2000 Chevrolet Malibu: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Oct 25, 2006 · Brakes, Engine · 70,000 miles · PA

Lower intake manifold gasket leak; ball joint & fuel pump; brake pads replaced 4 times in less than 3 yrs.

Filed Sep 28, 2004 · Fuel system, Steering · 40,000 miles · WA

While driving vehicle started suddenly to decelerate, and dashboard warning lights come on, followed by vehicle stalling. Also, tie rods were rubbing. Dealership indicated that this was due to fuel pump failure. *ak

Filed Jul 6, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 7,000 miles · TX

Intermittently when the brake pedal was applied, the brakes grabbed so hard that the entire vehicle vibrated severely. When this occurred, the vehicle failed to stop immediately. This resulted in extended stopping distance. The brake rotors warped. On one occasion this failure caused lost of control, in which the consumer almost crashed into an 18 wheeler, but was able to pull over to the medium. The dealership has acknowledged that there was a problem with the braking system, but was unable to correct the problem, and was now refusing to work on the vehicle. *ak there was a rattle under the hood at the firewall area while the vehicle was in motion, the hose assembly was found rubbing under the vehicle, both front rotors had wore thin, the fuel pump sender did not hold the correct amount of fuel pressure, there was an open circuit in the 24x crank sensor, there was a rattle in the front suspension due to weak front lower control arms which were noisy (the right lower control arm was replaced), the coolant level sensor shorted, the water pump assembly leaked coolant, there was a vibration at highway speeds, hardware was bad and was loose in the caliper, rotor pulsation which was replaced per bulletin, the turn signal was inoperative, and the A/C had internal damage and would cut on and off.

Filed Jul 22, 2002 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

Consumer states that tires experience abnormal tire wear and are noisy, firestone affinity. Dealer replaced left front bearing and hub assembly. They also tightened front control arm. The tires have been rotated, however noise continues and tires continue to wear, possible suspension problem. *slc

Filed Jun 19, 2002 · Suspension · IN

While driving, consumer heard a popping noise. Took vehicle in for service and mechanic stated that the right and left lower ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak jg

Filed Sep 25, 2001 · Suspension · MI

Vehicle was going 25mph on a straight road. There was no warning and left front end dropped. Left tire blewout, and vehicle skidded/ hit the curve. Lower ball joint broke, causing rear end to spin around. Manufacturer had a tsb mentioning problem ,but will not cover the problem within warranty agreement.

Filed Jul 12, 2001 · Brakes, Transmission · SC

It has had a transmission failure,brake and rotor failure 4 different times,rack and pinion failure,control arm failure 2 times,ignition control failure at 1400 miles.

Filed Apr 20, 2000 · Engine, Steering · NY · crash · 1 injury

Vehicle first towed to shop on 04/04/00 for vehicle overheating. Top radiator hose split. Informed dealer of vibration in front end at 30 MPH and up, they said they could not duplicate. On 04/11/00 heard thumping noise from front and while pulling in driveway lost control of left front wheel. Towed to dealer and left side outer tie rod end replaced. Picked up from dealer on 04/12/00 and 2 miles away ABS light came on. Parked vehicle in driveway and next morning light was off. Left for work and got 6 miles away when check engine light came on and transmisson started slipping. Caled and notified chevy and they said drive vehicle then have it towed in the next day. On 04/14/00 was driving down road at 40 MPH when I lost control of steering again and hit a tree. Repairs to steering/ABS light/check engine light/transmssion slipping not taken care of yet.