Problems with 2001 Chevrolet Malibu POWER TRAIN

While driving on the highway, when vehicle is traveling upward on an incline, the transmission causes "lunging" of the vehicle. car would lunge than back off trying to maintain the current speed if the vehicle. i could observe the surges on the rpm gauge, as it would fluctuate up and down between 2200 and 2400 rpm while lunging was taking place. then suddenly the gauge would jump up to around 3200-3400 rpm, and the lunging stopped and car regained regular speed. this occurrence happens on every incline at highway speeds, and there is no difference whether operating manually or with the cruise control operating. problem is not so noticeable on inclines at lower speeds while city driving (milder lunging i guess) but still occurs on steep inclines only then; on highway it occurs on all inclines. (i have only owned this car for about a week now, but it is extremely worrisome, and i was surprised to not find any recall for this problem, as a mechanic i met said his malibu has been doing that for the past 7 years and indicated there had been a recall for it; yet i found none listed.

Over the past month, the malibu has stalled out while driving. it has occurred both on acceleration and deceleration one time almost causing a broadside impact as my son pulled out to make a left onto a bust street. he was fortunate and the oncoming driver was able to brake in time. we took it to a garage that said our ignition switch had to be replaced, which we had done. curious because this is the exact problem that has occurred with the other vehicles involved in the chevy recall, but our vehicle has yet to be recalled for this obviously hazardous defect. *tr

Car was forced off road then rolled over into on coming traffic. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated the vehicle was parked in the driveway with the key in the ignition and the vehicle turned off. her three year old child was able to move the shifter from park to neutral and the vehicle proceeded to roll away into heavy traffic. a crash did not occur. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was approximately 28,500.

While driving on a highway after going over a pot hole the car turned off. after shifting into neutral and pulling to the side of the road i put it in park and started it back up. it started up fine but when i started driving it was very hard to make turns. after taking it to a mechanic they said the power steering went out and it needs a new rack and pinion and new power steering pump. they said it could be related to an ignition switch recall so i called gm. they said the ignition switch was covered by a recall but not anything related to the power steering. *tr

5 mos after purchasing car, the transmission had to be replaced. a few months later the engine would shut off while driving on the road. the following parts have been replaced: ignition module, spark plugs, fan belt, water pump, knock sensor, camshaft position sensor, crankshaft sensor, ignition switch. *nm

I purchased my car at robbins chevrolet in houston, tx in 2001. i also purchased an extended warranty. i had been having acceleration problems with the car from the start. last month the car would not start. i took it to robbins and they said it was the pcm module, which is under warranty. they said the pcm that was in my vehicle was not for a chevy malibu. robbins said the pcm was for a pontiac, which is a gm product. we have only had the vehicle serviced at robbins & landmark chevy. robbins wants us to pay for the pcm which is under warranty. i should not have to pay for a part that is under warranty. the part could have came from the factory or switched at the dealership. do i need to take leagal action to get this problem solved??? the service director is tommy morton

At 500 miles it was found that rack and pinion steering system was not properly installed at the factory. rack and pinion system failed at 48,000 miles. at 49,000 miles the front axle shafts need to be replaced. this in addition to many other repairs that were performed on this car.*ak

Abs light goes on and stays on. took to dealer on two different occasions, hubs had to be replaced apoximately. 2003 and jan. 2005. *ak

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

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.

The pcm light illuminated.*jb

While vehicle was in park and with no warning gears jump into reverse, causing vehicle to roll back. dealer notified.*ak

Problem first reported on 5 june. car spent all day 6 june at the dealer they could not find a problem.june 9 transmission had problems shifting. june 14 transmisson at low speeds in heavy shifted in and out of gear.june 14 car went to the dealer and at this time it is still at stan roberts chevrolet. i should not be having transmission problems with less than 3000 miles on the car. *ak