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2013 Chevy Malibu

98 messages,  Last post on Apr 18, 2013 at 6:29 PM

You are in the Chevrolet Malibu Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Future Vehicle, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 10

#10 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [djm2] by pao

Aug 12, 2011 (4:37 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Aug 11, 2011 6:50 pm)
I doubt the GM rep is no more than a customer service rep that routes issues between stations...I wouldnt think the ones that sit on these boards would offer much of any insight on your questions/concerns due to liability reasons....If you are waiting to get GM tech guidance or TSB notice here.....dont think you will ever see it.
 
Now I must say..if there is a malibu specific board somewhere, there may be a tech rep lurking on it.....I was a member of the solstice forum, a totally separate forum from this....and we actually had a dealer owner, a service manager, a GM tech rep and engineer, as well as a line operator from the plant that visited the board and provided, "unname source" information so to speak...sometimes in public and sometimes in PM......dont think you will see that kind of participation on edmunds...

#11 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [pao] by djm2

Aug 12, 2011 (5:54 am)

Replying to: pao (Aug 12, 2011 4:37 am)
Hi Pao:
 
      You make an excellent point! ----- Silence sometimes is a GREAT communicator! ---- This is how the situation breaks down. ---- I can purchase a NEW Toyota Camry or an Avalon with a 3.5 proven engine, ---- or I can purchase a New Impala with a 3.6 V6 the six speed trans, ---- or a Buick with the 3.6 V6 engine that has the potential of a timing chain issue at VERY low mileage. ----- I do not care what the name plate is on the side of the vehicle, ------ manufacturers need to take responsibility for producing major components that are trouble free for a reasonable amount of time. ------ I cannot believe that after YEARS of producing vehicles, both in the United States and the world, we still have problems with timing chains, clutches, transmissions and cooling system components. -------- "IF" there is an "on-going" problem with the timing chain in the 3.6 V6 GM engine, ---- why has GM allowed it to exist for such a long time? ---- What is the point of this lack of action? ---- The Impala is going to be a very desirable vehicle with the six speed transmission, but with the 3.6 V6 engine and a "timing chain issue" doesn't this put a "damper" on new vehicle sales? ----- If GM is reading this posting, the buying public wants QUALITY for their hard earned dollars. ---- We are willing to maintain our vehicles at the dealer to keep our warranties up-to date, but we will not accept early failure of a major component as a normal occurrence. Timing chains should last at least 100,000 miles or the life of the engine. ------- If "end-play" in the camshaft assembly is causing additions stress on the timing chain, now we have a major engine problem, and that translates into "engine rebuilding." -------- Should customers have to experience this in a new vehicle? ------ I DO NOT THINK SO! ------ Just some thoughts to consider.
 
       Best regards. --------------- Dwayne

#12 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [djm2] by pao

Aug 15, 2011 (4:21 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Aug 12, 2011 5:54 am)
while I dont disagree with anything you say.....I beleive one has to look at the big picture...and determine what the actual failure rate of the chain in the 3.6 engine is....while we hear about those who have the issue on the "net," do we really know the total number of failure against the total number produced? Like most public forums you only hear about the problems and not the compliments in most cases. Most will tell you that a certain number of failures is probably statistically acceptable.....is it 1 in a 100 or 1 in a 1000 or 1 in 10,000.....I dont know that answer...do you?
 
you say major components trouble free for a reasonable amount of time...again what is considered reasonable...3-36, 4-50, 5-100 reflecting the standard bumper to bumper on most GM cars 3-36 with the 5-100 for the drive train, and 4-50 for the Cadillac with the 5-100 for the drive train....
 
on the cadillac side on this forum..there is a major discussion ongoing about total engine failure due to loss of oil on the 04-06 CTS...where there is no indication of oil leaks....it simply seems to be burning in the engine apparently or trapped elsewhere causing the engine to seize....again..GM not taking responsibility....as most of these have 80+k miles on them..and no covered under the 5-100 which started with the 07 model year. I admit there seems to be problem here, but just how big is it is the question I would pose.....

#13 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [pao] by djm2

Aug 15, 2011 (5:45 am)

Replying to: pao (Aug 15, 2011 4:21 am)
Good Morning pao:
 
        You make some very interesting points.
 
         With regards to the longevity of the timing chain, I would compare that to the longevity of a timing belt. ---- Most timing belts are replaced around 90,000 miles or six years which ever comes first! ---- I would expect that a timing chain would last a least 90,000 miles easily! ----- But the chains are failing as early as 4,000 miles in some cases. One person posted on another site that his vehicle has TWO timing chains assemblies replaced within 24,000 miles. ----- There is more to this issue that needs to be researched!
 
         There is also an oil usage issue on the Chevrolet line of vehicles. ---- As you know from my previous postings, I own two vehicles, (a 2007 V6 XLE Camry and a 2010 LTZ Malibu.) ---- Toyota, in the past has suffered from a "sludge issue" in their engines. While Toyota recommends changing engine oil every 5,000, I have chosen to change my oil every 2,500 miles. My dealer recommends the use of an oil additive (BG-MOA) at every oil and filter change. I have used this product since the vehicle was new. My Camry now has almost 68,000 miles, and the oil on the dip stick is as clean as the day that I picked up the vehicle when new. ----- I never use oil between oil and filter changes which occurs every 2,500 miles. ----- Some manufacturers see using one quart of oil every 1,000 miles as being acceptable. I DO NOT AGREE! (If that is acceptable, I would be using two and one half quarts of oil in 2,500 miles! ----- Is that acceptable??????)
 
        What I find VERY interesting is the SILENCE on the part of the GM representatives on this issue! ------- I will be purchasing a vehicle next year, and I am presently doing my research. ---- As a consumer, I want comfort, quality, performance and dependability. ---- Since I always purchase an extended warranty on a vehicle, I have no problem having all my service work performed by the selling dealer, but I DO NOT want to purchase a vehicle that has a "built in problem" that is not being addressed in a professional manner. This means servicing the units already in the field, and correcting the problem in the production for new units. ----- Replacing a timing chain assembly is a "BIG ISSUE" on new vehicles. It might require the removal of the engine. ----- This does not play out well in the eyes of the customer, even though the mechanical problem has been corrected, because the customer has paid a large amount of money for the product! ----- If this issue is an isolated case, that is one thing, but if this issue is an epidemic in the GM family of vehicles this is a totally different issue!
 
        Best regards. ------ Thanks for the posting. ---------- Dwayne

#14 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [djm2] by pao

Aug 15, 2011 (11:19 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Aug 15, 2011 5:45 am)
again...you have seen my opinion about a GM rep responding on an internet forum.....dont think you will ever see it happen....

#15 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [pao] by djm2

Aug 15, 2011 (1:30 pm)

Replying to: pao (Aug 15, 2011 11:19 am)
Pao:
 
       You are absolutely correct in your assessment of this situation, and I agree with YOU 100%! ----- (I NEVER expected anyone from GM to respond to my concern about this 3.6 issue, --- because this would prove that such a condition exists with their vehicles.) -------- I personally enjoy driving my 2010 LTZ 4 cylinder Malibu now that the "surging issue has been eliminated," ----- BUT ----- I question the ethics of a manufacturer who would allow this condition to exist in the 2010 production line, when it originally surfaced in the 2009 production line of the SAME VEHICLE! ---- I would assume that GM would like to sell a number of units of both the 2013 Malibu, and the new Impala. ----- Logic would dictate, that "IF" there was a problem with a component of a vehicle, the manufacturer would correct that problem, and not make more of the same mistakes over and over again in a new production run! ------ QUESTION: ----- Is there any other problem with these vehicles that has not yet surfaced, that GM is currently aware of with the existing new vehicles? ----- I personally admire the looks of the GM line of vehicles. (Example; --- Buick Lacrosse, Malibu and Impala.) --- I want to purchase American name plate vehicles, BUT I want quality from the manufacturer of that vehicle. ---- I have no complaint with the way GM and my selling dealer solved the surging problem with my LTZ Malibu, BUT I would have like to have avoided the issue altogether! ---- Since the condition existed in the 2009, there is no reason why GM could not have solved the cause of this issue prior to the 2010 production run of the Malibu "IF" they cared about their customer base! ----- Are they any different than any other vehicle manufacturer? ---- "NO"! ----- Every manufacturer wants their vehicle out in the marketplace, and let the customer run back and forth to the dealer to work out the "BUGS!" ---- Let the paying customer be inconvenienced! ------ My 2010 LTZ Malibu came with original equipment GOODYEAR tires. I replaced them immediately with Michelin tires when I found that the Goodyear tires did not hold air. ----- (Goodyear tires for my Malibu retail for $98.00 each, while the equivalent original equipment Michelin tires retail for $205.00 each. Do you think there just might be a big difference in "tire quality" and "construction?" ---- I purchased the "Top of the Line Malibu" and it came with "bottom of the line tires!" ------ QUESTION: ----- As a vehicle customer, what is your life worth? To switch these tires it cost me $800.00 + dollars retail. GM could have given me a better grade of tire because they purchase on a wholesale basis. ------- Best regards to all! ----- Dwayne

#16 of 98 New Camry Vs New Malibu by bwia

Aug 29, 2011 (4:23 am)

The 2012 Camry was unveiled last week and Toyota played it safe by sticking to the same platform but with edgier lines, Avalon-style bumper and more interior space. Certainly not as nice as the Kia Optima or Hyundai Sonata but it looks nicer (inside and outside) than the 2013 Malibu. So, even before the Malibu is launched it is facing formidable competition from the new Camry (especially the SE and Hybrid 43 mpg city versions) not to mention the new Altima and Accord that will be released next year.
 
Hmmn! I was thinking perhaps GM should continue the current Malibu design but this time as a dressed-up Buick. With soft-touch materials inside, tech package, a new rear end and the Buick waterfall grill, that *formal* design would fit well in the Buick line up.

#17 of 98 Re: New Camry Vs New Malibu [bwia] by djm2

Aug 29, 2011 (6:15 pm)

Replying to: bwia (Aug 29, 2011 4:23 am)
Hi bwia:
 
          I will be looking at both the New Camry and the New Malibu! --- I will only look at the XLE V6 Camry, while I will look at the 4 cylinder LTZ Malibu. I hope that the Malibu comes with the Turbo Option like the Buick Regal! ---- Since the dealer installed the new software in my 2010 LTZ 4cyl Malibu, the vehicle has operated very efficiently. I get the posted MPG, and it handles well on the road. ---- (It could use some more passing power, and that is why I would like the Turbo Option!) --- I think the new 4 cylinder Malibu will have dual exhaust. ------ (Now, it they could put in a "slight rumble" like a Ford Mustang in the exhaust, everything would be perfect!) ---- I find the Malibu to be a "sharp looking vehicle!" ----- Best regards! ------ Dwayne

#18 of 98 Re: New Camry Vs New Malibu [djm2] by dispencer2

Sep 16, 2011 (6:25 pm)

Replying to: djm2 (Aug 29, 2011 6:15 pm)
The reason why I bought a 2011 Malibu LT instead of the 2013 model is because of the shorter wheelbase and the "slight" decrease in head and leg room on the 2013. I haven't seen any dimentions for the new model so I can only go by car magazine comments. The new model looks very bland - much like a Camry with the same lines. The present model looks much more elegant.
 
GM's objective seems to be to create a cheaper Regal and the last thing I want - coming from a DeVille - is a "performance" suspension like the Regal (or the CTS). The car magazines all talk about how great the Regal "handles".
 
I've owned probably 40 automobiles and never had a problem with "handling". Every one of them followed the steering wheel and I can't understand the great emphasis from Consumer Reports to Motor Trend on "handling". I'm interested in ride and the Malibu has a comfortable ride. It isn't as insulated as my Cadillacs and doesn't feel as "substantial" but it will do until Cadillac sells its mid sized XTS. It also gets about 35 on the road at 65 (33 at 70) so gas mileage is ok. It should improve - I only have 2300 miles on it.
 
I don't consider Camry as a potential car. I don't like Toyota's covering up the serious oil sludge problem until it was sued. Dealer 'recommended" service on Toyotas is ridiculous and over priced. All I have to do with a Chevrolet is change the oil and some filters for 100,000 miles. The worst car I ever owned (thank God it was a second car) was a Tercel. It was a toss up as to whether the engine noise was higher than the road noise. For what I paid for it with virtually no options I could have bought a fully loaded Cavalier. I'll stick with GM thanks.

#19 of 98 Maintenance is important. by benrey23

Sep 17, 2011 (8:30 pm)

As a Chevy Salesman I am tired of customers complaining about maintenance. Many of the issues on hear are do to poor customer maintenance. It is also funny how sites like this attract the people unhappy or ticked off. Happy customers have better things to do. However BMW,Toyota, Honda ect have been pushing maintanence that GM, Ford ect. used to avoid at dealers. Maintaining your car is very important in its reliabilty and performance.

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