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.
Vehicle would jump when trying to stop. Rotors were warped. Consumer had to put on 5 sets of rotors since Jan 2001. Contacted dealer who wanted consumer to extend warranty. The consumer stated that the front rotors are warped causing brake pulsation. The A/C does not flow out of the correct vents due to A/C control failure, the A/C control head also shorted out. The door was hard to open and close due to the lock being misaligned. Engine makes a clunk noise. While driving the vehicle surges. Left rear speaker shorted out. There is a clicking noise coming from the front when turning, consumer later stated that there was a chirping noise coming from the steering column.
Rotors glazing twice within 21,000 miles. Was told the rotors could be replaced, but expected it to happen again due to a known problem with the rotors.
3 months after I bought Malibu in July, 2000 I was driving at 65 mph when my care lost all power. Dealer told me that there was something wrong with the fuel indicator wiring and was falsely reading the amount of gas I had which resulted in my running out of gas at 65mph. Problem has not repeated itself. At 21,000 miles my signal indicator lights failed and my hazard switch had to be replaced. At 23,000 miles my evaporator vent valve had to be replace (engine light remained on constantly). At 20,000 miles my car was vibrating whenever my brakes were applied. Dealor said front brakes worn out and rotors out of round and they replaced the front brakes and refaced the rotors. At 33,000 miles, care again vitrated whenver brakes applied and dealer told me again that it was not under warranty and was happening because of "hot spots" and that my rotors needed to be cut even though they had just been fixed at 20,000 miles. Was never told that manufacturer was having a problem with Malibu brakes and was told it would cost approxiamtely $700 to fix rotors and it was my responsibility. My sevice for the brakes was done at future Chevrolet in old bridge, NJ.
Within the first 18000 miles I had to replace amy front rotors. When I asked the dealership if it was covered under warranty, they said no. I had to purchase new rotors and then within 8,000 miles they started grinding again. When the rotors go bad, it makes the car shimmy when driving at slow speeds and when I stop. I currently have my car in a shop other than the dealership to put on the third set of rotors and I only have 32800 miles on the car. The dealership tells me that I have to pay them $35 for them to look at my car and see if they can find a manufacturer's defect anywhere. I can not afford to pay them that amount because I am constantly paying to have new rotors put on. Not to mention I have to miss work a lot for various trips to the dealership due to faulty blinkers, knocking noises, lights surging, etc. When people don't work, they don't get paid!
- Culpeper, VA, USA
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Had rotors replaced due to excessive wear. Had them replaced again at 19,000 miles. First time replaced under warranty. Replacement parts were the same as on vehicle. Manufacturer knew of problem, and had a technical service bulletin on rotors. When braking at high speed, the consumer felt brake pulsation. Both the brake pads and rotors were replaced.
While driving, vehicle was hesitant after stopping, transmission would begin to shift every 4 seconds, dealer stated that a piece of metal from the front pump of the transmission had come off and sent pieces of metal circulating through the entire transmission, consumer was told that since the transmission was sealed that it was not anticipated that the metal pieces would affect the other systems of the vehicle, dealer made repairs and one mile down the road transmission began acting poorly again, consumer took back to dealer who stated that transmission was stuck in second gear, dealer replaced transmission. Oxygen sensor failed. Rotors warped and were causing vibration, dealer replaced pads and rotors. Battery leaked acid into engine compartment. Coolant cap was defective and replaced.
The brakes on the Malibu are a safety issue and GMC doesnt care. I have had the rotors done 5 times since 3000 miles. My dealer has had my car for a total of 19 days for repairs. There are numerous other problems with this car also. Iam tired of being told I6ts not a safety issue, well it is to all of with children and other loved ones in the car. Lets stop the politics and please do something for the consumer. (tiresize: 215)
When applying brakes at 40 mph vehicle shakes. Dealer replaced front rotors at 3000 miles. However, problems persisted, dealer did not replace rotors again. Last visit to dealer consumer was escorted off the lot. Dealer refused to look at vehicle. Consumer also states there is a fule systems problem, the fuel will splash back at consumer when filling up tank, and a lot of fuel spills on the ground, also the rear brakes in wet weather, howl when accelerating.
Front brake rotors are wearing excessively. Consumer has replaced brake rotors on four different occasions. Also, when applying brakes to make a gradual stop vehicle skidded to a stop, causing extended stopping distance. Consumer has contacted dealer. Manufacturer linked the problem to non-adjustments to brakes.
It has had a transmission failure, brake and rotor failure 4 different times, rack and pinion failure, control arm failure 2 times, ignition control failure at 1400 miles.
Front rotors warped, and were replaced by dealer with 20,182 miles. Again, brakes were warped, dealer turned front rotors, and advised consumer that it was simply a wear and tear item.
This is the 2nd time rotors have been replaced. 1st time rotors were replaced at 8,000, and 2nd time at 10,000 miles. Consumer was driving home from dealer after being serviced, and when applying brakes, pedal went straight to floor. Consumer drove back to dealer, and stated that it was normal for vehicle to do that. Consumer didn't have any problems with brake pedal when first purchased. Front end started dipping when the brakes were applied. Consumer again had to find out why rotor problem keeps coming back.
Consumer states vehicle would vibrate whenever the brakes were being applied, consumer took vehicle to dealership to be inspected and was advised that rotors were warped and brake pads also needed to be replaced, when consumer took vehicle in again for the same problem within five months, consumer was told that manufacturer is having a problem with this particular vehicle but has been unable to correct the problem.
Brakes and rotors have been replaced three times since purchase of vehicle. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*akconsumer was advised by dealership that this is normal wear due to excessive braking.
Since I purchased my new 2000 Malibu on 12/18/99, to today 5/9/01, I have replaced the front rotors 3 times. Counting the original set, this makes it 4 sets of rotors that my car has gone through, under 19,000 miles. My warranty is good until 36,000 miles, so I contacted the Chevrolet customer assistance center (1-800-222-1020) and told them that I wanted to know if this issue was going to be covered after the warranty ran out due to the timely changing of the rotors so many times in so little mileage. The replacements were on 4/11/00 (5,440), 8/31/00 (10,775), and 5/8/01 (18,394). Each of these times the dealer has told me that my brakes and brake pads were fine, but that the rotors were warped. The Chevy # told me that this was probably due to something I have done or my driving habits/conditions. I don't believe this in that my brakes haven't worn out yet, but the rotors keep going bad. I am very disappointed in their passing the blame, instead of correcting the problem or extending the coverage of an issue that is countlessly repeated on your site and the newsgroups from 1997 to present. Chevy has the slogan, "Chevy, we'll be there." They don't show the fine print of: "we'll be there, unless we blame you and don't decide to resolve a known issue." I would like feedback on this issue, especially since I believe this should be a covered issue, and don't believe that I am causing a problem that seems to be very routine every 5-8,000 miles like everyone else is experiencing. Thank you.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Oakdale, CT, USA