1974 Chevrolet Malibu problems
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from model years 1964–1983 and since 1997. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel-drive car in 1997.
Named after the coastal community of Malibu, California, the Malibu was marketed primarily in North America, with the eighth generation introduced globally. It is currently the only sedan offered by Chevrolet in the U.S.
First generation (Chevelle Malibu, 1964)
The first Malibu was a top-line subseries of the mid-sized Chevrolet Chevelle from 1964 to 1972. Malibus were generally available in a full range of bodystyles including a four-door sedan, two-door Sport Coupe hardtop, convertible and two-seat station wagon. Interiors were more lavish than lesser Chevelle 300 and 300 Deluxe models thanks to patterned cloth and vinyl upholstery (all-vinyl in convertibles and station wagons), deep-twist carpeting, deluxe steering wheel and other items. The Malibu SS performance package was available only as a two-door Sport Coupe hardtop or convertible and added bucket seats, center console (with optional four-speed manual or Powerglide transmissions), engine gauges and special wheelcovers, and offered with any six-cylinder or V8 engine offered in other Chevelles - with the top option being a 300 hp (224 kW; 304 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) in 1964.
For 1965, Malibus and other Chevelles received new grilles and revised tail sections and had the exhaust pipes replaced but carried over the same basic styling and bodystyles from 1964. The Malibu and Malibu SS models continued as before with the SS featuring a blacked-out grille and special wheelcovers. Top engine option was now a 350 hp (261 kW; 355 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8. 201 of the 1965 Malibu SS cars got Regular Production Option (RPO) Z16, which include a heavily modified chassis and Chevy's new 375 horsepower 396 cubic inch V8. All were hardtops, although rumors persist that one convertible was built.
The Malibu SS was replaced in 1966 by a new Chevelle SS-396 series that included a big-block 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8 engine (Canadian market did not receive the SS396 but marketed the former Malibu SS nameplate until January 1967 when it was phased out), heavy duty suspension and other performance equipment. Other SS-396 equipment was similar to Malibu Sport Coupes and convertibles including an all-vinyl bench seat. Bucket seats and console with floor shift were now optional on the SS and for 1966 with the SS now denoting a car with a big-block engine, the bucket seats became a new option on the regular Malibu Sport Coupe and convertible, upon which any six-cylinder or small-block V8 could be ordered. Also new for 1966 was the Chevelle Malibu four-door Sport Sedan hardtop. Styling revisions on all 1966 Chevelles including more rounded styling similar to the full-sized Chevrolets with sail panels and tunneled rear windows featured on two-door hardtop coupes.
For 1967, the same assortment of bodystyles were continued with styling changes similar to all other Chevelles including a new grille and revised tail section with taillights that wrapped around to the side. New this year was a Chevelle Malibu Concours station wagon with simulated woodgrain exterior side panel trim. Front disc brakes were a new option along with a stereo 8-track tape player. The same assortment of drivetrains carried over from 1966 with the top 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 dropped from 350 to 325 hp (261 to 242 kW; 355 to 330 PS).
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Common 1974 Chevrolet Malibu problems
The 1974 Chevy Malibu is known for its AC issues, with owners reporting problems with the air conditioning system not working properly. Specifically, the heat is coming out of the defrost vents and floor vents, but not from the two vents in the front of the dash. Additionally, only heat is coming out, not cold air.
While the Chevrolet Malibu is generally considered a reliable car, there are some common issues that owners should be aware of, particularly in earlier models. These issues include loss of engine power, failed passlock sensors, transmission problems, and headlight issues.
Loss of engine power can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty ignition coil or a problem with the fuel system. This issue can be particularly frustrating for drivers, as it can make the car difficult to start or cause it to stall while driving.
Failed passlock sensors can also be a problem for Malibu owners. This sensor is responsible for preventing the car from starting if it detects an unauthorized key. However, if the sensor fails, it can prevent the car from starting altogether.
Transmission problems are another common issue in earlier Malibu models. While less frequent in newer models, some earlier Malibus have experienced transmission problems, including rough shifting and delayed acceleration.
Headlight issues are also a common problem in some Malibu models. Faulty headlights or electrical problems affecting the headlights have been reported in some cars.
Despite these common issues, the Chevy Malibu is generally considered a reliable car, with good safety ratings and standard safety features. Ownership costs are also considered affordable relative to other cars in its class.
When considering purchasing a used Chevy Malibu, it's important to check for any outstanding recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) before buying. This can help ensure that any known issues have been addressed and that the car is safe to drive. Additionally, considering the estimated cost of ownership, including factors like fuel costs and insurance rates, can help you make an informed decision about whether the Chevy Malibu is the right car for you.
What is the biggest problem with Chevy Malibu?
Common Issues with the Chevrolet Malibu
- Transmission problems: Some Malibu models have experienced transmission issues, including rough shifting and delayed acceleration.
- Electrical issues: Some Malibu models have experienced electrical issues, including problems with the power steering system and battery.
What are the weaknesses of a Chevy Malibu?
Here are some of the most frequent problems Malibu drivers experience.
- Engine. Many Chevy Malibu models are prone to experiencing engine problems. ...
- Transmission. The quality of the transmissions used within Chevy Malibus is often held under the microscope. ...
- Electrical System. ...
- Broken and Faulty Machinery.
What year Malibu is the best?
With relatively high ratings, 2002 and 2003 are Chevrolet Malibu's best years in this generation, while 1997 to 2000 are the Chevy Malibu years to avoid.
- The Best Years: 2015. ...
- The Worst Years: 2013, 2014. ...
- The Best Years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. ...
- The Neutral Years: 2019. ...
- The Worst Years: 2016, 2017, 2018.
Is the Chevy Malibu a reliable car?
Quality and Reliability 85.0/100
The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu has a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What is the most common problem with Chevy Malibu?
Common Issues with the Chevrolet Malibu
Transmission problems: Some Malibu models have experienced transmission issues, including rough shifting and delayed acceleration. Electrical issues: Some Malibu models have experienced electrical issues, including problems with the power steering system and battery.
What year was the Malibus bad?
The worst year for Chevy Malibu out of all the model years to avoid would be the 2002 and 2010 model years. 2002 had passlock and coolant leaking issues, and 2010 had multiple engine problems, leading to pricey fixes.
Is used Chevy Malibu a good car?
Getting behind the wheel of a used Chevy Malibu is one of the best decisions you can make if you are looking for an economical, cost-effective car and, above all else, having a sustainable and excellent quality vehicle.
What were the best years for the Chevy Malibu?
After exploring the Chevrolet Malibu's journey, it's clear that the 2015 and 2019-2024 models are Chevy Malibu's best years that you can buy. Some years, like 2004 and 2013, are Chevy Malibu years that you should definitely avoid.
1974 Chevrolet Malibu car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Malibu problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1974 Chevrolet Malibu vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1974 Chevrolet Malibu complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1974 Chevrolet Malibu.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: ID37H414981
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WAS RIDDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY DOING ABOUT 65 MPH AND MY CAR JUST WENT INTO A SWERVE I RAN OFFTHE HIGHWAY INTO A DITCH WHEN I SEEN MY CAR THE WHOLE RIGHT SIDE DOOR WAS MESSED UP PRETTY GOOD.THE TIRE WAS STILL INFLATED,BUT THE WHOLE OUTSIDE OFF THE TIRE JUST PEELED OFF THERE STILL IS A LITTLE TREAD ON THE TIRE WERE YOU CAN STILL SEE HOW MUCH TREAD WAS ON THERE*AK (DOT NUMBER: B0359 TIRESIZE: 205/70R14)
1974 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1974 Chevrolet Malibu.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
Other years of Chevrolet Malibu
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