Electrical systemPart report

2001 Chevrolet Malibu Electrical system Problems

Complaints: 285about this part
Share: 40%of 721 total for the year
Median mileage: 88,000miles
Trend: FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 285 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu, 40% of the 721 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

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

“I own the chevy Malibu 2001- the car shuts off while it is driving-the theft light goes on and the car shuts down. There was a recall for the ignition problem with this car. I paid $500 to have the ignition module replaced. Also, GM sent me a recall 14350-the new car worked for a little bit of time but within the last month-the problem is worse than ever.”

NHTSA complaint #10863837, filed 2016-05, 156,000 miles

“In nov 2017 my 2001 Malibu was starting to over heat do I reached the thermostat I am still having issues with the car getting to hot I have to always put my heater on defrost hot and on and the fan on which only goes up to number 3 and there are higher settings. I don't know what I'm going to do if I have to replace the manifold gasket . And I've been during dexcool coolant . Is there a recall yet? If not why? I have read numerous complaints about this .”

NHTSA complaint #11092718, filed 2018-05, 184,598 miles

“The anti theft system disabled the car on the tappan zee bridge, with no place to stop and 18 wheelers going by me at 60+MPH. I had to shut the ignition off, turn it back on and wait 10 minutes for the anti-theft to disable, so I could turn the ignition off and reset the anti-theft and start the car. Talking about scared to death. Happy I am still alive to report this. It was in motion 55mph and stopped running, anti theft started to blink”

NHTSA complaint #10991314, filed 2017-05, 81,000 miles

“All electrical went out including radio,air conditioner,power windows ...I had to stop and pull off road and call for help. This has happened over 5 times and dealers will not do anything but look at me. Also the security system went out and I could not crank car and spent $500 to get it fixed.”

NHTSA complaint #10545710, filed 2013-09, 88,000 miles

“I went to start the car and it wouldn't start. The theft light came on and wont go off. I only had the car for two days and this happens. I don't have the money to take the car to the dealership or get another car. I lose my job in a week due to the place closing down.”

NHTSA complaint #10448516, filed 2012-02, 146,000 miles

Related recalls

14V400000Jul 3, 2014This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand AM 1999–2005, Oldsmobile Alero 1999–2004 +5 more

Related service bulletins

11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
10225615Oct 19, 2022This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
10198890May 25, 2021This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
10167434Oct 10, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately…
10166666Sep 11, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for the GM of Canada OnStar Cellular Communication Upgrade to 3G/4G LTE for vehicles that may need an upgrade.
10141371May 23, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about connectivity concerns when connecting an Apple device via USB cord. Technician should…

Electrical system: other model years

Year	Complaints	Share of year
2025	4	33%
2024	18	41%
2023	12	17%
2022	33	33%
2021	30	33%
2020	57	29%
2019	62	32%
2018	192	27%
2017	161	23%
2016	222	26%
2015	68	25%
2014	86	25%
2013	376	45%
2012	291	32%
2011	235	24%
2010	295	22%
2009	368	24%
2008	233	24%
2007	113	12%
2006	142	13%
2005	180	18%
2004	151	13%
2003	289	51%
2002	259	46%
2001	285	40%
2000	199	22%
1999	144	18%
1998	130	13%
1997	87	20%
1980	1	20%

Other parts of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu

Engine cooling
149 complaints Exterior lighting
108 complaints Brakes
89 complaints Steering
41 complaints Fuel system
40 complaints Engine
26 complaints Vehicle speed control
25 complaints Air bags
21 complaints Equipment
21 complaints Other or unknown
20 complaints Suspension
20 complaints Transmission and drivetrain
18 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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