Problems with 1999 Chevrolet Malibu ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

My car started leaking engine cooler, i had it checked, they said it was coming from the overflow valve or hose, and that i may have put too much in there. and then one morning i got up and started to drive, it cranked up fine and then i started hearing a noise, i didn't know where it was coming from , so i took it back home. one mechanic said it may be my intake manifold or a gaskets, i really don't know much about cars, but i know it will probably cost a lot of money that i don't have to fix the problem, i probably will try to trade it sometime in the near future, i spent a lot of money keeping my car running, if you can make some suggestions , it would be greatly appreciated. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet malibu. while the contact was attempting to lift open the hood of the vehicle the engine coolant suddenly splashed on top of the engine and the pavement below the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact had the coolant tank replaced. two weeks after the repair while traveling at 20 mph the contact noticed that coolant had begun leaking and that smoke was coming from the front end of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. the failure mileage was 155,000.

The motor keep going out. *tr

I have a chevy/malibu. i have been replacing the gasket, it seems, every two years. i have just learned about the recall. i am applying for reimbursements for parts and repairs. *tr

The headlights get condensation behind them and i have seen several complaints on internet. also the coolant tank needs to be refilled more than average. *tr

1999 chevrolet malibu upper and lower manifold gaskets replaced. consumer believes there should be a class action suit for this problem. consumer would like to know how to get reimbursed. *kb the dex-cool coolant corrodes all parts of the engine it comes in contact with including the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet malibu. while driving 30 mph the engine coolant indicator light illuminated on the dashboard. the contact took the vehicle to a mechanic, who stated that the intake manifold gasket failed, allowing the coolant to flow into the engine. the current and failure mileages were 54,300. *ak

After replacing my intake gasket 8 months ago, my car still overheats. one of my cooling fans is not working. my ac level controls 1 & 2 doesn't work, only 3,4, and 5. ac shuts off on its own. my engine belt went from sqeaking to making a noise i never heard before. now my car is non operational due to a knocking sound coming from the engine. so far in the past 8 months, i replaced my intake gasket $600, replaced my engine belt cost $120, replaced my brake pads and caliper twice in the past 2 years $250 each time. now i'm looking at another major repair job. help me please

Rotor replacement x 3. suspension - front replaced. calipers x3. tire wear and leaks - replaced annually. radio - bad wiring. a/c in dash wiring replaced twice. rear light assembly replaced twice. leaking in rear light assembly and trunk. coolant leak - 8/06 at 74000 miles. mechanic believes it is the water pump. a/c sensor replaced. *nm

Coolant system overheating. *nm

My 1999 chevrolet malibu will suddenly stall in hot weather on a highway. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the low coolant light illuminated. the dealership determined antifreeze was leaking into the engine and replaced the intake manifold gasket. three years later, the vehicle had the same problem and the dealership replaced the same component.

Chevrolet malibu 1999. 84000 miles. in the last four years i had to replace the tail lights twice this is the entire unit which cost over $250 each i also had to replace the stop/brake light bulbs at least six times on each side. the socket that holds the bulbs keep melting and last december it melted to the point that i saw smoke coming out and when i opened the plastic socket was completely melted. as of now neither light is working. i checked in this site and nhtsa action number rq04005 indicates the following: gm in december 2004, gm will issue a special policy for my 1999-2000 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles not covered under recall 03v327. the policy covers turn signal/hazard flasher failure for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever occurs first) to provide a no cost replacement of the hazard switch. gm will send letters to owners starting december 30, 2004. the actions taken by the manufacturer is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists. the agency reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances. i called gm as well as the local chevy dealer and they would not replace the light they claim the agreement was only for some of the 1999 chevy malibu and my vehicle [xxx] is outside the range they are covering. i was told by a gm customer service to wait and see if they recall other cars. i am very disappointed of the advice as this is a safety issue. also, the information and agreement posted on nhtsa (see above) does not indicate any exceptions. can someone investigate this please? in addition to this problem, the coolant was leaking and i had to have the manifold removed and a new gasket put in twice. replaced brake pads 5/6 times and rotors once. *nm updated 07/16/2012*js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 60 mph, the engine ran hot. in march 2006, the service dealer could not locate any problem. in oct 2006, the vehicle ran hot again causing smoke to come out from under the engine. when pulled over, the contact discovered the vehicle needed antifreeze. the contact filled the antifreeze and tried to drive the vehicle again. within one mile smoke came out of the engine and the antifreeze was empty again.

Vehicle has just reached 62000 miles. most recent incident - all dashboard warning lights came on-car died and had to be towed to dealer. replaced alternator - supposedly "common" at this mileage. six weeks prior - coolant indicator keeps coming on. dealer replaced lower intake manifold gasket and water pump. also told common in this car at this mileage. brakes done also - rotors needed replacement - again supposedly common in the malibu. *jb

Dt: the contact stated the coolant light illuminated. he checked the coolant and it was low due to a leak from the intake manifold gaskets. he contacted the manufacturer. repairs will be made at the consumers expense.*ak updated 01/11/06. *jb

. 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.

Brakes and rotors have been replaced 3 times since 2002- a/c goes off and on- ignition switch replaced due to electrical failure- driver's side window don't roll down- alternator and battery replaced- intake manifold gasket and radiator replaced. *nm

Coolant leaking. have refilled several times. took to car x, told me intake manifold gasket is leaking, has not failed but all engines of this type fail at some point. is a known problem. checking internet, that seems to be the case. has not been repaired yet because of time involved and money ($600). would like to see the part recalled.*ak

I have had dex cool anti-freeze leaking from intake gasket manifold, causing engine damage. i have heard that the problem is caused by the dex-cool attacking the gasket and deteriorating it.*ak

Consumer complained about an intake manifold gasket problem. it was leaking. owner contacted the dealer and the manufacturer. owner was told that it was common for this to break after 60,000 miles. *ak when the consumer purchased the vehicle the mechanic told him the intake gasket was defective. the engine was leaking coolant. *tc

I first noticed the low antifreeze light came on after the car was sitting for over 6 hours. after stopping to see what was wrong, the light went off. after getting home, i looked at the engine and noticed a collection of antifreeze pooling on the engine, and much sludge collected on the engine. i refilled the antifreeze reservoir and took the car into bob montgomery chevrolet, louisvile, kentucky. they indicated that the intake manifold gasket needs replacement, which is what i figured after doing some research online. apparently, this problem has been reported before by over 1100 car owners, and is a design flaw with this particular engine. moreover, some research indicates that the design has not been corrected, and therefore can be expected to reoccur. my problem first occurred during the first week i owned the car, fall of 2000. this incident was repaired under warranty by uebelor chevrolet, jasper, indiana, and has not recurred until now. this complaint should be added to the large group that came before it. *jb

Vehicle was taken to dealer for regular maintenance, and results showed that the intake manifold was leaking fluid, which could cause it to overheat. manufacturer will be contacted by consumer.*ak

The intake manifold has been replaced 2 times on this car. we are still having engine cooling problems. it is in the shop as we speak. now they are looking at the head gaskets due to coolant leaking into the overflow. there has been numerous complaints i have found in regards to this model. why isn't anyone contacting the chevy to get this design flaw corrected and compensation for the affected consumers who were unfortunate enough to buy this particular model? *jb

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

Engine coolant light came on. took car in to get checked while having oil change and was told that there was a coolant leak in both the upper and lower intake manifolds.*ak

Intake valve. seal leaked , lost anti freeze almost over heated engine. *ak

I have contacted gmc chevrolet division via their customer service line to no avail. i have several pages of documentation that supports the vehicle i drive(1999 malibu) is one that chevy should be ashamed to attribute to the "made in america" caqmpaign. i have had to replace on seven occasions the rear stop/tail lights. the bulbs burst, they simply stop and as of 08/14/04 i have replaced yet another set of bulbs except this time the lights failed to work at all. the worker at napa auto store in riverdale georgia even checked the fuses and found no fuse blown; he even showed me the fuses as he pulled them. additonally i have had to replace the intake manifold gasket and the heag gasket;this is a common problem with these vehicles and there is a technology bulletin from gm that supports the intake mainifold gasket was/iis faulty because of the material it is made from on this vehicle on several gm mid-size vehicles. the dexcool product turns to sludge and thereby creates a leak. i read in the atlanta journal constitution that your agency's intervention has prompted gm to recall the chevrolet malibus from 200-202 (?) to correct the rear light problem and the article stated consideration was being given to extending the recall to the 1999 model for the same problem( rear light). i really need to find out the status of this attempt becasue i currently am unable to drive at night because i will be ticketed.*ak

Anti-freeze is leaking from intake manifold gasket causing engine damage. i have heard that the problem is caused by dex-cool anti-freze. this new type of anti-freeze attacks the gasket material. the cause could also be inferior gasket material specified by gm.*ak

Water light coming on intermittently - taken to dealership 3 times for repair. after warrenty,car regularly overheats and the light came on and book said 'coolant' problem. i had radiator flushed and filled with antifreeze. car now continues to overheat. mechanics (3 so far) said this is a common problem with chevrolets. cost would be $800 - $1,000 to repair leakage around lower intake gasket. i believe if this is a common problem with chevrolets and it will continue to happen yearly, chevrolet should be responsible for repairs.

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. *nm

Intake gasket was leaking coolant, and the engine was running hot. consumer had to check it everyday. also, had to add coolant. *ak

I had frequent loss of coolant, and drips on my driveway surface. upon taking to dealer i was informed that intake gasket leaking. also i was told brakes were almost gone. at 53,000 miles this seemed excessive on both counts. the replacement of the intake gasket was about $700.00. replacing the pads and turning rotors cost $250.00. this makes the 3rd set of pads, and resurfacing of the second set of rotors since i bought the car new. shortly after the repairs the abs light started coming on whenever making a turn. brought the car into the dealer in may and was told that the front wheel bearing assy needed to be replaced. i was also told that this occurance had nothing to do with the recent brake job, even though there were no problems until i had the brake job done at their recommendation. the dealer, while acknowleding no blame paid 50% of the repair leaving me with a $200.00 bill. in little more that 30 days i have spent $1200 on critical part repairs for a well maintained car with only 53000 miles. *ak

Consumer stated that anti-freeze was leaking in vehicle for about 3-4 months. consumer was told that there was a recall for the same problem. consumer has not yet taken vehicle to a mechanic, but will do so soon. *ak

Intake manifold gasket leak. replacement costing $613.00.*ak

Intake manifold gasket failing at 50,000 miles. *ak

Coolant leak from the intake manifold gaskets and related parts. *ak

On 8/20/2001 at 46,208 miles on my 1999 chev. malibu, coolant began to leak from the lower intake manifold gasket. dealership replaced gaskets under gmpp extended warranty. now on 3/12/04 at 75,600 miles, the replaced gaskets are leaking. after the first repair, i discovered that the original factory gaskets along with dex-cool coolant were defective. at the first repair, still defective gaskets were used to make the repair. after this first repair, gm released a newly redesigned gasket and procedure to address this issue. i feel that there needs to be a recall on the issue due to the number of consumers who are experiencing this same trouble. this could become a safety issue should the gaskets completely fail and allow coolant to mix with the oil. this would cause engine failure while driving, possible resulting in a crash.*ak

Plastic lower intake manifold gasket replaced under warranty @ 28,000 miles, and it needs to be done again @ 78,000 miles for a cost of $800.00. *jb

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. *ak

Ltr re defective 1999 chevrolet malibu coolant system, requesting reimbursement for repairs and a recall investigation.*mr the intake gaskets and the water pump had to be replaced it cost the consumer almost $2000.00 for repairs. *cb also the brake pads were replaced. *jb

Gm 3.1 litre v6 intake gasket leak at appox.60,000 miles and again at 85,000 miles. *ak

Engine coolant leaking. *ak

This 1999 chevrolet malibu was purchased in july 2001 in had a water leaking problem took 3 tries before they found it needed thermostat gasket didn't even have one in it they sold it to me .this way with a promise it had been fixed. within the first year i had the car they had to replace both front wheel bearings & strut bushings. then the alternator went out & it cause my battery to go bad overcharged it they replaced alternator but refused to re-emburse me for the battery. then ignition switch caused problem with anti-theft system would not start. had that replaced in march 2002. then anti-lock brake system went out had to have it replaced window switch very slow had to be cleaned another one not working at all now, not covered under warranty, at this time also had to have anti theft system fixed again light on all the time another bad ignition switch. also had blower motor & relay switch for heater to go out over the summer most of the interior lights have long ago burnt out & had to be replaced lock out for trunk lid also broke not covered on warranty. hub caps have lug nuts made in them that screw onto your lug bolts stripped out when took for repairs by dealer refused to replace them because they cost $500.00 for a new set. so i purchased the lug nut part & repalced it myself at a dealership for $10.00 set of 5. november of 2002 brakes & rotors were replaced in jan. 2003 brake pads replaced again in march 2003 pads replaced again in july 2003 pads replaced once again then in sept. 2003 master cylinder replaced in oct. 2003 master cylinder replaced again now it's nov 2003 & master cylinder being replaced again tomorrow.these cars have a real brake problem that needs to be fixed it's costing a fortune.*ak

I myself, had to have my intake manifold gasket replaced in my 1999 chevrolet malibu. it was recalled on certain vin numbers, but not mine. a friend of mine also owns this same make and model of the chevrolet malibu and she is currently having to have the same problem fixed. i am experiences several problems with my vehicle that i saw on a recall list for a particular set of vins. i find this to be a bit strange that i am currently having these manufacture defects, as well as others that own this make and model of this vehicle, and they are only recalling a select few. it seems strange that 3 people i know experience the same problems with this vehicle, yet, there is no recall on them.

Vehicle had catalytic converter and alternator go out completely within 10k of each other. once the cat had gone bad, it caused the valve seals on the engine to need to be replaced along with the intake manifold gasket, a $1300 job not covered by extended warranty. also have had break pad problems with them wearing unevenly. the vehicle was at a chevrolet dealer for almost a week before they guessed the problem-no one actually looked at my engine to verify that the seals needed to be replaced, i was so annoyed with waiting for a diagnosis, i had another mechanic complete the work and replace the cat. these problems also resulted in a midnight tow two hours away from home since my car would not start, taking more time and money out of my hectic schedule. *ak

Intake manifold gasket was defective-causing problems with stalling and ignition among others. car has stalled three times while in motion. chevy cannot replicate the problem. left me sit twice because it would not restart-eventually would restart after engine cooled. still runs terrible after some type of maintanence was completed on the car which chevy believes would fix the problem. has become an unreliable car and i am fearful of driving it due to the ignition stalling problems. chevy not really helpful in dealing with the situation.*ak

Intake manifold gasket leaking coolant after only 25,000 miles. numerous other complaints regarding this issue. all gm mechanics know about this issue but gm will not take responsiblity for this design flaw.

At about 27000mi (3000mi. service) i notified dealer of squeaking in front & rear suspension bushings. dealer sprayed lube on rear (about $100)and notified me that they would have to lower complete front end to lube front, approx $200 more. extended warranty didn't cover. at 30000 mi service dealer notified me i needed complete brake job. i inspected brakes while on lift. mechanic said he made mistake! he said that he hadn't pulled wheels of yet. said there was 80% left, repair invoice said 50% left. a little over a week later there was a puddle of trans fluid on garage floor & air conditioning smelled like urine when on, also switching itself from recirculation to fresh. took car to dealer, they replaced switch, deductible $se on extended warranty, sprayed something in outside vent (mold they said?), and tightened trans cooling line, their fault! three days later cooling leak, dealer replaced water pump, deductible $'s on extended warranty. two weeks later the rear power window actuator (motor & cable assembly) quit! i might have used this window 12 times since i bought 99 malibu ls from champion chevrolet, reno,nv. new in 12/99! all things considered, i feels like they are sabotaging my vehicle to get back at me for discovering they lied about brake job! also after reading your complaint list, i realize that i am not alone thinking that brakes, steering vibration, and reliability in general is poor on this vehicle. *ph

I don't know where to begin with the complaints that i have for my '99 malibu. the brake system on this car is the worst. i can't count the number of times that i have replaced my brakes. i was reading the complaint board and could not believe the number of people that had similar brake problems. you would think that the government would see some kind of pattern and make gm do something about this. i think car manufacturers should take some responsibility for the products they put out and someone should make sure that they do. i am now going to have to replace my intake gaskets because of anti-freeze leaking into the engine. i have seen over 50 complaints about this on the complaint board. i will never again buy a gm made vehicle. from now on i'm buying nothing but foreign made cars. my car is still sitting in my driveway waiting go get fixed because right now i can't afford the $400+ it's going to take to fix it. *la