Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
Car has vibrations at higher speeds 60+ was told it was tires/wheels they were replaced for $280 for tires and $200 for just steel rims. Car still vibrated at high speeds and also felt like rotors needed to be replaced-the kind of vibrating when braking. Replaced rotors and brake pads $49 a piece for rotors and $40 a piece for brake pads. Car continued to vibrate except when stopping. After time now (3 mos) when the car is vibrating and you go to slow down it shakes the car even worse. Was then told to replace the wheel bearings. Just did that yesterday they cost me $230 not only does the car still vibrate it has a grinding noise when you trun to the right now. Since ive bought it it has vibrations at high speeds and a "rubbing" vv, vv, vv noise when turing right. After replacing wheel bearings the car still makes all the noises and grinds now. …
When driving at highway speeds the vehicle stalled. The vehicle also lost power steering but the consumer managed to pull over. Problem had not been resolved. Two separated dealerships stated that there was nothing they could do to fix the problem until one dealer kept the vehicle for a week and stated that the vehicle experienced a "hicc up" and the vehicle was repaired. The left front wheel bearing was noisy and the left front hub was noisy. The fuel pump and ignition switch and the consumer had not experienced any more problems with the vehicle. Also the front rotors were replaced.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving between 30 to 40 MPH the vehicle began to violently jerk. As a result, the vehicle traveld into another lane and crached into a curb. The contact also stated that the front passenger side axle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage and VIN were unavailable.
I own a 2001 Chevy Malibu and out of the blue one day my engine just shut down right on the interstate. I have not yet had it checked due to finance problems. Not only that I also have to change my wheel bearings every week to two weeks. I have had this checked and the garage I take it to for all my repairs can't seem to figure it out either. Please help thank you, mrs.sparks
I had my car tow to a auto services center cause it would not start, the tech told me it was the starter but said there was another problem the sub frame very rusted and the engine could fall out anytime. They replace the front sub frame,outer tie rod end, sway bar link kit, the cost was $927.39 . Is g m responsible and can I be reimburse for my cost.
This 2001 Chevy Malibu had the rack and pinion break free from the engine cradle due to frame corrosion. The car is now undrivable and needs new engine cradle (front frame). This is a safety issue and the frame should not rust on a car in a place that could kill somebody. Bad design. Poor quality. Never buy a GM ....ever.
Consumer states: ABS system 11oo miles brakes started gridding, at 37000 had to replace master cyclinder, ABS system and the drum and brake lines in 2003 July and is getting worse. Had new brakes pads put on again in January 2005. Now ABS coming on again for 2 or 3 days at a time.
Can't keep car aligned. Technicians said that they have encountered this with other Malibu's. They can't do any more to keep alignment in place. We did a test by aligning car and going back in 2 weeks and alignment has already deviated from set points.
Left and right hub bearing needed to be replaced. Steering wheel vibrates when braking due to front rotors having excessive runout and pads worn out evenly. Also, consumer heard noise coming from hub bearing, dealer replaced bearing.
After researching the service bulletins section of this website, I have come to realize that I have complained/had serviced about 85% of the same problems that are listed on your database. I purchased this car new, from everett Chevrolet, wa in 2000. Since the purchase. Date, I had Chevy do the following: new brakes (all the way around - once, front rotors/pads - twice), all new pistons, transmission replaced, miss on #1 cylinder - replaced 1 failed spark plug, left rear door squeaks when open/shut - lubed (has happened 3 times now), front left noise from struts/brakes - not able to verify as of yet (possible strut problem/lube), fan in dashboard has a sound in the middle (just above the cd player/radio) like there is a piece of paper caught in the housing (confirmed after 4 complaints, faulty fan motor), passenger front seat squeaks when occupied (dealerships have not been able to …
Suspension complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the model year's 721 complaints. The component named most often is front › wheel bearing (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Malibu suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.