2001 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and problems

The 2001 Chevrolet Malibu has 2 safety recalls and 721 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
721
Crashes / fires
36 / 1
Injuries / deaths
29 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Chevrolet Malibu recalls

Recall 14V-400: Electrical System

Reported Jul 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Recall 03V-327: Exterior Lighting

Reported Aug 28, 2003 · 670,740 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles have hazard warning switches that may experience solder joint cracking caused by rapid temperature transitions and the soldering process. If solder joint cracking occurs and results in an open circuit, the turn signals/hazard lamps become intermittent or inoperative.

Risk: When the turn signals are inoperative, the driver cannot use them to signal intent to turn that could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the hazard warning switch. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.

2001 Chevrolet Malibu problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System303
Engine and Engine Cooling172
Exterior Lighting120
Service Brakes, Hydraulic95
Steering41
Engine26
Vehicle Speed Control25
Fuel System, Gasoline25
Air Bags21
Equipment21
Unknown or Other20
Suspension20

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module — 74
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 42
  • Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 28
  • Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Switch — 28
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 26
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 23
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 21
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 21

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 73,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Chevrolet Malibu complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Exterior Lighting · reported Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 03V327000 (Exterior Lighting) and 14V400000 (Electrical System) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Electrical System · at 135,000 miles · reported Nov 9, 2020
The blinkers randomly work; most likely needs a new hazard switch. The car's temperature gauge would rise when sitting in idle; needed a new water pump and thermostat as of 11/2020.
Electrical System · at 108,227 miles · reported Oct 7, 2020
When starting the malibu the dashboard lights illuminate and when the key is turned to start the car the lights go out and the fuel gauge drops to zero or empty and the car will not start. This problem also occurs when driving the car and the ignition system shuts down leaving you with no steering assist and the engine is not running. So this problem is both in a standing start and while operating the car. I had initially brought the car to devan lowe GM dealer and service department for repairs and they discovered the fuel pump was not working properly. They replaced the fuel pump and the…
Engine · at 160,000 miles · reported Dec 9, 2019
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…
Electrical System · at 160,000 miles · reported Nov 10, 2019
Vehicle starts and fully operates properly for an indefinite period of time, then it stalls abruptly (And at very embarrassing and perilous times). When it does, all the gauges are non-operational, with the fuel gage reading, empty. Vehicle will crank but will not restart. After a period (As long as half an hour) the fuel gage will jump to its proper level, and only then will the vehicle restart and run for yet another indeterminate period. This has been an on-going problem for months, before I was made aware of potential re-calls on this vehicle.

Other Chevrolet Malibu years

Compare all Chevrolet Malibu years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu: 14V-400 (electrical system), 03V-327 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (303 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (172). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 73,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.