2001 Chevrolet Malibu: fuel pump failure

Filed Oct 7, 2020 · Electrical · 108,227 miles · AL

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.

Filed Aug 27, 2019 · Electrical, Fuel system · 95,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Dec 11, 2015 · Electrical · 33,340 miles · PA

For some reason when I, the owner, go to start the car it goes into a theft loss mode and the car is inoperable for ten minutes. The car was my parents for 14 years and I first heard about the problem in july 2014. Then the garage changed out fuel pumps for my mother. I inherited the car this summer and am having this theft loss triggered several times a day. It requires waiting at least 10 minutes till attempting a restart. The vehicle was parked and not being jostled or bumped, so it is unknown when or why this "lock up"occurs. Incredibly annoying!

Filed Dec 3, 2014 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

2001 chevrolet malibu. Consumer states two keys are being used. One for the doors and trunk, and another for the ignition after ignition lock cylinder and sensor were replaced. The consumer is requesting reimbursement. Also, the fuel pump and fuel filter were replaced.

Filed Nov 5, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 66,237 miles · IN

Hi, it's me.... Again. Imagine that with my chevy malibu. I went to start the car this morning. However, it wouldn't. I could hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds then turn off. The engine would fire briefly, and then stop. The starter is working great. So I turned to google. I found, like so many of the complaints on here that the anti-theft system is to blame. It likes to random turn on, preventing the car from starting. I called the dealer to ask what chevy was going to do to fix chevy's busted anti-theft system. I was told to turn the key to the "on" position for 10 min. The anti-theft would reset, and then I could start me car. They forgot to tell me that it would continue to do this until I spend $500 of my own money to fix a problem chevy knows about. Why should I have to pay to fix something that is due to poor engineering and manufacturing on chevy's part? Oh what.... Corporate america says so. They are bigger than me, and therefore are more important than putting out a reliable product to consumers. Chevy is a great example of a corporate greed manager. Just man up and fix your crappy cars.

Filed Apr 7, 2013 · Acceleration · 161,730 miles · CA

2001 chevrolet malibu suddenly accelerated while the brakes were depressed. While in park, the rpms jump randomly between 500 and 3500. When placed into drive the vehicle would gain speed to 45-65 MPH on flat ground with foot off of brake and accelerator. Replaced throttle control sensor -- didn't solve the issue. Very disappointing, given that the car was always well maintained and that I recently changed transmission oil, spark plugs, battery, fuel pump, engine oil, a bunch of other parts and still have 3/4 tank of gas...

Filed Sep 23, 2011 · Electrical, Fuel system · 100,525 miles · IN

This complaint relates to the poorly designed gm passlock anti-theft system that erroneously enters anti-theft mode and disables the fuel injectors. Gm should be forced to recall this passlock system '' it is simply unacceptable to strand motorists because of an incompetently designed anti-theft system. I have replaced both the in-tank fuel pump and two ignition modules (at an expense of three towing bill plus $1000+ in repair costs), only to find out that the anti-theft system was misreading my ignition key and disabling the injectors. Several internet forums that I found after the expensive repairs describe how to reset this erroneous signal after having to wait 10 minutes for the system to clear. I have personally read hundreds of similar horror stories in online forums, and this is a widely known issue. It is unacceptable that people have to deal with this defective system, and that dealerships and mechanics make huge profits replacing fuel pumps and ignition modules unnecessarily. By the way, after each of the expensive repairs I mentioned were done, the car experienced the same issues within 30 days of the repairs.

Filed Sep 7, 2010 · Fuel system · 150,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. When attempted to start the vehicle it would not start. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the fuel pump was replaced. The failure has since recurred 4 times. Each time the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the fuel pump would be replaced. The failure mileage 150,000 was and the current mileage was 177,000.

Filed Apr 8, 2009 · Fuel system, Lights · 80,000 miles · CA

There has been a failure to the fuel system several different occasions. Fuel regulator has been replaced 3 different times. A fuel pump was purchased 300$ to replace old one. The right tail light has been bogging on and off almost caused several different accidents. I would like to know if I can sell this vehicle or get what I paid for it atleast? I shall take further legal action until something is done.

Filed Oct 1, 2008 · Electrical, Fuel system · 80,000 miles · TX

The car will start fine, but once you turn it off and go to start again it will just crank. The first time I replaced the fuel pump. The second time I repaced spark plugs and wires. The third time I didn't know what else to change and a friend said to try putting the key in the on position for 10 mins. I did and it started right up. It turns out the ant-theft system keeps locking me out about every month. It is a major pain to have to be somewhere and not know when the car will start or not, and then sit there for ten mins to reset it.

Filed Oct 17, 2007 · Electrical, Fuel system · 49,300 miles · FL

2001 malibu with 50,525 miles with first occurrence 12/07/06. Passlock system failure and car will not start (new fuel pump). Anti theft light keeps blinking and car won't start continues almost monthly. Malibu has been towed to dealer 7 times since dec 06. Fuel pump replaced dec 06 not the problem. Iginition cylinder not the problem. Towed again 10/17/07 same problem. Dealer clipped 3 wires to passlock sytem said they were crimped. (that might be the problem according to tech) however, probably been that way since car purchased in 2001 new. Wait and see. Called gm at one point and they covered half of a $800 repair bill. So far over $1500.00 in repairs and $400.00 plus in towing plus rental car fees. Gm why not recall? Too many complaints on same problem.

Filed Sep 12, 2007 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. While driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel locked and the vehicle shut off. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. She also stated that the anti-theft system engaged and there was a loss of power. The contact believed that the cause of failure was electrical. The dealer stated that the fuel pump failed and discovered a leak in the intake gasket. The dealer stated that her VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 07e021000 (fuel system tank assembly: pressure relief devices). As of september 12, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was 65,000 and current mileage was 70,000.