2001 Chevrolet Malibu Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 149about this part
- Share
- 21%of 721 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,745miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 149 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu, 21% of the 721 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,745 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Five years ago I replace head gaskets on a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. Recently, my vehicle will not hold antifreeze and the temperature gauge raises. I have was told by a mechanic that the head gaskets blown again. I have heard several people with the Malibu are having problems with this. Is there a recall or compensation to the owners for this obvious manufacturing defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10265455, filed 2009-04, 120 miles“I had to repair a manifold intake gasket, leaking water. . I have talked to several auto repair shops and they said this is a common problem on these chevy malibus. The chevy co. Should have to do a recall on this problem. Unfair that the consumer has to pay the bill to have this fixed. Please check into forcing a recall on this please.”
NHTSA complaint #10132586, filed 2005-08, 50,000 miles“I am a single mom of two, and am frustrated that all of my savings have gone into this money pit. I have replaced the intake manifold twice, and its going out again! I have replaced the water pump, heater core which are dying, and the theft system twice. I have had a fuel leak by my engine and had it enter inside my car and its doing it again, my ABS brakes only work when they want, and these are just a few of my complaints!”
NHTSA complaint #10218191, filed 2008-02, 38,000 miles“A slow radiator leak was observed over a period of 2 months. I took it to a mechanic who diagnosed a faulty intake manifold gasket. He had mentioned that it is a very common problem in the Malibu, even though GM told me that it was not. The manifold gasket was replaced before any anti-freeze leaked into the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10132107, filed 2005-08, 48,500 miles“I notice that my coolant had to be refilled because the low coolant light was staying on in the dash. The repair shop told me they had to replace the intake manafold and I now have coolant in my engine and in my oil. This is a potential dangerous problem with the Malibu. The engine could blow creating other problems. The same problem has been noted with many other Malibu owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10100059, filed 2004-11, 77,200 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10228888Dec 14, 2022This 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…
- 10227056Nov 9, 2022This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10222796Sep 14, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 6% |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 11 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 0% |
| 2011 | 12 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 1% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 12 | 1% |
| 2007 | 7 | 1% |
| 2006 | 25 | 2% |
| 2005 | 17 | 2% |
| 2004 | 20 | 2% |
| 2003 | 41 | 7% |
| 2002 | 63 | 11% |
| 2001 | 149 | 21% |
| 2000 | 174 | 19% |
| 1999 | 138 | 17% |
| 1998 | 144 | 15% |
| 1997 | 60 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
285 complaintsExterior lighting
108 complaintsBrakes
89 complaintsSteering
41 complaintsFuel system
40 complaintsEngine
26 complaintsVehicle speed control
25 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsEquipment
21 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsTransmission 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 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