MotorDeets

2001 Chevrolet Malibu: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu: 2 recalls, 721 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
721owner complaints
36mention a crash
21best combined mpg
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Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #03V327000 · 2003 · 670,740 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

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

The 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.

Electrical Vehicle recall #14V400000 · 2014 · 5,877,718 vehicles

What's wrong: 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…

Why it matters: 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.

The 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.

2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles

What's wrong: 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 universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.

Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.

The fix: 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.

Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles

What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.

Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.

The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 29 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.

Electrical285
Engine & cooling149
Exterior lights108
Brakes (hydraulic)78
Steering41
Engine26
Speed control / throttle25
Fuel system24

What owners describe

The 2001 Chevrolet Malibu has 721 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 29 Malibu model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 667). Complaints peaked in 2003 (90 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 73,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (922 complaints, 3 recalls), 2002 (567 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.1 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive182621Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2001 Chevrolet Malibu manual

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FAQ

Does the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2001 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

Owners have filed 721 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (285), engine & cooling (149), exterior lights (108).

What gas mileage does the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.1 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Malibu years

19971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025