Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My teenager was trying to avoid a collision ran off the right side of the road came back on the road and then the car was headed to left shoulder and (teenager) attempted to straighten the vehicle out and then the vehicle ran back off the right side of the road again causing a accident. Teenager said vehicle became hard to steer and brakes had no effect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the key was getting stuck in the acc and on positions. The contact indicated that the key could also be removed and the engine remained running. The contact also applied the brake pedal and it went to the floorboard causing the contact to have to apply force numerous times to get the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system) but was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was unable to be driven. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 75 MPH, the brake pedal required excessive force in order to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the power steering failed and caused the vehicle to steer to the left. Additionally, the hood of the vehicle flew up and struck the top of the roof resulting in a crash. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed and not diagnosed. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
The day May 13, 2009 my wife was driving the vehicle for about hillsborough avenue at 12: 15 a day. Another vehicle driving in the opposite direction crossed the street to enter the parking lot of ross. My wife quickly use the brakes but the vehicle was when collided with the other vehicle stopped. My wife suffered trauma to the spine and neck. Breaking the 5th lumbar vertebra and herniated cervical. Never again could work or it could operate. Requires a spinal fusion which costs $ 80,000.00. Now we know why the vehicle did not stop and did not prevent the accident.
I was involved in an mva back in 2002 because of turn signal failure. The dealership told me that a recall had been made but nobody ever notified me! Also my when driving on the highway my vehicle steering wheel vibrates especially when I apply the brakes. I have been close to loosing control of my vehicle on two occasions when there is water on the roads. I replaced my rotors twice! I beleive this is a safety issue that should be looked at.and one more thing my ac control switch keeps turning on and off the compressor I dont believe this could be good for the compressor!.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu. When the contact depressed the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop and the contact crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries reported and a police report was not filed. The contact believed that the failure was related to the defect listed in NHTSA campaign number: 14v4000000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while coming to a stop from 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and did not respond. The vehicle's front passenger side collided with another vehicle. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle occupants received minor injuries, although the seatbelts were worn. The vehicle was towed to an auto body and deemed a total loss. The vehicle was not inspected to determine the cause of the brake failure.
Vehicle has had numerous problems with defective rotors. At 3000 miles rotors warped and needed to be serviced. Rotors have been serviced or replaced 5 times since vehicle purchase. Problem was occurring every 3000-6000 miles. Also, has had two accidents.
The back brakes locked up at 55 MPH, which made me lose control and slam into a tree pretty hard. The road condition was paved and dry. Legal proceedings will occur if Chevrolet doesn't resolve this matter!
Right front tire on 2000 Chevrolet Malibu came apart on outer sidewall while driving at 60 MPH. Initally no cause could be found. The tread and inner sidewall appeared to be OK. After installing the space saver spare and driving about 100 miles home at 50 MPH the tire and rim were immediately inspected. The tire was so hot you could barely hold your hand on it. The rim was hot enough to burn fingers. The brake on that wheel was not completely releasing and was causing the extreme heat build-up. The outside on the tire appears to have gotten so hot that it literally fell apart. The brake pads on this vehicle had been replaced at about 38,00 miles and this side had worn more than the other, but no problems could be found to account for the abnormal wear. …
Brake complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 250 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu, 27% of the model year's 922 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (81 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Chevrolet Malibu brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Chevrolet Malibu brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 17 crashes, 0 fires and 13 injuries and 3 deaths to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.