Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I backed up my car, put it in drive and the anti theft system disabled the motor. I started rolling backwards and lost my perspective. I rolled backwards into a telephone pole causing a huge dent on my rear drivers side quarter panel. Thank god the pole was there or I might not have realized what was happening. Behind me was a rout iron fence and beyond that was a 20 ft drop (driveway has a retainer wall that it is built on top of. I had filed another complaint. The car had disabled itself on a bridge that has no slow lane to stop in. I can take pictures of the damage in the daylight if needed
Approached intersection in turning lane to make left turn. Upon making such turn, vehicle did not accelerate as fast as it should. Was told second driver ran red light and collided with my vehicle in a head on collision. I was informed that my vehicle was struck on front passenger side. I remember hearing the crash and the car spinning out of control. Both airbags did deploy, as I was floating over the gear shift. Was told at the scene left leg was broken at the ankle per paramedic. Right leg was confirmed broken at the ankle at the hospital. I was wearing my seat belt, I had a burn mark that lasted almost six months. I spent 22 days in the hospital, I started as ortho-trauma, went to surgery the next day to repair my left leg with 1 plate and 8 screws. Three days later, I had complications from my injuries. I went to pulmonary icu (picu). …
There was a rear collision that occured a week after purchasing the vehicle. The car was fixed with no frontal damge at all. The rear damage was minor. A week after receiving the vehicle the car would not start. The car was towed to the dealership and it was determined that the car needed a new ignition(600.00) that was not covered under the warranty.the dealership received the payment and the car was fixed.the dealership didnt have any sort of explanation to why the ignition was needed that soon after the purchase of the vehicle. Eight months later the car wouldnt start.the car was then towed to the dealership.a fuel pump was install but other items weren't covered under waranty.the car was received after the dealership received the payment. …
I bought my 2001 Malibu in 2003. I had no real problems till this year 2009. My mileage now in 74,000 and the problems started at about 60,000. After a accident everything started to go. My gas gauge went down and my temp gauge also. My auto lock for my doors was not working. My air vents only work when they knob is on 3.main fuse box has major issues and the water pump went out and cost $2300.00 and needs a $500.00 service for the main fuse box. Water pump was replaced also 2005. Cost about $600.00 then. I wish someone would have pointed these problems before. GM needs to step up to the plate; especially after taking more money from the tax payers for their mismanagement. I love my Malibu but GM better get on the stick and help the ones who have this defective 2001 Malibu.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving various speeds, unknown warning indicators illuminated. When the vehicle was started, the ignition had to be turned to the on position and the contact had to wait for the instrument panel to light up completely for the vehicle to start. The process worked intermittently. The vehicle failed to start every time the contact would attempt to start the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who replaced the ignition switch; however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
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 .
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the engine stalled and the anti-theft warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the engine after a wait period. The failure recurred and the contact was unable to restart the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. When the vehicle was stopped, the engine continued to rev. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The repairs were made, but the failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. In addition, the vehicle would accelerate at high speeds without warning. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 143,911. Updated 11/09/15 updated 4/3/18
Engine complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 175 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu, 24% of the model year's 721 complaints. The component named most often is engine (42 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 2 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 2001 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries and 1 death to engine & cooling 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.