Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
461510023171Abs pump running when not needed. *nj10/31/2007
07020103/01/200710021412Incorrect outer backing plate. outer backing plate has short centre protusion. outer backing plate should have tall center protrusion. *kb04/24/2007
316910010551Brakes caliper noise on apply. *eh12/01/2004
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
347710014875Tech 2 displays asterisk for the left front wheel speed sensor. *tt05/11/2005
0415200404/15/200410009220Vehicles may set anyone or a combination of front-wheel speed sensor anti-lock brake system codes as intermittent or hard failures. gm voicemail express. *tt09/17/2004
0096601/01/200400966A10007816Anti-lock braking system (abs) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness. *tt07/12/2004
00966B01/01/200410007293Abs front wheel speed codes - jumper harness. *tt06/09/2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
05052300103/01/200510014985Revised brake system specifications. *tt05/13/2005
04052300409/01/200410011052Brake noise/creak during slow speed braking. also includes 2004 chevrolet malibu classic. *tt12/27/2004
06130306/17/200310003704A review of warranty data and parts sent back to the warranty parts center indicates that brake rotors and pads are being replaced for presale lot rot corrosion issues. *tt10/28/2003
000523002B03/01/2003000523002A10001251Front disc brake pulsation. *tt04/25/2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
28090109/28/2001626552Some customers may complain of an abs light being present. *jg12/17/2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT
31923192A10010632The anti-lock brake system indicator is illuminated and diagnostic trouble code c1236 is stored. *tt12/02/2004
14110111/14/2001628132Customers may comment that the anti-lock brake system indicator is illuminated and diagnostic trouble code 1236 stored. *tt03/05/2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
21060206/21/2002637253Information regarding the brake align kit. *tt11/21/2002
05150205/15/2002636679Additional information on repeat brake pulsation after an initial brake repair. *tt11/12/2002
02052200104/01/2002634845Service manual update regarding revised brake specifications. *tt10/09/2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
02260302/26/200310001848Brake pad replacement. *tt *jb07/23/2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
02180302/18/200310002556Metal rattle type noise from the rear of the vehicle. caused by a loose attachment spring clip at the rear brake line hose bracket. this clip is secured properly, but may not provide enough spring tension, which allows it to rattle agai09/05/2003

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
09/03/20041200012
 No incidents, crashes or injury's while in my possession. the 2002 chevy malibu i bought used in 2004 only had 11,000 miles on it. it was a government used car. several months after buying the car the blinkers stopped working and then began working again. they now work when they want to work. now, almost a year later at 41,000 miles the horn blows a short beep anytime. the car may be running or not, there may not be anyone even in the car. this has been going on for about a month and a half and now there is a beeping tone inside that i have not identified. it doesn't do it constantly but i notice it when i start the car. it is a short alert beep, kind of like an alarm. it beeps once, pause, and then about three times pause and then once more. just wondering if there were any recalls for this as the warranty is not in affect any longer. in addition to these there has been about three occasions where my car hestitated when starting kind of like the battery was drained. could this be from the horn blowing all day and night? have also replaced brakes more often than i thought i should.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - CALIPER
07/25/20051102/03/2002
 In 2002, i bought a 2002 chevy malibu. since then it's been giving me a lot of problems. the first problem was the water found in both tail lights; this was under warranty. then there was water coming in the driver side window, the brakes, and the torque needing to be reprogrammed. then it was the headlights going out and i got them replaced at a walmart; mind you, since the 1st problem, none of this has been under warranty. now it's the airbag gone bad, cooling system gone bad, and the brakes again, along with a fuel pump. the calipers have to be replaced still, the airbag needs to be checked out, and the car is in the shop now to diagnose what is wrong within the fueling system that makes the car not start. oh! i almost forgot, i purchased a battery 2 weeks ago because that went out. i always stay on top of my service for the car. this car is 3 years old and i bought it new off the lot. it sucks!
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
53003
 While driving at any speed the vehicle vibrates. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. the dealer informed the driver that the brakes and rotors needed to be replaced the problem still occurs. *mr
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
12/20/200840000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. while driving less than 70 mph, the exterior brake lights on the vehicle continued to illuminate even when the brake pedal was not depressed. the contact was concerned that the other drivers would swerve around her and assume that she was braking, when in reality, she would be in acceleration or drive mode. the dealer replaced the ecm and the sensor approximately three times. the vehicle has been at the dealer at least twice a month for one year. the repairs have not corrected the failure. the failure and current mileages were less than 40,000.
12/05/20081
 Own a 2002 chevy malibu. had brakes and rotors replaced in 2006. just had to do it again 12/5/08. chevy should recall and replace the brakes free of charge. i use my car daily. *tr
09/27/200768200306/18/2002
 The anti-freeze holding tank keeps getting an oil residue in it and the anti-freeze keeps disappearing into the engine and has to keep being refilled. after speaking with a mechanic it is possible that the intake manifold gasket is failing. the a/c switch also turns off on its own. rotors and brakes have been replaced three times. *jb
04/15/2007101/11/2006
 Found corrosion on the brake lines and master cylinder, and other lines that are located under the battery corrosion plate. the battery corrosion plate was a good idea. however, putting brake lines & other components under were are not a good design. it's flawed, for if the battery plate becomes corroded, then it leaks onto the lines below and causes damage as in my vehicle. *ak
03/05/200638500109/09/2005
 Both front calipers and both rear calipers leaking. problem covered under my fidelity extended warranty, but the new brakes that i had on there were ruined by brake fluid caused by the leak. warranty does not cover brakes. i have 3 friends with the exact same vehicle and the exact same problems. *jb
10/15/200330000
 Brake rotors were so thin after less than 30k commuter mile that they had to be replaced. dealership just told me that rotors were consumables.
02/15/200321338
 The rotors on this vehicle warped within the first year and continue to warp every two to four months. this is causing wear on the brakes which had to be replaced at 21338 miles at my cost and again at 31474 miles at the dealers cost.
11/26/2003136641
 The brakes failed at 13000 miles creating a safety issue for myself and family. they were defective and worn down to nothing, creating an unsafe stopping condition for myself and family. *nlm
05/15/20032004512/17/2001
 There was a severe pulsation every time i used the brakes. i took it into the dealer to have it checked out. the rotors were warped and the pads needed to be replaced. my car only has 20133 miles on it. there is no excuse for the rotors to be warped and i know that pads last a lot longer than 20000 miles. *jb
11/01/2001
 While traveling on the highway the consumer apply her brakes and there was a loud streaking noise and vibration coming from the right wheel. please furnish additional information dealer is aware of the problem. ts
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
03/21/2008101
 From the first day i had this car, the brakes do not engage completely in the first few uses of the brakes, especially in wet conditions. i have had many near misses of accidents because of the brakes not engaging and sometimes not releasing-a thumping sound is heard when the brake cylinder piston releases. *tr
10/14/2007760512502/08/2004
 When the weather is wet or snowy, and there is possible slick spots on the road, the abs is engaged even when you are pulling up slowly to the stop sign, or slowing down to arrive home, or even coming out of the driveway... what happens, is when doing those things in weather as described above, if you attempt to put the breaks on it makes an awful grinding sound and pushed back on you so you cant break... this has happened to me numerous times just backing out of my driveway... i pulled up to a stop sign behind someone this is right on my residential street so i was not speeding at all, it was a rainy day but the rain was light, i have brand new tires on my car too. as i pulled up behind my neighbors car to the stop sign, i was barely pushing down my break peddle when it pushed back at me and made t his deep sound i couldn't stop and i almost hit my neighbor. i went to my long time mechanic and he took it for a drive on a clear day.... he took it on some gravel and stopped hard well the breaks did the same thing. he said it was the abs even though he didn't look at them. i think it is the wheel bearings. i have had many other vehicles in my life and non of them did that to me on wet or snowy days! i know it isn't normal and i do not feel safe driving the vehicle. i have 2 young children and if the abs are going to be that stingy then my chances of crashing will be 99% higher! *tr
06/06/200641000103/15/2005
 Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph the abs light illuminated. the vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who replaced the front passenger hub and speed sensor. the dealer was alerted. the vehicle is a malibu. *ak
08/12/200429000209/02/2002
 Dt: in august 2004 consumer had right and left wheel bearing and hub assemblies replaced. now the abs activates at low speeds. this happens all the time. now consumer is told by the dealer that the right wheel bearing and hub assembly needs to be replaced again. manufacturer was called and they said the part they put in last august was under a 12 month or 12000 mile warranty and consumer had to pay to have the problem fixed. *tt
04/01/20051
 I just bought a used malibu ls 2002. three days later my abs brake light comes on after i hear some vibrating noise while driving. i have taken it to the dealer and he says there is no problem. now everytime i start up my car after 5 minutes the abs light comes on.*ak
07/13/20041700401/29/2002
 Brakes 2001 malibu chev. 35,000 miles brakes and rotors replaced 4 times. *la
06/10/20041
 While driving, (abs) braking light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. the driver was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined abs brake monitor needed replacement. *ak
07/26/2002
 When brakes were applied they didn't hold, causing vehicle to rear end another vehicle.contacted dealer. *ak
03/29/200210/01/2001
 New car with 13136 miles. trip to fl. brakes ground when caught in slow x-way traffic in louisville ky. had to replace front brake pads, turn rotors at chv dlr. cost $242. warranty no good. they blamed it on living (1 mile) down a dirt road which prevented brakes from working. reported complaint to home dlr. then needed rotors turned again at 16000 miles. the said that brakes don't always last long, but were able to get srv. rep. to refund $185. dlr agreed to replace rotors if i had more trouble w/ brakes in next 10,000 mi. that means i could have a whole brake job at 28,000 at my expense. i am not happy. a commonly held idea is that brakes should last much longer. i don't ride my brakes and travel to work on paved rural roads without much traffic. i do lots of x-way driving and don't tailgate. traded in a 1998 malibu due to trouble with manifold gasket, air-con odor. previously had warped rotors and a need to replace brakes much more often than 6 prev. cars on same dirt road. have since read that malibu brakes have a history of problems. i think gm is ignoring the problem. they should re-engineer the brakes and give consumers a quality product.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT
05/01/20043700010009/26/2003
 2002 chevrolet malibu. turn signal switch operates intermittently -- symptoms are identical to 2000-2001 my, which was recalled at 03v327000. has been like this for a couple of months but has gotten worse.*ak abs light is on all the time.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
06/23/2003160003
 2002 malibu. rotors and pads have had to be replaced 3 times and pads alone once in 35000 miles. chevrolet customer assistance says there is nothing wrong with the car. 3 different service departments have told me that this is a common problem with malibu's and grand am's. brakes will be completely redesigned for 2004. why redesign if there is no problem?? *jb
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
03/29/200210/01/2001
 New car with 13136 miles. trip to fl. brakes ground when caught in slow x-way traffic in louisville ky. had to replace front brake pads, turn rotors at chv dlr. cost $242. warranty no good. they blamed it on living (1 mile) down a dirt road which prevented brakes from working. reported complaint to home dlr. then needed rotors turned again at 16000 miles. the said that brakes don't always last long, but were able to get srv. rep. to refund $185. dlr agreed to replace rotors if i had more trouble w/ brakes in next 10,000 mi. that means i could have a whole brake job at 28,000 at my expense. i am not happy. a commonly held idea is that brakes should last much longer. i don't ride my brakes and travel to work on paved rural roads without much traffic. i do lots of x-way driving and don't tailgate. traded in a 1998 malibu due to trouble with manifold gasket, air-con odor. previously had warped rotors and a need to replace brakes much more often than 6 prev. cars on same dirt road. have since read that malibu brakes have a history of problems. i think gm is ignoring the problem. they should re-engineer the brakes and give consumers a quality product.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER
02/01/20084
 I have had my 2002 chevy malibu since it was purchased brand new from the dealership in 2002. after running fine for a few years, it began to develop recurring problems. the wheel bearings (both front) have been replaced twice, along with the calipers. *tr
05/23/200562706112/31/2002
 Dt: front loaded calipers are not working properly. inboard pads are worn at 100 percent, and the outboard are worn at 50 percent.tires were squeaking when brakes were applied, and then a constant squeek while driving. continued driving makes it worse. caller is concerned about not getting a warning light to tell her she has a problem. caller was told a warning light will not come on for the brake pads being worn. if caliper is not fixed the pads will be worn at same rate. tires plus told her this. dealer told caller they never heard of calipers causing brake pad problems. manufacturer has not been contacted yet. *ak
07/22/2004240002
 When the brakes were applied, the brake pedal pulsated, which caused the consumer to experience extended stopping distance. the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and the mechanic determined that the brake caliper failed. *ak the radio was inoperative. *sc *jb
06/26/200321303112/14/2001
 Inside disc pads wore out at 21000 miles. had pads replaced and rotors checked. caliper is now sticking again and inside pad is rubbing*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
07/01/2004303/11/2004
 Dt: the consumer stated since purchase of vehicle she had problems with the brakes. the vehicle will not completely stop. she took the vehicle to the dealership, and they replaced the pads and rotors. however, the consumer is still experiencing stopping problems. she has taken the vehicle to a service station to have the pads replaced. they have to be replaced every two to three months. thus far, the pads have been replaced ten times. the problem has not been fixed or diagnosed. *ak updated 12/07/05. *jb
09/01/2005602/02/2002
 I purchased my 2002 malibu new and have had the brakes replaced four times and am on my third set of rotors. at 54000 miles the wheel bearing and control arm bushings had to be replaced. two weeks later the fuel pump had to be replaced also. the passenger side rear window can't be down because last time we had a rough time getting it to go back up.*jb
05/23/200562706112/31/2002
 Dt: front loaded calipers are not working properly. inboard pads are worn at 100 percent, and the outboard are worn at 50 percent.tires were squeaking when brakes were applied, and then a constant squeek while driving. continued driving makes it worse. caller is concerned about not getting a warning light to tell her she has a problem. caller was told a warning light will not come on for the brake pads being worn. if caliper is not fixed the pads will be worn at same rate. tires plus told her this. dealer told caller they never heard of calipers causing brake pad problems. manufacturer has not been contacted yet. *ak
12/17/200433256111/28/2001
 My 2002 chevy malibu (3 yrs old, just our of factory warranty) with 33,000 miles had the front left brake seize up. i limped it to the dealer, half a mile away from my house. by the time i got there, the front left brakes were smoking. i was told that the caliper seized up because the pads were too worn. also that the pads on the left were worn also. the chevy dealer said i needed to have rotors turned on both wheels, calipers replaced on both wheels, and new pads & caliper bolts. total cost $784 not covered by the extended warranty that i paid $1250 for when i bought the car. the wear indicators gave very little warning that the brakes were warn. i had the brakes inspected a year ago (9000 miles ago) and was told they were fine. i can understand turning the rotors. i expect to pay for pads. but replacing the calipers on both wheels? did i just get taken for a ride by my chevy dealer? i have seen lots of reports about premature brake wear on malibu. what are my options? i have already paid for the repair. *jb
09/28/20043
 While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor. a loud grinding noise was heard coming from the front. driver took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that that brake pads and rotorsa needed to be replaced. *ak
04/01/20047622102/28/2002
 The vehicle has a nonconformity, the front brakes. (nar) *ph premature wear of the brake pads caused the rotor to warp. dealership has attempted to repair this malfunction, but failed. *cb *jb
04/30/2004108/15/2002
 Vehicle started producing a high pitched sqeak/squeal when turning to the left after 26000 mi. took car to dealer and was informed that the brake pads needed to be repolaced and the rotors needed to be turned. dealer advised that the brake pads went due to my driving habits, however none of the other new vehicles i've owned in the past 10 years have had to have the pads replaced until at least 50000 mi. dealer disagreed and told me that i had to pay for the entire job, i arguaed again and finally got the dealer to at least pay for the turning of the rotors. work has not been done yet due to scheduling problem.*ak
12/23/200329000206/15/2002
 Brakes on 2002 malibu pads wear uneven rotors worn uneven calalipers are not working right. chevy won't take care of problem.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
01/28/20084
 I am continually having problems with my 2002 chevy malibu. i had the theft system continually come on and paid $700 to fix that. fuel pump went bad...$500. i had the coolant system leak and paid $800 to fix that. every time i get my brake pads replaced, the rotors need replaced too, until the last time when the calibers had to be replaced as well $900. now i am having difficulty starting my piece of junk. *tr
03/27/20072
 I have filed a safety complaint with chevrolet on the 2002 malibu i purchased new. i have had to replace the brakes twice once at 33,378 miles on 5/5/2005 and again at 51,543 mile on 3/27/2007. the consumer complaint department and the dealership where it was repair have informed me the replacing the brakes at 18,165 miles are considered ?routine maintenance.? failure of the braking system was found when the car did not adequacy stop placing me and my family in danger. there was no audible or visual indicator of the braking problem, instead i had to rely on performance failure while on the road. to date the manufacturer and dealership fail to recognize the problem. *tr
01/09/2007110/04/2001
 First incident of leaking happened after dealership worked on car. arrived home coolant poured out on ground towed back. dealership said reservoir cap seal. 10/2006 or 11/2006, picking up at school and smelled not engine. parked saw coolant on ground. no engine light on but needle was past middle. family brought coolant filled it up and went 5 blocks to dealership. they said nothing was wrong. yesterday, 1/9/2007 car overheated in the school line. added coolant. i brought it to a non dealership radiator shop owner thinks intake manifold gasket leaking. car at dealership. i really don't know what the real problem is but because my warranty expired feel dealership will tell me it is a new problem from the first event so i will be responsible. at least two rotors replaced on the front driver's wheel & 5 sets of pads. reported to gm they claim it is the way i drive! a non dealership tire company had the pads replaced with a good brand. 1 1/2 years since i had to have pads. problem with the right front passenger door locks. car is running and the driver gets out leaving car on and then the passenger turns off the car and gets out, locks car, the radio stays on. i went inside the store and came out and the radio was still playing. when you unlock the car but enter only the passenger front door and then close it and walk away, the car locks itself. happened several times. i had not placed the keys on the seat of the car and shut the door or i would have been locked out. i reported this but no one seemed to care. radio was replaced for left button paint (not sure if it is paint or cover on button) rubs off. ignition switch was replaced. fuel pump replaced.. i transport grandchildren and i need a safe car. *jb
11/28/2006312/25/2002
 Brake rotors on 2002 malibu failing every 18000 to 20000 miles. (3 times in 4 years) i had the rotors and brakes checked 7 months after the latest replacement because of violent shimming in the front end and was told by dealer everything was fine with my rotors and brakes. now 5 months later(after the parts warranty expired) i am told i need new rotors and brakes. gm knows they have a problem with this but refuses to address it. i have had 5 near accidents on the freeway because of the violent shim when i hit the brakes. all the dealership will say is they can see a pattern. i would like to know how many deaths were caused by this pattern! *nm
10/13/20055011/15/2002
 My turn signals work whenever they feel like it. this has been going on for about 8 months now and it seems to be getting worse. sometimes you can hear the turn signal but the light is not actually on. also, i have had to replace my rotors on the car three times all ready and the car is not even three years old yet. i am quite upset because between the turn signals and the brakes i am at a high risk for an accident. i have a three year old daughter and everyday i get in the car and drive with her i am putting both of our lives at risks. i can't believe that it is three years and yet there has been no recall on either of these potentially life endangering issues when there has been problems with at least one of these issues on previous models. what is wrong with this picture?? *jb
09/01/2005602/02/2002
 I purchased my 2002 malibu new and have had the brakes replaced four times and am on my third set of rotors. at 54000 miles the wheel bearing and control arm bushings had to be replaced. two weeks later the fuel pump had to be replaced also. the passenger side rear window can't be down because last time we had a rough time getting it to go back up.*jb
12/17/200433256111/28/2001
 My 2002 chevy malibu (3 yrs old, just our of factory warranty) with 33,000 miles had the front left brake seize up. i limped it to the dealer, half a mile away from my house. by the time i got there, the front left brakes were smoking. i was told that the caliper seized up because the pads were too worn. also that the pads on the left were worn also. the chevy dealer said i needed to have rotors turned on both wheels, calipers replaced on both wheels, and new pads & caliper bolts. total cost $784 not covered by the extended warranty that i paid $1250 for when i bought the car. the wear indicators gave very little warning that the brakes were warn. i had the brakes inspected a year ago (9000 miles ago) and was told they were fine. i can understand turning the rotors. i expect to pay for pads. but replacing the calipers on both wheels? did i just get taken for a ride by my chevy dealer? i have seen lots of reports about premature brake wear on malibu. what are my options? i have already paid for the repair. *jb
09/28/20043
 While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor. a loud grinding noise was heard coming from the front. driver took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that that brake pads and rotorsa needed to be replaced. *ak
07/20/20043
 When the brakes were applied, the steering wheel vibrated hard. the vehicle is now on it's third repair for brake rotors. please provide details. *jb
07/13/20041700401/29/2002
 Brakes 2001 malibu chev. 35,000 miles brakes and rotors replaced 4 times. *la
04/02/2003202/02/2002
 Premature brake and rotor wear on 2002 malibu , front brakes replaced twice in 2 years at about 17,000 and 34,000 miles. *jb
04/30/2004108/15/2002
 Vehicle started producing a high pitched sqeak/squeal when turning to the left after 26000 mi. took car to dealer and was informed that the brake pads needed to be repolaced and the rotors needed to be turned. dealer advised that the brake pads went due to my driving habits, however none of the other new vehicles i've owned in the past 10 years have had to have the pads replaced until at least 50000 mi. dealer disagreed and told me that i had to pay for the entire job, i arguaed again and finally got the dealer to at least pay for the turning of the rotors. work has not been done yet due to scheduling problem.*ak
04/08/200431000312/29/2001
 Pulsating and grinding noises at 10,000. dealer replaced rotors and pads under warranty. same thing at 21,000. now at 31,000, same problem. now dealer says they can only turn rotors under warranty and i have to pay for pads and labor. replacing rotors and brake pads every 10,000 miles is not normal wear and tear. there is something wrong with the brake system on these cars. gm needs to fix the root of this problem on the malibu.*ak
12/23/200329000206/15/2002
 Brakes on 2002 malibu pads wear uneven rotors worn uneven calalipers are not working right. chevy won't take care of problem.*ak
08/06/2002
 Rotors have warped already within a few months of purchase. contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak