Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
I wanted to let you know about an experience at discount tire 580 w telegraph washington utah. And you can forward this to any regulating agency.from my knowledge, when two tires are purchased new, it is required to mount them on the front of the vehicle if it is front wheel drive. And move the lower tread tires to the back.while at this location, the person running the shop stated they are not allowed to touch tires or rotate them if they have low tread.and they mounted the two new ones on opposite corners (front driver and rear passenger). And tried to sell 2 additional tires.this is against the law. I want this business reviewed for their license.
While braking the vehicle experienced extended stopping distance due to the front brake rotors wearing. Also there was a vibration when depressing the brake pedal. The dealership was notified, but the problem was not resolved. The dealership told the consumer they would replace the rotors when the vehicle was first purchased, but they never did.
Firestone, affinity, tire size p21560r15, original equipment on Chevrolet, Malibu, 2000 with 9600 miles. While driving at approximately 50 MPH tread separated, and whole sidewall tire blewout on passenger rear, causing rear of vehicle to jumps towards driver's side, resulting in damage on right hand side of vehicle.
While driving approximately 35 MPH rear right tire had blown. Managed to pull vehicle to the side of road, stopped, and checked tires out. Noticed right rear tire had separated in three different pieces. Contacted the manufacturer. Had not been to dealership for repairs. Size 215/60r15.
While driving 70 MPH owner suddenly heard a snapping sound from rear. Rear left tire separated from spindle, causing vehicle to spin out. Vehicle did strike center divider. Upon impact, neither air bag deployed. Please describe details.
Front/rear suspension-squawking noise -GM well aware of this issue hazard lights - have gone out twice. Fuel integrity - erratic fuel reading - shows 1/4 tank - when in reality there is no gas. I have ran out of gas approximately 7 times - several times late at night. No cruise control - GM would not repair. Brakes pads/rotors - have replaced 3 times. My local dealer rotolo Chevrolet and GM customer service would do nothing. It was expensive. Premature tire wear - two sets of tires. Cars runs hot - would never go on a trip - because it would get too near overheating. I was afraid of getting stranded in the middle of the desert. Engine ticking noise - local dealer said this was normal. Now, I find none of these things were normal and many, many more car owners have experienced the same type of problems. Also, I had a battery that exploded while car was under warranty. It was my problem. …
The problems that I have had with this vehicle are all too similar to the problems others on here are having especially with the theft security system not letting the car start if the security light starts to blinking after fail attempt to start the vehicle , does someone have to get hurt or killed before you all correct this problem. I have also had to replace the wheel hub assembly on this vehicle more times than normal in a short time frame. I feel that this shouldn't be our problem to pay for if it is GM [redacted] up. I am mad and pissed to say the least. All of these complaints and no reactions. Sad not living up to standards . When obama was bailing your [redacted]out he should of let you just stay [redacted]out. I am disgraced by this outrage. Ill never buy a heavy Chevy again. Toyota here I come. At least yall honor recalls. …
I was today alerted by the auto mechanic servicing my car that my tires -especially the two front tires - were showing signs of tread separation. In light of the fact that they are Firestone tires with less than 12000 miles on them, and considering that the damage I see is in the exact location where other Firestone tires have experienced tread separation, I felt I needed to report this to NHTSA and to my Chevrolet dealer. These tires have been rotated twice since I purchased this new vehicle less than a year ago, and the proper tire pressure has been maintained. Balance and alignment have been checked at each scheduled service. The unusual wear on the tires is easily visible, as are the long cracks where the tread meets the rest of the tirewall. These are the original tires which came with the vehicle. The car is housed in a garage overnight and is minimally exposed to the elements. …
At 9000 miles center treads of all tires were showing abnormal wear. Spoke to GM directly, they sent me to dealer. I was told that is the way the affinity tires wear and they should be good for another 30,000 miles. I asked them to put that in writing for me, of course they refused. At the present 13000 miles, the tread wear is spreading. If GM and Chevrolet both knew that these tires wore this way, they could have at least given the option of upgrading to better tires. I do not feel safe with these tires, especialy with the weather conditions in the are that I live.. I believe that I was taken advantage of by a major corporation to the fullest.. Shame on Chevrolet. (dot number: 027487)
My 2000 Chevrolet Malibu had 37,500 miles on it when I noticed that the Firestone affinity p21560r15 tires were cracking. The deep grooves between the treads had cracks and the shoulder of the tire had a web of cracks. There was still a lot of tread left on the tires. I have never seen this occur on any tires I have owned in my 40 years of driving. One local tire store advised me that this problem is common in affinity tires because Firestone doesn't put enough moisture into the compound thereby shortening the life of the tire.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu, 4% of the model year's 922 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Chevrolet Malibu wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 28,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to wheels & tires 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.