Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
We unfortunately own a 2000 Chevy Malibu. We have already replaced the rotors several times for going out of round. We have also replaced the fuel pump at less then 50,000 miles at the cost of $728.00. The air conditioner pops on and off on its own not cooling for the most part. The turn signals are nonfunctional and our VIN number is not included in the recall although it should be. Then there is the transmission slipping and the coolant leaking and the car overheating we are told this is a manifold intake gasket and will cost around 800.00 to fix. The newest problem is the factory installed radio tuner is burned out and now we have to replace the radio costing yet another $100.00 dollars or so this car has nickel and dimed us too much. After looking over your site I found these to be numerous complaints on the same year and model. …
Vehicle first towed to shop on 04/04/00 for vehicle overheating. Top radiator hose split. Informed dealer of vibration in front end at 30 MPH and up, they said they could not duplicate. On 04/11/00 heard thumping noise from front and while pulling in driveway lost control of left front wheel. Towed to dealer and left side outer tie rod end replaced. Picked up from dealer on 04/12/00 and 2 miles away ABS light came on. Parked vehicle in driveway and next morning light was off. Left for work and got 6 miles away when check engine light came on and transmisson started slipping. Caled and notified Chevy and they said drive vehicle then have it towed in the next day. On 04/14/00 was driving down road at 40 MPH when I lost control of steering again and hit a tree. Repairs to steering/ABS light/check engine light/transmssion slipping not taken care of yet.
1. Cold engine knock cylinder/piston defect:manufaturer has several bulletins on the problem yet has no permanant fix available. Could lead to premature scoring and or failure of engine components. 2.engine stall upon de-acceleration due to computer or component defect. Could lead to engine stall when leaving road intersections or rail crossing resulting in an accident as those found on the internet. 3. Heater fan speed switch electrically fails. Many complaints found of owners who experience the same 3 problems with this vehcle. Should be recalled for repairs at dealers.
I repeated had problems with the transmission slipping and/or not going into gear completely and this problem almost caused an accident on a few occasions. I first suspected something was faulty shortly after purchasing the vehicle - which was a GM certified vehicle. Less than a year after purchase I had to pay almost $2000 to have the transmission rebuilt. Items replaced include the torque converter and solenoids. I also have noticed that I have coolant leaking and assume it is a problem with the intake manifold gasket - but have not had it diagnosed yet.
As reading over the website I notice the 2000 Malibu is pretty much a lemon. I have had to replace the radio, pretty much every gasket in the engine, the fuel pump, brakes front and rear, now my turn signals don't work, just found out about the recall I have to check to see if I qualify, my engine knocks on cold starts, and it practically losses all power when I go to accelerate . . And top it off my transmision slips. . This vehicle needs to be looked into . . And something needs to be done about it.
Automatic transmission surges and seems to want to upshift, especially when car is driven on an incline at highway speeds. I started noticing this 2002 and have been putting up with this defect for years. I believe this is caused by a faulty transmission tcc solenoid, as many other Chevy Malibu owners complain of the same problem. This is a safety issue due to not allowing driver to maintain a constant speed on the highway.
Brakes pulse/vibrate, especially after stopping from speeds of 30+ MPH. Dealer attempted 6 times to fix while under warranty, including turning rotors, replacing rotors (at 2200 miles), replacing hub assembly. All efforts have failed and problem returns in 3-9 months. Mileage averages 8000 miles per year, and brakes are not suddenly applied. Latest attempt is to replace brakes (at 29k000 miles) and install "shim kit."
Numerous problems: brakes made noise when applied, vehicle jerked when at a complete stop,the vehicle shut down on the consumer three times, it started loud and hard, bounced while being driven and a bolt fell off from under the passenger seat, however the dealer stated the bolt did not belong to the vehicle. Also the rear passenger window was inoperative, and the battery was weak.
I had the car for 3 1/2 years and it has given me so many problems with misfire sensors, clicking noise in the engine, noise while driving over a bump or hole, this is besides other problems like water pump, fuel pump, transmission, check engine light on the dashboard and much more.
Nar 02/10/2003. The consumer made several attempts to resolve the issues with his brakes. Ever since the consumer purchased the vehicle, the brakes have squealed. The consumer was told the rotor needed to be replaced and the cv joint was leaking.
Transmission complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the model year's 922 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.