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.
: the contact stated the low coolant light illuminated. The dealership determined antifreeze was leaking into the engine and replaced the intake manifold gasket. Three years later, the vehicle had the same problem and the dealership replaced the same component.
Coolant leaking. Have refilled several times. Took to car X, told me intake manifold gasket is leaking, has not failed but all engines of this type fail at some point. Is a known problem. Checking internet, that seems to be the case. Has not been repaired yet because of time involved and money ($600). Would like to see the part recalled.
Anti-freeze is leaking from intake manifold gasket causing engine damage. I have heard that the problem is caused by dex-cool anti-freze. This new type of anti-freeze attacks the gasket material. The cause could also be inferior gasket material specified by GM.
Vehicle was taken to dealer for regular maintenance, and results showed that the intake manifold was leaking fluid, which could cause it to overheat. Manufacturer will be contacted by consumer.
The intake manifold has been replaced 2 times on this car. We are still having engine cooling problems. It is in the shop as we speak. Now they are looking at the head gaskets due to coolant leaking into the overflow. There has been numerous complaints I have found in regards to this model. Why isn't anyone contacting the Chevy to get this design flaw corrected and compensation for the affected consumers who were unfortunate enough to buy this particular model?
- Cleveland , OH, USA
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Consumer complained about an intake manifold gasket problem. It was leaking. Owner contacted the dealer and the manufacturer. Owner was told that it was common for this to break after 60,000 miles. When the consumer purchased the vehicle the mechanic told him the intake gasket was defective. The engine was leaking coolant.
Engine coolant light came on. Took car in to get checked while having oil change and was told that there was a coolant leak in both the upper and lower intake manifolds.
I have contacted GMC Chevrolet division via their customer service line to no avail. I have several pages of documentation that supports the vehicle I drive(1999 Malibu) is one that Chevy should be ashamed to attribute to the "made in America" caqmpaign. I have had to replace on seven occasions the rear stop/tail lights. The bulbs burst, they simply stop and as of 08/14/04 I have replaced yet another set of bulbs except this time the lights failed to work at all. The worker at Napa auto store in riverdale Georgia even checked the fuses and found no fuse blown; he even showed me the fuses as he pulled them. Additonally I have had to replace the intake manifold gasket and the heag gasket;this is a common problem with these vehicles and there is a technology bulletin from GM that supports the intake mainifold gasket was/iis faulty because of the material it is made from on this vehicle on several GM mid-size vehicles. The dexcool product turns to sludge and thereby creates a leak. I read in the atlanta journal constitution that your Agency's intervention has prompted GM to recall the Chevrolet Malibu from 200-202 (?) to correct the rear light problem and the article stated consideration was being given to extending the recall to the 1999 model for the same problem( rear light). I really need to find out the status of this attempt becasue I currently am unable to drive at night because I will be ticketed.
I had frequent loss of coolant, and drips on my driveway surface. Upon taking to dealer I was informed that intake gasket leaking. Also I was told brakes were almost gone. At 53,000 miles this seemed excessive on both counts. The replacement of the intake gasket was about $700. Replacing the pads and turning rotors cost $250. This makes the 3rd set of pads, and resurfacing of the second set of rotors since I bought the car new. Shortly after the repairs the ABS light started coming on whenever making a turn. Brought the car into the dealer in may and was told that the front wheel bearing assy needed to be replaced. I was also told that this occurance had nothing to do with the recent brake job, even though there were no problems until I had the brake job done at their recommendation. The dealer, while acknowleding no blame paid 50% of the repair leaving me with a $200 bill. In little more that 30 days I have spent $1200 on critical part repairs for a well maintained car with only 53000 miles.
Vehicle had catalytic converter and alternator go out completely within 10K of each other. Once the cat had gone bad, it caused the valve seals on the engine to need to be replaced along with the intake manifold gasket, a $1300 job not covered by extended warranty. Also have had break pad problems with them wearing unevenly. The vehicle was at a Chevrolet dealer for almost a week before they guessed the problem-no one actually looked at my engine to verify that the seals needed to be replaced, I was so annoyed with waiting for a diagnosis, I had another mechanic complete the work and replace the cat. These problems also resulted in a midnight tow two hours away from home since my car would not start, taking more time and money out of my hectic schedule.
Manifold gasket replaced on 1999 Chevrolet Malibu that I paid for and GM has not even got back with me yet after I sent them copies of all my bills. This problem never should have happened and now I see a service bulletin on it and have a 2002 Impala that they want to put sealer in instead of fixing the gasket. I think they owe me money for the Malibu and they need to replace the gasket on the Impala.
Have had many problems with this car! bought car 2/17/2001.....-8/15/2001 had to replace alternator....2/24/2002 had intake manifold gasket replaced because of coolant leakage, cost was 600.00.....06/20/03 had to replace battery due to leakage and corrosion around positive cable.......7/24/03 had to replace brake pads and have rotors turned for the second time....I think that there should be a recall for some of these things!!!!! car now has 70,000 miles on it... thought I was buying a good car!! :)
Two repairs in one week, alternator had to be replaced, dash lights started coming on & guages going crazy! car wouldn't start after being parked for 1 hr, then when jump started it, died again in few minutes, replaced alternator, battery, then next day ignition failed, key wouldn't turn in ignition, had to be towed to my mechanic (this was the third (3rd) time the ignition switch locked up like this and the key wouldn't turn & the car would not start & entire ignition assembly had to be replaced, 2X earlier it was under warranty...this time it cost me over $400 (the part alone cost $289.) I am so frustrated w/ this problem, as dealership repaired it the first 2 times & they didn't seem to understand it. This is the second battery I've had to purchase since I bought the car brand new in January 2000.
My auto over heats. Coolant leaks around the intake manifold gaskets near the heat sensor. I have to add coolant at least once a week. My auto is a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu four door sedan, VIN #[xxx]. I didn't recognize this problem for what it really was until warranty expired. High gas consumption. Only 71,000 miles. Town driven by lady. Dealer says this common problem with car. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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- Saint Louis, MO, USA