2001 Chevrolet Malibu: adaptive cruise control problems

Filed Sep 14, 2016 · Transmission · 143,982 miles · TX

While driving on the highway, when vehicle is traveling upward on an incline, the transmission causes "lunging" of the vehicle. Car would lunge than back off trying to maintain the current speed if the vehicle. I could observe the surges on the RPM gauge, as it would fluctuate up and down between 2200 and 2400 RPM while lunging was taking place. Then suddenly the gauge would jump up to around 3200-3400 RPM, and the lunging stopped and car regained regular speed. This occurrence happens on every incline at highway speeds, and there is no difference whether operating manually or with the cruise control operating. Problem is not so noticeable on inclines at lower speeds while city driving (milder lunging I guess) but still occurs on steep inclines only then; on highway it occurs on all inclines. (I have only owned this car for about a week now, but it is extremely worrisome, and I was surprised to not find any recall for this problem, as a mechanic I met said his malibu has been doing that for the past 7 years and indicated there had been a recall for it; yet I found none listed.

Filed Jul 29, 2015 · Acceleration, Brakes · 58,246 miles · TX

Brake lights and cruise control failed to work causing a safety issue. This problem still exist as of this date. Problem has not been found. A recall problem. Has been in dealers serv. Dept for repairs about 4 times this year of 2015. This actually started in 2011. In dealers for repair right now same issue.

Filed May 25, 2014 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 129,000 miles · WA

I was traveling at 60 and took my foot off gas to decelerate and car wouldn't go less than 50. Engine RPM's wouldn't go below 2500. I could still stop car with brakes but this appears to be a constant problem and not intermittent like the person reported a few days ago. I checked the throttle linkage because I thought the non functioning cruise control could be affecting engine speed but neither cable kept the flap from bottoming out.

Filed Aug 11, 2013 · Electrical · DC

Cruise control slips as well as dashboard beeps

Filed Nov 12, 2008 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · AZ

Electrical: it all started 2/2007... There was a recall on the 2001 chevy malibu for turn signal/hazard light defect. I have a 2001 chevy malibu and I had experienced the exact same problems. I contacted gm and they indicated that my VIN number was not in the recall and therefore will not reimburse me for the cost of having my turn signals/hazard lights repaired. There is a ticking noise that is off and on, sometimes lasting 3 minutes. Then in 5/2008... The following happens at the same time: the car does start the fuel gauge says I am empty, radio will not work, A/C and heater will not work. My daytime lights will not turn on, along with my windows, and cruise control. This is sporadic, but happens at least once a day; sometimes more.

Filed Aug 5, 2007 · Acceleration · 77,450 miles · NC

Was driving car just pulled off from a red light making a left turn and car started to pull forward then could not steer myself went off road almost into trees then jerked itself left pulling back to road and onto oncoming traffic then stopped was able to drive home slowly w/ hazards on. 2nd incident was driving and car started to pull /jerk forward fast tried to put on brakes and was very difficult to bring car to a stop almost felt like was not going to stop w/all my pressure applying to brakes was still hard to stop car. All 4 incidents were similar in that car kind of took off on it's own and was not controllable as far as steering or braking. This car is in local chevrolet dealership for last few days for them to find/correct this problem our daughter is driving this car and it's not safe right now for her to drive. The dealership can not find the problem. First they thought anti lock brakes had a glitch, or the transmission,but car is not doing this when they take for short drives and they can not pin point this problem. ,but there is most certainly a problem. I do not want my child to get hurt or worse driving this vehicle b/c no one can detect the problem. Also car had a burning rubbery/like a belt smell before at least 2 of these incidents. All belts check out ok. No problems. I have a relative that had a chev van that in last year or so car basically took off on it's own at a speed of 50mph. Could not stop vehicle was putting all weight pressure on brake car finally came to a stop. Prob wound up being a computer chip in transmission triggered the cruise control computer chip transmission had to be changed . Please check into this to see if related to our issue. Thank you.

Filed Sep 20, 2001 · Acceleration · ME

Car repeatedly fails to maintain set speed and accelerates rapidly without warning which almost caused several accidents. I had dealer look at the cruise control and they said this is normal on this model. I contacted chevrolet directly (case: c04708022) and they agreed saying it was something I would just have to live with.