[nbma]

I bought a new 2010 Malibu LS last weekend. Today I opened the hood for the first time to take a picture of it.
As soon as I opened it I saw a crack in the break master cylinder reservoir! It looks like that someone cut it using a small knife or sth. Oddly enough, the break fluid is not leaking. I am going back to the dealer first thing tomorrow morning. But the question in my mind is: how come a new car with only a few miles on it has some crack inside the hood? I suppose every new vehicle must pass some inspection before sent off the line? Does anyone have some idea what might happened? Thanks.

 

[Starship]

It's probably vandals. Just how far down does the crack go?

 

[nbma]

It's right near the fluid level and goes horizontal for about 1" wide.
I also noticed that the coolant reservoir is only half full. Is it normal?

 

[Starship]

I can't say I've ever seen or heard of a crack like that. On the coolant, I just check it against the FULL mark when cold with the car level.

 

[DrivenDaily]

If there is any leakage going on with your BRAKES, since that is a safety item, call GM Roadside and have the car towed to the dealership. If there isn't any leakage and you feel safe driving there then it's your choice whether or not to take the risk. Either way, get it in right away so you don't suffer any loss or injury.

 

[Silver LTZ]

Just take it back, they will fix it for sure. Might have been a simple defect.

 

[nbma]

OK the crisis is gone and now I feel much better about my new Malibu because there is indeed no crack and no leaking. The crack I saw is actually part of the design for the reservoir. Funny thing is when I took the car in the sales manager and the tech were as puzzled. So they opened the hood of another Malibu and guess what, it too has the "crack" and everyone was relieved. I must admit that I know nothing about cars but I promise it really looks like a crack. Thanks everyone!

 

[DrivenDaily]

Better safe than sorry!