2001 Chevrolet Malibu
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 5 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1997 | 443 |
| 1998 | 976 |
| 1999 | 789 |
| 2000 | 922 |
| 2001 | 721 |
| 2002 | 566 |
| 2003 | 569 |
| 2004 | 1147 |
| 2005 | 975 |
| 2006 | 1115 |
| 2007 | 977 |
| 2008 | 987 |
| 2009 | 1509 |
| 2010 | 1357 |
| 2011 | 976 |
| 2012 | 904 |
| 2013 | 834 |
| 2014 | 349 |
| 2015 | 267 |
| 2016 | 834 |
| 2017 | 696 |
| 2018 | 687 |
| 2019 | 188 |
| 2020 | 190 |
| 2021 | 74 |
| 2022 | 86 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
24% of complaints: electrical system — 174 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
2001 CHEVY MALIBU WON'T START IN AUGUST, 2013 CAR WOULD NOT START. IT WAS TRYING TO TURN OVER, BUT WOULD NOT. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED IN TO DEALER. THEY FOUND PASSLOCK SENSOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171219
10% of complaints: electrical system — 74 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 47 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 41 distinct reports on file.
CRASH4% of complaints: exterior lighting — 28 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE
TURN SIGNAL FAILURE
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE
TURN SIGNAL FAILURES
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 AN
Remedy: 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 1-800-63
Campaign 03V327000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNI
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 14V400000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (174 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (74 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (47 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V327000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V400000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.