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.
2001 Chevrolet Malibu brakes complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 89, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl*- the contact stated that the front brakes on his 2001 chevrolet malibu (50000 failure mileage) had to be replaced every six months for the last two years. The contact also stated that antifreeze leaks into the oil. This will be the third time that the intake manifold gasket has had to be replaced. The vehicle has been taken to a mechanic six times concerning these issues. The brake and manifold problems still exists. The current mileage was 130,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while getting an inspection, the rear wheel cylinders were leaking. The vehicle was driven to an independent repair shop who replaced the rear wheel cylinders. The front brake pads were replaced. Updated 11/03/06
My ABS light goes on and off, and my brakes give out when I am trying to stop.
2001 malibu has had front brake disc and battery replaced, 16804 miles on vehicle.. Mechanic has now informed consumer that ignition switch needs to be replaced. *ts
Third replacement of rotors and brakes within 3 years of owning car.
The front disc brake rotors were warped to the point where they needed to be replaced on three separate occasions approximately 8k miles apart.
Abs system failure ABS activates with out warning even if the brakes are not applied
2001 chevrolet malibu has developed problems with the braking and the cooling systems.***no answer required***. *mr one month after the vehicle was purchased the rotor assembly was replaced. The vehicle would turn over but it wouldn't start. The dealer replaced the fuel pump. When accelerating the vehicle's coolant light illuminated on the dash. The dealer determined that there was a leak at the by pass pipe at the lower intake manifold. The alternator was replaced under warranty. The hazard and turn signal switch were replaced. The right outer tie rod were worn loose. The dealer replaced the right outer tie rod ends and set the front end. The right front wheel bearing was replaced. The ABS malfunctioned.
Car has vibrations at higher speeds 60+ was told it was tires/wheels they were replaced for $280 for tires and $200 for just steel rims. Car still vibrated at high speeds and also felt like rotors needed to be replaced-the kind of vibrating when braking. Replaced rotors and brake pads $49 a piece for rotors and $40 a piece for brake pads. Car continued to vibrate except when stopping. After time now (3 mos) when the car is vibrating and you go to slow down it shakes the car even worse. Was then told to replace the wheel bearings. Just did that yesterday they cost me $230 not only does the car still vibrate it has a grinding noise when you trun to the right now. Since ive bought it it has vibrations at high speeds and a "rubbing" vv, vv, vv noise when turing right. After replacing wheel bearings the car still makes all the noises and grinds now. Dont know what else to do to fix it, beginning to think im just going to have to replace the entire front end. Really used to trust chevy now im not so sure. I have had way too many problems with this car and I just bought it in july2004- ridiculous if you ask me.
2001 chevrolet malibu experiencing problems with brakes, turn signals, cooling system and theft deterrent light. *mr the consumer experienced the following: a continuous brake problem with the rotors, the theft deterrent light illuminated, so the dealer replaced the ignition cylinder the signal lights worked intermittently and the dealer replaced the hazard switch. The right side hub assembly was replaced. There was water in the oil, therefore the intake gaskets were replaced due to leaking. *sc
Abs light goes on and stays on. Took to dealer on two different occasions, hubs had to be replaced apoximately. 2003 and jan. 2005.
At 36,370 miles had to replace the intake manifold and gasket on 2001 chevrolet malibu. *bf the front rotors were replaced at 28,000 and the blower only worked on high speed.
I have had the brakes and rotors replaced twice since buying the car in april of 2001. I took the car to jim butler chevrolet for the turn signal/flasher problem which was later recalled and I was reimbursed. I took it to don darr chevy which fixed a faulty switch operating the air conditioner/switching to outside air. I had the car towed to dobbs when it would not start, they said it was the fuel pump and assembly module. Today,jim butler chevrolet replaced the lock cylinder and ignition switch because of the theft system light and the car not starting.but was unable to find the cause of the daytime running lights not working. Oh! But they noticed a recall on the hazard lights and replaced it. They were the one who replaced it the first time. I also told them of the over crank/grinding noise after the car is started, happens occasionally. They could not duplicate, so no repair. I am not happy with this car or chevy because of all the problems and the expense it has caused and cost me. I used to hold chevrolet in high regard, but can no longer recommend anyone owning one.
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.
Multiple repairs on braking systems of 2001 chevy malibus.
While braking vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. Dealership repaired the problem 5 times before, but problem recurred. *ak
Left and right hub bearing needed to be replaced. *ph steering wheel vibrates when braking due to front rotors having excessive runout and pads worn out evenly. Also, consumer heard noise coming from hub bearing, dealer replaced bearing.
We had bought a 2001 chevy malibu in nov 2002 . And it is now april of 2004 . We have had the car 16 months and we have went through 5 whole brake jobs . We had recently had our brakes done in feb of 2004 with 65,000 miles and it cost us $557.00 and we had replaced the pads,shoes ,rotors and calipers . By the time we had 5,000 miles on the brakes they were gone so we had to do the whole process over again . Another $600.00 brake job . We have had to replace the hubs twice and I feel we have bought a lemon and the dealer dose not want to talk to me . I feel that there are some major problem that need to be fixed dealing with the brakes and the front end on these cars . I feel the safety of my children riding in this car . I would like to know if there is anything that can be done . I would like the problem fixed or a replacement car . We can not put anymore time/$$$in this car when the brakes go every two months or 5,000 miles . Please help.
Every 15,ooo miles brakes failed, and needed to be replaced. Also, dealer stated wheel bearing malfunctioned.
Front brakes wore out prematurely, dealer inspected vehicle several times, but problem recurred.
The car has experienced vibrations when applying the brakes. The front rotors were turned and pads replaced but this did not correct the issue.
** I don't have all the above info available at this time. Bought 11/01- hit pothole 12/01, replaced two passenger wheels(bent) and complained of "thumping" noise. Dealer 2x claimed not to hear noise. Car would not start on numerous occassions starting 5/02. Paid 111.00 for rental while dealer inspected. Dealer found nothing. Next week, failed to start again, 800# tech advice told me about "anti-theft" was acting up and gave me procedures to start car. "anti-theft" system has since quit working. Auto in "very minor" fender bender" in 10/02, that week driver door hinge started "crackling", hanging up. Insurance company body shop said "no relation" to minor accident. Hinge has completely broken and not working at all since then. 7/03 driver power window "fell down" upon attempt to open as normal with power button. Other problems have been/are: rear passenger speaker doesn't work, interior light doesn't always work, "" blinkers/emer. Flashers"" have quit working properly about 4 to 6 months ago. (this is very dangerous since I live 'up' a blind driveway on a high speed road)?!! 1st week I had the car I noticed motor rattled pretty loudly upon start up. Questioned dealer and was told this was "lifter bleed down" and dealer was waiting on gm for remedy, if available. I bought this car as used with new warranty in place, about 23,300 miles on 36/36000 new car warranty as well as bought a 1500.00 extended 5yr/100000 warr. Any suggestions, very ticked off and don't know where to turn.
The front brake calipers on this vehicle flex when the brakes are applied. This has resulted in uneven and premature wear of the brake pads. The pads were replaced twice, once at 17,000 miles and once at 30,000. The rotors were remachined at 17,000 miles, replaced at 30,000 miles and resurfaced at 33,000. The flexing of the caliper causes misalignmet of the guide pins, causing the caliper to hang up. As a result only the inner brake pad is stopping the car. There is virtually no wear on the outer pad. The inner pads show signs of overheating, which can cause the rotors to warp (pulsating), and brake fade in a panic stop. The constant flexing could also comprimise the intgerity of the aluminum calipers over time. Gm claims this is normal. I have checked the nhtsb web site and found 28% of the complaints filed for this vehicle were brake related and almost all could be attributed to this condition.
While driving, the left front hub cap detached from the rim. The consumer noticed that the six lugs: nuts were hot. A technician told consumer that the heat from the front brakes melted the plastic hub cap which caused them to loosen and fall off. *ak the right front brake also overheated and caused the hub cap to fall off. *ph
Premature brake failure - 29,000 miles and car need new rotors and pads. Very light use, highway driving, no stop and go driving.
Front and rear brakes wore out prematurely at 12,000 miles. Daler has replaced them three times.
Problems with vehicle's turn signals, door locks and brakes.*mr the check engine light illuminated for six months until the dealership was able to service the problem. The door locks would freeze in the winter time and would open spontaneously while driving. The dealership responded by stating they didn't experience this while the vehicle was being checked. Thus, the problem wasn't handled by the company. Apparently, the door hinges were never properly greased until the consumer's father did it. This resolved that problem. Brakes were rough and unresponsive at times. The turn signal work when they wanted to or when the A/C was on maximum output. The vehicle started to use massive amounts of antifreeze. *ph
I have a '01 chevrolet malibu, my fuel injector went out of car, antifreeze chamber leaking (replaced), turn signal unit went out. Abs system had to be replaced, went out..all under extended warranty. All under 60,000 miles. Dealership (bobb chevrolet) oh has no recalls on this car, I believe this should be listed as a lemon.
When driving at highway speeds the vehicle stalled. The vehicle also lost power steering but the consumer managed to pull over. Problem had not been resolved. *ak two separated dealerships stated that there was nothing they could do to fix the problem until one dealer kept the vehicle for a week and stated that the vehicle experienced a "hicc up" and the vehicle was repaired. The left front wheel bearing was noisy and the left front hub was noisy. *scc the fuel pump and ignition switch and the consumer had not experienced any more problems with the vehicle. Also the front rotors were replaced.
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