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.
2001 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems
285 complaints (40% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 88,000. 4 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 285
- of this car's complaints
- 40%
- typical mileage
- 88,000
- crashes
- 4
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Ignition: anti-theft: control module74
- Ignition: switch23
- Ignition11
- Horn5
- Starter assembly4
- Ignition: module4
- Wiring: interior/under dash2
- Wiring2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems in other years
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition
- 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
What 2001 Chevrolet Malibu owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In nov 2017 my 2001 malibu was starting to over heat do I reached the thermostat I am still having issues with the car getting to hot I have to always put my heater on defrost hot and on and the fan on which only goes up to number 3 and there are higher settings. I don't know what I'm going to do if I have to replace the manifold gasket . And I've been during dexcool coolant . Is there a recall yet? If not why? I have read numerous complaints about this .
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. Upon attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start and the theft system warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to shift the vehicle into neutral in order to have it pushed home. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact researched the failure online and found many complaints regarding the faulty theft system with the chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the failure occurred randomly. The contact read online to place the ignition in the run position for ten minutes before starting the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 130,450.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. After inserting the key into the ignition switch, the vehicle remained in the theft mode and the engine could not be started. The contact also indicated that the key would sometimes become stuck inside the ignition switch and, on several occasions, the hazard and turn signal lights would not operate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 205,000.
2001 chevy malibu won't start in august, 2013 car would not start. It was trying to turn over, but would not. Had to have it towed in to dealer. They found passlock sensor not working properly. They replaced cylinder kit (included passlock sensor) and ignition switch. Paid $800. In oct. 2, 2017, car would not start in parking lot. Same thing happened. As before, battery was not an issue. Towed to same dealer. They said security system got set some how. They reprogrammed the system. Said if it happens again, may have to put in new system. Paid $125. Dec. 2, 2017 it happened again. Car would not start in garage. This time, after finding on-line from many posts about the same problem, found a way to get the car started (10 minute wait for the 'anti-theft system' light to go out. -this may have been the same way the dealer started the car in oct.) this time dealer said need passlock sensor replaced, again. This would have been another $500+. Since car was running, and after reading what others say about issue, declined repair at the time. Have seen hundreds of complaints on numerous blogs and websites, including ntsha, on just this specific car and specific issue (2001 malibu won't start). Many of them saying the passlock sensor does not last very long (sometimes fails in 2-4 months). Also saw same problem on numerous other years of malibu, and other gm cars. With all of the problems with the system, there should be a recall of at least the passlock sensor. This is a safety issue, whether or not there have been any injuries or deaths. Someone could be followed to their car and/or attacked late at night in a parking lot, or along a street, not able to drive away. It could be very serious. This issue needs to be fixed. Please issue a recall.
Questions about the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu electrical
Does the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 285 complaints about the electrical of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu, 40% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 88,000 miles.
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).
Other 2001 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Engine 175Lights 109Brakes 89Steering 41Fuel system 40Acceleration 25Airbags 21Suspension 20Transmission 18Body 14Tires 14Visibility 12Seat belts 9Seats 5Locks 4Wheels 3Driver assistance 2
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