Sorry, I can't resist:
Posted on 11/27/2008 6:20:36 PM PST by Sneakyuser
I have a 2007 Malibu 4 cyl/Auto (bought new in late 2007) and have had it at dealers three times for a vibration that always occurs at 15 mph. This started at 2400 miles. They try to either say they can't feel it or it's "normal" for this drivetrain. No engine light appears. I've rented this vehicle (2005 and 2006 model years) with plenty of miles multiple times and no problem.
In fact, one dealer checked other models on the lot and only the 2007 model exhibits this problem. The only difference that they know of is the engine mounts changed in 2007. There have been no recalls and after the dealers talk with GM they refuse to do anything about it. Other owners with the same vehicle also report this issue.
At this point I've got to go through the lemon law procedure and want to know the advantages/disadvantages to using the Better Business Bureau procedure or hiring a lemon. Have any of you gone through this procedure (or have had friends, neighbors or co-workers that have had the lemon experience with a new car)?
Any help is appreciated and Happy Thanksgiving.
Never.
But, I will bump the post for exposure.
Seems you aren’t the only one with this issue.
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f1a3c69
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/usa-today-chevy-malibu-plagued-by-glitches/
http://www.samarins.com/reviews/malibu.html
Bad service from GM? Never heard that one before.
BBB is useless. Call a radio ‘troubleshooter’ such as Tom Martino. They confront the business in question, and bring the business name and issue out on the radio. Amazing results!
Good Luck!
Uhh, in this case, I think they're gonna be told to take a number and go stand at the back of the line.
Did you pay the extra $1,200 for the round wheels option?
This might be what you are experiencing
http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/recalltsb.html?styleId=100727011&engCode=4INAG2.2&transCode=AUTOMATIC&mileage=2400&zip=94122&type=tsb&serviceType=#7
Component Description:
16. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Bulletin Number: 060601025
Bulletin Date: Nov 06
Vehicle: 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
Summary:
L61 FRONT END WOBBLE OR VIBRATION ON ACCELERATION. (REFER TO SI PROCEDURE FOR POWERTRAIN MOUNT BALANCE-LOWER MOUNT). ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10020726 )
This worked for me. The dealer made good right away. GM does not turn the wrench. I believe the local service manager can act without permission of the mfgr. Yes I acknowledge GM is in the toilet.
I took it to the Ford dealer and the first thing they asked was if I had bought it there. Since I had only recently moved to that town, the answer was no. The lying piece of garbage then told me the wheels were fine and had the tires balanced. Now a balance would correct the problem for a thousand miles or so then it would recur.
I finally took it to the Firestone dealer in Hattiesburg MS and they said sure enough, three of the wheels were out of round tho one was just barely. I finally just bought two new ones which cured the problem.
Except for that problem it was a good truck.
Lemon Laws are state-specific.
Check your state’s web site for details.
BBB generally is going to end up supporting the one who pays them - the retailers. Don’t expect to get much satisfaction from them.
“To: KayEyeDoubleDee
This worked for me. The dealer made good right away. GM does not turn the wrench. I believe the local service manager can act without permission of the mfgr. Yes I acknowledge GM is in the toilet.”
When you say “this worked for me”... did you have the same problem as described with a 2007 Malibu? What did the dealer do (or what did you have to do to get them to correct the problem?
Thanks
In court, GM said they never received the notices.
My son said the court proceeding took about 10 minutes after he produced the evidence. GM had to pay all court costs, too. My son did not use an attorney.
I'm not exactly sure of all the symptoms of your vehicle's problem but from a quick check on what you described I came up with this one which may or may not be helpful
You can check the complete list yourself here: Search for Service Bulletins
The dealer's should have access to all of this information but I have had to do the research myself at one time and they treated the problem as they would a recall in my situation. It happened to be a head gasket issue so it really saved my butt.
Hope this helps.
It was not a 2007 Malibu. I paid a Honda dealer for a tire rotation and balance. The balance was not done, or done wrong, because vibraton persisted. The dealer flatly refused to recheck the car. I emailed Tom Martino. The dealer called me in a few days and promptly fixed the problem. That’s what I remember, it was several years ago.
vibration not vibraton
The BBB isn’t worth a bucket of warm piss. They only take reports on businesses who are “members” and if inquired about, consumers are only told “We have received X number of inquiries”.
Sorry, I can't resist:
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