RoadVitals

1997 Chevrolet Malibu Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
443
Latest Sep 19, 2021
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
22

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

121
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WOULD LIKE TO GET A REPLACEMENT,DISCOUNT OR FREE SERVICE ON MY 1997 MALIBU. I'VE HAD MY CAR SINCE 2004 AND HAD TO GET ANOTHER MOTOR IN 2005 WHICH IS NEEDED NOW .THIS CAR HAS PUT ME DOWN A LOT NOT ONLY PROBLEMS WITH THE MOTOR BUT THE IGNITION LOCKED UP AND I HAD TO REPLACE THAT AS WELL AS THE BRAKES AND ROTORS THAT LAST ABOUT 2 OR 3 MONTHS. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHTS NOT WORKING PROPERLY THEY ONLY WORK ON HIGH BEAM. I CAN'T FIND A MORE REASONABLE MECHANIC THAT'S WILLING TO REPAIR THE MOTOR THAT I CURRENTLY HAVE DUE TO THE TYPE WHICH IS A 2.4 AND A USED MOTOR COST ABOUT HALF THE PRICE OF A NEW ONE. PLEASE HELP! *TR

NHTSA ID 10227398 · filed May 12, 2008

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE BYWAY AND TOOK THE INTERSTATE MERGE LANE WHILE INCREASING MY SPEED TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC I FELT A SNAP IN MY STEERING WHEEL AND GAS PEDAL, I THEN LOST THE DASH AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY OVERHEATED, I HAD NO REAL POWER TO TURN THE WHEEL AND THE GAS PEDAL WAS A LOOSE PUSH. BEING THAT I HAD MERGED ONTO THE INTERSTATE WHEN THIS OCCURRED I HAD TO DRIVE AN ADDITIONAL 5 MILES TO THE NEXT EXIT. NOT EVERYONE HAS A CELL PHONE. WHEN I GOT TO THE NEXT EXIT I WAS ALMOST UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL ENOUGH TO GET IT INTO THE NEAREST PARKING LOT, IT WAS HARDER TO TURN THAN MY FIRST TRUCK A 1959 FORD TWIN I BEAM PICKUP. I FORTUNATELY DIDN'T HIT ANY ONE OR ANYTHING. UPON RAISING MY HOOD AFTER PARKING THE CAR I AM APPALLED TO SEE THAT THE TENSIONER PULLEY AND ONE OF THE IDLER PULLEYS ARE GONE AND MY SERPENTINE BELT IS SHREDDED. I HAVE REPLACED THE PARTS BUT SINCE THEN I ALSO FOUND THAT WITHIN 5 MILES THE "DREADED" GASKETS THAT SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT, AND MINE WE ALREADY EATING FLUIDS IN SIPPS BEFORE THIS, WERE GONE. I HAVE REPLACED THE BROKEN PULLEYS SERPENTINE BELT ALTERNATOR WATERPUMP AND GASKETS NOT A MONTH LATER THE OTHER IDLER PULLEY THAT WAS UNAFFECTED IN THE FIRST INCIDENT WENT. WHEN THE FIRST TWO WERE REPLACED THAT DREADED SQUEAKING STOPPED FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS AND STARTED BACK UP AGAIN. SOMETHING MUST NOT BE STRAIGHT FOR ME TO HAVE TO KEEP REPLACING THE MOVING PARTS THAT RUN ON THE SERPENTINE BELT AND EVERYTIME ONE OF THEM GOES YOU LOOSE YOUR POWER STEERING AND THE CAR IS HARD TO TURN. NOT ONLY THAT BUT THE TAIL LIGHTS WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE FOR A GOLD FISH THAN A LIGHT BULB. EVERYTIME IT RAINS, OR SNOWS I HAVE TO REPLACE TAIL LIGHTS. THIS CAR IS THE BANE OF MY EXISTENCE. I HAVE THE FIRST IDLER PULLEY PART STILL THE REST OF THEM WERE LOST TO THE HIGHWAY THE THING IS MELTED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10223326 · filed Apr 3, 2008
All 121 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

86
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Theft light. Car won’t start it’s happened 20 times in the last 6 months. I was driving and theft light caused everything to shut down. This is a dangerous thing that needs to be fixed

NHTSA ID 11433505 · filed Sep 19, 2021

MY THIEF LIGHT STARTS BLINKING AND MY CAR WILL NOT START. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES THIS PAST MONTH. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE PASSLOCK TO TURN CAR IN ON POSITION FOR 10 MINUTES OR UNTIL LIGHT STOPS BLINKING THEN IT WOULD START. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUES THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ID 11386109 · filed Jan 2, 2021
All 86 reports naming electrical

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

80
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH CUT OFF ISSUES. *TGW THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $400.00 AND IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT. ALSO, THE OUTER AND INNER TIE RODS WERE REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10644080 · filed Oct 23, 2014

I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY HOME, AND I MADE A RIGHT TURN INTO MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND WHEN I BEGAN TO TURN LEFT INTO THE CURVE MY STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNING BUT MY CAR CONTINUED TO GO STRAIGHT INTO A NEIGHBOR'S YARD CAUSING ME TO SLAM ON BRAKES AND HIT A HILL! I GOT MY CAR CHECKED OUT THAT NEXT MORNING AND FOUND THAT IT WAS MY RACK AND PINION THAT HAS CAUSED THIS. I KNEW MY CAR HAD A RECALL SO I DECIDED TO SEARCH RECALLS FOR MY CAR (YEAR MAKE AND MODEL) I SAW WHERE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE RACK AND PINION WHERE IF IT WENT OUT YOU WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO TURN LEFT ONLY RIGHT. I CONTACTED THE GM CORPORATE OFFICE AND STATED AS SUCH AND THEY SAID THAT WAS A RECALL BUT NOT ON MY SPECIFIC VIN # SO THERE IS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. IS THIS POSSIBLE SEEMING AS THEY HAVE ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR PART ALREADY ON 97 AND 98 CHEVY MALIBU'S? *TR

NHTSA ID 10644258 · filed Oct 13, 2014
All 80 reports naming steering

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

64
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Theft light. Car won’t start it’s happened 20 times in the last 6 months. I was driving and theft light caused everything to shut down. This is a dangerous thing that needs to be fixed

NHTSA ID 11433505 · filed Sep 19, 2021

Theft light keeps coming on, my car will stop when it happens. This has happened while driving. And will not start. I’ve had the recall fixed years ago that was said to be the reason. It didn’t fix the problem

NHTSA ID 11422206 · filed Jun 24, 2021
All 64 reports naming engine

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

55
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE PASSENGER CALIPER AND ROTORS TWICE BECAUSE THE BOLTS FOR THE CALIPER KEEPS POPPING OUT AND THE BOLTS FOR THE BRACKET KEEPS POPPING OUT.. MY WINDSHIELD WIPER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WENT OUT LAST MONTH..LAST NIGHT THE CAR WOULDN'T START UP ANYMORE WHEN I DO TURN THE KEY THE LIGHTS COME ON BUT WHEN I TRY TO START THE CAR UP I GET A CLICKING NOISE, THE RADIO KEPT GOING IN AND OUT ALSO. NOW MY O2 SENSORS AND TRIPPING. I'VE HAD TO CHANGE THE EGR VALVE BECAUSE IT KEPT GETTING STUCK IN OPEN POSITION AND I ALSO CHANGED THE BELT

NHTSA ID 11322384 · filed Apr 27, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE FRAME SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO FLIP AND CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ID 10639799 · filed Sep 29, 2014
All 55 reports naming suspension

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

43
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE PASSENGER CALIPER AND ROTORS TWICE BECAUSE THE BOLTS FOR THE CALIPER KEEPS POPPING OUT AND THE BOLTS FOR THE BRACKET KEEPS POPPING OUT.. MY WINDSHIELD WIPER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WENT OUT LAST MONTH..LAST NIGHT THE CAR WOULDN'T START UP ANYMORE WHEN I DO TURN THE KEY THE LIGHTS COME ON BUT WHEN I TRY TO START THE CAR UP I GET A CLICKING NOISE, THE RADIO KEPT GOING IN AND OUT ALSO. NOW MY O2 SENSORS AND TRIPPING. I'VE HAD TO CHANGE THE EGR VALVE BECAUSE IT KEPT GETTING STUCK IN OPEN POSITION AND I ALSO CHANGED THE BELT

NHTSA ID 11322384 · filed Apr 27, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIPERS CROSSED OVER EACH OTHER AND STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT THEN MOVED OFF THE ROADWAY AND MANUALLY DISLODGED THE WIPERS HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE LINKAGES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,200.

NHTSA ID 10491459 · filed Jan 4, 2013
All 43 reports naming visibility

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

31
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WOULD LIKE TO GET A REPLACEMENT,DISCOUNT OR FREE SERVICE ON MY 1997 MALIBU. I'VE HAD MY CAR SINCE 2004 AND HAD TO GET ANOTHER MOTOR IN 2005 WHICH IS NEEDED NOW .THIS CAR HAS PUT ME DOWN A LOT NOT ONLY PROBLEMS WITH THE MOTOR BUT THE IGNITION LOCKED UP AND I HAD TO REPLACE THAT AS WELL AS THE BRAKES AND ROTORS THAT LAST ABOUT 2 OR 3 MONTHS. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHTS NOT WORKING PROPERLY THEY ONLY WORK ON HIGH BEAM. I CAN'T FIND A MORE REASONABLE MECHANIC THAT'S WILLING TO REPAIR THE MOTOR THAT I CURRENTLY HAVE DUE TO THE TYPE WHICH IS A 2.4 AND A USED MOTOR COST ABOUT HALF THE PRICE OF A NEW ONE. PLEASE HELP! *TR

NHTSA ID 10227398 · filed May 12, 2008

THE TURN SIGNALS ARE NOT RELIABLE THEY MIGHT WORK ONE TIME AND THE NEXT TIME THEY WONT WORK. THERE IS A LOT OF RATTLING SOUNDS COMING FROM THE REAR WHEELS, THE STEERING COLUMN MAKES A WEIRD SOUND WHEN BEING TURNED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10180895 · filed Jan 27, 2007
All 31 reports naming exterior lighting

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND REALIZED I WAS GOING THE WRONG WAY. I TURNED LEFT TO MAKE A U-TURN AND DROVE ONTO THE EASEMENT (DIRT). WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT ALL THE WAY, BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WAS BURNED BY THE CHEMICALS OVER THE LEFT SIDE OF MY NECK AND CHEST, LEFT EAR AND INSIDE LEFT WRIST. I WAS TRAVELING LESS THAN 5 MPH WHILE MAKING THIS TURN. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG KNOCKED MY WINDOW CAMERA OFF AND BROKE IT AND SENT PART OF A HANDHELD FAN CLIPPED TO THE PASSENGERS VISOR, INTO MY HEAD AND ENDED UP IN THE BACKSEAT. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AS IT WAS JUST DIRT.

NHTSA ID 11289715 · filed Dec 17, 2019

SWERVED TO AVOID A DEER AND STRUCK A GUARD RAIL, HEAD ON. AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND SEAT BELT DIDN'T LOCK UP. POLICE, FIRE, AMBULANCE AND TOW TRUCK DRIVER COULDN'T BELIEVE THE BAGS AND SEAT BELT FAILED. DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND RECEIVE A CONCUSSION, A V SHAPE CUT IN SCALP REQUIRING 17 STITCHES TO CLOSE AND SEVERE BRUISING ALL OVER. POLICE THINKS HER HEAD STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL OR POSSIBLY THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. SLACK IN SEAT BELT ALLOWED TOO MUCH BODY MOVEMENT AND THE AIR BAGS FAILURE CAUSE THE HEAD TRAUMA. ENTIRE FRONT END OF CAR IS DESTROYED SO SENSORS SHOULD HAVE ACTIVATE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10691665 · filed Mar 2, 2015
All 25 reports naming airbags

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING AND VIBRATING ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER TIRE SHOP AND AFTER INSPECTING IT THEY FOUND THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS WARPED AND HAD TREAD SEPARATION. THE BRAND NAME WAS LARAMIE, MODEL, PERFORMER HP, SIZE 235/60R15. THE DEALER WHERE THE TIRE WAS PURCHASE WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND CONFIRMED BASED ON THE DOT NUMBER THAT THE TIRE WAS NOT ON RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,598.

NHTSA ID 10361180 · filed Oct 19, 2010

I WOULD LIKE TO GET A REPLACEMENT,DISCOUNT OR FREE SERVICE ON MY 1997 MALIBU. I'VE HAD MY CAR SINCE 2004 AND HAD TO GET ANOTHER MOTOR IN 2005 WHICH IS NEEDED NOW .THIS CAR HAS PUT ME DOWN A LOT NOT ONLY PROBLEMS WITH THE MOTOR BUT THE IGNITION LOCKED UP AND I HAD TO REPLACE THAT AS WELL AS THE BRAKES AND ROTORS THAT LAST ABOUT 2 OR 3 MONTHS. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHTS NOT WORKING PROPERLY THEY ONLY WORK ON HIGH BEAM. I CAN'T FIND A MORE REASONABLE MECHANIC THAT'S WILLING TO REPAIR THE MOTOR THAT I CURRENTLY HAVE DUE TO THE TYPE WHICH IS A 2.4 AND A USED MOTOR COST ABOUT HALF THE PRICE OF A NEW ONE. PLEASE HELP! *TR

NHTSA ID 10227398 · filed May 12, 2008
All 18 reports naming tires & wheels

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Theft light. Car won’t start it’s happened 20 times in the last 6 months. I was driving and theft light caused everything to shut down. This is a dangerous thing that needs to be fixed

NHTSA ID 11433505 · filed Sep 19, 2021

Theft light keeps coming on, my car will stop when it happens. This has happened while driving. And will not start. I’ve had the recall fixed years ago that was said to be the reason. It didn’t fix the problem

NHTSA ID 11422206 · filed Jun 24, 2021
All 15 reports naming fuel system

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SWERVED TO AVOID A DEER AND STRUCK A GUARD RAIL, HEAD ON. AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND SEAT BELT DIDN'T LOCK UP. POLICE, FIRE, AMBULANCE AND TOW TRUCK DRIVER COULDN'T BELIEVE THE BAGS AND SEAT BELT FAILED. DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND RECEIVE A CONCUSSION, A V SHAPE CUT IN SCALP REQUIRING 17 STITCHES TO CLOSE AND SEVERE BRUISING ALL OVER. POLICE THINKS HER HEAD STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL OR POSSIBLY THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. SLACK IN SEAT BELT ALLOWED TOO MUCH BODY MOVEMENT AND THE AIR BAGS FAILURE CAUSE THE HEAD TRAUMA. ENTIRE FRONT END OF CAR IS DESTROYED SO SENSORS SHOULD HAVE ACTIVATE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10691665 · filed Mar 2, 2015

THERE HAVE BEEN REPEATED FAILURES WITH THIS AUTOMOBILE. THE PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM OFTEN LOCKS UP THE IGNITION, THE HEADLAMP AND TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLIES HAVE EXCESSIVE MOISTURE IN THEM, CAUSING THE BULBS TO BURN OUT, THE AIR CONDITIONER FAN MOTOR SHUTS OFF, AND THE DRIVERS SEAT IS LOOSE. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE REPEATEDLY BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALERS, AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO REPAIR THEM.*AK

NHTSA ID 10060437 · filed Mar 4, 2004
All 15 reports naming seat belts

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I OWN A CHEVROLET MALIBU,1997 MODEL AND EVERY TIME I GO OUT TO START IT, I VEHICLE WILL START AND THEN DIE. I WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE TO START IT AT LEAST 6 TIMES BEFORE IT WILL START AND STAY RUNNING. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO MECHANICS AND THEY DON'T SEEM TO KNOW WHAT IS THE PROBLEM. THE LAST MECHANIC I TOOK IT TO CALLED A GM GARAGE AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE THEFT LOCK SYSTEM. I KINDLY SUGGEST THAT THIS PART BE RECALLED, BECAUSE IN TALKING WITH THE GM GARAGE THEY MENTIONED THAT THEY WERE SEEING A LOT OF THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ID 10148529 · filed Jan 25, 2006

WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATOR CABLE BROKE. CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. *AK *NM

NHTSA ID 10067422 · filed Jun 4, 2004
All 14 reports naming driver assistance

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE FRAME SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO FLIP AND CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ID 10639799 · filed Sep 29, 2014

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V527000 (STEERING), RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR AND WEEKS LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN, EXTREME FORCE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSTABLE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER INDICATED THAT SOMEONE DAMAGED THE SUBFRAME AND BOLTS ALONG WITH THE QUARTER PANELS BEING RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO INDICATED THAT THE AUTHORIZED DEALER NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BOLTS, SUBFRAME AND THE QUARTER PANELS WHICH WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER PROVIDED AN INTERIM FIX OF WELDING THE BRACKETS TO THE FRAME AND WITHIN WEEKS THE COMPONENTS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. THE BOLTS WERE BROKEN AND THE ENGINE WAS SITTING ON TOP OF THE STEERING RACK DUE TO THE FRACTURE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR APPROVAL FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,160. DYD

NHTSA ID 10630718 · filed Sep 4, 2014
All 13 reports naming body & structure

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY FIRST ISSUE IS WITH THE LIGHTS ON THE MALIBU. MY LIGHT DEVELOPED CONDENSATION IN THEM WHICH IN THE REAR CAUSED THE LIGHT TO GLOW DIM, AND CAUSED E TO GET PULLED OVER ON A NUMBER OF TIMES. IN THE FRONT IT HAS CAUSED THE GLASS SHIELD TO FOG CAUSING ME TO FAIL VEHICLE INSPECTION. THERE HAVE ARE MANY OTHER ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS ON MY CAR SUCH AS THE THEFT LOCK SYSTEM, THE POWER MOON ROOF, THE MANUFACTURER'S CD PLAYER, THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL SWITCH. THEN IT HAS A PROBLEM WITH EMISSIONS. THE HEADLINER IS FALLING OFF THE CEILING. *NM

NHTSA ID 10073144 · filed May 25, 2004

WHILE DRIVING AND FOOT REMOVED FROM BRAKES, VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, DASHBOARD LIGHTS WOULD FLASH ON/OFF. WOULD NEED TO SLAM ON BRAKES TO STOP VEHICLE. WILL BE TAKING TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MECHANIC CHECK IT. *AK

NHTSA ID 891721 · filed Jun 29, 2001
All 11 reports naming interior & seats

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM CENTENNIAL CHEVROLET, THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AT TIMES. TOOK IT BACK SEVERAL TIMES TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND NOTHING WRONG. EVEN AFTER A MECHANIC HAD IT PERSONALLY AFTER A FEW DAYS. TO THIS DATE IT IS SLIPPING DRAMATICALLY, AND SINCE THE CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY IT HAS TO COME OUT OF MY POCKET TWICE! KNOW A FEW OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUES AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FOR $2400. DOESN'T SEEM QUITE RIGHT TO ME. *JB

NHTSA ID 10184080 · filed Mar 3, 2007

VEHICLE PARKED AND RUNNING TO WARM UP, VEHICLE STARTED MOVING BACKWARDS OUT OF GARAGE RUNNING INTO TREE ETC. *MJS

NHTSA ID 9000038 · filed Jan 27, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

POOR MANUFACTURING AND QUALITY OF VEHICLE COMPONENTS. *NLM

NHTSA ID 10018487 · filed May 10, 2003

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 719733 · filed Mar 6, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION RUBBED A HOLE INTO BRAKE LINE. *MR WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD GONE TO THE FLOOR. SCC

NHTSA ID 10021737 · filed Jun 4, 2003

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE, IT SPUN AROUND AND WENT ACROSS 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC. TOWED TO DEALER, LEFT FRONT WHEEL HAD SNAPPED DUE TO AXLE BREAKING. CONSUMERS DAUGHTER CAN BE REACHED AT 860-276-8617; GAYLE ROSSI. JLG

NHTSA ID 8013303 · filed Jul 5, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WOULD LIKE TO GET A REPLACEMENT,DISCOUNT OR FREE SERVICE ON MY 1997 MALIBU. I'VE HAD MY CAR SINCE 2004 AND HAD TO GET ANOTHER MOTOR IN 2005 WHICH IS NEEDED NOW .THIS CAR HAS PUT ME DOWN A LOT NOT ONLY PROBLEMS WITH THE MOTOR BUT THE IGNITION LOCKED UP AND I HAD TO REPLACE THAT AS WELL AS THE BRAKES AND ROTORS THAT LAST ABOUT 2 OR 3 MONTHS. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHTS NOT WORKING PROPERLY THEY ONLY WORK ON HIGH BEAM. I CAN'T FIND A MORE REASONABLE MECHANIC THAT'S WILLING TO REPAIR THE MOTOR THAT I CURRENTLY HAVE DUE TO THE TYPE WHICH IS A 2.4 AND A USED MOTOR COST ABOUT HALF THE PRICE OF A NEW ONE. PLEASE HELP! *TR

NHTSA ID 10227398 · filed May 12, 2008

I BOUGHT A 1997-MALIBU LS BRAND NEW. BEFORE IT TURNED 14,000 MILES HAD TO HAVE WORK DONE ON BRAKES. BEFORE EVEN TURNING 30,000 MILES I HAD TO REPLACE A COMPLETE BRAKE JOB, (2ND SET) TIRES, WATER PUMP, WHEEL CYLINDERS, MY HEAD LIGHTS POP ON, AND I HAVE A LITTLE OVER 33,000 MILES.THE DEALER WERE I BOUGHT THE CAR SAID UNLESS THEY SEE THE LIGHTS POP ON.THEY COULD DO NOTHING. GM SENT OUT A RECALL. WHICH I DID TAKE MY CAR INTO DEALER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM A FEW TIMES.I MOVED BACK TO INDIANA AND TOOK IT TO COYLE CHEVROLET IN NEW ALBANY. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR.BOTH DEALERS SAID THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO AS A CONSUMER..I AM MAD AS HELL-AND FEEL I WAS RIPPED OFF, AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND TO NO ONE TO EVER BUY A MALIBU. I HAD ONE IN 1969. AND, IT WAS THE BEST CAR. WHEN YOU PAY AROUND $25,000.00 FOR A NEW CAR-YOU WOULD THINK YOU WOULD NOT HAVE ALL THE BRAKE TROUBLE. I TO THIS DAY DO NOT FEEL SAFE WITH THESE BRAKES. I AM A SINGLE WOMEN AND THOUGHT BY BUYING A NEW CAR I WOULD FEEL SAFER. PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS. AS SOON AS I CAN AFFORD TO GET RID OF THIS CAR I PLAN TOO. I HAVE SPENT SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS ON OUT OF POCKET REPAIRS. BATTERY-2 BRAKE JOBS-ABS BRAKES-WHEEL CYLINDERS-ROARIES-WATER PUMP. *LA

NHTSA ID 10080895 · filed Jul 12, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .