Chevrolet Malibu Reliability Problems

1. Airbag inflators are exploding in the 2010-2011 Malibu, but this time it’s not one made by Takata.

   GM says more than 1,100 sedans have ARC driver-side airbag inflators that are over-pressurizing, rupturing during an airbag deployment, and sending metal shrapnel through the cabin.

   The automaker has sent out a notice about the (obvious) danger this creates, but affected owners will have to wait for a second notice until the recall actually begins.

   Let’s hope GM is feeling “over-pressurized” to get those replacement parts ready ASAP.

   keep reading article "Malibu Recalled for Exploding Inflators"

2. Excess gas –– we’ve all had it, no-one likes it, and the same holds true for your braking system.

   GM says it needs to bleed the brake systems of 230,000 cars because the vehicles have rear brake caliper pistons that have hydrogen gas trapped inside that could be released into the brake systems. ZF, the manufacturer of the brake pistons, didn't properly temper and chrome-coat the pistons, causing hydrogen gas to remain trapped in the bodies of the pistons.

   This problem may cause your brake pedal to feel “spongy” but it’s unclear if it affects stopping distances.

   keep reading article "There is Excess Gas Buildup in the Brake Caliper Pistons of 230,000 GM Vehicles"

3. A tiny number of 9th generation Malibus are being recalled to make sure the airbags deploy when there’s a passenger in the front seat.

   The problem is caused by a "passenger presence system" that wasn't calibrated to the car's seat type, causing a failure to read the difference between an adult or child in the front passenger seat.

   You had one job, passenger presence system.

   keep reading article "Tiny Recall for 9th Generation Malibu Airbags"

5. GM is recalling 850 vehicles with improperly welded fuel pumps.

   The automaker says the joint that connects the fuel pump’s outer housing to the pump’s flange may not have been properly welded by the supplier. Over time, the weld could crack and cause a separation of the high-pressure fuel pump from the flange, allowing the pump to oscillate inside the engine compartment.

   The oscillating pump can bump into a nearby fuel line and calamity ensues.

   The recalled vehicles include the 2018 Chevy Colorado, Equinox, and Malibu, as well as the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, and GMC Acadia, Canyon, and Terrain.

   keep reading article "Oscillating Fuel Pumps Creating Fuel Leaks in 2018 GM Vehicles"

6. The Bosch fuel pump that Chevrolet used in a small number of 2018 models is moving and creating a potential fuel-leak nightmare.

   GM says the joint that connects the fuel pump’s outer housing to the pump’s flange may not have been properly welded by the supplier.

   That weld could crack and cause a separation of the high-pressure fuel pump from the flange, allowing the pump to oscillate inside the engine compartment.

   The moving pumps can damage a high-pressure fuel line which is going to create an even higher-pressure situation when you start spraying flammable gas onto hot car parts.

   keep reading article "Leaking Bosch Fuel Pumps Recalled in 2018 Models"

7. A proposed settlement will award certain GM owners in Arizona about $200 each for owning cars with ignition switch problems.

   The $6.28 million will be paid to about 33,000 GM owners in Arizona, as long as they purchased the vehicles between July 2009 and July 2014 and didn't get rid of the vehicles before the ignition switch recalls were announced in 2014..

   As with any settlement, there are plenty of stipulations which you can read about here.

   keep reading article "GM Settlement Will Refund Arizona Customers $200 for Ignition Switch Woes"

8. While you're probably still digesting that extra serving of holiday cookies, here's something else to chew on – your brand new 2017 Malibu needs a new airbag.

   General Motors is recalling 113 model year 2017 Chevrolet Malibu cars because the right-hand rear side airbag inflator manifolds may have bad welds.

   There isn't much more detail available at this time, but you can call GM at 800-222-1020 and ask about recall number 16146.…

   keep reading article "2017 Malibu Rear Airbag Inflator"

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