8.1
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$923.00
Average Mileage:
73,823 miles
Total Complaints:
88 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replaced intake manifold gasket (49 reports)
- not sure (26 reports)
- submitted my name to class action lawsuit (4 reports)
- replaced with non-plastic gasket (3 reports)
- run to the hills and buy an import (3 reports)
- new engine (2 reports)
engine problem
Helpful Websites About 2002 Chevrolet Malibu leaking coolant, cracked intake manifold gasket
2008Oct 15
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
I was driving down the road when I started hearing this clicking noise. I took it to a radiator shop where I was promptly informed of Chevy's issues with DexCool antifreeze. I was a little taken back since the manual says the car requires Dexcool. I then took it to the local oil change place to flush out the reservoir. The guy looks at me and has the balls to ask me if I put oil in the coolant location. I said "What?!?! Are you serious?" He then told me the problems would come back if I didn't take it to the mechanic. I took it to the mechanic who was able to fix it. Needless to say, I no longer use Dexcool.
2009Jan 06
Malibu 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 175,000 miles
My emissions test failed because of this engine light on, due to the problems, one being... of the intake manifold gasket leak.., that has been replaced... I have now, a rejection sticker on my car,...(F*** sucks)...so, now, I fix the problem AGAIN. FOR WHAT? so, it can happen again and again and again. When will this problem be addressed thru the dealership.? It is obviously a nuisance with other car owners...let's get together a class action suite. BUT< ya know what....we need to drive our (F**car)
to work each day to pay for the bill accruing ... for this chevy malibu. GO FIGURE.
HELP...next time....foreign car for me....never CHEVY...chevy malibu...POS
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Oct 30
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
Can We Just Replace The Gaskets And Clean Heads And Then Sell That F*cking Car? HELP.
2006Oct 07
(reported on)Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
GM will not stand behind their stupid design. What kind of freak'n idiot would use a plastic Intake Gasket. This needs to be recalled. Paid up, had no choice!
DON'T BUY GM....... THEY SUCK!!!!!!!!
2006Jan 01
Malibu 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 110,039 miles
My car is leaking antifreezer from somewhere, we thought it was the thermostat and replaced it but that is not the problem. We are replacing the antifreezer on a daily basis.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Nov 02
Malibu LS 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 76,429 miles
Well this is the second Chevy Product I have owned with this Engine... I won't blame it on the car. I like my Malibu... but the 3.1 engine has got to GO... GM has known for years of this issue. I owned a 1996 Buick with a 3.1 as well and when I bought the Malibu I was cautious but the Salesman assured me that GM had fixed this issue... I am now finding out that NO they haven't. Looks Like I will have to fix it myself, Thank God for being mechanically inclined. But I will be looking at Imports once I repair it... so I can sell it. I use to want to support domestic auto makers...But not if it is going to cost me dearly...
2007Mar 07
Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
I bought the car used in March of 07 and by the end of May my car had broke down 3 times. I had to replace the fuel pump, the whole front end came loose and had to have it put back together again and while they were working on these $600.00 problem's discovered that there was an upper intake gasket that needed to be changed that would cost me another $600.00. I had to replace my battery because coolant was shooting all over the place and ruined my battery. have had nothing but problems with this car. Still owing nearly $5000 at this point in 2008 and now finding out after having to have my water pump replaced ($318.00) that now the lower intake gasket needs to be replaced at another $600.00 and that the coolant is leaking everywhere and my car well... is a LEMON!
I don't have $600 - $1200 extra dollars to get this fixed nor can I afford not to have a running vehicle. I am a single mom with four children. If I don't have a car to drive I can't work and and if I can't work I can't support my family and who else is going to do that???? Chevy? I don't think so.
I agree with the many other people who have posted on this site that Chevy should either replace or pay for the damages that is clearly a defect made by the maker (Chevy) of the vehicle.
2008Oct 26
Malibu LS 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 135,000 miles
I have had this Malibu since it was new and not had many problems. In the last year it has been losing coolant. I had to fill it about every 4 months. I went on a long trip last month and almost did not make it home. The intake gasket gave out.
I pulled the intake my self and was amazed at how the gaskets where ate up and how the antifreeze had gummed up in the water ports. GM made a good selection in coolant for the total destruction of there engines. I guess that is why there sales are off the charts now.
2008Oct 09
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 99,000 miles
Well, I've read this forum before about complaints with the Gaskets and leaking coolant, and felt fortunate that wasn't happening to me since I was having so many other problems with the vehicle, then while having my car looked at for a suspension issue, I get the call; oh by the way, your intake gaskets are leaking, it just started, but you'll have to look into it within the next 3-5 months. Seeing as I've now officially had my entire front end replaced as of today, I'm going to hold off on this repair for now at my shops recommendation. Estimated price of repair: About $950.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Sep 06
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
The intake gasket screwed up again after I had it fixed 6 months ago! It blew the heads AGAIN! I'm sick of this POS! Chevy... come get it! I'm done with Chevy! I'm buying a new car because I have had so many problems with this car!
2008Apr 01
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
My coolant light was on even though I would fill it up. The car started over heating and I ended up replacing the entire cooling system. My heads blew and I replaced them as well as the intake gasket.
2008Aug 01
Malibu LS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 48,000 miles
GM should fix design issues like this under warranty.
2006Nov 15
Malibu LS 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
The 2002 Malibu LS had its problems, and I got bit by one of them. I noticed the coolant light was coming on. At first, I thought maybe it was just a isolated problem, so I filled the coolant. I then gradually began to notice the unmistakable odor of hot antifreeze. It also began to leak out slowly over time. As the problem worsened, I decided to have it looked at.
Once I fixed this issue, the car was great. I never had another problem with it. I would have gladly kept driving it, but I was rear-ended at a stoplight. I can gladly report that even though I was hit by a car that was going at a high rate of speed, my injuries were not severe.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Mar 18
Malibu LS 3.I
- Automatic transmission
- 88,856 miles
North American automakers are not worthy of the skin it costs to cover their deceitful bodies, they should have scales from laying in the lowest,slimmest depths of morality, the machines they claim to be the best are absolutely the worst, This 2002 CHEVY MALIBU LS w/ 3.1 engine is the last car I will EVER purchase thats made on this continent, made in Canada/USA, assembled in MEXICO!!!!!and not worth the material it takes to build them, the body designs are made to trap road debris, salt,sand,and water perfect for creating rust, and it works great, turns the car into junk. Everyone jumps on the Oil Companies about pollution, well what about anti-freeze, now Prestone and GM have developed a way to ruin the whole car, and engine, rust out the body with sand traps, and pump all the anti-freeze into the oil pan, overfilling the crankcase, causing the oil pump to blow out all the other gaskets and spew an oil/ anti-freeze mixture with the consistency of baby sh*t all over the road,and ENVIRONMENT, all this just by the deliberate installation of an inferior gasket they knew would do this within a certain amount of time / usage. Are we to expect similar reductions in quality by more of our so called reputable N.Am. companies????? if so, should we all buy our autos from a foreign automaker who the US claims to be amassing nuclear material and technology to wage war on us
2007May 12
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Have to refill the coolant on a regular basis. Have not yet replaced anything, but am unhappily anticipating it!
2007Jun 14
Malibu LS
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
Went and got my hazards/turn signals fixed because there was a recall on that. Which was good, because none of them were working. While there, I was told that my manifold intake gasket was leaking antifreeze.And that it would cost $950.00 to fix. At that time didn't notice much of a problem so we just kept an eye on it. Now, its gulping down the antifreeze and its going God knows where. (There's almost never any puddles). So now, we've concluded that we'll buy the part and my finance` and I will do the work to fix the damn thing! (no labor cost. Ha, take that Chevy!)
Other than that, my car has been a dream to drive. Good gas mileage, etc. Just some dorks won't step up to the plate and recall it!
2008Jan 07
Malibu 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 50,952 miles
This is very disheartening that a North American Company that proclaims we must buy American can't stand behind there product. Don't leave much reason to support this company.
2007May 15
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,500 miles
How can GM justify using PLASTIC valve cover gaskets. I've never seen such a shoddy and CHEAP way to build a car. Besides other problems, I'm dumping this piece of crap as soon as I can find someone to take it off my hands!
2008Jan 27
(reported on)Malibu Sedan 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
This was the worst car I ever purchased. Even worst than my 1984 Ford Tempo.
Experienced problems from day 1. Drove car 3 days when it started losing anti freeze.. Returned to dealer where they replaced the intake gasket, thermostat and gasket.
After test driving it, they found engine was missing so they replaced a cracked
plenium. The dealer had the car for nearly a month. I got the car back just before
New Years Day. I drove the car for a few days before going into the hospital for a
scheduled procedure. Did not drive the car again until Jan 12th when I filled the tank.
While driving to work on the morning of the 13th, I felt a pop from the engine. Both the battery light and the oil light came on and I coasted to the shoulder of the road. Within seconds black and gray smoke was coming from beneath the hood.I got out of the car and seconds later flames appeared totally destroying the engine.As you can see from the photos, it was a total loss. Dealer refused to do anything about it. Only drove car less than 300 miles. Vehicle had a 90 day warranty but dealer refuses to return my calls. So I guess a stop at the PA Attorney Generals office is next.
2007Apr 20
(reported on)Malibu 4DR SDN 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 42,400 miles
During a recent trip, March 6, 2006, to the VA Hospital I had a horrifying experience with my 2002 Chevrolet Malibu engine’s performance. With only 42,400 miles of normal wear and tear on my Chevrolet Malibu the engine cooling system suddenly lost coolant while in slow, stop and crawl, backed up traffic on Inter State 40 west. I began to smell antifreeze and at that time I noticed steam rising from the hood of the car. The temperature gage was one line above normal. I immediately pulled over onto the paved shoulder of I-40 west and immediately the temperature gage returned to normal as the car gained speed. I proceeded around the backed up traffic and continued to my hotel. After the engine had cooled I checked the coolant tank and the engine compartment. There were no visible leaks, broken or busted hoses, only the coolant tank was empty and the low coolant light came on. I added one gallon of water. Started the engine and let it run for twenty to thirty minutes. The temperature gage remained on normal.
The next day, March 7, 2006, I returned home without any problems other than a slight rise in engine temperature on the gage at stoplights. The following morning, March 8, 2006, I took the car to my Chevrolet Dealer for a checkup, service and repairs because of the incident.
March 9, 2006, service repairs were completed at a cost of $1,002.19. Earlier the service agent “Peter Cornali” had explained what the problem seems to have been and the estimated cost of repairs would be about $1,004.00 roughly. After twenty years as a new car customer (Buicks and Chevrolets) I am extremely disappointed with General Motors and Chevrolet as an American Car Manufacturer.
I should not have to pay for these repairs. I expect Chevrolet to reimburse me the full cost of parts and labor for all repairs related to the engine coolant failure. Enclosed for your review and consideration is an original repair order, copy of my registration of ownership and a copy of my cancelled check.
All american made cars (GM, Ford, Chrysler) made in Aremica by americans for americans when serviced and maintained in accordance with manufactuers reccomendations by qualified dealer's mechanics far exceede 100,000 miles without any major problems. As much as I hate to I am forced to look into buying a Honda, Toyota or etc.. I am a buy American, American. The BIG THREE needs to get their act together.
Larry Ford
Fayetteville, NC USA
2007May 25
(reported on)Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
My Malibu has been leaking coolant and it ended up cracking the intake manifold gasket.
2007May 25
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.1L N6
- Automatic transmission
- 78,670 miles
I bought this car in 2005 from a private owner and it only had 42,000 miles. It ran great until it started to leak coolant in my driveway. I also had to keep adding coolant to the engine because my coolant light kept on turning on. I called about a dozen mechanics, gave them all the information on the car and they all gave me the same answer... the intake manifold gasket was shot. All twelve mechanics gave me a repair quote around $800.00-$900.00. I found an auto shop that had a good reputation and took my car in. It turns out they were replacing intake manifold gaskets on 4 to 5 Malibu's a week! Needless to say this shop was quite proficient at the repair. Here's the kicker... when the mechanics tore down the engine, they also discovered the head gasket was blown, (this is why I had to keep adding coolant to the car!). Two out of the six spark plugs were getting coolant deposits on them; I saw the plugs myself. So now I was looking at $1,696.07 in repairs!!! If it hadn�t been for the timely arrival of my tax refund, I would have shot the car with my twelve-gauge shotgun! Don�t get me wrong. I�m a true Chevy fan but if the gasket problem is as prevalent as it sounds, GM should be mandated to make the repairs or reimburse repair fees!!!
2007Apr 12
Malibu LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
the engine finally blew and completely destroyed the motor...the shop told me it was due to a gasket that let water on the head....He told me he has seen several problems of this type with the same car.... unfortunately i wasn't aware of the problem.. I knew I had to keep adding coolant and it was disappearing...Looks like the car company would have made me aware of the problem... they need to make this right
2006Oct 18
Malibu 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
I have had to have my thermostat, water pump, and intake manifold gasket replaced. I contacted the dealership regarding this problem and of course they acted f*cking dumb. I want to file a lawsuit against GM for repairs done to my car that were caused by the Dex-Cool coolant in order to get my money back.
2007Dec 22
Malibu 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
I still owe 5000 dollars on this car until now it has been a great car i got that paper in the mail last year about the class action lawsuit for the same problem i am having. Now here it is the day before Christmas eve, my car breaks down on the way home from the hospital where my mother just went into a coma that the nurse tells me shes not coming out of. So thanks chevy for being there when we need you most.
2007May 27
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,079 miles
I am concerned anytime I find oil in the coolant overflow tank. This means that their is coolant in the engine oil and there is a significant possibility that some engine damage has occurred. I wasn't sure how serious the problem was until I read the rants on this website. I will be talking to my GM dealer immediately. I bought the car new in 2002 and have changed the oil every 1800-3000 miles due to the fact the car was driven mostly in the city. I am hoping this has mitigated the danger of engine cylinder damage caused by the ingress of coolant into the engine. The electric Sunroof quit working after 3 years. I only used it about 20 times, so it didn't die from fair wear and tear. The arm rest on the drivers side cracked. The hinge on the glove compartment is plastic and broke in two. The price tag to repair was $400.00. You have to buy the whole glove compartment, not just the hinge. They quoted me up to $1200.00 to fix the sunroof. Thankfully it is closed and I just don't use it.
My last 3 cars were a 1978 Malibu Classic, (loved that car), a 1991 Chev Cavalier 4 door, excellent running car but rusted out quickly and finally the 2002 POS Malibu LS.
I will fix the car and run it until it blows up then I will buy a Toyota. Never again will I buy a North American made vehicle. I would by a Lada first, at least my hands would be warm when I push it to the side of the road.
2007Nov 08
Malibu LS 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 71,486 miles
What a crappy car. I loved my car up until today. I started smelling antifreeze burning when I would get out of my car, then my low coolant light came on and now I am seeing antifreeze on the ground. When I took it to a mechanic he told me that I need to replace my head gasket. THANKS a lot Chevrolet FOR RUINING MY DAY!!!!!
2007Nov 02
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
My add coolant light came on and I topped it off.Next day-same thing. Reservoir was empty again.I figured out that I was losing it through the overflow tube.Took it to my mechanic and paid $76. for him to tell me they could find no leaks and he went ahead and put a new thermostat in it.A few days later I am out of coolant again.I went and bought a repair manual on my Malibu,studied up on it and went to Autozone ,bought a new cap,TA DA! problem solved. My o ring was gone on my radiator cap.$6.00. Guess they were looking for something hard and it was so simple.Oh yeah guys-I'm a 54 year old FEMALE.
2007Nov 08
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
guess im not the only one auto mechanic says it is common
2007Oct 31
(reported on)Malibu LS 2.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
my mother took her 2002 Malibu to a garage three times for the same overheating problem and still has the same problem.
i brought it to my garage and started disassembling the engine and noticed 2 and a half gallons of oil sludge in her oil pan.
after tearing it down to the block only (short block) noticed the engine was coated with this sludge. apparently a intake gasket failure.
Can any one give me a educated guess as to what condition i can expect the engine to be in after reassembling?
2007Oct 31
(reported on)Malibu LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
In 2006, while having my 2002 Malibu at the dealer for an unrelated service visit, I was notified that the mechanic had found a small coolant leak coming from the backside of the motor. I was told it was not a large leak, but that my head gasket was beginning to fail. I told them that THEY HAD TO BE KIDDING!! There wasn't that much TIME ON THE MOTOR for it to FAIL! The car was four years old with a mileage reading somewhere between 45,000 and 47,000 miles. I cannot remember the exact dollar amount they threw at me to fix it, but it seems like $1,400.00 is close...it was definitely well over $1,000.00. There was no way I was putting that much into a 4-year-old car, and apparently it is not a warranty issue. I decided to put a band-aid on the problem by adding a radiator stop-leak to the engine to maybe plug up the gap. I was hoping this would hold it for another year or so until I trade the car in on a new one. This past summer (2007), the water pump failed. The dealer wanted an outrageous amount to change it, so i did it myself...not so difficult. But, upon removing the coolant reservoir, I found it was full of this dark brown snot-like substant that is the stop leak. It took me a long time to get that disgusting stuff out of the reservoir. So, do yourself a favor and DON'T ADD STOP-LEAK to the engine. NASTY STUFF!! It wasn't until I chanced on this site while looking for a reason why my Service Engine Soon light is on, that I found all of these other things happening with the Malibu. So, I decided to put in my two cents about my head gasket. I have to be honest, though; other than a couple of things happening that maybe shouldn't have happened (like the head gasket, and that STUPID SUN ROOF SWITCH that hasn't worked correctly since day one & they can't seem to FIND OUT WHY OR FIX IT), my '02 Malibu has been a great car. I've run this thing hard for five years now, and it has served me well.
2007Oct 26
(reported on)Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Definitely a design flaw. Should be fixed at Chevy's expense. Also Dex-cool is horrible. Probably is the cause for gasket failure. If you buy this car you will have to get this done.
2007Oct 23
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
I have a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu, which I have had for 3 years. Last year i had to have the water pump replaced. and now its only a year later and i have had to refill my coolant in my car 5 times in the last month. next i find out i have an intake leak and apparently this is a very common and apparently very expensive problem with this make and model car. if this is such a problem and i am now going to have to pay upwards of 700 dollars to fix it why doesnt gm do something about it.
2007Oct 17
(reported on)Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 32,000 miles
I had just bought this car about 2 months ago and thinking it would be a good car only having 30,000 miles on it!! The intake gasket is already leaking!! I should have known I was a mechanic for about 7 years and have changed about 5,000 of these seems like! but the good thing is the parts are only about 45 dollars at advanced auto!! Where are you people taking your cars to get worked on I want a job!!!!!
2007Oct 11
(reported on)Malibu LS V6
- Manual transmission
- 100,000 miles
I have been told to replace the manifold gasket as well for $650.00 back in June but haven't done so yet. Since it was summer, I have been running the A/C and making sure the car does not overheat by making sure I keep antifreeze in it; however there is still some leakage but the car doesn't overhead. After reading other complaints, I'm thinking maybe it's best to just get another car if the repair is going to lead to other auto problems. There DEFINITELY needs to be a class actions lawsuit for this costly problem.
2007Sep 24
(reported on)Malibu Sedan 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 58,600 miles
When checking the fluids in my Malibu, my father discovered a yellowish-brown sludge in the coolant reservoir. We took the car to our mechanic thinking that it was either too much oil added from the past oil change or a possible problem with the head gasket. Turns out it was a leak in the intake manifold gasket! The repair cost me around $900, plus the headache of not having a car for a few days. To make matters worse, my mechanic mentions that many people have had that problem with their Malibus, and Chevy should issue a recall! I say, move it or lose it, Chevy! Too many people's wallets are suffering!
2007Sep 12
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
TAKING IN MY CAR FOR A BATTERY CHANGE; THEY MENTIONED I HAD A COOLANT LEAK FROM A CRACKED MANIFOLD GASKET. THEY QUOTED ME $1300 TO FIX. THIS PROBLEM IS A BIG ONE FOR THIS YEAR / THIS ENGINE! (I HAVE SEEN THE OTHER COMPLAINTS!) GET THE LAWSUIT GOING!
2007Jun 10
(reported on)Malibu LX 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 92,000 miles
Hi. I have had my chevy 2002 chevy malibu for about 3 months. I have noticed that while I am driving my RPMs will jump when it is not time for my car to switch gears. My gauge that tells how hot my car is goes over halfway alot ... but then it will come back down. After reading all of the complaints on the intake manifold going out.... I checked my coolant to see if it is the same orange coolant that everyone is saying messed up their intake... and it IS! I am not noticing any leaks right now, but my engine coolant is lower than it should be... is this the first signs of it going out? And while it has not went out yet is there anything I can do to keep it from going out? Maybe switch coolants or something? It is so sad to hear that over 35 Malibus have had this problem (and many more that have no idea about this site) and Chevy will do nothing for most of the problems.
2007Jun 15
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
Last, May I had the exact problem with my 02' Chevy Malibu, the manifold gasket was blown. The low coolant light came on and the next day my car would not start. The car was towed to a mechanic who fixed the problem along with fuel pump that also needed to be replaced because of the manifold gasket. The total for repairs was $900.
As of yesterday, when I parked my car, it was leaking antifreeze. Every time I go to get my oil changed they give me a synopsis of my car and tell me it looks as if I need the manifold head gaskets replaced. I explain that it was just replaced in May 2006. Now it seems as if I am experiencing the problem again. I just spoke with a GM representative who in a nut shell told me there was nothing they could do about it even after I told her I was aware this was a common problem on 2002 Chevy Malibu's. I just want to know if there is anything else I can do to avoid paying another $900 to repair the same problem?
2007Aug 09
(reported on)Malibu 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 51,263 miles
Load this P. O. S. on to someone else. I had an 88 chev Beretta, same crap happened, except it was my head gasket.
Pricing out the repair will cost close to $1200 cdn.
check for my other repairs
Run, as fast as you can, away from this car!! and unfortunately anything to do with GM. Stay far away. THIS COMPANY WILL NOT RECEIVE A SINGLE PENNY FROM ME AGAIN. I'M ONLY 35 WITH A FEW CARS TO BUY IN MY LIFETIME. IT WON'T BE GM!!
2007Jul 28
(reported on)Malibu 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 64,500 miles
coolant low light came on, and that was first indication that something was wrong. guess I am fortunate that i bought the extended warranty, because the $1,200 repair was covered except for the deductible. Car was out of service for about a month while my selling dealer (a Ford place) messed around trying to figure out the problem, finally sent the car to a Chevy dealer next door, and was fixed in a day or two. This seems to be the prevalent problem with this car/motor, and if enough people get on GM's case about it, some of us might get our money back...
2007Jul 29
(reported on)Malibu LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 43,000 miles
Today is July 29, 2007. Problem began about 8 weeks ago. Noticed the low water level light was coming on. 6 weeks ago I took the car to a mechanic. Had the oil changed and asked shop to check the coolant level. They added coolant and all was fine until a week ago. Low water level light started coming on again. Took it to another mechanic. He informed me it is the manifold (head) gasket leaking. I purchased this car new on June 5, 2002. It has less than 43,000 miles. I JUST GOT THE DAMN THING PAID FOR AT THE END OF MAY !!!! Tomorrow I'm getting an estimate on the repairs (I've been told it will cost $600+ A friend in another state that is the manager of an auto shop told me it would probably run me about $1,500) OR I'M GOING TO BY A NEW HONDA I LOOKED AT FRIDAY. This is the second GM car I've owned that had this problem. The first was a Corsica I purchased used. Up until now this has been an excellent car if you don't count the crappy tires and battery that were OE. As I am a single car household, I need a car that will continue to provide dependable service. Even after getting this car fixed, I would always be wary of it. Guess that settles the issue. I'm trading it tomorrow.
2007Jul 26
(reported on)Malibu LS 32.L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Took my POS Malibu in for brake service AGAIN, and along with worn out calipers, worn out rotors and pads, they found oil in my coolant overflow. The mechanic said the intake manifold gasket was leaking and needed to be replaced. He said it's a common problem because of the Dexcool antifreeze, but that GM won't address it. My mechanic is working on it as I am writing this, so I pray to God that he doesn't find anything else wrong. He is going to flush the radiator, replace the gaskets, and add new oil. So far, my bill is up to $990, but like I said, it could be worse. He told me this morning that he might have to replace hoses also. Never again, GM. My next car will be a Toyota.
2007Apr 22
(reported on)Malibu LS 3100
- Automatic transmission
- 22,200 miles
ONLY 22,200 miles on a 2002 Malibu, and ive got yellow mud in the radiator? ive never even spun the tires on this car and ive got a blown intake gasket? GOD help me, i hope the phone number and class action link works. anybody got a link to what after-market gaskets and anti-freeze are best to use when i get this fixed???? how about a link to the white papers GM sends to authorized dealers/repair centers??? (FWIW, "white papers" are service alerts from GM to their mechanics, and in general, are things GM does NOT want US to know about...)
ive been a chevy fan for over 40 years, but right now im ashamed to admit that. it started back in the day when there was only 15 wires under the hood tho, and eight of them were for sparkplugs...
if this car had 122,200 miles on it, id expect a few issues. but at 22,200, the motor is barely broken-in!!! and now its just broken. right from the factory. my father likes this car, and was going to buy a new one for himself before we found out about all this mess. WELL HEAR THIS GM, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007Apr 14
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,236 miles
I purchased my 2002 Malibu in January, 2004. I JUST HAD MY 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU V6 DIAGNOSED AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT I NEED TO HAVE MY ENGINE REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE OVER HEATING, and CONSTANT LEAKING OF THE ANTI FREEZE. MY QUESTION IS: WHY WOULD CHEVROLET HAVE ON THE ANTI-FREEZE BOTTLE USE GM DEXCOOL PREFERRED IF IT CAUSES SO MUCH DAMAGE. MY CAR HAS RAN HOT EVERY SINCE I USE IT BEGINNING LAST YEAR IN 2006. EVERY SICNE THE WARRANTY COVERAGE EXPIRED, I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. ALSO FAILED TO MENTION HAD THE WATER PUMP REPLACED, THERMOSTAT REPLACE 2X WITHIN A 6 MONTH LAPSE. GM SHOULD ACT ON REIMBURSING MONEY BACK INSTEAD OF DOING NOTHING AT ALL
2007Apr 07
(reported on)Malibu 3.2 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
[Malibu with 95,000 miles, reported [April,7 2007]
Just had my intake manifold gasket fixed ($850.00)and it sounds like Chevy has put this as an "expected" problem for Malibu's. I agree that Chevy should do something, warn consumers and/or pay for this defect!!
I have had a Chevy for the last 10yrs. but this may be my (sniff, sniff)last Chevy after this.
2007Apr 09
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.1 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 33,000 miles
The problem: At 33,000 miles began having to add coolant to the reservoir with no visible leaks (bad indication). Found sludge in oil filler cap and in coolant reservoir. Search of internet indicated a defective intake manifold gasket is a known problem with the 2002 Malibu. Dealer would not acknowledge there was a problem in this area but, ultimately diagnosed problem as the intake manifold gasket and charged me $960 to replace. Any long term engine damage is, of course, now a lurking unknown. Strongly suggest any current owners get any loss of coolant quickly diagnosed and repaired to avoid more serious engine complications.
Now the rant: I have been a loyal GM buyer for decades. I have owned 10 GM vehicles in 30 some years (8 were Chevrolets) plus one Toyota. All the GM cars have been problematic ranging from annoying (starters/alternators/water pumps) to major (engine replacements, one at 35,000 miles, one at 48,000 miles and one at 65,000 miles (only one of which was covered by any kind of warranty)). On the other hand the single Toyota I owned was driven 85,000 miles over 11 years on nothing but gas, tires and oil changes (and then sold for a whopping 50 percent of its original purchase price). If GM is struggling and losing market share all I can say is there are probably many people like me who sincerely wish to buy American but are tiring of being suckers in order to do it. It's truly a shame in that I do like the Malibu (and my other GM cars) in general terms but, I now fear the Malibu will follow the path of the other GM vehicles I have owned and will cost me dearly in dollars and frustration for my conviction to buy American.
2007Mar 29
(reported on)Malibu Base 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
I have a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu with 55,000 miles on it. It has been well cared for since I bought it in September, 2005. It exhibited no problems until last week when the check engine light came on and it was running slightly hotter than usual. I took it to the shop where I bought it.
It has two blown head gaskets with water and sludge in the oil. I have used the Dex-Cool coolant as directed in my owner's manual.
For those of you seeking to join the class action suit, here is the link to the website of Girard Gibbs, the firm I found online that is the lead firm in the class action suits:
http://www.girardgibbs.com/dexcool. html?gclid=COP8o53alYsCFQlQWAodVUPdWA
I had never bought a Chevy, or any GM car, before this one (although I grew up with Chevies) and I guess I never will again.
2007Mar 21
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
GM needs their ass kicked for not recalling these defective gaskets. I am positive there are many owners who have not reported this problem. Ask any mechanic or auto parts person about this and they will tell you the problem is rampant
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jul 02
Malibu V6
I noticed my car started running really bad a few weeks ago. I thought it might have been the spark plugs. I had those changed and come to find out that I need the intake manifold replaced. The mechanic just called me and told me that the head gasket is cracked. He is going to try to seal it up but I can't afford to get that fixed. I wish I knew about this problem. I would like chevy to pay for this problem. I loved my car but I don't have the extra money to get it fixed like this.
Julia A.
Louisville, KY, USA
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