Dealer had replaced ignition switch, and problem still recurring.
1997 Chevrolet Malibu electrical complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 87, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Poor manufacturing and quality of vehicle components.
Key will not turn in ignition. Had to replace switch twice.
The vehicles computer system malfunctioned. The warning lights for ABS brakes and anti theft would come on frequently. Finally the dealer replaced the computer control module.
Alternator belt broke, car over heated and anti freeze boiled over.
There has been numerous problems with the brakes, they have been replaced every 20,000 miles. The cruise control has been fixed a few times and needs repair again. Now, the engine has started to consume oil and I have been told it needs replacement. The malibu is a lemon of a car.
Rear tail lights have a tendency to overheat, short out circuit board inside tail light. Owner has had to replace 5 bulbs from the tail light assembly, along with one light recepticle. Please describe details.
Consumer states intermittently the vehicle anti-theft light would come on while driving, within a few seconds it would start to flicker on/off, when this occurs the vehicle would cut off, dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. *jb also, consumer states dealer replaced fuse, multifunction switch, dome lamp wiring, ignition lock cylinder, power steering hose, fuel pump, engine mount, heater, left door window switch, right front seat belt, left front door handle cover, and left front door lock switch.
Brake lights went out at unknown time to driver resulting in rear end collison by another automobile. Instrument panel went black and emitted a black smoke resulting in unoperative use of any fan/heat/defrost..main instrument of power windows on driver side operated enough to roll down windows but not roll up drivers side resulting in ice/snow/rain buildup. Alternator went out 4 times resulting in power failure on highway resulting in crash into guard rail. Please provide us with any information to protect our family and prevent any future accidents..thank you very much. Nlm
Car would not start. Anti-theft light kept flashing. 1st occurrence happended on 10/20/00 and then again on 11/11/01. Dealer diagnosed as defective housing and tumbler and replaced both at the cost of $396.39 each time.
In june of 1999, the anti-theft lock system malfunctioned which prevented consumer from starting vehicle. Dealership did repairs to correct this problem. In october of 2001, anti-theft lock system malfunctioned again, preventing consumer from starting vehicle. *ak consumer stated that the anti theft system malfunctioned on 4 different occasions, the light would come on and stay on at times, also consumer went to have fuel filter replaced and was informed that the quick release connection at fuel filter needed to be replaced quickly, because when it was installed at the factory it was some how bent.
5 different times, vehicle stalling in the middle of traffic causing exteme anxiety and stress, replace the PCM. Check engine light is on, due to cap cracked, replace fuel cap, clean code road test ok. Gas pedal loose, replace accel pedal shaft and bracket assembly
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak (dot number: 0 tiresize: 215r60-15)
When the defroster is turned on, fuses in vehicle short out, causing all gauges and electrical systems to fail including the lights. A private mechanic replaced compressor in vehicle to correct this defect.*ak vehicle also has a head gasket leak.
Horn assembly would only respond intermittently when in use. Acts as if electrical system has a short in it. Have not taken to dealership.
Ignition switch went bad keeping vehicle from starting. Dealr has been contacted.
The starter and ignition failed causing the key to become stuck in the start position with the engine racing, the vehicle could not be turned off nor could the key be removed, the battery had to be disconnected at the dealer to shut the vehicle off. Nlm
Vehicle experienced electrical problems.
Loud squeaking noise coming from the idle pulley. Had that part replaced with new part. By the time I got home noise was back. Brought car back to mechanic this morning. He is checking to see if new part was defected or if belt needs replacement. I am very disappointed with the malibu's performance. In the 3 years that I have the car, I have replaced front and back brakes, alternator, battery, etc. Etc. And now the idle pulley (hopefully nothing else major).
Power steering seemed rough brought car to dealer and they replaced box $689.00, I brought car in for oil change dealer said it needed rack and pinion and new lower control arms $2000.00 approx. I was driving and battery light went on brought to a shop open at night needed a new alternator and battery.I contacted gm and they said they had no complaints on any of the following.I guess they lied with all the information I have found.
The way horn is assembled it does not work when applied. Dealer has not been contacted.
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
I cannot start the car. The key lock loose. Friend had same problem. I put the key into the lock to start the car and the key does not turn. This makes the mileage a guess, as it is electronic and only displayed when the key turns over. Friend said his wife found this problem documented somewhere on the internet but I was unable to find it. Thank you.
Vehicle would shake while driving. Suspension was bad in the front. Also, battery did not work & needed charging/ windshield needed replacing due to wind singing/ vehicle would stall/ brake rotors were warped, and tires were wearing out excessively due to the poor suspension. Vehicle at dealer.
This car is a lemon (wife's car). In many instances, the car would not start at all, despite it being brand new. While parked or driving, the instruments would go haywire (pinning and moving violently), and the dash lights would turn on and off by themselves. In addition, my wife's brakes failed for a few seconds, then started working again. The front end makes a strange noise, and the ride is very harsh. Been to the dealer many times for the electrical system problem, but they did not 'find anything wrong'! At this point, they should have given us professional customer service and a new car! This is the last time we are buying an american car. It's japanese and german from now on!!
No summary
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.
Vehicle has experienced continued problems with engine failure at idle , several repair attempts however continues to experience failures. Mjs
The same electrical failure has now happened 4x. No one has any idea why it happens or how to fix it.
When putting the key into the ignition switch the cylinder will not turn, cause unknown. Dealer replaced the cylinder three times which has not corrected the problem. Please give any further details. *ak
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