2001 Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 4%of 721 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,740miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the engine of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu, 4% of the 721 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,740 miles. 3 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.
“Driving car at various speeds, will accelerate by itself while driving RPM >2000 when put in park RPM >2500. When brake for light and take foot off brake car will accelerate by it self I let it go up to 45 MPH this problem is intermittent, I turn engine off and turn back on it will idle normally 1000 or less. No panel warning lights pop up.”
NHTSA complaint #10593120, filed 2014-05, 160,000 miles“I had my car tow to a auto services center cause it would not start, the tech told me it was the starter but said there was another problem the sub frame very rusted and the engine could fall out anytime. They replace the front sub frame,outer tie rod end, sway bar link kit, the cost was $927.39 . Is g m responsible and can I be reimburse for my cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10477943, filed 2012-09, 109,740 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“Anti theft system on this car along with hundreds if not thousands of people have left us stranded. You call the dealer they say nothing of the reset stuff that is in the book. I did not have a book went on line last winter the first time it happened. Dealer said bring it in and get it tested never once offered the fix in book,so if they have a fix in manual don't you think they know its an ongoing issue???? Please make them do the right thing. This is the 6th time for me 3 on my way to work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10467226, filed 2012-07, 87,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service 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 or…
- 10242298Aug 10, 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…
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This 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…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This 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…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10144451Aug 8, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
- 10129097Jan 25, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 13 | 18% |
| 2022 | 29 | 29% |
| 2021 | 15 | 17% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 65 | 34% |
| 2018 | 281 | 40% |
| 2017 | 253 | 36% |
| 2016 | 304 | 36% |
| 2015 | 70 | 26% |
| 2014 | 125 | 36% |
| 2013 | 204 | 24% |
| 2012 | 99 | 11% |
| 2011 | 160 | 16% |
| 2010 | 115 | 8% |
| 2009 | 61 | 4% |
| 2008 | 62 | 6% |
| 2007 | 28 | 3% |
| 2006 | 33 | 3% |
| 2005 | 49 | 5% |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% |
| 2003 | 47 | 8% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 26 | 4% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
285 complaintsEngine cooling
149 complaintsExterior lighting
108 complaintsBrakes
89 complaintsSteering
41 complaintsFuel system
40 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