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Chart based on 18 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
Check engine light on, air cleaner assembly not installed correctly needs map sensor and induction service. Duct at throttle body not installed correctly clamp loose and allowing undeterred UN filtered air into system. Both rubber grommets .
13682 mi
Car developed a shake during the 1-2 shift when hot. Dealer did not believe the issue was a concern - did not repair. Returned car to a different dealer to check the shake at the 1-2 shift. Car also was now surging (bouncing RPM) and lacking power when hot. Dealer reprogrammed ECM with update per a TSB to address both issues.
15870 mi
Returned vehicle to dealer. Shake returned again in first gear or the 1-2 shift. Dealer tested transmission; all ok. Reset PCM. Shake went away after reset. Shake came back again 2 days later. Will be returning to dealer.
81000 mi
US $1100
Timing chain and guides. guides had worn off and were sitting in the oil pan. solenoids for oil system replaced
56000 mi
US $300
Flex pipe, the first pipe between engine and catalytic converter
66000 mi
US $1050
Timing chain had stretched, needed to be replaced. Also replaced both cam solenoids. Dealer was very fair in working out an agreed price even though warranty expired (# years). Premature failure at only 66,000 miles. Replaced flex pipe, AGAIN! Went the economical route on first repair to save $200. The aftermarket pipe was noisier than the OEM and cracked in under a year. Have now paid twice for same repair. At least it's back to OEM quiet and no vibrations. :o)
18463 mi
Replace transmission control module under warranty as a result of error code/check engine light
106600 mi
US $250
replace thermostat
6000 mi
Engine won't turn over about half the time because of theft deterrent system. Guages initialize, but car doesn't start. Usually works second or third attempt. Dealership couldn't duplicate. Problem started around 4000 miles on odometer.
4000 mi
This car was a lemon all kinds of parts were changed gm finally replaced the car after we got a lawyer on their but. junk will never buy a malibu.
28000 mi
It threw a catalytic converter code. Dealer had to install new Cat. Said they had a batch that was bad and were replacing them if they went. Not a recall.
52000 mi
US $281
Cutting out and bucking while driving. Traction/ESC turned off. Diagnosed as a broken wire at injector plug. Sliced in a new wire re-soldered connector to the injector plug .
124000 mi
US $160
Water pump replaced Ignition switch replaced
39000 mi
US $650
Car wouldn't start after stopping for gas. Next morning car was diagnosed initially and hauled to dealership for further diagnosis. Problem identified as fuel pump system requiring replacement. Part had to come from out of town.
See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how
frequently 2011 Chevrolet Malibu problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.