This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
My fiance and I have had a 1997 Chevy Malibu for a year and a half. About a month after purchasing it, the vehicle started having problems with the passlock theft system that would leave us stranded for 10 minutes because the car wouldn't crank. Gradually it started doing it more and more. We've had incidents where the theft system light would go off after 10 minutes but when trying to start it again; it would do the same thing. I've actually had times of being stranded for 2 hours because it would keep doing it! right now our car is at my fiance's work because it won't crank and we got tired of trying after 3 hours. This is so annoying! Chevrolet should be ashamed of themselves! I know a lot of people that have had this same problem(not counting all the other problems like the brakes and windshield wipers). With so many people having the same problem..that means they should recall it and fix it. We don't have money like they do and can't afford to keep putting it in the shop to be worked on. I'm currently a college pell grant recipient that is going to lose my grants because of this lemon car! I was adopted by my grandparents that are on ssi and disability and they can't afford to send me to school. I hope the people at Chevrolet are happy with ruining my future! please help me!!!I need my car fixed before it's too late!
: the contact stated, the anti-theft device malfunctioned, keeping the vehicle from restarting until the device was resets which usually takes 10 minutes or more. An independent mechanic replaced the pass lock cylinder, to correct the failure. However, the malfunction continued. The manufacturer was contacted and refused to reimburse, or replace the affected part because an unauthorized service mechanic had performed work on the device. The consumer wants the device disconnected. Updated 08/14/06.
: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle it failed to start and the theft system light illuminated. Once the vehicle started it was taken to the dealership and they replaced the pass lock sensor, which remedied the problem. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 06/16/06.
Theft light comes on while driving, then next time I try to start car it flashes and I can start car from 10 mins like owners manual says to try after 10 mins after light stops flashing. I do this and the light starts flashing. This is very unsafe not being able to start a car leaving a motorist stranded where ever they turn there car off for hours and in my case 1 1\2 days with no cell service to call for repair I had to sleep in my car until another motorist passed the following day. I understand that normal equipment failure is an issue of its own the dealership says there no fix for the problem but to have the car towed evertime to the shop to be reprogrammed which happens every 2-3 months.
- Kokomo, IN, USA
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I am submitting this complaint for my mother. Her 1997 Chevrolet has had two instances of problems with the anti-theft controller. Both occurrences has required major work at the dealership in order for her car to start. The first time this occurred was a couple of years ago, and after paying almost $400 the dealership appeared to have fixed the problem. Now once again this same problem has occurred and cost her another $400. It's only been a couple of years between the two instances. I feel based on the number of instances that this is a defect and that she should not have to continue to pay every couple of years to fix this on-going problem with the Malibu. I too think she should be reimbursed by GM for this defect.
April 2000, the pass lock theft system stranded me the first time within 30-days of paying cash for my 1997 Chevrolet Malibu ls. The first 30-days the car spent more time in the dealer shop than in my possession. I was told by dealership management that they had put too much money in car already, not going to fix theft system and brakes, which were complaints within the 30-day warranty. Two years with theft system disabling car numerous times, finally wouldn't start at all, I took to Chevrolet dealer in Ontario Oregon, they replaced ignition assembly. Less than two years later I am stranded once again, it would not start for 3-days, went to dealer in payette Idaho where I paid cash for the car, they again didn't want to put any more money into the car. On 5/30/2004 car spent the night in parking lot, wouldn't start. Also have problems with brakes, in less than 4 years 2-complete brake assemblies (rotors, pads, callipers, etc.), 6-sets of brake pads, all les schwab work. I've poured almost as much money into the car since ownership, than I paid for the car. I have 3 children, we've been stranded, late for school, missing school, late for work, lost jobs because of lost hours. I leave the car running now, because I'm scared that my family will be stranded. I'm sooo frustrated with Chevrolet, no one can answer any of my questions, Chevrolet of boise, said that I didn't have a theft system, wow this has all been my imagination! I have 3-children that have been late for school, missed school, I have lost jobs because of missing hours, everytime I get in it I'm not sure if it will start. I have run out of money to continue to fix the same things every few months, leave the car running at $2.09 per gallon, my children are scared of going anywhere as am I. please help!!
There have been repeated failures with this automobile. The passlock anti-theft system often locks up the ignition, the headlamp and tail lamp assemblies have excessive moisture in them, causing the bulbs to burn out, the air conditioner fan motor shuts off, and the drivers seat is loose. These problems have repeatedly been reported to the dealers, and they have been unable or unwilling to repair them.
Passlock theft deterrent system malfunctions, causing car not to start. Theft deterrent light will flash on dash board. After approximately 10 minutes, car can be started. This is an intermittent problem that has occurred for several years. Dealers have been able to find source of problem.
Passive theft system continually if set off, not allowing engine to run. This has caused many problems from being late to work, to simply missing a movie. In past instances the engine would start after the system reset in ten minutes, this time it just will not start and now we are late to celebrate new years eve with our family.I have had the car looked at by a mechanic, I have looked in Chevrolet repair manuals, and I have even asked the dealer about this, but I can not find an answer on how to fix this problem. This vehicle also has a random multiple misfire that can not seem to be fixed as well. From talking to other Malibu owners this is a common problem. This may be caused by the intake penelem gasket. When iquiring at the auto parts store about this gasket I came to find an improved design has been made. I do not feel that I should have to take care of these problems myself.
In June of 1999, the anti-theft lock system malfunctioned which prevented consumer from starting vehicle. Dealership did repairs to correct this problem. In October of 2001, anti-theft lock system malfunctioned again, preventing consumer from starting vehicle. Consumer stated that the anti theft system malfunctioned on 4 different occasions, the light would come on and stay on at times, also consumer went to have fuel filter replaced and was informed that the quick release connection at fuel filter needed to be replaced quickly, because when it was installed at the factory it was some how bent.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Rosamond, CA, USA