the front end. the right front wheel bearing was replaced. the abs malfunctioned. *nm

Item#1) brought vehicle in for service for engine noise. advised pistons needed replacment. advised car was "safe to drive". pistons on national backorder. left copy of service repair order with saleswoman and advised her to contact general manager of dealership and chevrolet of problem. item#2) brakes, brought in vehicle for service on 02-14-2001 for brake instability on wet pavement. advised brakes were "normal" after test drive. no on hoist inspection was performed . brought in vehicle on 03-21-2001 for brakes and engine noise. advised brakes were "normal" again, no action was taken regarding brakes after road test by dealership. pistons needing replacment constitutes a failure of major drivetrain components and this vehicle will not be construed as "safe". a replacement vehicle must be provided or refund of all expenses and return of trade-in vehicle which was reliable.*ak

From the initial operation of the vehicle it smelled as if it had a slight oil leak on the exhaust. the vehicle emitted a slight odor that continued to grow stronger as the car was driven more. at no time could an oil leak be found. the car was eventually taken in for this problem and others on march 17, 2001. by april 24, 2001 chevrolet stated that the problem was determined to be related to the catalytic converter and they could not fix the problem. the car has not been able to be used since march 7, 2000 due to the acrid smell of burnt oil inside the car. the smell caused me to be unable to operate the car do to irriation to my sinus and eyes. i am concerned that this problem could cause someone to be seriosly ill and possibly lead to a collision as a result of impairment to the driver. *ak