Skip to content
Engine coolingPart report

2000 Chevrolet Malibu Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
174about this part
Share
19%of 922 total for the year
Median mileage
60,300miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 174 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu, 19% of the 922 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,300 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The Malibu engine smelled hot and fluid was leaking onto the garage floor. A mechanic discovered that coolant is leaking onto the top of the transmission from the intake manifold gasket. We have added fluid a couple of times. The gasket will have to be replaced. I believe that GM should replace this since it is a commonly known problem on this car.”

NHTSA complaint #10110734, filed 2005-02, 57,428 miles

“Antifreeze used in our 2000 Malibu has been found to frequently cause deterioration and failure of the intake manifold gasket. There hve been many cases sited on the internet with names and specifics and chevy/gmc refuses to admit it is the antifreeze. They told me last night it has to do with the plant where the car was made.”

NHTSA complaint #10057132, filed 2004-02, 122,000 miles

“Engine overheating, also the turn signals are erratic, when they do not work I have to turn my emergency flashers on, then off, and the turn signals work then. As far as the overheating goes, I took it in for repair (over $350.00) they said they found water in the oil and replaced head gasket. It still is not fixed. This car has 45,000 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #10032584, filed 2003-08, 44,000 miles

“Dex-cool coolant leaked into engine of my 2000 chevy Malibu. This is an ongoing problem for many GM owners, and it is well known by everyone expect GM. Both the dealer and Chevrolet said there is nothing they can do, that I must pay to have it fixed, about $1500.00. Chevy must address and fix this problem .”

NHTSA complaint #10139618, filed 2005-10, 38,000 miles

“I have a 2000 chevy Malibu with 38000 miles. The intake manifold gasket is leaking. I called the dealership to see if there is a recall. I was told there have been many gasket failures on the Malibu but there is no recall. Repair cost is estimated at $645.00 by the dealer. I am now unable to afford the repair or safely drive the car for fear of damage to the engine. The car is now in storage.”

NHTSA complaint #10112352, filed 2005-03, 38,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202346%
20221010%
202032%
201911%
201861%
201751%
201620%
201510%
201431%
2013111%
201240%
2011121%
2010111%
200991%
2008121%
200771%
2006252%
2005172%
2004202%
2003417%
20026311%
200114921%
200017419%
199913817%
199814415%
19976014%

Other parts of the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu

Brakes
250 complaints
Exterior lighting
241 complaints
Electrical system
199 complaints
Fuel system
79 complaints
Steering
45 complaints
Equipment
33 complaints
Suspension
33 complaints
Tires
33 complaints
Air bags
31 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
26 complaints
Body and structure
25 complaints
Vehicle speed control
21 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology