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1999 Chevrolet Malibu engine complaints

Page 2 of 6: complaints 11 to 40 of 143, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1999 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 20, 2008 · Engine · MS

I have a chevy/malibu. I have been replacing the gasket, it seems, every two years. I have just learned about the recall. I am applying for reimbursements for parts and repairs.

Filed Nov 7, 2007 · Engine · TN

1999 chevrolet malibu upper and lower manifold gaskets replaced. Consumer believes there should be a class action suit for this problem. Consumer would like to know how to get reimbursed. *kb the dex-cool coolant corrodes all parts of the engine it comes in contact with including the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets.

Filed Sep 8, 2007 · Engine · 80,000 miles · CT

My 1999 chevrolet malibu will suddenly stall in hot weather on a highway.

Filed Apr 26, 2007 · Engine · 54,300 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet malibu. While driving 30 MPH the engine coolant indicator light illuminated on the dashboard. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic, who stated that the intake manifold gasket failed, allowing the coolant to flow into the engine. The current and failure mileages were 54,300.

Filed Mar 22, 2007 · Airbags, Brakes · KY

My 1999 chevy mailbu has had many problems. I will start with the 2 fuel injecters replaced 2 months after purchasing. The car begin to run rough then would have problems starting. Then there was the altanator, the thermostat, the head and intake gaskets and the numurous electical problems. The electrical problems still cannot be solved after numrous tripsto the repair shop. Most of the problems have been corrected on more than one occasion. As a consumer I hope you will help us malibu owners who are in destress. I know the auto companies are in financial trouble but that still does not excuse making an unsafe auto. I am afraid enough not to drive my car. I feel I put my family and myself in danger taking thsi car on the road. I hope you will help correct this problem. I feel my only next option is to contact a lawyer over my legal rights.

Filed Dec 29, 2006 · Brakes, Engine · FL

After replacing my intake gasket 8 months ago, my car still overheats. One of my cooling fans is not working. My AC level controls 1 & 2 doesn't work, only 3,4, and 5. Ac shuts off on its own. My engine belt went from sqeaking to making a noise I never heard before. Now my car is non operational due to a knocking sound coming from the engine. So far in the past 8 months, I replaced my intake gasket $600, replaced my engine belt cost $120, replaced my brake pads and caliper twice in the past 2 years $250 each time. Now I'm looking at another major repair job. Help me please

Filed Oct 13, 2006 · Engine · 100,000 miles · GA

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 60 MPH, the engine ran hot. In march 2006, the service dealer could not locate any problem. In oct 2006, the vehicle ran hot again causing smoke to come out from under the engine. When pulled over, the contact discovered the vehicle needed antifreeze. The contact filled the antifreeze and tried to drive the vehicle again. Within one mile smoke came out of the engine and the antifreeze was empty again.

Filed Aug 28, 2006 · Engine · MO

Coolant system overheating.

Filed Aug 20, 2006 · Brakes, Engine · 5,000 miles · FL

Rotor replacement x 3. Suspension - front replaced. Calipers x3. Tire wear and leaks - replaced annually. Radio - bad wiring. A/c in dash wiring replaced twice. Rear light assembly replaced twice. Leaking in rear light assembly and trunk. Coolant leak - 8/06 at 74000 miles. Mechanic believes it is the water pump. A/c sensor replaced.

Filed May 9, 2006 · Engine · 106,000 miles · MO

Dt*: the contact stated the low coolant light illuminated. The dealership determined antifreeze was leaking into the engine and replaced the intake manifold gasket. Three years later, the vehicle had the same problem and the dealership replaced the same component.

Filed Mar 23, 2006 · Brakes, Engine · 40,000 miles · MA

Chevrolet malibu 1999. 84000 miles. In the last four years I had to replace the tail lights twice this is the entire unit which cost over $250 each I also had to replace the stop/brake light bulbs at least six times on each side. The socket that holds the bulbs keep melting and last december it melted to the point that I saw smoke coming out and when I opened the plastic socket was completely melted. As of now neither light is working. I checked in this site and the federal safety agency action number rq04005 indicates the following: gm in december 2004, gm will issue a special policy for my 1999-2000 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles not covered under recall 03v327. The policy covers turn signal/hazard flasher failure for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever occurs first) to provide a no cost replacement of the hazard switch. Gm will send letters to owners starting december 30, 2004. The actions taken by the manufacturer is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances. I called gm as well as the local chevy dealer and they would not replace the light they claim the agreement was only for some of the 1999 chevy malibu and my vehicle [xxx] is outside the range they are covering. I was told by a gm customer service to wait and see if they recall other cars. I am very disappointed of the advice as this is a safety issue. Also, the information and agreement posted on the federal safety agency (see above) does not indicate any exceptions. Can someone investigate this please? In addition to this problem, the coolant was leaking and I had to have the manifold removed and a new gasket put in twice. Replaced brake pads 5/6 times and rotors once. *nm updated 07/16/2012*js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Feb 5, 2006 · Brakes, Electrical · 62,300 miles · IL

Vehicle has just reached 62000 miles. Most recent incident - all dashboard warning lights came on-car died and had to be towed to dealer. Replaced alternator - supposedly "common" at this mileage. Six weeks prior - coolant indicator keeps coming on. Dealer replaced lower intake manifold gasket and water pump. Also told common in this car at this mileage. Brakes done also - rotors needed replacement - again supposedly common in the malibu.

Filed Dec 21, 2005 · Engine · 45,000 miles · NC

Dt: the contact stated the coolant light illuminated. He checked the coolant and it was low due to a leak from the intake manifold gaskets. He contacted the manufacturer. Repairs will be made at the consumers expense.*ak updated 01/11/06.

Filed Aug 12, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · 60,000 miles · CA

Brakes and rotors have been replaced 3 times since 2002- A/C goes off and on- ignition switch replaced due to electrical failure- driver's side window don't roll down- alternator and battery replaced- intake manifold gasket and radiator replaced.

Filed May 21, 2005 · Brakes, Engine · 5,000 miles · FL

. I bought car new. The rotors, calipers and brake pads on this car have been replaced 4 times. The passenger side tail lights have had to be replaced every year due to water getting into the assembly. The AC switch - blower resistor has had to be replaced. The first time I replaced the rotors - it only had 5000 miles on it. It has 61000 today.

Filed Apr 25, 2005 · Engine · OH

Coolant leaking. Have refilled several times. Took to car x, told me intake manifold gasket is leaking, has not failed but all engines of this type fail at some point. Is a known problem. Checking internet, that seems to be the case. Has not been repaired yet because of time involved and money ($600). Would like to see the part recalled.

Filed Apr 14, 2005 · Engine · 68,000 miles · NY

I have had dex cool anti-freeze leaking from intake gasket manifold, causing engine damage. I have heard that the problem is caused by the dex-cool attacking the gasket and deteriorating it.

Filed Apr 14, 2005 · Engine · 66,000 miles · NY

Anti-freeze is leaking from intake manifold gasket causing engine damage. I have heard that the problem is caused by dex-cool anti-freze. This new type of anti-freeze attacks the gasket material. The cause could also be inferior gasket material specified by gm.

Filed Mar 30, 2005 · Brakes, Engine · MD

Chevrolet malibu ls 1999, front end loose, replaced 2 bolts. *bf while driving the entire steering rack cracked for no reason. Less than a year later, the engine cradle rack came apart from the frame of the vehicle. The front brakes, lower intake gasket and water pump were all replaced. The ABS and power steering pressure hose was replaced. The brake light bulbs had burned out.

Filed Mar 14, 2005 · Engine · NC

Vehicle was taken to dealer for regular maintenance, and results showed that the intake manifold was leaking fluid, which could cause it to overheat. Manufacturer will be contacted by consumer.

Filed Mar 3, 2005 · Engine · 112,000 miles · OH

The intake manifold has been replaced 2 times on this car. We are still having engine cooling problems. It is in the shop as we speak. Now they are looking at the head gaskets due to coolant leaking into the overflow. There has been numerous complaints I have found in regards to this model. Why isn't anyone contacting the chevy to get this design flaw corrected and compensation for the affected consumers who were unfortunate enough to buy this particular model?

Filed Mar 2, 2005 · Engine · 60,000 miles · OK

Consumer complained about an intake manifold gasket problem. It was leaking. Owner contacted the dealer and the manufacturer. Owner was told that it was common for this to break after 60,000 miles. *ak when the consumer purchased the vehicle the mechanic told him the intake gasket was defective. The engine was leaking coolant.

Filed Feb 1, 2005 · Engine · 48,000 miles · PA

Chronic coolant leak due to faulty intake gasket.

Filed Jan 24, 2005 · Engine · 43,055 miles · MI

At only 43000 miles the vehicle's intake gasket failed. *nm when the gasket failed it let coolant into the oil. The consumer requested reimbursement from the manufacturer.

Filed Jan 21, 2005 · Brakes, Engine · 1,000 miles · LA

After making buying this car, I found out what a lemon really is. One month after the purchase, the front end started shaking so bad, I could not drive over 55 on the interstate. I brought it back to the dealer who told me the rotors were a bad design. They apparently had made them too thin, which was causing them to warp during braking. After they were changed to a thicker rotor I still continued to have problems. The dealer new of several complaints with the same thing happening, and even though they put a thicker rotor on, it was still happening. I could not get help anywhere. They blew me off until there was no warranty left. I was told it was the tires being out of balance. When I went to the tire dealer, they would tell me it was the rotors. Needless to say, after 6 new sets of tires, and 7 sets of rotors, I learned to deal with it. I would drive it about a month, the shaking would come back, and I would change the rotors again. This however would eventually ruin the tires after a few months, so I would replace them to. I to had the same problem with the antifreeze light coming on, and was loosing it somewhere within the motor. When my husband went to change the oil, there was antifreeze mixed in with it. I only had 6 payments left on this car, but I was tired of 5 yrs of dealing with this lemon. I traded it in! Never will I own another malibu. They are junk! I now own a subaru! These dealers need to learn the secret subaru has. Treat your customer good after the sale!!!!!!!!!!!!! Word. Of mouth is the best form of advertisement. As for the dealers I dealt with. I would not send my dog to them!!!!.

Filed Jan 17, 2005 · Engine · 115,315 miles · IN

I first noticed the low antifreeze light came on after the car was sitting for over 6 hours. After stopping to see what was wrong, the light went off. After getting home, I looked at the engine and noticed a collection of antifreeze pooling on the engine, and much sludge collected on the engine. I refilled the antifreeze reservoir and took the car into bob montgomery chevrolet, louisvile, kentucky. They indicated that the intake manifold gasket needs replacement, which is what I figured after doing some research online. Apparently, this problem has been reported before by over 1100 car owners, and is a design flaw with this particular engine. Moreover, some research indicates that the design has not been corrected, and therefore can be expected to reoccur. My problem first occurred during the first week I owned the car, fall of 2000. This incident was repaired under warranty by uebelor chevrolet, jasper, indiana, and has not recurred until now. This complaint should be added to the large group that came before it.

Filed Nov 1, 2004 · Engine · 51,500 miles · MI

Engine coolant light came on. Took car in to get checked while having oil change and was told that there was a coolant leak in both the upper and lower intake manifolds.

Filed Oct 20, 2004 · Engine · MO

Water light coming on intermittently - taken to dealership 3 times for repair. After warrenty,car regularly overheats and the light came on and book said 'coolant' problem. I had radiator flushed and filled with antifreeze. Car now continues to overheat. Mechanics (3 so far) said this is a common problem with chevrolets. Cost would be $800 - $1,000 to repair leakage around lower intake gasket. I believe if this is a common problem with chevrolets and it will continue to happen yearly, chevrolet should be responsible for repairs.

Filed Oct 15, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · WI

Intake valve. Seal leaked , lost anti freeze almost over heated engine.

Filed Aug 16, 2004 · Engine · 55 miles · GA

I have contacted gmc chevrolet division via their customer service line to no avail. I have several pages of documentation that supports the vehicle I drive(1999 malibu) is one that chevy should be ashamed to attribute to the "made in america" caqmpaign. I have had to replace on seven occasions the rear stop/tail lights. The bulbs burst, they simply stop and as of 08/14/04 I have replaced yet another set of bulbs except this time the lights failed to work at all. The worker at napa auto store in riverdale georgia even checked the fuses and found no fuse blown; he even showed me the fuses as he pulled them. Additonally I have had to replace the intake manifold gasket and the heag gasket;this is a common problem with these vehicles and there is a technology bulletin from gm that supports the intake mainifold gasket was/iis faulty because of the material it is made from on this vehicle on several gm mid-size vehicles. The dexcool product turns to sludge and thereby creates a leak. I read in the atlanta journal constitution that your agency's intervention has prompted gm to recall the chevrolet malibus from 200-202 (?) to correct the rear light problem and the article stated consideration was being given to extending the recall to the 1999 model for the same problem( rear light). I really need to find out the status of this attempt becasue I currently am unable to drive at night because I will be ticketed.

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