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.
They have replaced the rotor twice (at 15K and 32K miles) and it continues to warp after 10-15K miles. Service manager states it is a widespread problem but Chevrolet will not take responsibility.
Both front disc pads were replaced and rotors resurfaced at 9210 miles, disc brake rotors were replaced at 10974 miles, vehicle experienced shaking while braking, at 14900 miles the front calipers, brake pads, and disc rotors have to be replaced again, consumer states brakes make multiple noises when applied.
Initially, the indication that there was a brake problem was a squealing when applying the brakes. At the time, brake pads and rotors were replaced. Then, after an another 3000 miles, the vehicle developed a serious vibration upon braking. The dealer then ground down the rotor. The problem developed again when another 2000 miles were driven, and dealer replaced both front calipers. Another 3000 miles have been driven, and the car has again developed a serious vibration when braking, strong pressure must be applied to slow the vehicle, and when the brakes are applied the car pulls strongs to the right and becomes difficult to control. Dealer has not been able to fix this latest problem.
- Juneau, AK, USA
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When brakes are applied and while driving at any speed, there is vibration which has made vehicle very difficult to handle. Dealership cannot reproduce this problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
This vehicle had both front disc pads replaced at 9,500 miles. The disk brake rotors on both sides were replaced at 10,500 miles. At 14,900 both front calipers, brake pads, and disk rotors will be replaced again. It steering shakes violently upon braking above 30 mph, any brake actuation malkes multiple noices that indicate obvious disk brake stress failure, both front wheels exhibts great quantities of burned in brake dust. This problem has been also experienced by two friends who have similar vehicles. It is obvious there is a serious, life \ safety manufacturing defect in the disk brake system. GM dealership has replaced parts without question or argument (which should immediately alert you to the fact that they are well aware of a widespread problem). There is no recall on this vehicle for this. Mentioning the problem to the local dealship mechanics and service personnel produces an immediate, no-argumentative recognition that the problem and system failures obviously exist and are well known (to them). In fact, one mentioned they were saving the parts taken off the 99 Malibu's for a GM enginner who was coming to inspect them. This is an extrememly serious life safety issue that has not been publicised and owners have simply be given replacement parts, only to have to replace them again and again. Brakes are the first line of safety and this cars disk brakes in the front are simply unreliable. It may be that the juneau, Alaska very humid environment is part of the problem. No matter, GM is dragging this out for whatever purpose. The problem is obvious.
I brought my chervolet Malibu on 16 October 1999 it had 24,000 miles on it. Around March of 2000 I noticed that the brake was going soft, making squelling noises, shimmey, and shake when coming to a stop. I took in to the dealership they said they would replace the rotors and brake pads for free due to a program they had. The brakes were ok when I picked the car up but they never really seemed all very sharp to me. Whenever I braked I had to start early to make sure my Malibu came to a complete stop. That was March then less then two months later in May 2000 when my car had 38,000 miles the rotors gave out again. I took it to lynn layton chervolet they said my rotors had warped again. Grudgedly they replaced my rotors and brake pads again. But they said the next time they would charge me. "as through I wanted them to put defective rotors on my car." Now about a year late with an additional 14,000 miles my rotors have given out again. I was told by a mechanic that my rotors are supposed to last about 60,000 mile. When I get them fixed again it will have replaced my rotors and brake pads three times over a period of 19 months and 27,000 miles since I brought my care with 24,000 miles on it this is crazy. That averages replacing rotors and brakes pads once every 8000 miles!!!!!! are there any plans to do a recall or something to force GM to fix this major brake problem *****defective rotors. Thank you... regina gamble.
Rotors have been replace twice and machined twice in 40,000 km. Brake pads have been replace 2 or 3 times. Was told by the dealer and GM Canada that if you drive the vehicle in the rain the rotors will warp. Rotors serviced @ 10,000km 20,000 km 26,000 km and 40,000 km. Tried to charge me while the vehicle was still under warranty for machining the rotors. Had to complain loudly to get them covered would not cover pads. Still trying to get some satifaction from GM Canada. Dealer would not admit there was a problem with the vehicles until the consultant called back and wanted to ensure he would not get a bad rating on GM warranty service questionaire. Then all of a sudden they have had some problems with the brakes/rotors on these vehicles.
Brake system is grinding, and it is very difficult for vehicle to make a left turn. When braking and making a turn, there is a vibration in steering. Consumer is concerned about safety of the vehicle. Dealership examines vehicle approximately every 3 months for this defect. Dealership has replaced pads and rotors, and performed numerous service jobs on brake system. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Consumer has replaced pads/calipers and rotors 3 times, and getting ready to replace them again. Vehicle was shaking/shuttering and grinding when brakes were applied. Chevrolet dealer didn't seem to think it was a problem. It was no reason for them to be replaced this close together. Manufacturer could only say there was no recall, and until then they have no obligation. The tail lamp failed. Right rear door sometimes won't open from inside and difficult to open from outside. Consumer demand a refund of the full purchase price of the vehicle or a comparable vehicle.
Vehicle shakes when brakes are depressed and makes a grinding noise. Front and rear brakes have been replaced. ABS light continually comes on and mechanics say that brakes are in perfect shape, it's a manufactuer problem.
Front end noise when applying brakes. At high speeds (50 mph+) serious shaking and vibrating of the front end occurred. Rf caliper locked onto warped rotor. Problem with rotors were experienced from day one. I've encountered others who have had similar problems with warped rotors on the Malibu. Emergency repair and replacement of calipers, front disc brakes and right front rotor was done at a non-warranty facility as this incident happened while travelling and the local Chevrolet dealer service dept was not opened on a Saturday.
Calipers will rip out pads, it starts with a grinding noise. Consumer had to replaces pads/ rotors and calipers 3 times. The consumer points out that three time failures of brake system at under 16000 miles was unusual.
Front rotors replaced twice. Front pads replaced once. Pads were not replaced with the first rotor replacement. For the second rotor replacement, I provided the replacement pads for them. Brakes seemed ok, untill the last service visit explaining to them the brakes were making a creeking noise when applied at low speeds. Since then, the brakes have been making a groaning/whineing noise when braking at high speed, with a noticeable brake pedal pulsation. I have not brought the vehicle back in to be checked. Because the warranty period is over, and I don't think I should be charged for a problem that was never resolved. I do alot of driving for my business, and I find this vehicle to be dangerous to drive at this point. Please help!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Copperas Cove, TX, USA