If you’re in the market for a Chevrolet, we admire your taste. They’re good-looking, dependable cars. However, there are a few areas that have been the cause of some concern over the years, so it could pay dividends if you look out for these.
And of course, if you already own one of these cars, the relevant Haynes manual will help you save hundreds of dollars (and likely even more) by maintaining and repairing the vehicle yourself.
The most problematic model Chevrolet over the years has been the Impala, which has generated 4772 complaints from owners on carcomplaints.com. However, the Malibu isn’t that far behind on 4611 complaints.
1. Passlock problems
One of the main issues lies with the Chevrolet Passlock system, which quite often won’t allow the car to be started, and which illuminates a warning light. A whopping 225 people complained about this alone, with various issues including owners being locked out of their vehicles. The average cost of repair is $520.
2. Transmission problems
Lots of Chevrolet owners have experienced transmission troubles, quite often at around the 90,000-mile mark, but sometimes earlier. There have been issues that required more minor repairs, through major rebuilds, and also complete replacements. The average cost of repair is more than $3,000. Ouch.
3. Electrical problems
Where to start. The Chevrolet Impala alone suffers issues including failing to start, windows and door mirrors, suddenly ceasing to operate, and batteries going inexplicably flat. A couple of cars have even gone on fire. The average cost to fix? $450. A Haynes manual and an electrical tester are a lot cheaper.
4. Steering problems
One of the most common problems owners suffer with their Chevy Malibu is the power steering going out all of a sudden. And a great many found that the only way to stop the issue recurring was to replace the steering system. Which costs an average of $910.
5. Instrument problems
Chevrolet Silverados and Trailblazers seem to have a weak spot where their instrument panels are concerned. Numerous owners have reported the instrument cluster failing at around the 64,000-mile mark, and unfortunately the main way to fix it is to bin it and put a new one in at a cost of around $440. This is thoroughly covered in your Haynes manual, so you could easily save yourself the cost of labor charges.
6. Fuel pump problems
If you have a Chevrolet Cavalier from just after the turn of the millennium, there’s a fair chance that it will suffer a fuel pump failure. This is the second most common problem to afflict the car, and costs an average of $700 to put right. So why not save cash by buying the part and fitting it yourself. Easy with Haynes.
7. Cracking dashboard problems
The dashboard on the Chevrolet Tahoe is a notable weak point, because hotter climates tend to cause it to become cracked in places. Repairing it will cost you around $200.
8. Oil consumption problems
As with lots of Chevrolets, many Tahoe owners have complained about excessive oil consumption from their vehicles. The issue can be traced to the piston rings, or it can require that the engine be replaced altogether, and it tends to make its presence felt at around the 96,000-mile mark. The cost to fix? A cool $5500.
9. Air-conditioning problems
The air-conditioning system on many Chevys is known to be quite fragile. The cause can be anything from a broken condenser to an air-con compressor that has given up the ghost.
The bad news is that is you take the vehicle to a dealer you stand a fair chance of having to shell out a four-figure sum for the repair, because the average cost of repair is $1,110. Ouch.
10. Many owners have reported issues with their 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine running rough. Any engine teardown and rebuild is going to cost you a sum that has four figures before the period. However, you can buy a Haynes manual for a price that has just two numbers before the period, and do the job yourself, saving hundreds upon hundreds in the process.