8.8
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$541.00
Average Mileage:
70,377 miles
Total Complaints:
53 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (16 reports)
- have GM research and fix their problem!!! (15 reports)
- turn ignition to ON for 10 mins, off for 5 seconds, car starts (13 reports)
- had the ignition cylinder(where key is inserted)replaced (4 reports)
- replace tumbler (in the ignition) (2 reports)
- paid 400 to get fixed (1 reports)
electrical problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2002 Chevrolet Malibu passlock problem, won't start & anti-theft light is on
2009Aug 15
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
Two weeks ago this problem occurred when I was in Grand Rapids visiting friends. Turned key over, lots of chugging yet no engine firing. Took it to a local shop (Community Automotive Repair), and the problem was revealed - anti-theft system. They reset the system (for around $250), and I thought all was fine...until about ten minutes ago when it happened again! I'm going to try the manual reset to see if it'll work, but I'm afraid to drive it to tonight's intended destination, lest I'm stuck an hour away from home!
2009Mar 21
Malibu ES 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 91,000 miles
WELCOME ME TO THE CLUB OF GM PRODUCTS.BACK STABBERS,THIS CAR IS A TOTALLY NIGHTMARE. MY WIFE IS ABOUT TO LOSE HER JOB , WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE SAME BULL LIKE TWICE A MONTH. ALARM LIGHT BLINKING,,,,WAIT THE 10 MINUTES CRAP,,,IT DOES TURN ON SO FAR,,,BUT MY CONCERN IS THAT I GOT A FAMILY AND IN CASE OF A EMERGENCY.IS NOT LIKE THE DEALER GIVE ME SOME KIND OF DISCOUNT EVERY TIME THIS CAR WONT START AS FAR AS A I CONCERNED, Y PAY YOU A MONTHLY AMOUNT FOR A 24/7 AVAILABILITY..I,LL BUY A JAPANESE CAR NEXT TIME. NO WONDER WHY GM IS STRUGGLING RIGHT NOW,,WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND,,,
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jun 11
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 69,500 miles
just sits and cranks, thought it was fuel pump so had it replaced, but that didn't fix it. We were told it is auto-theft problem light is on. This is really aggravating we need our car other vehicle is not in real good shape.
G. M.
2009May 30
Malibu LX 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 74,565 miles
Purchased the car almost a year ago with 1 original key, went to highlands chev-olds and got 2 more keys cut (by the pro's).. our key's were always cool cause we could take it out while driving or sitting there with the car running warming up, now I know this was the first sign of trouble! We sometimes had a hard time getting the key to turn but it never gave us more then a few moments of grief. Then one day the car wouldn't start, I though maybe something got wet cause it would start for a second but shut right off. I researched the internet a bit and found out how to reset the passlock system (10 minute wait with the key on).. When I tried to turn the ignition the key wouldn't budge, now comes the $80 tow to the dealership. They say this happens often and were fast to fix the problem. Cylinder and case/switch assembly were replaced, 4.5 hours labor. Thanks for our $1070 out of the blue repair cost GM, I always thought the keys should turn well past the wheels do.. I was wrong, I hear Honda's are like that...
2009Apr 12
Malibu LS 3.1V6
- Automatic transmission
- 87,234 miles
WENT OUT TO START CAR STARTED HAD BATTERY LIGHT' CHECKENGINELIGHT' AND ANTI THEFT LIGHT ON TURN OFF CAR RIGHT AWAY WOULD NOT START JUST HAD A COMPUTER AND FUEL PUMP ALSO A COILPACK PLUS COOLANT LEAKING FROM INTAKE VALUE COST SO FAR 1300 IN SHOP NOW DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH MORE IT GOING
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Mar 06
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
2 years ago my car just wont start that anti theft light just a blinking take it to Sullivan Chevrolet in Champagne to get it fixed 450.00 they say so i pay i need my car , a month later the car starts this crap again take it back they say defect of part and they fix it again. Now i am hear almost 2 years later and the freaking car has done it again i am tired of this crap Chevy your car is a piece of crap i have been in the shop with this car for several different problems fuel pump catalytic converter and more some one help me i am not even done paying for this freaking car.
2008May 15
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 91,000 miles
This is one of the most annoying issues I've had with this car, but ultimately, near as I can tell it is one of the cheaper ones to fix. I spoke with a repair man at my local Chevy dealer, and explained the issue I was having, and everyone that has reported this knows exactly what I'm talking about. You go to drive off to work or go to an important appointment, go to start up your car, and it turns over, and turns over, and turns over, but never starts. Then you notice "DAMN IT! THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT!" So of course, you have to leave your car in the on position for 10 minutes until the light turns off, shut off the car, and turn it back on. What I was told is basically the 2002 GM Theft System is a POS. Instead of throwing on this light before you start your car, and having a special way to unlock the doors or a different way to turn this off, you have to try to start the car, fail, then wait. And it is possible that there could be ignition issues, or tumbler issues, but the issue I had was I wasn't using an authentic GM key. See, I wanted a second key for my car, not realizing that the key special and could offset any theft system if it wasn't authentic. So a key made a the local Walmart wasn't triggering "something" in the PassLock system, causing the system to fail, and your car not to start. Even switching back to the old key didn't work right away. Apparently, once you've used a bad key so much, something stays locked in the system, causing the problem to re-occur at any time. What I had done was a PassLock system reset + had an authentic Chevy Key cut and programmed, and made sure it was the only key that I've used. Since then, I've had no issues with the PassLock feature.
2008May 24
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 92,000 miles
My wife took a job out of town so we're getting ready to move. She took the Chevy Malibu with her, thinking it would be a more reliable car. It's not. The stupid anti-theft system keeps turning on and preventing her from driving her own car. What kind of an imbecile would be building and selling cars that prevent the owner from using them? We don't know what to do. Any advice? We're probably going to buy a Toyota from here on out.
2008Mar 01
Malibu LS No Idea
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Just had this fixed and finally all works well! After three years of issues, we replaced the tumbler (where the key turns inside the ignition) and the difference is amazing. I had problems with the theft device, the radio and clock, the turn signal, and anything else electric. One day after the theft device went off three times in a row, EVERYTHING died. I couldn't even scoot the seat back! The problem proved to be a broken bit inside the tumbler. It cost the repair shop about $300 to order this from Chevy, but now I have a wonderful car! PLEASE consider looking into this! I'm telling everyone I see with similar issues...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Feb 01
Malibu 4 Door Sedan V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
Its like every three or four months this happens, this last time the chey dealer charged us $965.53 to fix it, they said it was the fuel pump, it ran Great for three months and know the Theft system light is flashing and the car will not start. AGAIN !!! Does anyone know what can be done to fix this poor excuse for an Automobile
2005Feb 18
(reported on)Malibu LE
- 52,000 miles
"Theft System" light pays the dash a visit from time to time. The length of its stay is varies. Not always following these visits, but at just as random, the anti-theft device 'trips' the system and the fuel pump is shut off. I can't locate a Hanes (does anyone know where to get one for the 2002?) or other repair manual to further investigate the matter and I don't have the money to incessantly take the car into the shop - only to receive the same answers, "nothing is wrong," "new fuel-pump," and "rewiring". Hellllpppppp!!!!!!!!!! What is it exactly that is going on with my car?!!!
2005May 19
(reported on)Malibu Base
- 37,000 miles
I purchased a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu in February of 2003 with 33,100 miles on it. Really nice car I thought. When the 36,000 mile factory warranty expired thats when the trouble began. At 37,000 miles the theft system lock up causing the car to die. I had to sit in 90 degree weather waiting for road side service to come tow it to the shop.
At 42,000 miles the same problem occurs again. When it was taken to the shop the service guy told me that the pass lock shorted out. At 46,250 miles the problem existed again this time the remote keyless entry begin to act funny. It wouldn't' unlock or lock the car. I thought it was the batteries in the remote control, turns out the pass lock was started shortened out and they had to re program the computer in the car again. After this the same problem started again this time at 48,500 miles same problem occurred . One month after this the car dies again at 48,710 miles. This car is not reliable and I didn't not feel safe in it.
2007May 06
(reported on)Malibu LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Just like everyone else, theft system prevents car from starting. I have had the car since new and the problem started at about 75,000 miles. This happens at least once or twice every month. Luckily I have a friend who is a mechanic for local dealership who told me how to solve problem as others have said saving me towing and repair bills of nearly $700. I have had many problems with the electric system. The flashers-turn signals, the air cond switching to fresh air and the radio-cd player. I believe this is a wide spread problem and needs to be addressed by GM!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jun 15
Malibu LS 3100 Sfi
- Automatic transmission
- 91,230 miles
I ,was chevrolet owner for number of years,Chevy company is mostly interested in making money,and afraid to have these type of problems repaired and repair cost is still going up and company continue ignored this frustrating problem.
Emergency situation is our main concerns,because our grandson needs to get to hospital soon as possible for his medical treatment for seizures.
God forbid if he has addition problems because the family vehicle the fails to start, when he needs to get to hospital.
BLAME the company for failing to take any action for the repairs the company knows this is a problem .
They are aware of !!!!!!!!
2007May 12
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
"Theft System" light is on constantly. Car used to not start and the "fix" would be to leave key in the on position for 10 minutes and restart. At that point the theft system light would be on intermittently. In the past 4-5 months, it is on consistently, but I have had no problems in starting the car and it runs fine. Mostly an annoyance, though I am concerned about resale value if this is something that is costly to fix or will decrease the trade-in or sale value. GM should have recalled these cars as this is not my only problem!
2008Feb 22
Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
Well, I have to say thank you to Madison Motors for not telling me about this problem when I bought the car used. I have been to the mechanic 3 times for the same problem - anti-theft bullshit! Car would crank, but not start. Being familiar with car repair, I did checked fuel pressure (good), spark, all good. Take it to the mechanic, he charges me $150 to "recode the ignition to the BCM." Four months later, same problem, left me with my car stuck at work! The second trip had me going back to have a new ignition switch and ignition lock with hall effect sensor replaced - $ 300!!! Two months after that I experience the same difficulty and had to spend the night at the friend's house where my car crapped out - too bad I did not know that if you crank the car, then without removing the key, turn it to the on position and wait 10-15 min for the ignition to recode itself with the BCM, so I get it towed back to the mechanic. Now he tells me I need to replace the BCM, and from what I have read on this site, I might need another BCM before the care expires. At least the mechanic I went to knocked off $250 for the unnecessary replacement of the ignition components. Still cost me another $250!!! Bastards! I entirely blame GM and Chevy for not having any kind of recall or restitution for putting out a faulty product. I do not feel that Jap cars are any better, because with all automotive companies, it is all about how to make more money, which means selling crap that they know will break. Where do you think the Japs have their electronics made? China, just like everyone!
2005Apr 06
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
I cannot believe how many people have had this same problem and that the dealer is unwilling to consider it a recall! How many complaints does it take for a dealer to fix a problem??
2006Nov 01
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
The more complaints I read here, the more I realize I'm not alone. Too bad we all share a frustrating experience. In Nov 06 I spent $470 to have the ignition, etc, replaced. Now, just this January (2008) I had the same type of problem, but I bought-in to the mechanic telling me it was the battery, etc, etc. I bought-in for $170. Now, this past Friday (02/08/08) I had the same damn thing happen again. The mechanic says it IS the same problem as Nov 06, but it'll cost $540. I've never tried the "set the ignition to ON for 10 minutes, turn back off for a minute" technique, but it sounds cheaper than $540. The other problem is that I have no guarantee that this won't happen again.
I bought this car 10 days after 9/11 and I felt proud to buy an American car. Now I'm going to save the $540 for my first 2 Toyota car payments after I trade in this piece of junk!!
2008Jan 15
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Ok, so I'm the second owner of this 6yr old car. The first guy had it for 3 and had problems from day one. He actually found a dealer that temporarily fixed the problem (for a year or 2) but then I got the car. I can't tell you how many times I had the car towed to a mechanic only to have them tell me it was the anti-theft system. The problem always showed up in a slightly different way though, so it always threw me off. Sometimes it just wouldn't start. I finally learned about the turning the key to on for 10 min, so that usually gets me out of the bind, but one day the car actually shut off on me while I was driving...lost the power steering and everything. Luckily I was right near a parallel parking space and could slide right in. But my main complaint is that I keep taking it to the dealer EMPHASIZING that it is problems w/ the security system, and first they tell me it's the fuel pump, then the ignition switch. Now $1100 and two weeks later, I have the same problem. And they won't own up to it. I take it in for one diagnosis, and they come up w/ other ones w/o ever fixing my main complaint. Thank God they're not doctors, or I'd be one ticked off, overcharged, and messed up patient. SO WHY DOESN'T CHEVY DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS? Does anyone know who I can talk to that would actually be able to help. Right now I'm living in Detroit, motor city, what better place to get help, right? Obviously not!
2007May 15
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 77,500 miles
GM ought to have to recall this problem Not only does the anti theft keep the car from starting, it comes on while driving, all the electrical shuts down, including the A/C and locks the radio. This now happens about four times a day.
2008Jan 18
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
We've loved the Malibu until this happened! I hate to even have it towed because it sounds like it's the anti-theft device . I wish Chevy would do a recall!
2008Jan 07
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 73,775 miles
Well, add me to the apparently long list of folks who have been SCREWED by GM!!! I have tried religiously, several times a day to start my car using all of the methods listed on this site and several others I have found on the web, but to no avail! My car sits in the drive while I take a cab everywhere I go, which is getting very expensive. BUT...I have no other recourse as one has to work, you know. The Passlock "anti-owner" system is a transparent money-grab by GM, and is a source of aggravation and exposes people unnecessarily to dangers they would not normally face, as in the "dark parking lot scenario." Why don't those of us who have been taken advantage of by this conglomerate of automotive abuse find a really good law firm and file a class action suit against GM for all the time and money we have lost on this POS car (read REAL lemon). I would be willing to help organize such a suit. If anyone is seriously interested, please e-mail me at lesterhayes@comcast.net. I am totally fed up with corporate abuse of the little guy.
2005May 01
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 38,500 miles
Dealer replaced the ignition cylinder and the problem was solved. Unfortunately, warranty had already expired.
2007Dec 04
Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 0 miles
I had the same problem as everyone else with the anti-theft system, at least now I know that I don't have to have it towed every time it happens
2007May 28
(reported on)Malibu 3.1
- Automatic transmission
- 104,000 miles
I have a 2002 chevy malibu 3.1 with 104 thousand miles. I work on my own vehicles most of the time. This anti theft system is a pain in the a@@## !! I now turn my key on and listen to hear if the fuel pump is going to run. If I hear the fuel pump, then I know it will start... If I don't hear the fuel pump then I take the key out of ignition and lock and unlock car, open and shut door, then repeat process... sometimes it takes several times before the theft system will allow the electrical system to engage my fuel pump so car will start... so far I've only had to reset theft system twice..( which takes 10 min. ) what a pain.. I drive 80 miles one way to work and I car pool with 3 other people.. I can no longer trust this car and my car pool people are threatening to kick me out. I've owned this car since 2003 and have put all the miles on this car except the first 23k. I have pulled the ignition theft lock system out but can't see which wires go to theft system. Does anyone know?? If I knew which wires are for theft system maybe it could be disengaged ?? Any help would be appreciated.
2007Nov 25
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Chevy needs to do a recall on this problem. This is a family car, if I had to rush my son to the hospital and I had to sit in this car for 10 mins due to a problem they know about. Huge problem for Chevy. I see over 20 complaints already.
2007Nov 18
Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 118,000 miles
Well, once again the Passlock system on my piece of crap Malibu acted up again this morning. I am very tired of this happening without any help from Chevy, or any dealership. While I realize it is not the dealerships fault, I have paid them over $1,000 for the FIRST THREE times it happened and they could not fix it. Luckily I found the fix on the internet. But, I am not satisfied at all. It is no wonder that GM is in the situation financially that they are. The build shotty products that do not hold any type of resale value, and do not back their quality up. I own a Nissan Xterra because I refused to purchase another GM when we were in the market for a SUV. I am going to buy a Honda Civic this week, and trade this piece of garbage in on it, although I am sure I will only get around 10 bucks or so in trade. I will never buy a domestic again. Import (although most are made here in the USA now, but with tremendously higher quality, and standards, but that is due to the UAW in the 'big threes' facilities, while the Japanese will not stand for it, but this is a whole other issue).....anyway, Import is the way to go. I hope all three of the 'big three' are out of business in less than five years. None make a quality product.....
2007Nov 04
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 57,166 miles
I drive truck long distance for a living. I came in at 2:00am from my trip the Malibu started up, I drove it about 200 feet to the office,and turned off the car while I went in and did up my paper work. 20 mins. later came out and presto the motor turns but the car won't start after several attempts my boss and his wife are now awake and came outside to see what the problem was. He put gas in from a gerry can thinking it may be out of gas but it wasn't the problem. Now after everyone in up and freezing in the middle of the night I had to have my boss drive me home. Went back next day called a garage the mechanic came over checked everything took over an hour thought it might be anti theft system, said send it to the dealer. now 2 days later after many complaints someone told us to try the 10min trick and voila it started piece of JUNK.
And don't get me goin on the front wheel bearings this will be the third time I'm change the passenger side. I'm real impressed with Chevy and the fact that there is no recalls for these breakdowns.
2007Oct 08
(reported on)Malibu LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 42,949 miles
this was the first actual repair made for this problem, however the same problem keeps recurring.
2007Oct 25
(reported on)Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
I had this problem initially 3 weeks ago & end up getting a new battery to fix the problem. Then, the same problem occurred again 10/22/07 while getting ready to leave work. The light came on 2 days previous for like 2 minutes & shut off. Then 2 days later my car doesn't start while I'm getting to leave from work in the pouring rain. A big headache... I told my mechanic & he figured out what the problem was. He suggested me turning it to the on position for 10 min. and then start the car. I was so happy, it started but annoyed by what was causing it not to start. The dealership needs to fix this problem immediately at their cost. Its such a big inconvenience, especially when you have small children to pick up after work.
2007Oct 24
(reported on)Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I hate it because sometimes I be in a hurry and have to sit 10-15 minutes before I can crank my car. It happens at least 1-2 per month. If this is happening to more than just me there should be a recall.
2007Sep 26
(reported on)Malibu 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 69,231 miles
A huge mess, time stealing, aggravating, pain in the butt. I have two kids so my time is precious. Husband drove to work and the vehicle messed up badly on him. Made a noise when unlocked and brakes are all the way on the floor. WHY?!?!?!?!?!?
2007Sep 22
(reported on)Malibu LS
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
I have the same issue as everyone has listed on the Pass lock. I was at work and came out to start my car and it will not start. I also went thru the issue of turning off the car for 10 minutes or so and let the car reset. It lock up completely. I had to pay $280 to have this fixed. I am very upset over this and this should be a manufacturing recall.
2007Sep 11
(reported on)Malibu 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
I have the same problem with this theft deterrent system. It has been doing it for the past year. At first it was just once a month and the dealership I bought it from said it was fixed. Well it wasn't. Sometimes it has happened 3 times a day. It has left myself and my INFANT son stranded while I had to wait to start it. It's ridiculous and GM needs to recall the part and fix it for free. I am calling a Chevy Dealer right now and after seeing so may complaints about the same thing, they better not charge me to fix it. They need to pay for it!
2007Sep 12
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
IT TOOK 2 $65.00 TOWING CHARGES BEFORE THE DEALER TOLD ME HOW TO OVERRIDE THE SYSTEM AND START THE CAR. ANYWAYS, THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. DEALER SUGGESTED REPLACING EITHER PASSLOCK SENSOR, ($150), CONTROL MODULE, ($393) AND OR IGNITION SWITCH, ($264). I DON'T THINK THEY HAVE A CLUE. I DON'T BLAME THE DEALER; THIS IS CHEVY'S PROBLEM. I WENT TO CUSTOMER SERVICE UP IN DETROIT; AND THEY SAID SORRY; DUE TO MY MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE; THEY CANNOT HELP WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH HALF THE MILEAGE OF MINE, AND SOME WITH OVER 100,000 MILES ON THIS YEAR VEHICLE. THE CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED!!! ANY LAWYERS OUT THEIR THAT THINK THEY HAVE A CASE SHOULD TAKE THIS ONE ON. THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IS BUILT IN. GM NEEDS TO FIX THIS!
2007Jun 05
(reported on)Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 72,500 miles
It's always something with this car. One of the screwiest electrical systems ever. Seems only the dealer can ever fix it. Costs way to much to fix. This will be my last fix and then I am getting rid of it immediately.
2007Aug 11
(reported on)Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 24,000 miles
This is the 3rd time the "anti theft" system light had turned on and prevented me (the OWNER) of the car to start it. The first two times it did start, as per the 10 min. instructions in the manual (thank God I was in the driveway of my home). The third time however I was in the parking lot of the building where I worked. It was 8:30pm at night and I was alone trying to get my car started. This morning I got it towed to the nearest dealership. The tow truck driver mentioned that he knew two customers who sued GM for this problem. One woman was raped as a result of her being on her own in a deserted area (waiting 10 minutes) trying to get her car to start. As far as I'm concerned, it should be called the "anti driver" system. I mentioned all my concerns to the dealerships' service manager. He said I was "lucky" that the car started the last two times and that the problem was the ignition cylinder. I truly think the "10 minute" waiting is NOT a safe solution when one is not in the safest of areas and may not have a cell phone handy. So far we have always bought a North American car... as a result of so many problems I will be thinking twice when I purchase my next car.
2007Jul 02
(reported on)Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 24,400 miles
First time problem, but not the last I fear. For no apparent reason, car wouldn't start. I thought it must be the battery. Car only had 24,400 miles on it and was brought back faithfully to Chevrolet Dealer for regular service. Told it wasn't the battery but rather the anti-theft system. Cost almost me $80.00 since the car was four months out of warranty. They had to tow car (added costs) to shop to recode system. Doubt I will ever buy another Chevrolet (last 6 vehicle purchased by my family have been chevrolets). Doubt if this company really cares about us little folks anyway.
2007Jul 02
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 31,783 miles
Second time my car would not start because of a faulty anti-theft system that is supposed to help me. Instead it puts me in "harms way" when I cannot start my vehicle. I am too old (66 yr old women) to worry about my car being disabled this way. When will GM recognize this problem and offer to fix it. This time it cost me $121.90 to have it "relearn the theft security system." No wonder this company is in trouble financially. Why would anyone buy this LEMON!!
2007Jul 02
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 33,500 miles
Latest Problem (Third time).
At cost of $650.00, no assurance from dealer that following will correct problem. Replaces cylinder ($194.58) and switch ($114.82)
plus labor ($309.40)and I'm still left with fear that my car will fail to start again. We always believed in "Buy American" but no longer can afford that luxury. Complaint to Chevrolet Motors in Detroit, MI brought no satisfaction. They implied it was a problem with my car only, and not widespread. That is not the truth. GM is trying to hide problem to save recall money. They won't act on this until someone is stranded, gets injured or killed when car fails to start in a dangerous area. How sad!
2007Jul 04
(reported on)Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 49,710 miles
In one months time, I had to have the BCM (body control module) replaced 3 times at $200 covered by deductible thank god. The car does not start and it always happens at the most inconvenient of times. This car has been loaded with electrical problems and I feel GM should look into these and help with the ridiculous costs to fix them. I don't believe I will ever go back to GM... Imports are the way to go
2006Jul 07
(reported on)Malibu LE
- 55,000 miles
The anti-theft device twice stopped me from starting the car resulting in a tow to the dealership. Even though it was covered by an extended warranty I now have no faith in it's reliability and will not take it away from the city.
2007Feb 17
(reported on)Malibu LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
This is the second Malibu that i have owned. no problems with the first one but a major pain in the butt with this one. bought it brand new. had to replace the catalytic converter, air keeps going out, and now this. i have been a loyal customer for many years. if they want to keep my business then they need to fix their poor quality workmanship.
2007Jan 31
(reported on)Malibu 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
This car is being used by my daughter for school and work. She has been stranded on several occasions, thank goodness for cell phones. The dealer has said that I will need to pay to have the anti-theft system fixed. I feel that the "Big Three" is in the shape they are in because of things such as this. POOR QUALITY!
My next car most likely will be foreign.
2006Aug 01
(reported on)Malibu
- 90,000 miles
I had the same problem as Neil, but now the anti theft light is on permanently. I was told it was approx $500 to fix, but the light being on wouldn't hurt anything else, so it's not getting fixed. Just a pain in the butt to see it on constantly. This car has been nothing but a lemon since we got it in 2003.
2006May 06
(reported on)Malibu
- 40,000 miles
This is my wife's car. She parks in AN ALLEY behind her job, and this dumb "security feature" kept locking her out doing anything for 10 MINUTES in AN ALLEY. I am thoroughly glad she did not get RAPED or MUGGED due to the shoddy electrical system on her Malibu. I called Chevy Corporate, and they told me that 'it had not come to their attention', and they had no recall plans in store. SO, we had to shell out 500 dollars to to fix something that we had NO PART in causing. It really is shameful on Chevy's part..
2007Jan 04
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.1
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
I am having the same problem with the anti theft. Car wont start this is the second time it has happened to me. Thanks to this site I know what the problem is now.
2006Dec 26
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
I have had this pile for two years. This is the first time that I have had any problems with the car, but with no warning or anything it stops starting. I tried to get it to start by stepping on the gas pedal, that didn't work. There were no signs that the car was about to die or even that the car wouldn't start again later. The car acted as though I were stealing it.
In the owner's manual, the section on the theft system states that turning the key to the on position and leaving it there for ten minutes resets this issue. Turn the ignition to the "off" position for a few seconds (10-20 worked OK for me) and try starting again. Hey, it's not a permanent fix, but it's better than walking.
2006Oct 05
(reported on)Malibu
- 60,000 miles
I bought this car 2 years ago, with about 35,000 miles on it. What a mistake! One of the problems I am having is the similiar to most Malibu owners, the car thinks I am trying to steal it. I have to wait ten minutes for the theft system light to go out in order to start my own car. I have been late for work and many other places. I have read that SO MANY other people are having this problem, how can Chevy not have the courtesy to fix the problem?
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Nov 30
Malibu LS 3.1L
Replac'd pass lock once plus new battery plus tow $750.00. Won't start again 6 months later. The ignition switch, plus 2 keys cut, plus tow = $400.00. The light is on on again - won't start - do the 10 minute thing & starts 2 times. In the next 2.5 months the light came on again...piss'n me off... got another key cut. The light goes off for a wopp'n 30 minutes, a new chevy record. This is a problem Mr. chevy guy the maker of this lemon, damn it you putz's fix the problem will yah and stop piss'n me off with respect K. Graham,
london, Ontario
Kevin G.
London, Ontario, Canada
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