I have a 2009 LT2 that has minor but clearly audible knocking sound coming from the front suspension strut area. The noise is very noticable at slow speeds on washboard type roads. I took it to the dealer and they said they couldn't replicate the problem. Does anyone else have similar problems. I plan on taking the service tech for a ride to demo the problem!

yes i have the same problem, it's be very cold here and it seems to be worse when it gets colder. I'm taking mine back to the dealer monday to have it looked at. It seems that Aura's have the same problem and also the g6's. you can find out more by checking out their respective forums for this problem.
I've got just under 10,000 on mine. Also my ESC comes on sometimes when i turn right at slow speeds, regardless of road conditions.

I had the same problem with my HHR. I took it back to the dealer and they replaced the sway bar bushings and changed out the sway bar links. So far, the noise has gone away. They did say that on the HHR, this is a problem that they blame on the suspension design. :confused:

On the Epsilon platform cars, it seems to be a strut thing...and very much so, some do, some don't, though those that do are most often reported when it's cold. The Aura guys have discussed it in much detail, to varied degrees of results.

Our '08 refuses to make any noise (struts or elsewhere) after 12k miles and a year, but sometimes--not always--when it is really cold I hear the light clunking from the front end of my '09 over bumps. Not really even noticeable to bother with, as cold does a lot of things to a car, but still. The '07 Malibu rental I had for a month had a nasty clunk-clunk-clunk over bumps from the driver's side that was, again, the strut pretty clearly.

Here's some pretty recent Aura threads, including the first where one just had parts replaced...but still has an issue:

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132707
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132835
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122605

And others...just search their forum for clunk/strut/rattle, etc. They have some more time under their belt with the Aura than we do, so often they have a little more detail on common issues.

I have a 2009 LT2 that has minor but clearly audible knocking sound coming from the front suspension strut area. The noise is very noticable at slow speeds on washboard type roads. I took it to the dealer and they said they couldn't replicate the problem. Does anyone else have similar problems. I plan on taking the service tech for a ride to demo the problem!

that is exactly what i have been experiencing, im reading what beach has posted, and im taking it in on Wednesday to have it looked at. at first, i thought it was the steering column, but now im thinking it might be the strut... ill have to do some investigating.

I'll post what they find as soon as i get back from the dealer.

Ok for the front end noise they installed a lube kit and repositioned the i shaft.(This is what they have been doing for some of the Saturn owners with this problem) For the ESC coming on during a right hand turn, they reflashed the EBCM and for the brake pedal noise they replaced the master cylinder reservoir and replaced the brake fluid. All good now.

This is a top mount problem...it has been replicated at Milford Proving Grounds and the engineers at VEC are working on it without a proven fix yet. This is occurring on my 09 LTZ - apparently the only "solution" at this point is to have the top mounts swapped out. (the top mount is the large rubber circular piece at the top of the strut tower) Engineering knows of the problem - happens at low speed / cold temperatures.

GM has been plagued by this for years. This was a common problem on the Grand Am's and Alero's. I believe it's the strut mount bushings (Bearings?) causing the issue. You would think after 10 years GM would figure something out.

I've also been having this problem but it doesnt bother me as much, are there any negative effects besides the noise if i dont take it in to the dealer to fix the problem?

I noticed the noise in the sub-zero temps, but it seems to be gone,
now that we have warmed up a bit.

My is really bad when pulling in and out of parking spots and making hard turns. It also did it in the cold but now it's warm here so I'm sure the dealer will not find anything wrong.

With almost 19,xxx miles now, I've encountered the same problem. Looks like I'll be calling the dealer tomorrow.

Sorry to bring this back, but does anyone have a TSB # for this issue? Mine seems to be making a clunking sound at low speeds over some wavy roads, but I don't want to take it in if theres no fix for it (or if they're just going to have to keep replacing mounts). Its coming from the left front.

Thanks

Yeah me too, but only when the temp is below about 40.

I brought my 09 LTZ in a couple of weeks ago. Of course, dealer says "could not duplicate", so I took him for a ride in his back lot. Replicated the noise, he says "I will investigate and call you"....still waiting for that call. I need to contact the GM ride engineer that I know.....I will post with the latest news.

I have the same problem and you can hear it clearly below 20 m/h almost all the time I hit an imperfection or joint. It is like the car have 200,000 miles on the clock. The car will be at the dealer Thursday for this specific problem and also for the heater (noisy at low speed), a rattle from the rear dome light and for the rear valence (not flush with the bumper at both ends with more than half inch gap).

It is probably the front stabilizer bar bushings. Nothing wrong with them they just make noise when cold. A little lithium grease inside the bushings may quiet them down.

Bill

The funny thing is that it makes the noise on the way out of my driveway but not on return. I wouldn't think that there would be that much heat transferred to the suspension that it would make the noise go away.

Went to the dealer this morning and they changed both front struts and did a new alignment. The noise is not there anymore.

I'm getting a rattling noise from my front end. Sounds like the typical strut mount issue that I've seen in numerous GM vehicles.

My 2008 Bu's front suspension was making clunking noises when driving over washboard type roads. Dealer replaced rack and pinion..... seems to have worked.

I'm new here... I have an 09 Aura XR-4 and I've always thought the struts were kinda loud when going over bigger bumps at any temperature, but I figured maybe I was expecting too much... before this I was driving cars quite a bit more $$ so I figured maybe the refinement level dropped a bit with price tag.

But then a couple days ago the lows got below 10 here in the Memphis area and as I was driving through some not so smooth parking lots I noticed the struts sounded like they were loose or rattling, almost like what a strut sounds like at 100-150k miles when it has given up on life. The noise seemed to go away after only 5-10 minutes of driving... I guess they warmed up or something.

That's when I decided to search on google for Malibu and Aura strut noises and this thread was the first result.

What frustrates me is that so many people on here seem to have completely different things that fixed it for them which means the local Chevy dealer is probably going to have to hear it happen on my car and since for the time being this appears to be a fairly rare symptom (sub 20 degree temps, only when car has been sitting for a while and isn't warmed up) it will be pretty hard to demostrate it for them. If this was a known specific issue and fix I'd say they wouldn't even have to hear it, they'd just have to perform the known fix... which is why this post really interests me:

This is a top mount problem...it has been replicated at Milford Proving Grounds and the engineers at VEC are working on it without a proven fix yet. This is occurring on my 09 LTZ - apparently the only "solution" at this point is to have the top mounts swapped out. (the top mount is the large rubber circular piece at the top of the strut tower) Engineering knows of the problem - happens at low speed / cold temperatures.

Did this result in a TSB of any sort?

I brought my 09 LTZ in again for this problem just after xmas - dealer replaced drop links (stab bar to shock tower loose - or so they claimed). Still have the strut noise on low speed/cold temp. I don't even need to hit a bump, can just be uneven blacktop - every undulation in the pavement and the struts rattle. I am just going to keep bringing it in when I have time - it's crazy!. I will have to take the tech for a ride to demonstrate the issue I guess. I still am trying to get to the engineer again to see if they found a fix - haven't had a chance to get over to GM Tech center lately. Stay tuned........

I brought my 09 LTZ in again for this problem just after xmas - dealer replaced drop links (stab bar to shock tower loose - or so they claimed). Still have the strut noise on low speed/cold temp. I don't even need to hit a bump, can just be uneven blacktop - every undulation in the pavement and the struts rattle. I am just going to keep bringing it in when I have time - it's crazy!. I will have to take the tech for a ride to demonstrate the issue I guess. I still am trying to get to the engineer again to see if they found a fix - haven't had a chance to get over to GM Tech center lately. Stay tuned........

I've had my upper mount replaced. Still making the clunking noise, just like you over uneven blacktop or hitting a bump. Same year, 09 LTZ. Out of curiosity, where was yours built? You can tell whoever you talk to that there are other 09 LTZs with the same problem you're having, and would like an answer.

Out of curiosity, what is the GM tech center?

If you get an engineer to look at it, please keep us informed, I would like to go back to the dealer with some information, as they seem to be running out of ideas, and instead of them holding onto my car for 2 weeks changing misc. parts to hope to fix it, it would be nice if i can say look up a certain tsb or something.

By chance, do you also have an issue where the steering wheel doesn't return to center smoothly? Like you can feel a slight pulsation as you come out of a turn? I've had new tires, new steer gear, new steering rack, new axles put on and its still a problem. I swear i think its the tires, but the dealer refuses to believe so, since they put new ones on, but they said they'd look at it. Last time my car was there 2 weeks and it wasn't fixed, and I want to drive my $30k car and not a base model G6.

good luck!

I'm having the exact same problem with my '09 G6. It doesn't happen over every bump, but close enough. It's like a light knock.

I took it to the dealer, but they couldn't find the issue. They told me that if I came back with the issue again, they were planning on ripping out the dash, as they thought that's where the noise was coming from. :confused: They also said that it would likely make the noise even worse..yeah, I think they were just trying to get me to not come back. I'm tempted to try another dealer and see what they say.

I own a 2008 LT2 with 18K miles and have the same clunk coming from the front of the car. One month ago, my dealer changed my 2 front shocks and the clunk disappeared to reappeared 30 miles later! I clearly hear the clunk below 30 m/hr at every pavement imperfections which is really annoying in city driving. It seems more related to steering area as it is more audible from the driver seat than the passenger seat.

I will return to the dealer again and let you all know what parts they will change this time.

You guys sure it isn't steering related? I had a "clunk" and it turned out to be the steering rack. All fixed now....

You guys sure it isn't steering related? I had a "clunk" and it turned out to be the steering rack. All fixed now....
I know that on the G6, the steering clusterfsck was supposely fixed for the '09 models. With that said, I did hear a clunk once when I was turning from the left 'stop' to the right. I'm at a loss as to what to do.

I might take it back to the dealer, but it's probably unlikely to fix anything. I am so fed up with the dealer and their incompetency. It took them three weeks to order a set of replacement wiper blades, and they didn't bother to call when they finally arrived. I'm also having some really nasty tire wear, where it looks like the outside 'rim' of the tire is almost bald, while the inner "rim" of the tire looks fine. Took it to the dealer, they said it was fine. For a car with less than 4,500 miles, the tires shouldn't be looking this bad. The tires on my mother's '00 Malibu, which have ~15,000 miles on them, have less wear on them.

On a side note, honestly, I'm really sorry I bought this car. I really thought that GM had done something to improve their quality.

Sorry for the rant. If anyone has any ideas, I'll be happy to hear them.

One idea is to insist on new tires. If they say it's fine and the wear is that bad at only 4500 miles, they should replace them.

One idea is to insist on new tires. If they say it's fine and the wear is that bad at only 4500 miles, they should replace them.

I thought about that, the only problem is that even if I convinced them to give me a new set, how would I be sure that the same thing wouldn't happen to the new set? They supposely checked the alignment and said it was to spec, but I remember reading somewhere that these cars are set to a mildly positive camber.

If they gave you new tires and the same problem occurred would just give more credence that there is a problem. Insist on them.

I'll talk to them again tomorrow, as I'm probably going to have to go to the dealer anyways. It looks like there's some kind of crack on the front of my brake fluid reservoir that I want them to look at. I'll also mention the suspension noise as well.

My car has had piles of noises from the front end. in less than 10k mi, I needed new links, a new steering shaft, new rack and new dampers. Just the other day, the 'Bu went in for another unrelated issue: hub bearings on the driver's side to correct an issue with the ABS/trac warning lights. Once replaced, the front end is a lot quieter!

These cars are German-designed and for some reason, all German cars have issues with their front ends. Audi, VW, BMW and MB owners seem to complain of these issues a lot. I assume the same is true with (at least my) Malibu.

Thank goodness for a Warranty!

My car has had piles of noises from the front end. in less than 10k mi, I needed new links, a new steering shaft, new rack and new dampers. Just the other day, the 'Bu went in for another unrelated issue: hub bearings on the driver's side to correct an issue with the ABS/trac warning lights. Once replaced, the front end is a lot quieter!

Ouch. Which one of those components fixed the noises?

Also, I don't know if this is normal, but when going over a bumpy road (such as one of those poorly paved parking lots), it seems like something in the steering is "rattling." It's kind of hard to describe...

I haven't had 4 hours of time to waste to take it into the dealer. Maybe when I go in for an oil change, I'll mention it.

My 2010 LS has this exact problem. The dealer replaced the struts and bearings (mounts). But 2 weeks later, it's back!! I guess their "experts" will need to look at it again!!

Hey nick

As of right now, they all fixed the noises for a while. Then, there is another noise that creeps up somewhere, somehow. At this point, I don't even think I care so much anymore so I leave them be and when something else breaks (as it did this last time about a week ago) I take the car to the dealer.

I have this noise also. The dealer replaced the strut and strut mounts. 4 days later the noise came back. My 2010 pretty much is at the dealers for 1 week out of every month so far. I've had my car 4 months and its been back to the dealers 4 times! (Interior water leak and now front suspension) I cant wait to get rid of this car!!

I finally talked to the engineer at GM again...still no fixes developed for the "strut noise"....what he described as a fluttering rattle. He said that they have had some success with swapping out struts, but it is not 100%. Oh well...I guess I will just have to turn the radio up a little more and deal with it til the lease is up. Only 18 more months to go. I can tell you one thing..this will be my first and last Chevy, guaranteed.

I finally talked to the engineer at GM again...still no fixes developed for the "strut noise"....what he described as a fluttering rattle. He said that they have had some success with swapping out struts, but it is not 100%. Oh well...I guess I will just have to turn the radio up a little more and deal with it til the lease is up. Only 18 more months to go. I can tell you one thing..this will be my first and last Chevy, guaranteed.

You should buy a Toyota. I heard they're real innovative and have real good quality. So good,in fact, that you don't have to don't even have to press the accelerater to make the car go. :)

You should buy a Toyota. I heard they're real innovative and have real good quality. So good,in fact, that you don't have to don't even have to press the accelerater to make the car go. :)

Hahahah. :D

It's really frustrating that GM cannot fix such an obvious noise issue. I know all of the guys in charge of this at GM - they have been working on it, but it's not on the top of the list and they have been asked to do more with less. Maybe once more people complain they will do something about it. It is crazy though...once you start looking at vehicles in this price range, you don't expect these kinds of issues. I didn't buy a Cobalt. I guess I should've got the CTS.......question is, do they have the same issue? Is it a GM thing? or just bad timing (money issues at GM)

Mines going in for about the 12th time for front end noises. I keep taking it in every chance i get, that way when the warranty is up and something really goes wrong, ill have proof that it was never right to start with.

As I have said before, I bet most if not all of the front end noises are steering rack related. It is common and these cars and GM is actually in a lawsuit with the supplier over it. I had the noises, they installed a new rack, all gone....

Silver, I Had the rack replaced just two weeks ago and still have the "Clunks"! No fix. Trying to go up the chain now to resolve this problem.

As I have said before, I bet most if not all of the front end noises are steering rack related. It is common and these cars and GM is actually in a lawsuit with the supplier over it. I had the noises, they installed a new rack, all gone....

Same thing with me. Probably close to a year ago the same thing happened. I'm not for sure of the mileage then, but it was probably somewhere around 20,xxx. I took the car to the dealership, they fixed it in a few hours, and it's never done it again. The car just hit 31,xxx. I don't understand why all these dealerships don't know what's going on. The place I took my car told me this was a common issue GM was aware of and they knew exactly what the noise was without looking.

The place I took my car told me this was a common issue GM was aware of and they knew exactly what the noise was without looking.

I wish my dealer knew what was wrong without looking!

"Mines going in for about the 12th time for front end noises"

You seriously need to see if your state has a lemon law. My cars going back in for the front end noise, again. 2 more times in 2 years GM gets the car back! (if they can't fix it)

GM rep says the noise is unusual for Malibu's. Everyone needs to e-mail GM with complaints everyday if needed!!!

"Mines going in for about the 12th time for front end noises"

You seriously need to see if your state has a lemon law. My cars going back in for the front end noise, again. 2 more times in 2 years GM gets the car back! (if they can't fix it)

GM rep says the noise is unusual for Malibu's. Everyone needs to e-mail GM with complaints everyday if needed!!!

I would do the lemon law, but its such a long process here in pa, and it never works out in the end.. I have all the paperwork from every dealer it's been to, and its at the rate its been going, ill have a multi chapter book by the time im done with this car!

On mine the dealership had the car 3 times, for a total of 19 days, and still could not find the interior water leak. I complained to GM and they had to hire a Water Leak Expert to come repair my car. If they could not fix it, they get the car back!

I do have to say though, GM did make 1 months car payment. Have they compensated you yet? They should!!!!

Now they need to fix the front end noise. :>(

"Mines going in for about the 12th time for front end noises"

You seriously need to see if your state has a lemon law. My cars going back in for the front end noise, again. 2 more times in 2 years GM gets the car back! (if they can't fix it)

GM rep says the noise is unusual for Malibu's. Everyone needs to e-mail GM with complaints everyday if needed!!!

How do you go about contacting your local rep? I've lost faith in all the GM dealers near me.

I sent a complaint to: cac@chevrolet.com Typically I get an e-mail response 1st and a call from a GM Rep a few days later. You should also file a complaint at: BBB.com They hate to see a complaint with the BBB!

Let the rep know what issues you have had, how many times at the dealer, how many days you have not had your car etc. COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN!!!! They paid 1 months car payment for me so far!

If you need anything LMK, SEAN

Here's a typical e-mail response you should get:

Service Request: 71-779780623
Customer Relationship Specialist: Robbie


Dear Sean,


Thank you for contacting the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center!


Please consider this as a confirmation of our receipt of your e-mail. In addition, I have added the information you provided to service request 71-779780623 and sent a notification to Rod.


If you should need to contact us in the future, you may call us through our Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-1020. Customer Relationship Specialists are available Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Eastern Time.


Again, thank you for contacting Chevrolet.


Sincerely,


The Chevrolet Consumer Support Team

I filed a complaint with the CAC, and theyve called me back, twice actually. First was to gather info about problems with the car, and second time was a district manager. The manager wanted to know if my problem was fixed - I was actually at the dealer when he called me, so he is going to call back friday.

The dealer didnt fix the problem that day, or any problem I had the day I went in. They have a TSB printed out at the service desk that describes the front end noise and how to fix it. The symptoms I tell them match the service bulletin perfectly, and yet when they test drive it, they dont hear it. Mainly because they drive it on a smooth blacktopped road. Even though I have had the car in umpteen times for this same issue - they cant and wont fix it until they hear it themselves. I asked the service advisor if he honestly thought I was making up this noise, and if I enjoyed bring the car in repeatedly and wasting a couple hours of my day - all for them to not find anything wrong with it. Whatever, I cant wait to get a hold of this district manager guy and show him every paper from every visit I have made to a dealership with this disaster on wheels. I knew when I bought this car, I shoulda gotten a Tahoe instead.

My dealership insisted they could not hear the noise so i went on a test drive with them. My work parking lot is like a washboard so thats where we went!!!! What a SURPRISE, they heard it!!! A few days later they replaced the struts and strut mounts. But, it has to go back.

I should have kept my Nissan Titan!!! It at the gas, 12-14mpg, but it was reliable!!!!

Well...I took mine in a couple of weeks ago....took a ride with the service tech...he heard the noise...they replaced the struts. I think that the noise is more noticeable now then before I took it in. I give up. I'm going to do what the first dealership told me to do...turn up the radio.

Well...I took mine in a couple of weeks ago....took a ride with the service tech...he heard the noise...they replaced the struts. I think that the noise is more noticeable now then before I took it in. I give up. I'm going to do what the first dealership told me to do...turn up the radio.

Call GM customer service and start a case.

I just heard back from the CAC on friday, they wont extend the warranty, wont make a payment. They wont do anything, and they stand behind their dealers - because they are the professionals. And they want to know why they are losing their customers. Im a GM employee - and they couldnt do anything for me. Whatever GM, whatever.

I just had the rattle in the front of my Mali-Poo fixed. They replaced the strut mount and bearings, that didn't fix it. Then they replaced the intermediate steering shaft, that didn't fix it either. Now they replaced the front left strut, NO MORE NOISE!!!

The dealer had to call tech support because this was their last chance to fix it or it would be classified a LEMON!!! it's been a week and NO noise over those washboard roads!!!

I just had the rattle in the front of my Mali-Poo fixed. They replaced the strut mount and bearings, that didn't fix it. Then they replaced the intermediate steering shaft, that didn't fix it either. Now they replaced the front left strut, NO MORE NOISE!!!

The dealer had to call tech support because this was their last chance to fix it or it would be classified a LEMON!!! it's been a week and NO noise over those washboard roads!!!

On my BU, they replaced both front struts and the noise disappeared for 50 km and it came back same as before ! May be they need to change also the intermediate steering shaft.

On my BU, they replaced both front struts and the noise disappeared for 50 km and it came back same as before ! May be they need to change also the intermediate steering shaft.

GM did say that with these particular struts make more noise in colder weather. It could also possibly be that its time for new struts on yours.

GM did say that with these particular struts make more noise in colder weather. It could also possibly be that its time for new struts on yours.

Also, struts are NOT as quiet as shocks.

I just had the rattle in the front of my Mali-Poo fixed. They replaced the strut mount and bearings, that didn't fix it. Then they replaced the intermediate steering shaft, that didn't fix it either. Now they replaced the front left strut, NO MORE NOISE!!!

The dealer had to call tech support because this was their last chance to fix it or it would be classified a LEMON!!! it's been a week and NO noise over those washboard roads!!!

How does it classify a lemon? I have had about half a million problems. lol Does that count> i am just wondering how you find out how much headaches it takes. Thanks

I've read the posts and prepared myself to explain this suspension noise problem with my 2010 LTZ, when I took it to my dealer this afternoon. I scheduled a time for tomorrow, Tuesday, and gave the service manager a copy of this thread. Hopefully they can fix this "fluttering rattle" on this first try. Now it seems to be less obvious as the weather here in Michigan is moving above the 20s and 30s. I was told that they have not experienced many suspension noise complaints with the newer (2009/2010) Malibu.

Hey all

Suspension issues are back! After being repaired only 3 months ago (to the tune of $1200 or so, billed to GM), the alignment is off and there is definitely a return of noises in the front end. The car will go in this week, and I'll let you know how it turns out. It's a little (no, a lot) annoying to have these issues come up every 3 months.

Took my '09 LTZ in again yesterday....dealer told me it was the door rattling. They adjusted something in the door and away I went. This morning (in Michigan, cold mornings) the noise was definitely apparent again. So much for that fix. Praying for warmer weather so I won't hear the noise as much. :rolleyes:

Follow up to my 3/08 post about suspension noise: dealer replaced left front strut, but told me he didn't think the problem was fixed...he was right. Brought it back for another 2 days and he called the TAC and was directed to lube all suspension components (though I can't see anything like grease or solvents on shafts or bushings), and replaced the intermediate shaft due to a "slip stick condition". It's still not right, so it's going back for a third time next week!
Another problem now has surfaced...hard upshifts, and downshifting is erratic, as if the torque converter is out of synch and hanging.
Also, I noticed a musty odor when air enters the a/c ducts, and could also smell when standing outside the vehicle and then read a post about the problem, and sure enough... it was the wipers. So I bought a pair of Trico replacements until l take the vehicle back next week, and I'll have the dealer replace them.
To date, the Malibu LTZ has been a very disappointing experience...and it's only 2 month old! I fear more bad stuff is in the offing.

I have never in my life heard of a smell from wiper blades. What the hell is that all about?

To date, the Malibu LTZ has been a very disappointing experience...and it's only 2 month old! I fear more bad stuff is in the offing.

Sorry goldenbu but this is just the tip of the ice-berg. I have had mine in now over a dozen times, for 11 seperate issues.
6 times for the rattle, still not fixed. This car has been the worst experience I have ever had. Sorry you are having troubles too. Nobody deserves this from a NEW car.:(

Sorry goldenbu but this is just the tip of the ice-berg. I have had mine in now over a dozen times, for 11 seperate issues.
6 times for the rattle, still not fixed. This car has been the worst experience I have ever had. Sorry you are having troubles too. Nobody deserves this from a NEW car.:(

Well you have to remember, there are bad apples out there. I for one got a good one for the most part, and did most members here. There is a reason why the car is a Consumers Guide Best Buy for three years in a row. ;)

Well you have to remember, there are bad apples out there. I for one got a good one for the most part, and did most members here. There is a reason why the car is a Consumers Guide Best Buy for three years in a row. ;)

You are lucky. Those of us who have had problems have had problems that seem unsolvable. My wife is complaining of a constant vibrating steering wheel and I am extremely frustrated at it also and the fact that I've had my LTZ in the shop for a long time. It doesn't help that this is her first American car, and probably will be her last. Shes been checking into trading it in and can't get over the fact that we're still going to have to pay on it after getting what it is worth.

How does it classify a lemon? I have had about half a million problems. lol Does that count> i am just wondering how you find out how much headaches it takes. Thanks

If the vehicle goes in for the same problem 3 times, I believe with in 2 years on a new car and 1 year on a used car, then the manufacturer has 1 time to fix the problem themselves. If they cant then its considered a lemon.

In my case I had an interior water leak. The dealer tried 3 times to repair it, they didn't. Then GM hired a "water leak expert" and the problem was repaired. If it could not be repaired it's a lemon!

The "Lemon Law" varies from state to state and some may not have one. I filed 3 complaints with GM and 1 with the BBB, that really got their attention! My car was in for repairs 6 times for a total of 26 days! I received a rental car ever time and 1 months car payment paid!!

As of today the struts, strut mounts, steering shaft, passenger door seal have been replaced. The front steering has been realigned and all seems good now!! (knocks on wood)

I've owned my Mali-Poo for 6 months now and have 7500 miles on it. It may have given me quite a few issues and headaches so far but on a good note I average 25.6 mpg. My last vehicle, 2004 Titan, averaged 14 mpg. I save on gas and insurance!

OK guys! I had the knocks or clunks (whatever you call it) coming from the front end. Dealer repaired front strut mounts.....clunk still there. Then rack was replaced....less clunking ovwe washboard roads but still there. Struts were replaced....clunking was still there. Old struts were put back and boots modified/shortened following many exchanges with GM tech center! No more clunks!!!!! Yippi.......for now?

Luv my ride once again.

I'm experiencing the same problems, though with warmer temperatures, above 50 degrees or so, the noise is not as noticeable. But you mentioned that the "boots (were) modified/shortened...". Do you mean that the dealer actually cut the plastic bellows that protect the strut piston? Can you tell me if the material was taken from the top or from the bottom of the plastic bellows?

I'm experiencing the same problems, though with warmer temperatures, above 50 degrees or so, the noise is not as noticeable. But you mentioned that the "boots (were) modified/shortened...". Do you mean that the dealer actually cut the plastic bellows that protect the strut piston? Can you tell me if the material was taken from the top or from the bottom of the plastic bellows?

Not sure where they took the material from but that is what I was told. The work-order lists a bunch of stuff that they did including installing a new strut and later putting the old one back because the noise had worstened. The work-order lists that the bumper was reglued with urethane (whatever that means).

That said, the front suspension is still somewhat of a thumper on washboard roads..... a little more than I'd like.

Guys lets just face the facts, If you look under the car and take a good look at the front end design you will see its a new version of an old horrible design. My LTZ has 3680 miles on it and it vibrates, rattles, bangs and shifts hard. If this keeps up i will trade it in for a ford Fusion sport. Im tired of GM's crappy front end designs. I went through 6 front ends on my 1995 grand prix and im not about to go through the same crap with this new GM product.

Can you be more specific? Saying it's a new version of an old horrible design sounds like a truly terrible piece of manufacturing. Had I only your opinion to go on I'd not even consider buying a 'Bu were I in the market at this time. But mine rides, drives, and handles quite nicely! I've even pushed its limits in a few corners and gotten the ESC to lend a hand. (That was an unusual feeling, but nice.)

What old design is it derived from? Why is it so bad? What could be better? Why do you think that they used this design instead of one that you feel is better? Why is what you think is better, better?

I'm not an engineer and, casting no aspersions on your reputation, I doubt you are, either. And I dare say that neither of us works for GM nor were either of us contracted to counsel them on the front end design or its flaws. Being customers we have the power to let them know we do or don't like something, but that's not likely to get any real response, either.

Granted, it isn't a BMW or Mercedes, but it's also a lot more affordable. Ya get whatcha pay for, right? I seriously doubt that Ford has anything in the same price range that is so much better that it's head and shoulders above the rest. If it was I'm sure there'd be a premium price to pay for it. No free lunches, even in America, eh?

I respectfully challenge your diatribe to some serious reasons why you dislike the front ends, both the 'Bu and any predecessor. What would you do differently? And why? To change my mind I need facts, not emotion.

Your comment:

Guys lets just face the facts, If you look under the car and take a good look at the front end design you will see its a new version of an old horrible design. My LTZ has 3680 miles on it and it vibrates, rattles, bangs and shifts hard. If this keeps up i will trade it in for a ford Fusion sport. Im tired of GM's crappy front end designs. I went through 6 front ends on my 1995 grand prix and im not about to go through the same crap with this new GM product.

Your aware there is basically only one way to make a FWD front suspension? So all FWD cars are "basically a new version of an old design" as you say....

Driven Daily- I agree with your thoughts except the statement that "There are no free lunches even in America". Quite the oposite lately isn't it? Seems there are more free lunches here now than ever before. What with Corporation bailouts, homeowners who are getting a reduction in their principal balance on their mortgages, etc.

Granted, it isn't a BMW or Mercedes, but it's also a lot more affordable. Ya get whatcha pay for, right? I seriously doubt that Ford has anything in the same price range that is so much better that it's head and shoulders above the rest. If it was I'm sure there'd be a premium price to pay for it.

This is true, but for a $30,000 car, these noises should not occur. $30k is a lot of money, and you should get alot. They don't happen on $15,000 Honda Civics or $30k Accords, or actually, any rental car I've had come to think of it, EXCEPT a G6 or Malibu. Not even the cheap Kia Forte I had the other day. Yesterday I owned my Malibu for 12 months, it spent a total of 1 month at the dealer out of those 12. All my other cars combined, for the lifetime of them haven't spent that much time. And this is the most expensive car I've bought. If GM wants to be successful, they have to solve these issues with the next gen Malibu. Initial quality ratings are great, but overall reliability is not as high. Although for me, the initial quality was not that great. Why are some people not having these problems at all? Is there some type of issue on the assembly line? And why is it in some cars when parts are replaced (in my case $3000 worth), why is the problem still existent? True there are some bad apples, but they should be repaired.

But, aside from the noise and this constant vibration I have in mine which they just want to hold the car longer and longer to try to fix, I think it has a good ride, is quiet, and has great power, and looks good. But for a $30,000 car, I think I'm paying a lot and I should get a car that rides quiet over bumps without hearing some of the strut or whatever is making the constant noise.

This is true, but for a $30,000 car, these noises should not occur. $30k is a lot of money, and you should get alot. They don't happen on $15,000 Honda Civics or $30k Accords

Oh yes you do. My wife had an 2004 Accord, the one Asian car we bought. Thinking it would be reliable for her. Nope. It was the biggest POS I have ever owned and was what made me go back to, and stay with American cars.

Issues will occur on a car. But I do agree, they should be repaired correctly.

This is true, but for a $30,000 car, these noises should not occur. $30k is a lot of money, and you should get alot. They don't happen on $15,000 Honda Civics or $30k Accords, or actually, any rental car I've had come to think of it, EXCEPT a G6 or Malibu. Not even the cheap Kia Forte I had the other day. Yesterday I owned my Malibu for 12 months, it spent a total of 1 month at the dealer out of those 12. All my other cars combined, for the lifetime of them haven't spent that much time. And this is the most expensive car I've bought. If GM wants to be successful, they have to solve these issues with the next gen Malibu. Initial quality ratings are great, but overall reliability is not as high. Although for me, the initial quality was not that great. Why are some people not having these problems at all? Is there some type of issue on the assembly line? And why is it in some cars when parts are replaced (in my case $3000 worth), why is the problem still existent? True there are some bad apples, but they should be repaired.

But, aside from the noise and this constant vibration I have in mine which they just want to hold the car longer and longer to try to fix, I think it has a good ride, is quiet, and has great power, and looks good. But for a $30,000 car, I think I'm paying a lot and I should get a car that rides quiet over bumps without hearing some of the strut or whatever is making the constant noise.

I totally agree that we should get something decent for what we pay, no matter if we choose a $15K or $45K car.

Your questions are excellent ones! I'm currently not having any noises or anything else with my car. The tires are cheapos that I'll replace eventually, but otherwise, like you say, the ride, power, and looks are good.

I feel really bad that you or anyone else is having issues, especially when it takes so many visits and attempts that just result in more frustration. I have a limit, and if they jerked me around like I hear they do to some other people on this forum, I'd have a friendly lawyer go talk to them. Maybe. Well, the thought would surely surface!

Oh yes you do. My wife had an 2004 Accord, the one Asian car we bought. Thinking it would be reliable for her. Nope. It was the biggest POS I have ever owned and was what made me go back to, and stay with American cars.

Issues will occur on a car. But I do agree, they should be repaired correctly.

Let me backtrack and put it like this.

Every car does have problems, and there are a few bad apples out there. However, with this car, it seems like there are more bad apples, judging from all the problems I've heard about, plus personal experience.

For me, with 5 Hondas, never had any problems. Almost 500,000 total combined miles. 2 Chevys, had way too many problems. Did I get 2 Chevys that were one of those bad apples? Probably. Did you get a bad Honda? Probably. You've had your luck with American cars, it seems I've had my luck with Hondas. Just as there have been people with 0 problems with the Malibu, there are people with 0 problems with their Hondas. It just seems like for this Malibu, there are some issues that can't even be solvable, and it drives me crazy. The dealer support doesn't seem to be there either. My dealer told me GM tech said they were out of ideas and the dealer should just do what they think they should. Problem unsolved.

Oh well, I know that there are Malibu owners who have no problems at all, I think maybe a few years into the next gen if they look good I'll have to consider trading in. I haven't given up on American cars, I think currently they look better than the competition and I'm always willing to give things a second chance.

dennisk,
What a truly admirable attitude! But, since the economy is so global, is there really any reason to buy something you're not sure about? I'm not saying not to buy another Chevy, or for that matter a Malibu, but it's your money. Let the company with the best product earn it.

And I hope your issues get resolved. Sounds like it's becoming less and less likely. And that's sad, but with your results in mind and some research on forums of other vehicles I might consider in the future, I might be able to glean enough to steer me toward the best product at that time. It might be another GM, or it might not.

Thanks for sticking around. Hope to hear more from you.

For everyone with front end noises (which really seems like a sticky issue for this car) there is at least one Key issue to note: it may not be suspension.

I have had my car for all of 8 months and have had the front end tweaked, tuned, timed, pressed, fitted and otherwise messed with on 6 occasions. I have a whole new lower suspension set up and have also had the steering replaced.

It is likely that much of the noise you get from your front end is coming from the steering linkage. Just yesterday, I had my car in for the same problem and they replaced the intermediate steering shaft. Now, the car is noticeably quieter. If your shop is putting up a fight (as several dealers have for me) saying there is nothing wrong with the suspension, have them look at steering linkage, rack and tie-rods.

All the while, my car did not handle differently, just made a lot more (very unsettling) noise, especially over wash-board road ways. For whatever reason, my car has gone through many steering components in only the few months I have owned the car.

Mine also seems to chew through brake pads. I am on my second set of pads in only 26k miles and no, I do not ride the brakes like so many crown vic and town car drivers seem to do.

I've gotten some requests to make a sticky on the steering/front suspension issues.

Please see and post in the new thread here: http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=35465#post35465