The Chevrolet Malibu is a comfy, easy-to-control, and fuel-efficient mid-size sedan. It was first conversant in 1964and reimagined several times for user-friendly facilities. The life story of Malibu is from 1964-1983, and 1997-present; it means they withdrew in 1983 and restarted in 1997. However, engine replacement cost is strongly connected as several model years have engine issues.
According to many Chevy lovers and car experts, the average cost of a Malibu replacement engine is $1430. Besides, the labor cost for a spare job is around $800-$2400. In total, you will need to pay $2230-$3830 on average. Mostly, this replacement is required for the users who have Malibu for these years: 2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2016.
The Chevy Malibu was a sleek, stylish car with a six-cylinder engine when it was first introduced. It was offered in both a coupe and a convertible. The car was updated over the years with new engines and new features. Then, the engine failure made people think about replacing it.
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The Problems of Chevy Malibu (Explained With Years)
It’s hard to explain the greatness of the Chevy Malibu in a few words. This sedan car is a fantastic choice for small to mid-size families. Besides, several models’ stunning appearance, larger interiors, and fuel efficiency have made the car lineup a popular one. Still, some problems appear in a few model years of Chevy Malibu.
Below are the details of problems that Malibu acquired at different times:
2004 Chevy Malibu Problems
The 2004 Chevy Malibu has several problems starting with the electrical system. It causes other components to malfunction, leading to replacement. Sometimes the engine fails to start or stalls randomly.
You may need to replace the engine in this situation. Again, the faulty ignition switch creates a nuisance in starting or controlling the Malibu.
2006 Chevy Malibu Problems
This model year of Malibu has poor crash-test results. Then, the frequent loss of engine power, stalling on the road, and vibration are also common problems in this car of 2006. Mostly, these problems appear when you ride the car for only 15K miles.
2008 Chevy Malibu Problems
This model year of Malibu has many user complaints that are hard to deny. Car of this year has several problems like electrical, transmission defects. Another major problem is steering failure which makes the riders suffer a lot.
Also, the power system of the steering appears harder to replace or modify. Sometimes, the engine cannot give the expected or advertised performance.
2010 Chevy Malibu Problems
Problems in Chevy Malibu 2010 start with the transmission system. The degradation of power-supplying tools and the out-of-order condition is a real pain to car owners. Additionally, the door latch-unlatch issue appears as many users have complained about it.
2013 Chevy Malibu Problems
Wheel bearing failure, engine stalling, and loss of power steering are common issues in the model year 2013. The eAssist mild hybrid system is mostly responsible for most of these problems.
2016 Chevy Malibu Problems
The recent worst-year model of the Chevy Malibu is 2016, as it has severe engine faults. It may stall or fully shut off on the road, which is a risk to the passengers. Some complaints are about the tire quality and level of engine production. Moreover, the car is an energy-hungry vehicle; that’s why the users need to spend extra money.
What is the Lifespan of the Chevy Malibu Engine?
Malibu is built to provide great mileage after a long run. It has a lifespan of around 100000-150000 miles if you maintain the car with proper care. Usually, it will last 10-15 years.
I guess you are thinking of the best model years to buy the Chevy Malibu car. There are some quality model years too. Recent model years, including 2003, 2011, 2012, 2017, and 2018 are the most suitable to have Malibu for your garage.
4 most common Problems with Chevy Malibu
In this part, I explain the common problems regarding Chevy Malibu, a mid-size sedan. If you want to have this car, you should be aware of these problems.
#1- Faulty Transmission
Especially the 2010 and 2011 models have transmission problems. The transmission often does not work accordingly, leading the user to have a bad experience while driving. This problem usually happens when you drive the car for about 94000 miles. For a repairing job, the owner must pay around $3000, which may increase replacement, including labor costs.
#2- Engine Failures
Defective engines and extreme fuel consumption are also critical problems in the Chevy Malibu lineup. It is primarily available in the 2018 model. Typically, the problems have originated from errors of the gas cap, coolant, and leakage of oil. When these problems appear, you may experience poor idling, vibration, and some others.
#3- Electrical System Error
The electrical power steering system is most common for the 2015 Malibu models. Around 800 complaints were made regarding this issue. It leads the user to replace the whole steering column, which is considered the only way to solve it. It costs around $87-$110. Besides, there are problems like failure of a turn signal, faulty readings of the fuel gauge, etc.
#4- Door Lock Problems
Many complaints were about the power door lock, especially in the 2009 Malibu of Chevrolet. The users find it hard to lock or unlock frequently. When the temperature is high in scorching summer, the problem usually happens. If you want to replace the full door lock parts, you may need to spend above $500.
Chevy Malibu Engine Replacement Cost
Maybe your current engine Chevrolet Malibu is giving you signals to replace it. Yet it won’t be necessary if the car is under proper maintenance. Still, if you want to replace the engine, you should know these facts.
An engine replacement cost varies on where and when you are purchasing. Besides, the installment of the engine may need labor costs unless you are doing it on your own. Even the expert hands may give you services at different rates.
You may find it in the $1700-2100 range for a used Malibu engine. Some model-year engines may cost even lower, around $1400. After purchasing the engine, you will need to pay the labor cost.
It can vary depending on the type of service you are taking. For a cheap rate, the value can be $800, which rises to almost $2400. However, you should ask the seller about the lifespan of your desired engine to save further expenses.
2008-2012 Ecotec Chevy Malibu 2.4L engine replacement >> Check out the video below:
Final Words
In the article, I have explained all the possible reasons why you need to replace the engine. Also, you have learned about the possible cost of engine replacement. However, the cost will vary depending on a few factors.
For example, newer models cost more to replace the engine than older models. Again, the cost differs depending on the type of engine. A V6 engine will cost more to replace than a 4-cylinder engine.
Finally, the labor cost will also play a role in the overall cost of replacing your Chevy Malibu’s engine.
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