2002 Chevrolet Malibu: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Jun 19, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 46,786 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the engine hesitated when started. Also, the instrument panel lighting became very dim and the data on the screen was not visible. Also, the passenger door would not lock and the windows failed to roll down. All the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact jumped the battery and the engine restarted. Later, the vehicle decelerated while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the anti-theft system failed. The mechanic was currently performing a second diagnostic test. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 46,786.

Filed Oct 23, 2007 · Fuel system · 43,000 miles · NY

My chevy malibu which I bought brand new and only has 43,000 miles was starting to hesitate and not the power up hills like it was begging for gas. Well a week later after parking it in the morning and going to use it some hours later it would not start. The fuel pump went and I had to be towed to my repair shop since I was out of warranty. Part is not available. Manager of repair shop was very surprised that the pump went with such few miles.

Filed Apr 8, 2006 · Engine · 69,300 miles · CA

3 weeks ago my 2002 chevy malibu started to run like #@$% (hesitation between 0- 35 MPH and going up hill, loss in power, and slow at catching up to freeway speed). I have replaced spark plugs, coils, and the egr valve and the problem still occurs. Well, after further investigation online, I found other people to have the same problem and it turns out that it's with their cat converter. I can't even order the part online because of strict emission control in california, I need a mechanic to do it,get it straight from the dealer, or have auto zone do a special order for me (I found a mechanic that will do it for $800). Next is my head gasket, which looks like it has to be replaced. On 4-8-06 I got an oil change and was told that there was oil in my coolant reservoir tank, which means I have an oil leak. So now I have to take my car in and have the head gasket replaced which won't be cheap either. I looked online for recalls and I came upon this website www.the federal safety agency.dot.gov , I realized that other consumers also have the same problem. So with so many people experiencing the similar problems why doesn't gm do recalls. Now I may need to fork out a couple hundred dollars if not a thousand or more to fix (correct) a faulty cat converter and head gasket.

Filed Dec 6, 2005 · Engine · 80,000 miles · FL

The latest incident is the catalytic converter. The car began to hesitate at 50-60 MPH and started losing power. I took it in and was told it was fine. Pickup became non existent and the dealer finally diagnosed the problem after changing the fuel filter and other regular maintenance items. I limped into the dealer and was told it would cost $1600. I took it to a garage and it cost $150. The aggravation with this car is frustrating to say the least. Warning malibu owners...the converter is a known failure item they don't want us to know about!!

Filed Nov 8, 2004 · Fuel system · 13,136 miles · AZ

Car coughs/hesitates when driving between 65-75 MPH. Began doing when I moved to arizona. Did not do it in fl using regular grade gas. Dealer said my fuel filter was all clogged and dirty and the fuel was getting dark colored. Said I need to use chevron or arco gas as they put a detergent in their gas that gmc is recommending for all their cars. Dealer changed fuel filters and air filter. I tried regular grade gas from arco. No difference. Am taking it back to service at dealer again.

Filed Aug 30, 2004 · Acceleration, Electrical · PA

Problems with vehicle's radio equipment. *mr the vehicle would lose the time and the radio would lose stations when the vehicle was turned on, the temperature gauge read above normal, the cruise control would cut off and when the engine was cold there would be a hesitation.

Filed Aug 13, 2002 · Engine · TX

Vehicle hesitates at highway speeds (65-70 MPH).

Filed May 23, 2002 · Engine · TX

Consumer states that the vehicle hesitates between 65-70 MPH. The dealer cannot find a problem.