2001 Chevrolet Malibu: brake failure

Filed May 16, 2007 · Brakes · 600,000 miles · ID

Brakes have been replaced 4 times in last year. There have been continual failures with the rotors and calipers. When braking it appeared that the ABS system that was designed to eliminate braking lock ups was engaging when it was not supposed to. Brakes were wearing at an extremely high rate , which was warping the rotors which have been installed brand new. Pulsating noise was common along with scraping and spongy brake pedal. In researching it appeared that the malibu had an extensive history of brake failures in a short time. Several close calls due to brake failure. These cars need to be recalled and fixed before any further injuries or death occur.

Filed Sep 28, 2004 · Brakes · ME

Consumer stated while applying the brakes pedal went to the floor. A loud grinding noise was heard coming from the front. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced.

Filed Apr 1, 2004 · Brakes, Suspension · 15,000 miles · VA

Every 15,ooo miles brakes failed, and needed to be replaced. Also, dealer stated wheel bearing malfunctioned.

Filed Dec 1, 2003 · Brakes · 29,000 miles · WI

Premature brake failure - 29,000 miles and car need new rotors and pads. Very light use, highway driving, no stop and go driving.

Filed Oct 12, 2003 · Brakes · 13,500 miles · NY

Problems with brakes on 2001 chevrolet malibu.*mr brakes were replaced twice along with resurfacing the rotors and replacing the right front caliper. The consumer stated there was a metal-to-metal sound and the brakes went to the floor when applied. In addition, consumer stated the brakes should not have to be replaced (7855 miles) after the initial replacement. *ph

Filed Sep 23, 2003 · Brakes · MA

While traveling 35 MPH owner applied the brakes and vehicle experienced total brake failure, along with excessive grinding noise. After inspection by a dealership owner was informed that the front pads were worn 50%, and the front rotors had warped. Owner was concerned about the extent of brake failure at low mileage.

Filed Jul 19, 2003 · Brakes · 36,800 miles · CA

It appears that the brake caliper and brake system have some defects. I've had brakes replaces 3 times since february of this year (2003). Checked the fluid level, hoses and lines. Brakes failed once at slow speed 30 MPH. Haven't had a failure since, however, the system is eating up brake pads mostly on the left side.

Filed Dec 27, 2002 · Brakes · AK

I purchased a 2001 chevrolet malibu in april 2001 VIN [xxx] and have had the following work/problems with the brake system repaired at capital chevrolet where I purchased the vehicle. Dateproblem/repairsmileage nov 2001abs warning light on, brake pads, rotors 7,754 jan 2002front suspension9,080 mar 2002front suspension12,000 may 2002brake pads & rotors14,555 july 2002abs warning light on17,170 oct 2002brake pads & hub21,055 nov 2002abs warning light on, rotor, hub kit22,005 oct 2002rotors21,310 dec 2002caliper & brake pads24,066 from the information above, I can generally get about 7,000 miles on the brake pads. I have contacted general motors customer service department (request # [xxx]) and was able to get an extended warranty on the vehicle in june 2002 after several complaints, however the brakes have needed repair several times since my original concerns. I am concerned about what happens if there is a catastrophic brake failure? My recent conversations with gm customer service department have been less than cordial. I have considered trading in the malibu and purchasing another vehicle, but the trade in value offered for the malibu is not acceptable. My question is: what kind of assistance does your office of defects investigation offer? I firmly believe there is a serious safety issue with the brake system on my vehicle and general motors bears the responsibility for correcting the defect or replacing the vehicle. Thank you. Ts information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 9, 2002 · Brakes · MO

Consumer states brkaes does not have sufficient braking power. When brakes are applied on hills, the brake pedal goes to the floor, there is an odor as if plastic was burning. Consumer has to pump brake pedal several times in order to stop vehicle. Dealership could not duplicate.

Filed Aug 6, 2002 · Brakes · MO

Odor associated with brake failure.@-day rest and brakes appeared to be okay. Am afraid to drive because this could happen again. I was on highway when I sensed faulty braking power. Off highway on hilly road brakes went aout completely and there was an odor like burning plastic. I had car towed to broome chevrolet-oldsmobile on saturday. It stayed there until monday when service shop opened. It was there for two days. The only thing I can get from the service manager is that they road tested it 3 times and they could not duplicate the problem. I tried to find out exactly what they had done to determine the possible cause. He did not know what his mechanics did except rod tested it and looked through the wheel. He could not define what looking through the wheel meant. I asked if they took a logical approach to solving the problem. He could not answer this. I gave some examples, such as, the brakes were engaged for some reason. They got hot and chemicals in the materials vaporized and thius the odor. Now what caused the brakes to lock. Then he said that he knew that the brake peddle would floorboard if the brakes got hot. He also said that hard braking would cause that and slow driving and braking would do that inferring that I did tht. I told him that I did not hard brake and I did not ride the brakes. I also said that if slow driving and braking would cause the problem I had then most everybody driving in the citu would experience what I did. I called general motors customer assistance office and got no help. I aske for sources (telephone numbers) where I could find out about similar problems and where I could talk with knowledgeable people on the subject. All I got was that theyb could not replace every part; she had not numbers; that the ca wass road tested by threer people at broome (she had called and talked with the service manager. I had given her the number.). My wife will not drive the car, because the problem could happen again.