1998 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Owners have filed 1,480 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 29.2% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 10.6%.
Complaints1,480
Crashes53
Fires6
Injuries37
Deaths7
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 29.2% · 432
Engine and engine cooling 10.6% · 157
Electrical system 10.1% · 150
Suspension 7.9% · 117
Exterior lighting 6.1% · 90
Steering 5.3% · 78
Visibility 4.7% · 69
Tires 4.0% · 59
Severity
Of those complaints, 53 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire, 37 report an injury and 7 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 27 model years of the Chevrolet Malibu in this data, 1998 sits 6th by complaint volume. 2009 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 13 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 70,000 miles.
In owners' own words
My car has had the brakes replaced twice already and the rotors as well. This car was just in for repair work last week and the dealer said that the brakes were 60% worn again already. They were just replaced about 6 months ago. The car pulsates when stopping. I believe that Chevrolet had a problem with these brakes and needs to correct the issue. I am going to have to replace these brakes again very shortly. Service brakes, hydraulic
When driving at any speed there is a loud squeaking noise coming from vehicle. Brake pads are moving up and down, and there is vibration within brake pedal. Dealer replaced rotors and pads. Also, consumer had cruise control set at 70 mph, and as consumer was going around the corner, cruise control went up to 76 mph. When going down a hill or up a hill cruise control went up to a higher speed. Service brakes, hydraulic
Rotors have warped twice within 20500 miles. Other Malibu owners have the same complaint. While I haven't been injured because of this, it should not be occurring so frequently. Chevy wanted to charge me to turn the rotors down the 2nd time, only 4000 miles after they were first turned down. This should not be happening. If I weren't astute enough to catch it early, it could be a real safety hazard. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Chevrolet Malibu years
1997 693 complaints · 17.9% service brakes, hydraulic 1999 1,227 complaints · 30.8% service brakes, hydraulic 2000 1,379 complaints · 20.6% service brakes, hydraulic 2001 1,005 complaints · 30.1% electrical system 2002 755 complaints · 35.8% electrical system 2003 773 complaints · 38.9% electrical system