Here's what's been going on, in a nutshell: In September 2010, I purchased a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS. Three weeks after I purchased the vehicle, I had to replace all the piping from the catalytic converter back to the muffler, but not including the muffler. The technician who did the repair
said that there were multiple rust holes in the exhaust pipes. Not too long after that repair was completed, I had to take the car back to the shop to replace the muffler, which had become rusted through and was about to fall off.
The muffler was replaced in October 2010. Approximately a month after having the muffler replaced, I went to start my car and it wouldn’t start. I had to have my car towed to the local GM Dealership, and it was determined that the Passlock Sensor was skewed, which caused the anti- theft system to lock out the ignition and not let me start my car. The car worked pretty well for a while after that, and then in February 2011, the check engine light came on once again. I took it back to the dealer, once again, and had my muffler replaced, along with some more work on the engine. This lasted me until July 2011. In July, I had to take my car back to the shop, once again, and have my catalytic converter replaced, because the check engine light was on once again. On September 28, 2011, one of my friends was riding in the back seat of my car, and rolled the window down. The window went down just fine, but wouldn’t roll back up. This caused me to have to take the car back to the dealer, once again, and spend $275 on a new window regulator. On November 2, 2011, I was on my way to pick up some food while on my break at work, and when turning left in the middle of a busy street, my engine died. I had to hurry up and push the car out of the way, and it was through the grace of God that I was not in an accident. It was later determined that my fuel pump had gone bad, and I had to spend more money to
have the car towed to the mechanic, and have the fuel pump replaced. In April 2012, I was driving my car to a friend’s house, and my brakes locked up. I had to have the car towed to the mechanic and have the brakes replaced. This was an expense that I couldn’t really afford at the time, and was forced to pay out. In August 2012, I contacted Chevrolet for the first time about my issue. At the time, my check engine light had come on yet again, and my oil pressure light had started coming on when I started the car, which caused me to not be able to drive the car for a few weeks. Inaddition to those problems, I had to replace a hub bearing and 2 tie rods. I also put 4 new tires on the car. I got absolutely nowhere with the Customer Assistance Center that time, and since I was going to be moving to Toledo for school, I had to pay for the work the car needed out of my own pocket. I spent approximately $1,500 on getting the car back up to par. It wasn't too long after that, however, that YET AGAIN, the check engine light came back on. It is still on. I never have gotten a clear diagnosis as to what's going on with that.
Also, a few weeks after I moved to Toledo, the Oil Pressure light came back on. I ended up having to replace the Oil Sending unit. More money paid out, at a time when I really don't have a whole lot of extra money.
Now, the hub bearing sounds like it's going out again, my check engine light is still on, and it sounds like my muffler is going out again. I'm so tired of having to take care of so many issues with this car. In the past 2 years, my car has required approximately $4,250 worth of work, and my car needs even more work that I can’t afford to have done. I have become used to the sight of the check engine light, and have found myself crossing my fingers when I turn the key, for fear that something else might go wrong with the car.
Adding to my problem is the fact that I financed the purchase of the car with a sub- prime auto loan, and I owe more than the car is worth. I have tried refinancing the car several times, but have been unsuccessful in this because I owe more than it is worth. I also don't make a whole lot of money, and my income and credit score get in the way of even considering purchasing a different vehicle at this time. I need to figure out something, though. If I don't do something soon, I may not have reliable transportation. After doing some research and talking to other current and former Malibu owners, I have found that I am not alone. Apparently Malibus, specifically 2002 Malibus, are notorious for all those issues that I have experienced. I certainly wish I would have known this before I bought my Malibu. Maybe I could have saved myself some time, money, and hassle, and
bought a different brand. I realize that the car is older, but even so, I feel like the car should not have as many problems as it has been having. My parents have always driven Fords, and my Mom’s 2000 Taurus has only been in the shop one time in the past 2 years. My Dad’s 1993 Tempo didn’t need any major work that I can remember from the time he bought it in 2003 until he sold it in 2009. This Malibu is the first Chevrolet that I have ever owned, and based on its track record, I don’t think I will be buying another Chevrolet. I have now contacted Chevrolet Customer assistance two separate times and have gotten the same response, that "there is nothing they can do". I can't wait until I have the money to get a new car, because it won't be a Chevrolet, that's for sure... At this point, I am willing to do anything it takes to just be done with the car. |
