1997 Chevrolet Malibu: rotors or pads wearing out early

Filed Dec 19, 2003 · Engine · 89,000 miles · MO

Intake manifold gasket, 1997 chevrolet malibu (3.1 v6 engine). My understanding is that this is an extremely common problem with gm products, particularly this engine and car. I also searched the complaints dadabase and I found that it appears to be a common problem. Also, theft system light coming and excessive brake pad wear and rotor warping appears to be a very common problem. This was fixed once, the problem is reaccuring. $1200 in major repairs so far on a 1997 chevrolet malibu, not to mention the other small but frequent repairs. I am dissatisfied with both of my recent gm products because they both had similar problems that lead to costy repairs or engine failure at 120,000 miles on a 1994 grand am and 89,000 miles on a 1997 malibu. I have had to fix the radio numerous times (cable comes unplugged quite often).

Filed Dec 12, 2002 · Brakes · ME

Excessive brake pad wear, and noise. Abs light on and off. Mechanic questioned wiring problem coming from wheel bearing to ABS light which could not be found. When ABS light is on the vehicle has no antilock brakes.

Filed May 21, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · AL

Anti- theft system activates ramdomly and the ignition will not start. Has been in the shop for repairs numerous times without success. The ABS light comes on at random. The rotors wear out excessively on this car. The cruise control cuts itself off while driving. We have also had sensors replaced on the air conditioner twice. Those are just the major problems.

Filed May 19, 2000 · Brakes, Suspension · IA

I have had three new front control arms put on. Now the rear suspension is bad. The brakes wear out fast because the rotors are junk, they need to be replaced every 15k to 20k miles. The car has 47k miles on it and I have owned it for 20k of those miles and have had the rotors replaced once and they need it again now. The brakes need replaced often as a result of the rotors wearing down so quickly. I don't know why this is but I urge chevy/gm to offer a solution shortly or they will lose a lot of loyal customers. I have spoken to a number of malibu owners with similar problems.

Filed Nov 24, 1999 · Brakes, Steering · NC

12 service visits, suspension control arms, rack and pinion, steering gear bad, brake rotors warped. All have been replaced 2 to 3 times and several reapir attempts with tape and bushings. Other items as well.

Filed Oct 28, 1999 · Brakes · GA

Brake calipers sticking causing premature brake pad wear and rotor damage

Filed Sep 29, 1999 · Brakes, Electrical · OH

We have had numerous things repaired or replaced on this car. Everything from the carpet to the radio to warped rotors. We are currently trying to "get out of" our lease due to the number of problems that we are experiencing. It's become quite a nuisance to have and we are dissappointed and even angry at the fact that these many problems have gone uninvestigated by the dealer that we take it to for repairs. Fortunately, there have been no serious malfunctions with the car causing accidents. We have an extensive list of repairs done to the car starting less than six months from the date of purchase. To date, we have had this car serviced for repairs on average, once every six weeks.

Filed Sep 24, 1999 · Tires · IL

The tires are 80,000 mile tires that need to be replaced at 35000 due to premature wear on the center rib. The center rib is bald, but the outer ribs have well over half of the original tread left. This was first noticed at about 12000 miles, so we ran the tires at 25psi to try to correct center wear. The inflation specs on the car door call for 29psi front, 26psi rear. We have kept the tires rotated and air pressure check at regularly scheduled times. The tires are becoming unsafe, and need to be replaced. The dealer will not warranty the tires, and firestone claims that the tire is only a 40,000 mile rated tire. The firestone customer service rep stated that the oem affinity tires were only 40,000 mile tires, but if I were to buy new affinity tires from a firestone dealer, I would get an 80,000 mile rated tire. The dealer checked the car for proper front and rear adjustment, and claims that the car is not at fault. We were given a 98 model malibu to drive while they checked our car that had 17,600 miles, and we noticed that the front tires on this car were worse than on our car, but the back tires were not quite as bad. It looked as though the tires had never been rotated on this car. Of course, the dealer states that if we had brought the car in 20,000 miles sooner, he could have done something for me.of course he could say that now that it is already past. Gm and firestone both think it is the responsibility of the other to be responsible for the tires. Furthermore, the dealer's service dept suggested I run the tires at 35psi and tried to send me home with the tires inflated to that amount of air pressure. The tires are becoming unsafe, and need to be replaced.( dot number: tire size: p215/60r15 )

Filed Aug 5, 1999 · Brakes · GA

Front brake rotors warped & uneven. Has happened twice before. Had the rotors turned at least twice. Mechanic could not locate cause of problem.

Filed May 10, 1999 · Brakes · VA

Brake rotors warped and pads worn causing vibration while braking. Mjs

Filed Apr 25, 1998 · Brakes · UN

Front brake problem; excessive pad wearing and rotor scoring. Dealer claims this is normal.

Filed Feb 2, 1998 · Brakes · TX

Rotors warping and causing the front end to vibrate when braking, pulling to the right making it hard to steer.