cooling system problem
7.8
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$835.00
Average Mileage:
67,577 miles
Number of complaints:
32 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replaced intake manifold gasket (24 reports)
- not sure (6 reports)
- re-sealed manifold and replaced water pump (1 reports)
- replace engine gasket (1 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2003 Chevrolet Malibu leaking coolant, cracked intake manifold gasket
2008Nov 11
Malibu LS 3,1 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,015 miles
How about this one, this is a ongoing problem with the Chevy Malibu 3100 Engine, the coolant company was only taking claims on this problem until Oct. 28th 2008, This problem will live on for ever. My neighbor has had to replace the gasket for a second time. Mine is the first, and the biggest beef is I had a Extended warranty, I was made aware of this problem when I purchase the vehicle used, Our mechanic at work made me aware of this issue, But here is the kicker. The warranty company has filed bankruptcy and guess who is stuck holding the bag. If any one has any information for filing a class action with Gm or extending the class action against the coolant company please let me know. A note to everyone, if you can afford the extended warranty, do not buy it from a outside company, only buy you warranty from the big 3, If they can make it out of this crappy economy.
2008Oct 09
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 44,000 miles
I've had my 2003 Chevy Malibu for exactly 2 years, I haven't had that much problem with it. I started noticing about one year ago I would have to add coolant to the reservoir. I didn't think much of it at first because it wasn't a lot and every couple months. I didn't see it leaking on the ground, though. Then it was leaking every month, then every other week. Now it's almost every other day and I see it leaking on the ground. I took it to mechanic today, said it was the intake gasket & something else. Cost around $800 to fix, he said it was common problem with this car. I have no extended warranty, don't know how I can get it fixed. Desperately need my car for work, this is so frustrating, I work two jobs just to make ends meet. My car is not brand new but I did not expect this after 44,000 miles! If there is class action suit for this, I will definitely be in it. I need to find who to complain to and how!
2008Feb 01
Malibu Gold 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 92,000 miles
I've read all your complaints over the past few days and I'm so amazed this is what American car companies have come to. I've had the same problem with a cracked lower intake manifold gasket and took it upon myself to fix it. Got it fixed, no leaks but now the car runs so bad, a bonafide P.O.S.
There's a reason when you look at the job classifieds that there's a million ads for "mechanic wanted". American cars are built to last right past 50,000 miles so then they fail and they can rape you for a couple more thousands of dollars on repairs.
One of you posted about the DexCoolSettlement website and I went to it and filed my claim. It's a class action lawsuit that allows you to get up to $400 dollars back for this problem as part of the settlement but you must submit the claim before October 27, 2008. Just go to google and type in "DexCoolSettlement".
I'm a fan of american cars, but I believed they are called classics now. You know the one's I'm talking about. The old Camaro's, Chevelle's, Nova's, Impala's. It's no wonder GM is now the 2nd biggest manufacturer behind Toyota. From the first time I took this Malibu apart, I was saying every 5 minutes, "what a horrible design!" What were the idiots at Chevy R&D thinking by designing a motor this way.
Luckily I still have my old reliable 1999 Honda Accord with over 160,000 miles and not a complaint. Do yourselves a favor and buy Japanese, you won't regret it.
2008May 09
Malibu 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
The government wonders why people want to buy foreign vehicles This will be the last american made car for me. Ford proved in 1995 when I had TBird which I was able to give back through lemon law. But here is another big corporation trying to screw the american people again by keeping this under the carpet. Who today has $1200 laying around with cost of gas. But what do they care if the engine blows or what could happen to anyone driving the car. Profit Profit in their pockets is all that they care about.
2008Apr 16
Malibu 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
One time leaking intake manifold gasket ok.....it happens. But twice on the same car....come on.
2008Apr 04
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Like so many others, the kid at Jiffy Lube pointed out that I had oil in the coolant reservoir. Fortunately, I found this site with Google, and discovered that there is a class action law suit that will cover your repair costs!
GO TO: www.DexCoolSettlement.com!
Absolutely ridiculous that GM has not issued a recall and had to be impelled by a court to fix this issue. NEVER AGAIN WITH GM!
2008Mar 29
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 66,500 miles
So I took my car in for routine maintenance (i.e. tire rotation and an oil change) about 5 minutes after I sat down in the lobby the technician comes in to tell me I'm looking at a 5.5 hour repair and at least $800 in parts and labor. The intake manifold gasket was leaking but doesn't need to be repaired immediately. Of course I want it fixed sooner than later because every noise or funky smell makes me wonder and worry that I'm going to be stranded on the side of the road! Now that I've read all of these complaints I'm even more annoyed! I was contemplating trading it in for a newer vehicle but I'm having second thoughts about buying another Chevy that's for sure! Good luck to the rest of ya!
2008Feb 01
Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
Same problem here. It is the second problem that we have had on this car that is seen throughout all Malibu's (the other being the flasher/hazard failure). I can't believe they don't pay for these.
2008Mar 06
Malibu 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,617 miles
I was forewarned about the prevalence of this problem with Malibus AFTER I had bought the car in 2004. Well, it has come to pass and now I have a thousand dollar repair bill facing me! How has Chev gotten away with this? I was droolong over the new 2008 Malibu just last month, but now...NEVER AGAIN will I own a CHEV product!
2007Sep 01
Malibu LS 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
Well, this is a follow up to a previous post. My Malibu finally went in after not being able to start. The intake gasket had been leaking for quite some time. Was minor at first and got worse. I guess it had finally leaked inside where as before it was just leaking/spraying outside to engine compartment. Total cost for my repairs was about $680.00. That included them replacing plugs and wires and fluid/oil replacement after doing the gasket job. The Intake gasket job was $500. This was at a small family owned shop. They do great work on top of it. Although now my check engine light is on which I hope is something minor or something simple they just forgot about Looks like they replaced coolant with standard green. It isn't the orange dex-cool. I hope that helps keep the gasket in better condition.
There was a class-action regarding this issue. I found this site that has some info on it:
http://www.gohtsn.com/article_860.shtml and this document: http://www.modexcool.com/Gutzler%20-%20Class%20Notice.pdf.
Hope that helps somebody. I haven't tried yet to recoup any money from GM but will be trying soon.
2008Jan 01
Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
This is my sister's car. She does not have a lot of money to spare, so I do her engine work. Jiffy Lube found water/coolant in her oil. After very little web research she found that a leaky intake manifold gasket is a common problem with the Malibu. I am going to do the surgery this weekend. When I looked at the three piece intake manifold on this engine, I had to laugh, WHAT A JOKE. Lets use three parts do the job of one. And triple the gaskets. It is a true statement: "You can not buy a good value in a new American car for less than $25K." American auto manufactures are NOT your friend, never think they are. If you buy a low end car go with HONDA, TOYOTA, NISSAN. I drive a TDI VW Beetle. I like Honda better. Sell your Malibu if you don't mind selling from some one.
2007Jan 15
Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
Same as other users have mentioned, blown intake manifold gasket, this happened back in Jan. of '07, it was covered under my extended warranty, but it would have cost me $900 otherwise, that's ridiculous on a car 4 years old with 57k miles.
2008Jan 17
Malibu 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 102,208 miles
It is a sad day when you can't trust American made products shoddy workmanship and lousy parts.
2007Sep 10
Malibu LS
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
I have taken my 2003 Malibu to multiple auto shops for estimates, all around $850-1200, and they have seen the same problem over and over. Chevy should really take responsibility for their screw up. Any info about a recall or class action please keep in touch.
2005Jun 15
Malibu LS
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
I bought car used from private owner. Noticed oily gunk in coolant tank. Dealer service rep. said it looked like stop leak and noticed some seepage from gasket on engine block. He told me I should have a coolant flush and should watch coolant levels. I waited for a year to have the cooling system flushed. I never had to add coolant. A few months ago I had the cooling system flushed and then was told that sometimes the coolant GM uses gets an oily scum buildup in the tank. Now the I'm losing coolant since I've had to add coolant to the tank and it is still losing some-I'd guess a quart every month. I'm wondering if the fresh coolant without the leak stop is now leaking more? I talked to the previous owner who bought the car used from a dealer. He thought it was a leased car. He claimed he had nothing done like add stop leak. I suspect the dealer who sold him the car did that. From reading the other complaints looks like I may be facing some significant repair one of these days.
2007Oct 18
Malibu LS
- Automatic transmission
- 53,000 miles
My low coolant light came on several times and when I had this car in for a problem with the security system/ignition switch, I told the dealer about it. They said the manifold gasket was leaking and if I didn't fix it, the coolant would end up in the engine and cause even more damage. Third major problem in less than six weeks and only 53000 miles. Extended warranty expired at 50000 miles.
2007Nov 07
Malibu 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Engine coolant light comes on, very low on coolant, all of a sudden, leaking somewhere.
2007Oct 30
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
I had no idea that this was a common problem. I have always been a Chevy fan but perhaps i will change my mind. Now I see why their warranties are horrible compared to others.
I don't rem when exactly it started, but just realized at about 55,000 that it leaks coolant around the head gasket area on driver side. It started out as just a little bit of leakage and couldn't tell where exactly it was coming from and thought it was just a hose. Might take a month or so to have to fill reservoir when first started. But, now at 55,000 it lets me know every few days that it is low. This is not acceptable.
Right after the initial 3 warranty went out(still had plenty of mileage) had to replace Water pump. Dealer would not touch it under warranty. Replaced pump my self. Everything went back smoothly. So some time after 3+,000 miles is when the leaking started but wasn't noticed. I used the Dex-Cool like it said and it still did this. Supposedly the Dex-Cool is supposed to curb deterioration. I hate to think what the Green stuff would do. Either way how do they make a less inferior gasket than before?
I agree something needs to get started.
This isn't the only problem that has occurred with my vehicle either. This is just one that will prove to be highly inconvenient.
2007Oct 25
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 91,000 miles
I think we all need to look into a class action lawsuit. I called to get an estimate on how much it would be to fix my vehicle and Pep-boys said and I quote "This car always has the same problem" I called 3 different shops and they all said the same thing. Please lets get the show on the road. Does anyone know how to get one started?
2007Oct 24
(reported on)Malibu Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
I took the car in for a smog check. The mechanic pointed out to me that I have a coolant leak which is very crucial to fix. He suggested that I not even drive my car home. He did ask if my car has been overheating and I told him no. I haven't seen any leaks except once when the cap wasn't on tight. There is coolant in the car but it is full of sludge. I worked with a lady who also had a 2003 Chevy Malibu and her coolant was full of sludge too. She was fortunate enough to trade her vehicle in and get a new one. Not a CHEVY!!
I was quoted an estimate of $585.00. I don't have that kind of money right now!! What will happen if I keep driving the vehicle without getting the repair? It's not really overheating right now. However I have been having a problem starting the vehicle. It starts then cuts off and my oil pressure light and my battery light comes on together. Does that have something to do with it.
Please let me know if there is a class action law suit going on because this is truly creating a hardship for me.
2007Oct 16
(reported on)Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I just got this car in January and have 4 plus years of payments to make and I had to fork out $1100 on repairs for the intake manifold and the water pump. The mechanic told me, oh this is a common problem with GM cars. If its common, why hasn't it been resolved?? I picked up my car last night and now, my power steering is out. Not sure if they are related, or if the mechanic shop screwed up something.
The problem with the car before the repair was that it was overheating, loosing coolant constantly, and the heater was blowing cold air, so I had no choice but to get it fixed.
I'm a single mom, so this was a major hurt in the pocket book.
I miss my nissan that got totaled (which is why I have the chevy now.)
2007Aug 27
(reported on)Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 53,203 miles
In March my check engine light came on so i took it into the dealership and after having my car for over half the day, the dealership called to say that their was a leak in the cooling system that was spilling into the engine. At that time, the extended warranty paid for the new gasket, sealer, bolts, and filter along with the cooling system flush and engine oil flush. they also did an oil change. In late April early May my engine light came on again, at the time the dealership said that there was no major problem but just the gas cap being worn out.
Recently, i took my car to a lube shop for the 3,000 oil change to find out that there is sludge build up in the cooling system. now, i have to take the car back to the dealership for them to fix a problem that should have been resolved a few months ago. It appears that every 3-4 months i'm taking my car back to the dealership for some problem with this car.
2007Sep 29
(reported on)Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Yes--same problem as the rest of you! Our Malibu is truly a classic--every symptom matches, the water leak is in exactly the same place, the costs are comparable, (I'm not sure how much DEX_cool I have spilled on the highways and parking lots of America) and the frustration is beyond description. To think that GM would have been hearing this same complaint from customers for this many years, model year 2001, 2002, 2003, etc. and yet not deem their reputation worthy of a recall to fix what is clearly a defect is extremely disappointing.
We have been fighting this "leak" for more than two years now, it first appeared at about the 65,000 mark, at which time we visited a mechanic and had our water pump replaced (about $100). Later, the leak resurfaced and we first heard that it needed a new manifold gasket which was a significant repair in the $600-700 range, "a common problem in this vehicle" said the mechanic. As this repair was beyond our means, it had to wait.
Now, (mileage 106,000) the leak is more of a flow and the vehicle is rapidly approaching a state of undriveability (word?). Where is the recall? Is a class-action suit our only alternative? If so, please add my name to said class-action suit!!
2007Jun 12
(reported on)Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 41,000 miles
Fluid started leaking out on the driveway. It had a brownish tint. Water in the coolant reservoir was also brown and had 'bits' floating in it.
Took it to a dealer who said the following:
1. The brown crap in the coolant was a Chevrolet additive to help stop leaks when they occurred due to the crappy gasket sealant they were using.
2. Chevrolet failed to talk to the water pump (seal) makers about this additive which in turn 'chewed up' the water pump seal!
What a piece of crap ........... I'm still surprised they can turn out crap like this and get away with it!!! Did they start making cars just yesterday or something?
2007Jun 17
(reported on)Malibu LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 41,000 miles
I have a chevy 2003 malibu and it's only been a year and coolant is leaking from the driver side under my car. This is a pain in the ass because every 3 to 4 days I have to fill my coolant back up, please somebody help me!
2007Jul 20
(reported on)Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
IT IS A REAL INCONVINIENCE, STRESSFUL AND JUST PLAIN WRONG WHEN A CAR THIS NEW NEEDS MAJOR REPAIR. I HAD A MITSUBISHI GALANT FOR 10 YRS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM, IF IT HADN'T BEEN TOTAL DURING AN ACCIDENT I WOULD PROBABLY STILL BE DRIVING IT. NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY A CHEVROLET VEHICLE. FORD YES CHEVROLET NO!
2007Mar 28
(reported on)Malibu 3.1 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 0 miles
3.1 and 3.4 v6 gm motors suck
2007Mar 26
(reported on)Malibu 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
I am needing to continually refill the coolant in this car.
I haven't notices any coolant pooling on the ground under the car or anything. Not sure where it is leaking from or where it is going.
2007Mar 07
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 66,937 miles
I am having the same problem, 2 days ago my coolant light came on so since I was overdue for an oil change I took it in knowing they would top off the fluid. Last night the light came on again so I took it back to the dealership today and was told I need an intake gasket and possible water pump total cost $1200.00!!!
I was so pissed cuz I have had other problems with this car and I bought it brand new in 2003, my husband called around to different shops and found one place who will do it for $650.00
How can you start or add to a class action suit because I'm ready!!
2007Feb 21
(reported on)Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
A few months ago I noticed that my anti-freeze/engine coolant indicator light came on. I thought it was strange, as the coolant is supposed to remain in the vehicle for five years. I purchased some DEX-COOL silicate free coolant from Advance Auto Parts and filled the coolant tank with it.
Well, a few weeks later the light came on again. I checked under the hood, and , sure enough, the tank was empty. I took it to a mom-and-pop type auto repair shop down the street. They said the problem was the result of an old cap on the tank. So they replaced it.
However, a few weeks later the light came on again as I was driving home from Washington, D. C. The engine, this time, appeared to be running a bit hot. I checked under the hood and the coolant tank was bone dry. I had to purchase some anti-freeze --not DEX-COOL as they didn't sell it and I couldn't find an Auto Zone-- at a gas station of the interstate lest the engine burn up or something.
I dropped my car off at the same auto repair shop on Saturday, Feb. 17, after returning home. I got a call today, Feb. 19, and they tell me the intake gasket is messed up and needs replacing. Parts and labor, they say, is $770. I tell them to hold off.
I then go and research GM intake gaskets on the Internet. I see that class action lawsuits have been filed in Canada for failed intake gaskets in GM cars made from '95 to '03. I also see that a class action was filed in Missouri in January '07 re: DEX-COOL's role in ruining GM intake gaskets.
I call the GM dealership in Mobile, Ala., where the car was purchased. They tell me my warranty expired a month ago. I call Royal Chevrolet in Richmond. I give them my vehicle identification number and they say the part has not been recalled. They say they have not heard of the lawsuits and do not consider this to be a widespread problem.
Say what?
I've also had about a thousand dollars worth of brake work done on the car since buying it.
How many times can a man get robbed before you can call him a rube?
2007Jan 07
(reported on)Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 53,000 miles
no wonder honda and toyota are kicking butt 'cause american cars suck
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your cooling system problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Nov 12
Malibu LS 3100 Model V6
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
This whole problem started out with noticing that every 6 months or so I would have to add a little coolant to the holding tank. I never really noticed any spots in the garage I just thought that it may be the water pump leaking a little after it was warmed up , maybe it was getting ready to take a dump. So I went and purchased a new water pump and planned on doing it over the weekend, it didn't look like to bad of a job, everything was pretty much right there at the top where you can get to it. Then my boss at work told me his father's Malibu was in the shop and i asked him why, he said that it was leaking coolant and the mechanic told him it was a bad design of intake manifold gasket that GM never recalled and it was going to cost him about $560 to repair it. (and that guy was a friend) SO I then recalled seeing some greasy looking scum floating around in my coolant reservoir and a light came on, Oh sh*t this coolant was mixing with my engine oil and vise versa. So I didn't have the time or $600 to shell out so of to the parts store I went. I can only make some recommendations on things to do while you have this apart. Change the plugs and wires since it is much easier to access the back plugs when this is all apart. Change the water pump since you have th coolant drained. I hope you don't have to change the stupid belt(thanks for the sh*tty design again GM.) Because it requires that you support the motor with a jack and unbolt the motor mount just to remove this. And I have heard that they recommend replacing the intake manifold bolts when you do this project(and I do mean project,16 hours total for me and I am pretty handy) but I did as many others and Just cleaned these bolts off with acetone and wire wheeled them then put workable strength locktite thread lock and re-installed them. Seems O.K. so far. I also recommend having a digital camera handy when you tear it apart so you can snap some shots to aid in putting it all back together . In case you forget where something goes this works great. Be sure to flush the coolant out at least 3 times when you get this all back together so you get all the crap out of the system before you start running it again. and I would recommend that you change the oil when done and then change it again after a weeks or so of running it. After that get rid of the piece of sh*t before something else breaks. After all it is just a matter of time, I was a GM fan until I got this car, I have seen some of the worst design flaws in my history of working on my vehicles. I hope they do get a recall on this before they go belly up so that the poor bastards (me and you) that bought into this steaming pile of dog sh*t can get some of our money back. Thats all for now, but if I keep this much longer I'm sure I'll be back to write some more and hopefully inform someone who is looking to buy one of these lemons.
exitxidrummer
Bridgeville, PA, USA
SEND A COMMENT »