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 engine problems
175 complaints (24% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 59,000. 5 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 175
- of this car's complaints
- 24%
- typical mileage
- 59,000
- crashes
- 5
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Engine41
- Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe26
- Engine: gasoline20
- Cooling system19
- Exhaust system: emission control4
- Exhaust system4
- Cooling system: radiator assembly3
- Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chevrolet Malibu engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Won't start 86Stalling 59Overheating 23Check engine light 15Engine failure 12Knocking 11Loss of power 8
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2001 Chevrolet Malibu owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. While driving various speeds, unknown warning indicators illuminated. When the vehicle was started, the ignition had to be turned to the on position and the contact had to wait for the instrument panel to light up completely for the vehicle to start. The process worked intermittently. The vehicle failed to start every time the contact would attempt to start the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who replaced the ignition switch; however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
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 .
2nd cylinder is misfiring and something seems to be leaking antifreeze, causing my engine to overheat, which I see is a large issue in chevy malibus. My turn signal/hazards also don't work 85% of the time, which is a recall for my make, model, and year (chevrolet, malibu, 2001) but not my VIN number. Another issue I see is my left headlight shines out from the side, which I also saw to be an issue in several of the same models of my car. Keep in mind I bought it recently, used, so the date I noticed the issues was fairly recent.
I backed up my car, put it in drive and the anti theft system disabled the motor. I started rolling backwards and lost my perspective. I rolled backwards into a telephone pole causing a huge dent on my rear drivers side quarter panel. Thank god the pole was there or I might not have realized what was happening. Behind me was a rout iron fence and beyond that was a 20 ft drop (driveway has a retainer wall that it is built on top of. I had filed another complaint. The car had disabled itself on a bridge that has no slow lane to stop in. I can take pictures of the damage in the daylight if needed
The anti theft system disabled the car on the tappan zee bridge, with no place to stop and 18 wheelers going by me at 60+MPH. I had to shut the ignition off, turn it back on and wait 10 minutes for the anti-theft to disable, so I could turn the ignition off and reset the anti-theft and start the car. Talking about scared to death. Happy I am still alive to report this. It was in motion 55mph and stopped running, anti theft started to blink
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. When the vehicle was stopped, the engine continued to rev. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The repairs were made, but the failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but the repairs were unknown. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,249.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. In addition, the vehicle would accelerate at high speeds without warning. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 143,911. Updated 11/09/15*lj updated 4/3/18*jb
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the engine stalled and the anti-theft warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the engine after a wait period. The failure recurred and the contact was unable to restart the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.
Questions about the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu engine
Does the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu have engine problems?
Owners have filed 175 complaints about the engine of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu, 24% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 59,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have bad engine?
The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (305 complaints), 2018 (285 complaints) and 2017 (258 complaints).
Other 2001 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Electrical 285Lights 109Brakes 89Steering 41Fuel system 40Acceleration 25Airbags 21Suspension 20Transmission 18Body 14Tires 14Visibility 12Seat belts 9Seats 5Locks 4Wheels 3Driver assistance 2
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