VehicleVerdict

2000 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,379 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median Malibu year — the 2000 model ranks #12 of 42 Malibu years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 50 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (307), lighting (283), and electrical system (223), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,379

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

7

Investigations

71

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

50

Injuries

3

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Malibu years?

See all Malibu years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes30722%
Lighting28321%
Electrical System22316%
Engine19914%
Fuel System826%
Steering463%
Suspension353%
Tires & Wheels353%
Airbags322%
Transmission262%
Body & Structure252%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)212%
Speed Control212%
Other201%
Visibility & Wipers131%
Latches & Locks60%
Seats20%
Seat Belts20%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V400000Electrical SystemJuly 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 units

Defect

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 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

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.

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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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 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.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

07E021000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2007 · 742 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

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.

03V327000LightingAugust 28, 2003 · 670,740 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

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 1-800-630-6537.

99V302000Fuel SystemOctober 29, 1999 · 43,218 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE FUEL FILL FITTING IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED TO THE FUEL TANK. IN THAT CONDITION, FUEL LEAKAGE WOULD EXCEED THE PERMISSIBLE AMOUNT IN AN FMVSS TEST. FUEL LEAKS MAY OCCUR, PARTICULARLY AFTER REFUELING OR WHEN THE TANK IS MORE THAN HALF FULL.

Consequence

IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

BRAKES FAILED FOR THE 2ND TIME ACCIDENT OCCURRED HAVE NOT HAD CAR FOR 3 WEEKS, HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR GM TO SEND INSPECTOR. CAR IS OUT OF SERVICE FOR MORE THAN 15 DAYS AND GM HAS EXHAUSTED THE TIME LIMIT FOR ACTION. I DO NOT WANT THIS "DEATH TRAP" (CAR) BACK. I ALSO WANT TO BE CREDITED FOR LEASE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 4, 2002 · crash

BRAKES FAILED FOR THE 2ND TIME ACCIDENT OCCURRED HAVE NOT HAD CAR FOR 3 WEEKS, HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR GM TO SEND INSPECTOR. CAR IS OUT OF SERVICE FOR MORE THAN 15 DAYS AND GM HAS EXHAUSTED THE TIME LIMIT FOR ACTION. I DO NOT WANT THIS "DEATH TRAP" (CAR) BACK. I ALSO WANT TO BE CREDITED FOR LEASE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 4, 2002 · crash

BRAKES FAILED FOR THE 2ND TIME ACCIDENT OCCURRED HAVE NOT HAD CAR FOR 3 WEEKS, HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR GM TO SEND INSPECTOR. CAR IS OUT OF SERVICE FOR MORE THAN 15 DAYS AND GM HAS EXHAUSTED THE TIME LIMIT FOR ACTION. I DO NOT WANT THIS "DEATH TRAP" (CAR) BACK. I ALSO WANT TO BE CREDITED FOR LEASE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 4, 2002 · crash

2000 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FIRE AND ENGINE OIL MAY DEPOSIT ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT OF FIRE. *JB

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2016 · fire

WHILE WE WERE DRIVING OUR 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU HAD A SUDDEN FAILURE OF SOME COMPONENT IN THE GASOLINE STORAGE OR DELIVERY SYSTEM. WE SMELLED GAS AND SAW IT BEING SPILLED ON THE ROAD BEHIND US. WE PULLED OVER, CUT OFF AND EXITED THE CAR. WITHIN 30 SECONDS OF EXITING THE CAR, IT BURST INTO FLAMES…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 25, 2007 · fire

2000 Chevrolet Malibu — common questions

Is the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,379 complaints put the 2000 model at #12 of 42 Malibu years. It is one of the Malibu years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 Malibu problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (307 complaints), lighting (283 complaints), electrical system (223 complaints).

Does the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 7 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Malibu years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Malibu years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2004, 2011, 2008, 1998, 2006, 2012, 2016, 2005, 2013, 2000, 2007, 1999, 2018, 2017, 2001, 2003, 2002, 2020. The cleanest record among Malibu years belongs to 1977.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.