2000 Chevrolet Malibu: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Oct 22, 2015 · Electrical · CA

2000 chevrolet malibu. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall notice issues. *smd the consumer stated the dealer made an adjustment to ignition. However, it would not turn in the ignition. The service department grind the key again. However, it only worked one way. The new key must be forced and it only fit the doors and trunk one way.

Filed May 10, 2014 · Body, Steering · 89,200 miles · OH

While parking I heard a noise in the front end and upon turning the wheel harder the power steering went out. I could barely turn the wheel. Later in the day put in more power steering fluid thinking that was the problem but had the same issue. I thought the power steering was going out as I was hearing a grinding type noise in the front end. The next day I could feel something under the driver floor board and louder noises when turning hard. Took it to my mechanic and was told sub-frame is rusted and needs replaced as well as the rack and pinion; this will start out as a $2000.00 repair and could go up to $4000.00 depending on what else they find when they work on it. This is a safety hazard and should be fixed by gm as they used shoddy materials building this vehicle. My mechanic said I shouldn't drive it as I may loose control of the vehicle. This car was kept in a garage for the first 10 years I have owned it and has only been parked outside for about 5 years. At only 89,000 miles I am disgusted at the way this vehicle was built. I have also replaced the head gasket, not once, but twice!

Filed Nov 16, 2013 · Body, Brakes · 168,000 miles · AR

Bought this car as a project car with low mileage. Got bought at a used car dealership. Piston slap!!! Especially cold. Front sub frame rotted out and rack and pinion destroyed needed immediate replacement. Later was told rocker panels are destroyed with huge holes I was clearly upset another malibu with another problem. Common problem with malibu's from '98-'02. Was unable to safety because of panels missing a layer in spots (holes). Rear quarter panels severe rotting around wheel wells and gas cap area requiring bondo to fill in holes a horrible problem with malibu's. Air conditioning clutch grinding constantly and half the time A/C bottom works. Sadly gm will not recall these issues now have to invest $7000 to make into a show car. Gm should be ashamed of body problems and constant piston slaps and lifter knocking. I have to do an overhaul of $600-800 on engine. Pathetic gm link to the piston slap on my car on youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnttrctq5mm&feature=youtube_gdata_player.

Filed Apr 25, 2010 · Acceleration · 89,000 miles · OH

I was driving my girlfriend home in her car when I put the car in reverse it sped down my driveway. As I was driving and I had to stop it took all my strength to stop the car. When I let off the brake pedal the car took off, giving the feeling of whiplash and squealed the tires. I am a young driver so I did not know what was happening and why. I just know it took all the strength I had to stop the car and I did notice that the tachometer was increasing when the car was stopped. I feel if my girlfriend had been driving her car, she would not have been able to control the car. I am very strong, I work out and am able to press 200 lbs. This incident took all my strength.

Filed Aug 2, 2006 · Fuel system, Suspension · WA

I bought my 2000 chevy malibu from rod and ty's all star auto in puyallup, wa on 7/5/05. I bought the extended warranty/repair insurance. I have put over $600 of repairs into my car, only to find out that I need a new fuel pump, which is another $756.26 and the warranty people will only pay $425 for a substandard part. I also have some wires I need to have replaced, the A/C has never worked, even though they told me it did, the cd player destroys my cds and sometimes just won't play them at all, and I have a squeaky sound coming from the steering or suspension on the front end of my car. I paid over $13,000 for this car when it was 5 years old and had 74k miles on it (I got screwed) and now all these problems are coming up on it. The even cr*ppier part is, I still owe $9000 on it and it's only worth $2500 on trade in. What the heck am I supposed to do with this lemon piece of cr*p car? I'm super angry and will never buy another american car ever! By the way, I checked carfax and 11 records came up for this car! Should I pay the $19.99 to find out about my car, or is 11 records pretty normal? Should I worry?!

Filed Mar 8, 2005 · Brakes · 98,500 miles · MA · 1 injury

The brake pulsate and grind. I have had this problem for 2 yrs now. I have had the braking system completly replaced. Brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, brake fuel lines, you name it and it has been done. I replaced the brakes with gm parts. I need new brakes again. My car could not stop in time to prevent an accident. It is awful. When the calipers were installed they make clicking sounds I was told this was ok. Also, if I apply the brakes when going over bumps in the road the ABS goes off.

Filed Feb 8, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · 92,000 miles · SC

2000 chevrolet malibu: turn signals stop without warning. Air condition stops and starts on its on. Brakes squeal. Engine surges. Uses oi, l but no leak. Uses alot of coolant no leak found by me. Ignition switch locks and wont let go sometimes.

Filed Jan 16, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · AZ

Vehicle experienced a "ticking noise in the engine." *ph the consumer left front caliper bolt is stripped causing a vibrating/ grinding noise that radiates from the left front wheel under the driver side when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. When the dealer was contacted they stated that they could not duplicate the problem. And the consumer is trying to obtain an over all inspection of the mechanical defects of the vehicle so gm can be held responsible for the faulty automobile.

Filed Nov 8, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · PA

I puchased this car with 20000 miles on it. I had it for a little over 5 months and I am replacing a fuel pump that will cost $650. The power steering has corrosion, so the power steering has to be flushed. Replacement of the fuel filter, a cracked fan belt, and throttle body service. I have the gm extended warranty, but it only covers the cost to replace the fuel pump. Everything else is out of pocket expenses because it is considered "regular maintenance". The brakes also grind and seem to take too long for the car to stop. So I think brakes aren't far behind to be replaced. I am hoping I will not need rotors too. I have read so many complaints about the brakes on the 2000 chevy malibu. I try to buy american because I am a proud one. But the quality seem to be substandard compared to japanese cars. My next car will be foreign. Us car makers need to "step it up", as far as quality with these cars.

Filed Aug 8, 2003 · Brakes · TX

When trying to make a stop, there is grinding noise when the brakes are pressed. Brakes wear out every 2-3 months(paying an expensive amount for brake shoes and rotors air conditoning switch malfunctions and you just cannot trade this car in because the value depreciates the same day you drive off the car lot.

Filed Apr 21, 2003 · Engine, Lights · AL

Hazard and signal lights malfunctions engine noise (constant squeaking or ticking) air conditioning malfunctions.

Filed Mar 17, 2003 · Brakes · FL

I bought my chevy malibu 02/01 and I have 39,000 miles and already I had problems with the air condition switch. The AC settings change on their own as you are driving the car. This causes the compressor to turn on and off, eventually causing premature compressor failure. My brakes were squeaking so I went to just brakes to get them changed and it cost 636.00. I had to have a four wheel friction reline, disc pads rf and lf, brake shoes relined rr and lr, rotors were new (could not cut) machine rf lf, drum machine rr lr, wheel cylinders new rr lr, bleed, flush, fill and adjust brake system, etc. I went to the dealer and they said "because I did not bring the vehicle to them, to get serviced there was nothing they could do about it because they did not look at the material." even though I had the material for them to look at. So I guess I have to eat the $700.00 just because of their defective material.