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.
1997 Chevrolet Malibu engine complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 64 of 64, newest first, as owners wrote them.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Consumer stated there was a bad squeak noise coming from the rear of vehicle, the dealer replaced the rear stabilizer insulator bushings.
I bought this 1997 malibu with 20,000 miles on odometer in 1998. In one month I noticed coolant system warning light coming on. I added anti freeze and water to system. This would last about a month and I would have to add more coolant. On 2/ 26/2002 the light came on and I added more coolant. I drove about 4 miles and coolant warning light came on again. I checked oil dip stick and it registered about two inches above full. I knew then that water was in my oil. The coolant had never leaked out where I could see it on the ground. I had to pay $430.00 to have gaskets replaced for the intake manifold . My other problem is that the front disk brakes are wearing out much faster than any car that I have owned. I have replaced two set of front disc pads and have had rotors turned and replaced. I am very light on brakes and have had extremely good ware on other autos. After 2000 miles they are making a noise again. The pads are guarantied for life by the manufacturer .
Motor mounts are defective. If consumer would continue to drive then motor and transmission could fall out of vehicle. Please provide.
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.
While driving and without warning vehicle will completely shut down, cause unknown. Please give any further details.
While driving engine overheated. Vehicle was taken to dealer to be repaired. Once again had to be repaired, and dealer said that engine had been worn out.
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).
Engine failed due to gasket leaks. Yh
The right side engine mount has sheared off, causing engine to have no support on that side, it was hanging.
Coolant seeps out.
The oil pan on the car has defective gaskets the engine manifold has defective gaskets the emergency brake light does not work the brakes have had to be replaced twice in less than 36,000 miles.
Air conditioner cuts off, engine fails to start (security system), carpet has disentegrated, front end problems, brake pad replaced and belt.
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.
Upon initial start up with cold engine, engine runs fine until driver attempts to accelerate. Upon acceleration engine runs extremely rough, has no power, and will stall as soon as pressure is released from accelerator pedal. Engine is difficult to restart. Once restarted engine continues to run rough, etc until near normal operating temperatures are reached. Vehicle is unsafe to drive until normal operating temperatures are attained due to stalling and lack of power. This vehicle has been into the dealer's shop at least twice. On the last servicing on september 10, 1999, dealer rep laced throttle position sensor and reprogrammed ignition computer with newer version of manufacturer's software. Dealer charged $64 for new software which I strongly believe should be covered by manufacturer's warranty or the extended warranty I purchased with this vehicle.
Vehicle has experienced continued problems with engine failure at idle , several repair attempts however continues to experience failures. Mjs
Abs brake light was on. Consumer had to get the sensor replaced. Also, leaves are getting into the engine.
Oil leaks and transmission is pulling .consumer contacted dealer.
No summary
I have made sevearl attempts to have this vehicle looked at regarding the sounds I hear upon startup. The clicking at first sounded like tappets or valves out of adjustment. The vehicle has a 75000 mile warranty. I called the dealer closest to me and he informed me that this particular engine a 3.1 l were notorious for "wrist pin tolerance defects" he told me it was an engineering problem and there was nothing to worry about. It should clear up after the metals have expanded inside the engine. I guess you can call me consciecious but the word "defect" has a tendency to unnerve a person after paying for a "new" car. And having had mechanical training I know any tolerances where parts are allowed to move freely even when "warming up" are parts that are usually wearing. Wearing parts mean a unpredicible situation and I worry for my family's safety when we bought a new car to have piece of mind. This tolerance thing is unsafe since wrist pins are what hold the pistons on the connecting rods. There can be no tolerance gap on a part as important even if it stops after a while. I was told there is a technical bulletin on this problem but my mechanic can never seem to find it. My warranty is up in another 8000 miles. I am afraid that the engine will give away after our warranty has expired and as usual then it will be a big deal to the mechanics and dealer when they can take my money to fix a "nothing to worry about".
Consumer experiences electrical shock when removing oil filter.
Driving at approx 10-25 vehicle will begin to stall when trying to come to complete stop or starting up vehicle. Dealer claims that the vehicle is basically a lemon. Changed/replaced all four fuel injectors/cleaned fuel plugs/replaced the computer, reprogrammed it.
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