2001 Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems
- 41
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 41 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- Gasoline · 3 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 30–60k mi | 10 |
| 60–100k mi | 7 |
| 1–30k mi | 5 |
| 100–150k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Engine
Just bought 2001 chevy malibu, its leaking coolant and the engine is overheating to the point of smoke. So the gasket is shot, i've taken this car in before over this problem but still seems to come back to the car overheating and smoke. No one seems to know how to fix this one guy told me to just get a new engine, the coolant diagnostic didn't help and all of my coolant can't seem to stay in there it just leaks as…
ODI 10409277
Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu ls. Whenever the engine was started, the vehicle would not stay on; it stalled frequently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer several times but the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer had not been notified. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
ODI 10363576
Cooling System · Engine
My car over heated twice. The first time i realized that the antifreeze was very low and i filled it up and went to my meeting. After my meeting was over and began to drive the car, it over heated again. I had to refill the antifreeze 3 times before i got it to an auto shop (as i was driving). Once i got to the auto shope, i was told that the antifreeze was running in to the oil pan. Currently, i don't have a car…
ODI 10248025
Engine · Exhaust System
I have a 2001 chevy malibu with the 3.1l v6 engine that has 4 defective pistons in it (gm document id# 773655) also installed in 2001 buick, chevy, pontiac and some olds models. I bought this car new with 4 miles on it, it had a slight "tick" when started cold at that time, which the dealer explained that it was "injector noise", not to be concerned. The noise got just a little worse until it got up to 37,000 miles…
ODI 10306362
Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. The low antifreeze warning light illuminated. The antifreeze had to be refilled once a week. The mechanic stated that the intake manifold was leaking antifreeze. The failure mileage was 45,000 and current mileage was 46,849. Updated 01-15-08. *kb the was informed by to mechanics, that it was common with this type of engine. Updated 12/12/07. *jb
ODI 10204773
Engine
I bought my 2001 malibu in 2003. I had no real problems till this year 2009. My mileage now in 74,000 and the problems started at about 60,000. After a accident everything started to go. My gas gauge went down and my temp gauge also. My auto lock for my doors was not working. My air vents only work when they knob is on 3.main fuse box has major issues and the water pump went out and cost $2300.00 and needs a $500.00…
Crash reported
ODI 10264866
Engine
Defective gaskets causes engine coolant to leak into engine and mix with engine oil. Common problem for years on chevrolet malibu's and gm has never issued a recall. Or contacted consumers to notify them of this issue? I have always well maintained my car and done so to manufacturers specs. This is obvious disregard for their customers. *nm
ODI 10183681
Engine · Fuel Gauge System · Latch · Turn Signal
Engine leaks anti-freeze, turn signals go in & out, fuel gauge not always right, making a loud banging noise, and now dead won't even start. 2001 chevy malibu 3.1l v6 $22,000 & only 67,000 miles. *jb
ODI 10183276
Engine
I am having problems with my car overheating. I have brought my car to several different places and everyone tells me that this is common in malibus,and something should be done about it. I have had my radiator replaced,my thermostat changed, my coolant system flushed. Now chevrolet is saying it might be my water pump that's causing the problem. That will cost 586 and if that's not the problem they will check other…
ODI 10155739
Engine
Dt: contact states while driving the vehicle overheated, causing it to stall. The temperature gauge went up very little before the temperature gauge read completely hot. Vehicle was taken to service dealer, who stated that intake manifold gasket failed, which caused the head gasket to fail, leading to the warping of the cylinder wall and head. The entire motor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was looking into…
ODI 10128765
Air Conditioner · Engine
Myself and many other 2001 chevy malibu owners have had to replace all the major engine gaskets in their cars. I am disabled an the car would stall everywhere putting my safety in jepordy. The engine can't maintain compression because of the leaks. Gm refuses to even resond to my emails. I urge you to check into this matter. I even had to replace the air conditioner. It's not fair to the consumer to let gm get away…
ODI 10164652
Engine · Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
I notice that my coolant had to be refilled because the "low coolant" light was staying on in the dash. The repair shop told me they had to replace the intake manafold and i now have coolant in my engine and in my oil. This is a potential dangerous problem with the malibu. The engine could blow creating other problems. The same problem has been noted with many other malibu owners. *ak
ODI 10100059
Engine · Fuel Pump
2001 chevy malibu complained of head gasket and fuel pump problems. *bf the consumer had the upper intake and head gasket replaced. A month later the vehicle's fuel pump failed which caused the starter to burn up. *nm
ODI 10098927
Engine
During inspection dealership informed the consumer that water was leaking from the head gasket. The problem was repaired. *ak
ODI 10097593
Air Conditioner · Belts And Associated Pulleys · Control Module · Cooling System · Engine · Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings · Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · Radiator Assembly
While driving home from work in 90+ degree heat my car overheated to the point where i had to have it towed in and was told by the mechanics that my coolant had been leaking and causing the car to over heat there blowing the head gasket and causing me to have to pay $1200.00+ to have another engine put it. I have heard this is a commom with the 2001 chevrolet malibus. I don't know what the repair shop done with the…
ODI 10130329
Control Module · Engine · Fuel Gauge System · Suspension
Filled gas tank, drove 100 yards, gauge drops to read empty. Happens occasionally in the same manner. Erratic. Requires utilization of the trip meter to track fuel usage. On one occasion gauge read tank was about 1/8 full, car stopped running and was out of fuel. Second issue: "theft security" light has begun to come on erratically. Driving along, light will suddenly come on. After departure of car, and return,…
ODI 10091131
Engine · Fuel Gauge System · Starter Assembly · Switch
We are paying on a 2001 malibu. The fuel sensor went out showing gasoline when there wasn't. The car stalled in rush hour traffic. The sensor was replaced but i had to pay for the fuel filter plus a deductible on my extended warranty. Next the blinkers decided to only work occassionally same week the starter started dragging then the car started to run hot. Took it to the dealer, replaced blinker switch (no mention…
ODI 10074478
Engine · Fuel Pump
There was a rear collision that occured a week after purchasing the vehicle. The car was fixed with no frontal damge at all. The rear damage was minor. A week after receiving the vehicle the car would not start. The car was towed to the dealership and it was determined that the car needed a new ignition(600.00) that was not covered under the warranty.the dealership received the payment and the car was fixed.the…
Crash reported
ODI 10075069
Control Module · Engine · Gasoline · Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
I am a single mom of two, and am frustrated that all of my savings have gone into this money pit. I have replaced the intake manifold twice, and its going out again! I have replaced the water pump, heater core which are dying, and the theft system twice. I have had a fuel leak by my engine and had it enter inside my car and its doing it again, my abs brakes only work when they want, and these are just a few of my…
ODI 10218191
Engine
In march 2004 i was told by chevy dealer my intake manifold gasket has a severe leak and needed to be replaced at a cost of 800.00. I called gm as the car only has 50,170 miles on it-they informed me there is nothing they can do about it as the warranty is expired! If there is nothing wrong with the way the original gasket was made,then why has gm since re-designed the old gasket which is what has to be used to fix…
ODI 10082446
Emission Control · Engine · Engine And Engine Cooling · Gasoline
Engine has experienced "valve-slap" since approx 5000 miles. The dealer advised that this is inherent in the design of this particular engine to make it economical. Chevrolet offered 100,000 mile extended warranty on the engine. The (check engine) light activated several months ago. Code indicated "small emissions leak". Made sure gas cap was on tight, then cleared code with reader - issue resolved. Approx a month…
ODI 10058112
Engine
ENGINE PROBLEM.*AK
ODI 10042445
Engine
Anti-freeze leaks from engine. Area of leak seams to be around the manifold or heads. This causes fumes to into the passenger compartment and makes the occupates dizzy or with headaches.
ODI 10058507
Engine
When driving or when vehicle was parked and running engine would make a knocking noise. The owner made contact with dealer. *ak
ODI 10042519
Engine
While driving at highway speed vehicle shut off without warning. *ak
ODI 10042307