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.
I am continually having problems with my 2002 Chevy Malibu. I had the theft system continually come on and paid $700 to fix that. Fuel pump went bad...$500. I had the coolant system leak and paid $800 to fix that. Every time I get my brake pads replaced, the rotors need replaced too, until the last time when the calibers had to be replaced as well $900. Now I am having difficulty starting my piece of junk.
I have filed a safety complaint with Chevrolet on the 2002 Malibu I purchased new. I have had to replace the brakes twice once at 33,378 miles on 5/5/2005 and again at 51,543 mile on 3/27/2007. The consumer complaint department and the dealership where it was repair have informed me the replacing the brakes at 18,165 miles are considered "routine maintenance." Failure of the braking system was found when the car did not adequacy stop placing me and my family in danger. There was no audible or visual indicator of the braking problem, instead I had to rely on performance failure while on the road. To date the manufacturer and dealership fail to recognize the problem.
First incident of leaking happened after dealership worked on car. Arrived home coolant poured out on ground towed back. Dealership said reservoir cap seal. 10/2006 or 11/2006, picking up at school and smelled not engine. Parked saw coolant on ground. No engine light on but needle was past middle. Family brought coolant filled it up and went 5 blocks to dealership. They said nothing was wrong. Yesterday, 1/9/2007 car overheated in the school line. Added coolant. I brought it to a non dealership radiator shop owner thinks intake manifold gasket leaking. Car at dealership. I really don't know what the real problem is but because my warranty expired feel dealership will tell me it is a new problem from the first event so I will be responsible. At least two rotors replaced on the front driver's wheel & 5 sets of pads. Reported to GM they claim it is the way I drive! a non dealership tire company had the pads replaced with a good brand. 1 1/2 years since I had to have pads. Problem with the right front passenger door locks. Car is running and the driver gets out leaving car on and then the passenger turns off the car and gets out, locks car, the radio stays on. I went inside the store and came out and the radio was still playing. When you unlock the car but enter only the passenger front door and then close it and walk away, the car locks itself. Happened several times. I had not placed the keys on the seat of the car and shut the door or I would have been locked out. I reported this but no one seemed to care. Radio was replaced for left button paint (not sure if it is paint or cover on button) rubs off. Ignition switch was replaced. Fuel pump replaced.. I Transport grandchildren and I need a safe car.
Brake rotors on 2002 Malibu failing every 18000 to 20000 miles. (3 times in 4 years) I had the rotors and brakes checked 7 months after the latest replacement because of violent shimming in the front end and was told by dealer everything was fine with my rotors and brakes. Now 5 months later(after the parts warranty expired) I am told I need new rotors and brakes. GM knows they have a problem with this but refuses to address it. I have had 5 near accidents on the freeway because of the violent shim when I hit the brakes. All the dealership will say is they can "see a pattern". I would like to know how many deaths were caused by this pattern!
My turn signals work whenever they feel like it. This has been going on for about 8 months now and it seems to be getting worse. Sometimes you can hear the turn signal but the light is not actually on. Also, I have had to replace my rotors on the car three times all ready and the car is not even three years old yet. I am quite upset because between the turn signals and the brakes I am at a high risk for an accident. I have a three year old daughter and everyday I get in the car and drive with her I am putting both of our lives at risks. I can't believe that it is three years and yet there has been no recall on either of these potentially life endangering issues when there has been problems with at least one of these issues on previous models. What is wrong with this picture??
- Thornton, IL, USA
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I purchased my 2002 Malibu new and have had the brakes replaced four times and am on my third set of rotors. At 54000 miles the wheel bearing and control arm bushings had to be replaced. Two weeks later the fuel pump had to be replaced also. The passenger side rear window can't be down because last time we had a rough time getting it to go back up.
My 2002 Chevy Malibu (3 yrs old, just our of factory warranty) with 33,000 miles had the front left brake seize up. I limped it to the dealer, half a mile away from my house. By the time I got there, the front left brakes were smoking. I was told that the caliper seized up because the pads were too worn. Also that the pads on the left were worn also. The Chevy dealer said I needed to have rotors turned on both wheels, calipers replaced on both wheels, and new pads & caliper bolts. Total cost $784 not covered by the extended warranty that I paid $1250 for when I bought the car. The wear indicators gave very little warning that the brakes were warn. I had the brakes inspected a year ago (9000 miles ago) and was told they were fine. I can understand turning the rotors. I expect to pay for pads. But replacing the calipers on both wheels" did I just get taken for a ride by my Chevy dealer? I have seen lots of reports about premature brake wear on Malibu. What are my options" I have already paid for the repair.
While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor. A loud grinding noise was heard coming from the front. Driver took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that that brake pads and rotorsa needed to be replaced.
Vehicle started producing a high pitched sqeak/squeal when turning to the left after 26000 mi. Took car to dealer and was informed that the brake pads needed to be repolaced and the rotors needed to be turned. Dealer advised that the brake pads went due to my driving habits, however none of the other new vehicles I've owned in the past 10 years have had to have the pads replaced until at least 50000 mi. Dealer disagreed and told me that I had to pay for the entire job, I arguaed again and finally got the dealer to at least pay for the turning of the rotors. Work has not been done yet due to scheduling problem.
Pulsating and grinding noises at 10,000. Dealer replaced rotors and pads under warranty. Same thing at 21,000. Now at 31,000, same problem. Now dealer says they can only turn rotors under warranty and I have to pay for pads and labor. Replacing rotors and brake pads every 10,000 miles is not normal wear and tear. There is something wrong with the brake system on these cars. GM needs to fix the root of this problem on the Malibu.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Wesley Chapel, FM, USA