Problems with 2001 Chevrolet Malibu ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car electrical components don't work when car is started then begin working sometime after the car is running 5-15 minutes. gauges, radio, ac, fan, do not work and i am worried the airbags are also not working. i see many complaints about this issue on the internet (http://repairpal.com/no-start-due-to-failed-passlock-sensor-300). i see the recall for replacing keys but this is the ignition switch that is failing.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was able to restart. the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 67,000.

Submission from constituent re gm recall. *smd 2001 chevrolet malibu. the consumer stated on june 21, 2014 her vehicle would not start. the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined, the ignition switch and lock cylinder needed to be replaced. the consumer eventually received a recall notice. she went back to the dealer, for reimbursement. however, the dealer stated that neither the notice or document id was composed in the way to acknowledge that due to the timing of the notification, that there would be some ignition systems that would be replaced free of charge, as a consequence due to the lateness of the key defect replacement notification. *jb

Anti theft passlock system, 2001 chevy malibu. locked me out for 3 time and will not allow me to start my car. 6 months ago had ignition switch changed out worked fine until repeated times being locked, won't start no matter how many times it is put through relearned cycle. now may loose my job, can not go to work for days now. *tr

2001 chevrolet malibu vehicle would not start, replace ignition switch*cw the consumer stated the vehicle failed to start on two separate occasions. the first time the incident happened, the security light was on and the ignition switch was loose. the second time, the ignition switch was replaced. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on several occasions. in addition, the key was extremely difficult to turn in order to start the vehicle. the contact also stated that the fuel gauge and the ventilation controls failed. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) and stated that the part was not available. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

2001 chevrolet malibu. consumer states two keys are being used. one for the doors and trunk, and another for the ignition after ignition lock cylinder and sensor were replaced. the consumer is requesting reimbursement. also, the fuel pump and fuel filter were replaced. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that several attempts had to be made before the vehicle could start. the contact stated that the vehicle was powered off and back on until the anti theft warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was able to be started after the anti- theft warning turn off. the failure recurred on multiple occasions. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the lock cylinder and key were faulty and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the power steering malfunctioned and the steering wheel seized. as a result, the vehicle crashed into ditch. the contact sustained an injury to the forehead and it was unknown if a police report was filed. the vehicle was destroyed. the manufacturer was not notified about the failure. after the failure, the contact received a notice for nhtsa campaign 14v400 (electrical system). the approximate failure was 87,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while waiting at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred on three occasions. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician replaced the ignition switch. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 73,315.

Headlights, all gauges, and all other electrical devices cut off while driving 45mph on a busy highway at night. unable to see without headlights or be seen. unable to detect speed of vehicle. unable to use heater. unable to lock or unlock doors. unable to determine fuel level. unable to safely operate vehicle due to malfunction of all electrical components during operation. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the ignition switch failed and caused the key not to release from the ignition. the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failure. the dealer replaced the ignition switch twice. the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v470000 (electrical system). the vehicle was repaired. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 50,000.

Yesterday as i was driving, the passlock, (anti theft system) had shut the car down. luckily i was only on side streets and there weren't a lot of people out at the time. it got me looking into ways to solve this problem, and it amazed me how many other people are having this issue of cars dying on them with this issue. i have been told by many mechanics that it is a common problem with these cars, yet im unsure of why there has never been a recall. its only a matter of time before this causes a serious accident, or kills someone. *tr

I have never received a notice that my 2001 chevy malibu was involved in any recall. starting nov. 11, 2013, the ignition system would shut off when driving. my mechanic replaced a relay and checked the electrical connections for a total charge of $297.46 including towing. the problem continued so on 12/24/13 with electrical diagnosis and replacement of the body control module, i incurred a charge of $813.20. with the two charges totaling $1,110.20 i feel now related to the key set issue. fortunately i just use the car in town and have not driven on freeways at higher speeds because i recognized the potential existed for some kind of hazardous condition. *tr

2001 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to ignition lock cylinder recall notice repairs and seeks reimbursement. *smd the consumer stated the ignition lock cylinder was replaced on november 5, 2013. *jb

Hi, it's me.... again. imagine that with my chevy malibu. i went to start the car this morning. however, it wouldn't. i could hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds then turn off. the engine would fire briefly, and then stop. the starter is working great. so i turned to google. i found, like so many of the complaints on here that the anti-theft system is to blame. it likes to random turn on, preventing the car from starting. i called the dealer to ask what chevy was going to do to fix chevy's busted anti-theft system. i was told to turn the key to the "on" position for 10 min. the anti-theft would reset, and then i could start me car. they forgot to tell me that it would continue to do this until i spend $500 of my own money to fix a problem chevy knows about. why should i have to pay to fix something that is due to poor engineering and manufacturing on chevy's part? oh what.... corporate america says so. they are bigger than me, and therefore are more important than putting out a reliable product to consumers. chevy is a great example of a corporate greed manager. just man up and fix your crappy cars. *tr

Yet again it is me. as many of you on here know there is an electrical problem with the malibu that appears to be a grounding issue according to my local auto mechanic. this is what happens: i am driving along and for no apparent reason the car's electrical shuts off. including the radio, ac/heat, engine gauges, speedo, tach, everything inside including head lights. this happens about every other month. after reading over the 594 reports on here i have gained and understanding that alot of you have the same issue. chevy, i just want to take a sarcastic moment to thank you. to thank you for everything you don't do. thank you for producing unsafe cars and not having the morality to care at all about peoples lives, and the fact that we have to actually work hard for our money unlike your corporate "big wigs". then we spend our hard earned money on an "american" brand car, which turns out to be junk and its manufacture doesn't care if it really works or not and is unsafe. thank you chevy. you are the best!!!! *tr

2001 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to gm recall #14350.* ld the consumer stated she maybe entitled to a refund, as she experienced two failures with the ignition switch. the repair shop replaced the ignition tumbler and ignition switch. *jb

Tl-the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. the failure occurred twice. the independent mechanic repaired the ignition switch. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 175,000. ne

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the technician diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was unknown.

Theft system engages for no reason, and have to wait ten minutes before car will start. this should be a recall on gm's part to fix this. *tr

2001 chevrolet malibu. consumer states got repairs done due to recall. but have yet to receive reimbursement. *ta the consumer stated the vehicle would not start. the ignition cylinder was replaced. *jb

2001 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to ignition switch problems. *smd the ignition switch was replaced, prior to the receiving the recall notice. *jb

Cruise control slips as well as dashboard beeps

I have a 2001 chevy malibu. the theft system keeps coming on and prevents my car from starting. this has been going off and on over the last 3 years. this time i happened to be driving the car when it shut down. my door locks won't function properly because of this. i do not have the money to take this in to get repaired just for this to go out again. i had it done when i first purchased the car now it needs fixed again. gm needs to do a recall on the passlock sensor. there are alot of people that are having this problem and you would think by now that gm would do a recall to fix this problem. *tr

On at least 10 occasions over the past 10 years when attempting to start the vehicle the anti-theft passlock system will activate for no apparent reason, which disables the ability to start the engine by cutting off the fuel. if i turn the ignition key to on position and wait for 10 minutes, then turn the key to the off position and then attempt to start the engine it will startup successfully. this is very annoying and potentially dangerous when it happens while parked in dark parking lots late at night or operating the vehicle in very cold weather. this problem has been reported by tens of thousands of gm owners over the past several years. why hasn't gm been forced to repair the problem. *tr

Anti theft system on this car along with hundreds if not thousands of people have left us stranded. you call the dealer they say nothing of the reset stuff that is in the book. i did not have a book went on line last winter the first time it happened. dealer said bring it in and get it tested never once offered the fix in book,so if they have a fix in manual don't you think they know its an ongoing issue???? please make them do the right thing. this is the 6th time for me 3 on my way to work. call polar chevrolet and tell them your car wont start and anti theft system is on bet ya get the same answer i did. they are ripping the consumer off with bogus fixes for a problem they know about. i drive a school bus for a living i just need to get to work. google antitheft chevy malibu check it out please! next site is abc cbs nbc and cnn. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the blower for the air conditioning system malfunctioned and the power windows failed to go back up after being rolled down. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 59,148. updated 11/20/14*lj *js

2001 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to gm recall #14350.* ld the consumer experienced a problem with the ignition switch, in which the vehicle stalled several times while driving. the ignition switch was replaced.*jb

The turn signals on my 2001 chevy malibu stopped working then they started working again they seem to be intermittent and sometimes pushing the four way flasher will make them work again its a constant problem and never knowing when your turn signals will work is very annoying and quit dangerous. *tr

I crank the car and it wants to catch but acts like there is no gas or something? theft system light is on solid not blinking. my car has been stuck in the parking lot of my job for 2 days. *tr

I've had several issues now with the theft system on my 2001 malibu. it happens about every couple days to weeks now & is becoming a major problem with my job & also when it happens at night when i'm in a dark parking lot, outs not the best situation to be in. im a single mom & have had plenty of problems with this car but this seems to be the worst & constant one of them all. if gm knew this would be a problem then they should have done the right thing for their consumers & taken care of the defect, which is not our fault yet we the consumers have to pay & suffer for it. *tr

When trying to start he car the security light will flash, the car will rev, sound like it is trying to start but won't. took it to a repair shop and the mechanic said that it was due to the security system not reading the key and shutting the fuel to the car so it will not start. upon researching this i have found that this is a very common problem with this car. *tr

I went to start the car and it wouldn't start. the theft light came on and wont go off. i only had the car for two days and this happens. i don't have the money to take the car to the dealership or get another car. i lose my job in a week due to the place closing down. *tr

Chevy malibu, 2001. the theft system is ridiculous! i'm not trying to steal my own car, and would rather have it stolen than sit in a scary dark parking lot all alone waiting for it to start back up. also, the anti-lock brake system sucks. noone around where i live even deals with it. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the alarm system activated and shut off the fuel system without reason. the failure recurred several times and each time, he would have to wait fifteen minutes for the alarm system to deactive in order for the vehicle to start. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 83,000 and the current mileage was 84,200.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle would fail to start sporadically, as a result of the anti-theft pass lock system malfunctioning. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the anti-theft pass lock system and was advised by the manufacturer stated that there were no recalls for the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 103,000.

When i tried to start the car, the engine turned but the car would not start. the theft light in the dash would flash. i called gm dealer and they explained that many of the gm models of these years had a similar problem. he said there was a fault in the ignition switch where the theft system was not recognizing the key as being the correct key for my automobile. he told me to turn the ignition switch to the on position for at least 10 minutes and the theft light would go out, and then i could start the car. he said to bring it in and they could repair/replace the problem for around $500 dollars. after starting the car and having the repairs made, again within two years, the theft light in the dash started flashing again and the car would not start until i left it sitting with the key/ignition in the on position for the 10 minutes it takes to reset the theft security system. i think gm should have to repair this problem. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated occasionally the vehicle will not start and the warning lights are no longer illuminating. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. the dealer was not notified of the failure. the vin was not accepted at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage was 22,000 and the current mileage was 23,000.

Anti-theft system passlock randomly activates and prevents starting of car -- must leave key in car for 10-15 minutes and then it starts. it happened again. did internet search regarding malibu starting problems and saw lots of people have same problem i have but when the cars are taken in they are told they need ignition switch or some other thing but after replacement still have the problem. other people on the internet expressed that this is a safety issue and i agree -- having a car that may or may not start at any given time is not safe. for example, what if engines cuts off or is turned off and car needs to be moved for an emergency or safety reason but wont start for 10-15 minutes?! has happened more than 12 times over the 10 years we have owned it. lost count. bought it new. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the ignition switch and the keys. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 76,000. updated 11/24/14*lj the consumer stated the manufacturer refused to honor the recall reimbursement. updated 08/13/2015 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact was driving 50 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. the anti theft system warning light illuminated after the failure and the vehicle restarted. the failure repeated many times after the initial failure. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was not notified. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 146,000 and the current mileage was 180,766.

I went outside to crank up the car and it would not start. it would crank but would not start and the anti-theft light would flash. researched the internet for possible causes and was advised to put the key in the on position for about 10 minutes to bypass the theft system. it seems as if the theft system kicks in and kills the car so that it will not start. this has happened several times. i am always able to get the car to start after about 10 minutes of it being in the on position, but there is clearly an issue with the wiring as this is a common complaint on the internet about these cars. *tr

[note that i lived in ontario, canada] i stopped my car in a parking lot, but then could not get started. i called the gm dealership and was told to wait for 20 min while leaving the key in the on position. it worked. but when i checked the internet (http://www.car-forums.com/s9/t1545.html) and found this problem is very common. for example, 1) i have found thousands of complaints about the passlock anti theft system defects. please take 5 minutes to file a complaint to the nhts about this matter. http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ gm does not care about this problem. do not give them anymore of your money. they will not recall this problem. with enough complaints to the nhts the government will recall this product and make gm fix at their expense 2) i am the not to proud owner of a 2002 chevy malibu. my lastest repair is the passlock sensor..........a whole whoppin $500 plus the cost of my rental car and tow bill. this lovely gm product has been the worst car i have ever owned!! i think by the time it is paid off in another year almost everything under the hood will have been replaced. i will never again own a gm hunk of junk.......there is definately something to be said about owning a foreign car.....i guess you get what you pay for!!! the american car makers should be ashamed of the quality of product that is being built!! i am proud to be american but will never again be the owner of an american made vehicle 3) ..hi there, i'm a canadian university student with a 1997 chev malibu that has that :cussing: passlock system. that thing drives me insane and there is many a time that i am stuck sitting in my car for 10 minutes in a dark parking lot away from my school while it does its thing. i personally find that more dangerous than my car being stolen

Our chevy 2001 malibu has a defective anti theft system that many other complain about also. it disables the car at the most in opportune times that can be life threatening in some instances. gm should recall this and they have not. *tr

Anti-theft system passlock randomly activates and prevents starting of car -- must leave key in car for 10-15 minutes and then it starts. figured out it was not the battery because had just gotten a new one when it happened again. did internet search regarding malibu starting problems and saw lots of people have same problem i have but when the cars are taken in they are told they need ignition switch or some other thing but after replacement still have the problem. other people on the internet expressed that this is a safety issue and i agree -- having a car that may or may not start at any given time is not safe. for example, what if engines cuts off or is turned off and car needs to be moved for an emergency or safety reason but won't start for 10-15 minutes?! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that when attempting to start her vehicle the auto theft system locked her out and would not allow entry for at least 10 minutes. the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. the manufacturer had not been contacted. the vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic. the vin was not available. the current mileage was approximately 120,000. the failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. while attempting to start the vehicle, the anti-theft light illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. the current and failure mileages were approximately 65,000.

When i go to start my car-2001 chevy malibu the anti theft light comes on and the car will not start. this has been ongoing for amonth and chevy will not fix. i have researched the internet to find this is a common problem and chevy will not fix or recall. please help. i am a sr citizen with a severely disabled husband. this happens daily. i had it towed and the garage said a battery needed to be replaced. so it was and it still does it. *tr

The anti-theft won't let me start my car for several minutes in the morning an other times. it takes forever to get started an i need to get a recall on it hopefully. i'm only one of many with this problem. please help me get this resolved. *tr