2001 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 3%of 721 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the 721 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 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.
“Over the past month, the Malibu has stalled out while driving. It has occurred both on acceleration and deceleration one time almost causing a broadside impact as my son pulled out to make a left onto a bust street. He was fortunate and the oncoming driver was able to brake in time. We took it to a garage that said our ignition switch had to be replaced, which we had done. Curious because this is the exact problem that has occurred with the other vehicles involved in the chevy recall, but our vehicle has yet to be recalled for this obviously hazardous defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10593904, filed 2014-05, 67,631 miles“While driving on a highway after going over a pot hole the car turned off. After shifting into neutral and pulling to the side of the road I put it in park and started it back up. It started up fine but when I started driving it was very hard to make turns. After taking it to a mechanic they said the power steering went out and it needs a new rack and pinion and new power steering pump. They said it could be related to an ignition switch recall so I called GM. They said the ignition switch was covered by a recall but not anything related to the power steering.”
NHTSA complaint #10649819, filed 2014-10, 154,392 miles“At approximately 30000 miles my car started hesitating when starting. The dealer could find no fault and I kept driving with only periodic problems. Then my gas gauge, radio, engine check light and passive alarm system kept coming on. At, 43,000 miles the car would not start. The dealer said the key had lost its memory but I still kept having the same problems. At, 48,354 miles the car totally went out. After having the car for several days the dealer said it was the ignition switch. …”
NHTSA complaint #10037538, filed 2003-09, 43,478 miles“I purchased my car at robbins Chevrolet in houston, tx in 2001. I also purchased an extended warranty. I had been having acceleration problems with the car from the start. Last month the car would not start. I took it to robbins and they said it was the PCM module, which is under warranty. They said the PCM that was in my vehicle was not for a chevy Malibu. Robbins said the PCM was for a pontiac, which is a GM product. We have only had the vehicle serviced at robbins & landmark chevy. Robbins wants us to pay for the PCM which is under warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10051346, filed 2003-12, 60,000 miles“While driving on the highway, when vehicle is traveling upward on an incline, the transmission causes lunging of the vehicle. Car would lunge than back off trying to maintain the current speed if the vehicle. I could observe the surges on the RPM gauge, as it would fluctuate up and down between 2200 and 2400 RPM while lunging was taking place. Then suddenly the gauge would jump up to around 3200-3400 RPM, and the lunging stopped and car regained regular speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10906267, filed 2016-09, 143,982 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 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…
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This 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…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 24 | 24% |
| 2021 | 28 | 31% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 68 | 35% |
| 2018 | 171 | 24% |
| 2017 | 139 | 20% |
| 2016 | 166 | 20% |
| 2015 | 31 | 11% |
| 2014 | 52 | 15% |
| 2013 | 54 | 6% |
| 2012 | 49 | 5% |
| 2011 | 112 | 11% |
| 2010 | 133 | 10% |
| 2009 | 121 | 8% |
| 2008 | 86 | 9% |
| 2007 | 47 | 5% |
| 2006 | 43 | 4% |
| 2005 | 65 | 7% |
| 2004 | 64 | 6% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 18 | 3% |
| 2000 | 26 | 3% |
| 1999 | 21 | 3% |
| 1998 | 50 | 5% |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
285 complaintsEngine cooling
149 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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