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
2001 Chevrolet Malibu brakes complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 89, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The brake rotors warped which caused the vehicle to shimmy while applying pressure to the brake pedal. *ak consumer had not repaired the vehicle due to cost. The consumer's friend stated this was a problem with all chevrolet malibu's. *ph
Brake pads wear out prematurely.
At 47,000 miles my brakes began to pulsate violently when pressing the brake pedal. Also the ABS warning light came on. A metal on metal sound could also be heard. This car was taken to a repair shop where the rotors were turned, new pads were installed and the ABS light was reset. At 90,000 miles the exact same thing occurred. This time the rotors and pads were replaced, new calipers were installed (they were binding) and the ABS light was again reset.
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.
The brake rotors are warped for 2nd time , it happened at 40,000 miles, and now almost a year later after they were turned the brake rotors are warped again! I have looked on the web sites of other owners, and the same complaint has been their!
Problems with 2001 chevrolet malibu's brake equipment. *mr the brakes were not covered under warranty but were replaced twice by the dealership, once at 13500k miles along with resurfacing of the rotors and the replacing the r/f caliper, and again at 7855k miles later. The last incident occurred when the consumer exited the expressway when a loud metal to metal sound was heard. The brakes were down to the floor and in order to stop, the consumer had to continually pump the brake pedal.
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.
When applying brakes vehicle shakes and rattles. Dealer notified.
The dealer replaced 5 sets of brakes and rotors on the vehicle within the past two years.
Vehicle would vibrate when applied the brakes. Dealer was notified replaced five times pads/ rotors turned three times and replaced one. But problem still recurring. Please send copy. And further information.
I purchased a 2001 malibu ls used back in feb 2002. I have had nothing but problems with the breaks making a grounding noise when I come to slow stops. As time goes by it seems to be happening more and more oftern. At first it was only when I would be in drive thru lines waiting or the brake noise would come and then go away for awhile. The noise is like a grounding or metal rubbing noise. When you press on the brakes it sound like the brakes are going to snap off. I have brought this car into two difference repair shops and they all stated that this problem is due to how chevy made the brakes. They tell me something about they now use metal on the brakes and when the brakes get hot they make this noise. I can turn the car on and usually within 15 minutes the brakes start making the noise. I had the brakes oiled, brakes pads repaired and nothing takes the noise away. From what I am told and from what I have read from other peoples complaints is that this is a very common problem and if you get the brakes replaced eventually it will start again. Many people have wondered why no recall has been issued. Like someone else stated what does it take for a recall to be issued. A death or injury due to the brakes. I am lucky compared to what other people who have had the brakes fail. I don't know how much more I can take of hearing the noise. I contacted the chevy customer service via email and all they told me was to take it to a dealer and have it looked at. Since they can't inspect the car they have to rely on the dealers. Not once did they ever admit to any problems with the brakes. I paid alot for this car and I should have to deal with brake problems. I went back to the dealer many times but they were not helpfull. I won't go back anymore to the dealer because I have spoken to other people who bought cars from there and they had nothing but problems. I just want this brake issue to be resolved.
There was extended stopping distance and vibration in the steering wheel when the brakes were applied, also a grinding noise. The rotors were replaced twice, and the brake shoes and pads 6 times. Brakes need to be replaced every 10000 miles.
1) leaking coolant from intake manifold into engine, required gasket replacement and coolant / oil change 2) turn signals work intermittently, had to replace turn signal switch 3) A/C does not work, blows hot air, dealer unable to repair 4) brakes weak, vibrate. Replaced with after market components (powerslot rotors and performance friction carbon metallic pads) 5) automatic door locks inoperative, dealer unable to repair 6) poor fuel mileage, best is 28 mpg highway (cafe violation??) 7) starter failed, replaced with rebuilt unit.
After researching the service bulletins section of this website, I have come to realize that I have complained/had serviced about 85% of the same problems that are listed on your database. I purchased this car new, from everett chevrolet, wa in 2000. Since the purchase. Date, I had chevy do the following: new brakes (all the way around - once, front rotors/pads - twice), all new pistons, transmission replaced, miss on #1 cylinder - replaced 1 failed spark plug, left rear door squeaks when open/shut - lubed (has happened 3 times now), front left noise from struts/brakes - not able to verify as of yet (possible strut problem/lube), fan in dashboard has a sound in the middle (just above the cd player/radio) like there is a piece of paper caught in the housing (confirmed after 4 complaints, faulty fan motor), passenger front seat squeaks when occupied (dealerships have not been able to duplicate./fix), rearview mirror rattles while driving at highway speeds (tightened, still does it in hot weather). Bottom line, this is my first new car purchase and I am having serious doubts about keeping the car - as it only has 21,405 miles on it. With the 3/30 warranty. Coming up in oct. 2003, I am very much afraid that I have purchased a lemon and not looking forward to spending anymore time/$$$ on this vehicle. Any suggestions?
The brakes pads were replaced 4 times, however they continued to experienced uneven wear. *jb on four occasions the brake rotors were machined, and on two occasions they were cleaned, lubed, and caliper slid. Scc
The brake caliper was designed, the caliper piston over heated, which caused the piston to expand.
Excessive brake repair:front and rear since vehicle was purchased on 9/12/01 to 3/31/03: brakes serviced on 12/14/01-machine front rotors and rear drums, 3/14/02-replace front brake pads and rotors machine rear drums, 8/12/02 r&r rear drums & machine r&r rear brake shoes & lube backing plate, 3/31/03 front brakes needed clean and adjust rear brakes. Mileage was respectively: 5836, 12450, 21975, 33533. All brake work done by dealer. Independent brake inspection on 4/3/03 shows front brakes needed and 20/1000ths left on rear drums. This will be the third set of brakes put on this vehicle before the manufacturer's warranty expires. Also rear drums are within 20/1000ths of drum spec discard prior to manufacturer's warranty expiration.
The vehicle experienced problems with the brake pads and rotors. With less than 16000 miles the consumer has replaced the pads and rotors three times. The manufacture and dealer were contacted and changed the pads and rotors one time for free but the other two times the consumer had to pay.
In 2001 we purchased a new chevrolet malibu. After just 17,000 miles we were informed it would not pass a safety inspection because the brakes had worn out. Gm replaced the brakes for us. 13,000 miles later the same thing happened. After much complaining and letter writing, gm replaced the brakes again. I inspected the brakes in both instances and noticed that only the inner brake pad was worn, the outer pad looked brand new. The caliper is cast aluminum and it bends when the brakes are applied much like a cheap "c" clamp that you might find in a dollar store. There are two major concerns I have about this condition. First and foremost is the safety of this system. With the constant flexing I am concerned that the caliper may fracture at some point down the road. In addition to the flexing, I believe the inner pad is overheating, since it is doing all of the work, and this could cause brake fade. The caliper also appears to bind on the guide pins when the brakes are applied. When the casting bends, it causes a misalignment of the guide pins and consequently the caliper then binds. The second issue I have is with the life of the brakes. Gm says the brakes should only last between 8,000 and 12,000 miles. If the caliper didn't flex as much and the pads were wearing evenly the life expectancy of the brakes would go up significantly. In either case gm blew it with their choice of these calipers on this vehicle. At the very worst, they are putting people at risk. I wonder how many accidents involving these vehicles could be attributed to the brakes, and are people even looking at the brakes as a cause? At best, gm is shafting their customers. People are paying needlessly for service work they don't need. There is the potential for serious injury resulting from this. It also speaks to gm's integrity and ethics, allowing an inferior brake system to be used on its vehicles.
When the consumer applied the brakes the pedal went to thee floor causing the vehicle to experience extended stopping distance.
The front and rear brakes had to be replaced frequently.
Brakes pads had to be replaced and rotors turned at 25k miles. Premature wear but dealer would not replace under warranty. Now at 46k miles car is again in need of brake pads.
The calipers on the vehicle flexed, the casting bended when the brakes were applied which caused misalignment of the guide pins. *jg
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).
While applying her brakes the pedal went all the way down to the floor. And there were vibration coming from underneath the vehicle. Please provide additional information. Dealer is aware of the problem. Ts
Consumer states that without warning the brakes started to pulsate,heard a metal too metal noise.had vehicle serviced.the rotors went bad,had them replaced,problem reaccured 3 times again.had replaced again on each occasion. Mr
Consumer states that the rotors and brakes were replaced at 18000 miles. Consumer feels there is something causing brake and rotors to wear so early. Please provide any further information. Mr
Consumerhears a wierd noise when braking. Please provide any further information. Mr
While trying to apply brakes the vehicle will accelerate. Consumer has to put vehicle in neutral position when applying brakes. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2001 Chevrolet Malibu?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history