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2001 Chevrolet Malibu problems

The most common problem on the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu is electrical system, typically around 88,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Malibu model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
74/100
Owner complaints
720
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
377
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
21mpg
Typical repair
$500

The worst 2001 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu

Won't start 86Stalling 59Fuel pump 26Overheating 23No deployment 16Check engine light 15ABS 14Fuel gauge 13Engine failure 12Knocking 11Brake failure 10Power steering loss 10Grinding brakes 9Loss of power 8Adaptive cruise 7Premature wear 7Door locks 6Headlights 6Hesitation 6Ball joint 5Seat belt 5Steering lock-up 5Tire blowout 5

Recalls 2

Electrical system: ignitionReported July 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 vehicles affected
What is wrong
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Recall number 14V400000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switchReported August 28, 2003 · 670,740 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles have hazard warning switches that may experience solder joint cracking caused by rapid temperature transitions and the soldering process. If solder joint cracking occurs and results in an open circuit, the turn signals/hazard lamps become intermittent or inoperative.
Risk
When the turn signals are inoperative, the driver cannot use them to signal intent to turn that could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the hazard warning switch. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537.

Recall number 03V327000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu

Defect investigations

Turn signal failuresOpened December 23, 2002, closed September 5, 2003

By letter dated august 27, 2003, gm notified the agency that it is conducting a voluntary safety recall (the federal safety agency recall no. 03v327) involving certain model year (my) 2000-2001 chevrolet malibu, oldsmobile alero, and pontiac grand am.gm's recall covers 670,740 vehicles manufactured beginning february 1, 2000 through may 1, 2001 (alero and grand am) and february 1, 2000 through may 31, 2001 (malibu).gm reports that turn signal failure is due to solder joint cracking in the hazard switch, and has identified rapid temperature transitions of the hazard switch and the soldering process as the cause of cracking.electrical current to the turn signals flows through the hazard switch and an open circuit in the hazard switch will cause the exterior turn/hazard lamps to become intermittent or inoperative.gm will replace the hazard switch on all involved vehicles.based on gm's safety recall action, this investigation is closed.

EA02037

Erratic fuel gaugeOpened September 30, 2002, closed December 30, 2003

Odi opened ea 02-028 to review complaints of consumers reporting that their fuel gauge was incorrectly displaying the amount of fuel in the gas tank.the fuel gauge receives an electrical signal from a fuel tank sending sensor circuit card.a float arm in the tank moves electrical contacts that rub against the card as the level of fuel rises and falls.disruption of the electrical signal (such as caused by corrosion of the circuit card) will cause incorrect readings to register on the fuel gauge.gm reported in their response to odi dated january 13, 2003 that the primary cause of erratic fuel gauge operation is excess elemental sulfur in fuel.gm reported that abnormal levels of sulfur sporadically occurred in certain parts of canada and the u.s. Resulting in reports of fuel gauge malfunction.gm modified the sending sensor for vehicles built after october 2000.it made a second sensor modification for vehicles built after january 2003.gm also issued a customer satisfaction campaign (gm number 00101) in december 2000 for u.s. Customers in the state of maine and issued several service bulletins informing dealers of the availability of sensors with improved corrosion resistance.the complaint trend indicates that complaints peaked in late 2000 to early 2001.warranty claims declined since peaking in april 2002.based on the number of complaints and the indication of a declining trend, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.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 further action if warranted by the circumstances.

EA02028

Turn signal failureOpened August 22, 2002, closed December 23, 2002

Odi opened the investigation based on 9 complaints of turn signals operating sporadically on the 2000-2001 chevrolet malibu.the turn signals quit working without warning and may occur while the vehicle is in motion or standing still.gm identified the hazard switch as the root cause of this problem.electrical current to the turn signal passes through the hazard switch.failure of the hazard switchresults in loss of turn signals and hazard lights.gm reports 318, 184 and 201 consumer complaints for the malibu, alero and grand am respectively.gm also reports the following models have the same design turn signal/hazard switch as the chevrolet malibu: chevrolet corvette, monte carlo, and impala; oldsmobile intrigue and alero; and the pontiac grand am.the complaint and warranty data show the highest occurance of the problem in the my 2000-2001 malibu, alero, and grand am.

PE02064

Erratic fuel gaugeOpened January 26, 2001, closed September 30, 2002

There is no summary currently available

SQ01002

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu 377

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 377 bulletins for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu

2001 Chevrolet Malibu fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.1L 6‑cylFWD182621

What 2001 Chevrolet Malibu owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 31, 2023 · Lights · VA

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 03V327000 (Exterior Lighting) and 14V400000 (Electrical System) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.

Filed Nov 9, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 135,000 miles · MO

The blinkers randomly work; most likely needs a new hazard switch. The car's temperature gauge would rise when sitting in idle; needed a new water pump and thermostat as of 11/2020.

Filed Oct 7, 2020 · Electrical · 108,227 miles · AL

When starting the malibu the dashboard lights illuminate and when the key is turned to start the car the lights go out and the fuel gauge drops to zero or empty and the car will not start. This problem also occurs when driving the car and the ignition system shuts down leaving you with no steering assist and the engine is not running. So this problem is both in a standing start and while operating the car. I had initially brought the car to devan lowe gm dealer and service department for repairs and they discovered the fuel pump was not working properly. They replaced the fuel pump and the problem with the ignition is still persisting. This creates a dangerous condition for the driver and other cars on the road. I would request that gmc have the car towed to the devan lowe service department for troubleshooting purposes in coordination with gm technical department and reach a resolution as to the cause of the problem and issue a recall for all affected cars.

Filed Dec 9, 2019 · Engine · 160,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. While driving various speeds, unknown warning indicators illuminated. When the vehicle was started, the ignition had to be turned to the on position and the contact had to wait for the instrument panel to light up completely for the vehicle to start. The process worked intermittently. The vehicle failed to start every time the contact would attempt to start the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who replaced the ignition switch; however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Nov 10, 2019 · Electrical · 160,000 miles · FL

Vehicle starts and fully operates properly for an indefinite period of time, then it stalls abruptly (and at very embarrassing and perilous times). When it does, all the gauges are non-operational, with the fuel gage reading, empty. Vehicle will crank but will not restart. After a period (as long as half an hour) the fuel gage will jump to its proper level, and only then will the vehicle restart and run for yet another indeterminate period. This has been an on-going problem for months, before I was made aware of potential re-calls on this vehicle.

Filed Aug 27, 2019 · Electrical, Fuel system · 95,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle's pass lock system failed and shut off the fuel pump. While the contact was driving 65 MPH, the pass lock system would shut off the fuel pump system, which caused the engine to seize without warning. The contact spoke with james chevrolet of johnstown (108 s comrie ave, johnstown, ny 12095, 518‑762‑5555) and was informed that they could replace the ignition switch and the pass lock system. The contact was provided a cost estimate for the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 95,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2019 · Electrical · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called friendly chevrolet (7501 hwy 65 ne, fridley, mn 55432, (612) 276-2955), but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jan 9, 2019 · Electrical · 112,000 miles · CA

Turn signals do not work intermittently while driving. Don't know when they will work or not work. It can happen any place, and time. Dangerous, especially when driving at night. Below date is the most recent time it happened. Will for long time, then out of no where, turn signal will not work. Then work again, until it happens again.

Filed Dec 7, 2018 · Fuel system · 144,700 miles · GA

Takata inflators, the car that I own smells like gasoline everyday and each time that the car is started in the morning. When I turn on the heat or air the gas smell is even stronger I am afraid that the car will one day explode even without me smoking.

Filed Jul 9, 2018 · Fuel system · 210,000 miles · MN

Theft deterrent system (passlock) activates shutting off the flow of fuel to vehicle. Consulted youtube for help, hundreds of people have had he same problem that the dealer fixes with a new inginition module.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu before you buy

Compare the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu

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Other model years

19971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025

Questions about the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu

Is the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Owners have filed 720 complaints about the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu, close to a typical Malibu model year.

What is the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu year score?

The 2001 Chevrolet Malibu scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Malibu: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu?

Electrical system, with 285 complaints, typically around 88,000 miles. Next is engine (175).

How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu have?

2 recalls, covering electrical system and exterior lighting.

Was there a recall on the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 14V400000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have the most electrical problems?

The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most electrical complaints are 2013 (376 complaints), 2009 (368 complaints) and 2010 (295 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu get?

Official estimates for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.1L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 26 highway.

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