1999 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Owners have filed 1,227 complaints about the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 30.8% of them — the clear leader, ahead of electrical system at 13.1%.
Complaints1,227
Crashes61
Fires2
Injuries69
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 30.8% · 378
Electrical system 13.1% · 161
Engine and engine cooling 11.9% · 146
Suspension 7.3% · 90
Tires 6.2% · 76
Exterior lighting 5.5% · 68
Steering 3.3% · 41
Air bags 3.3% · 40
Severity
Of those complaints, 61 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 69 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 27 model years of the Chevrolet Malibu in this data, 1999 sits 14th by complaint volume. 2009 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 8 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 60,000 miles.
In owners' own words
I have had my rotors reground numerous times over the past one and a half years as well as have had both bearings replaced in the front. I had all valves replaced on the coolant system and it continues to leak still. There is a strong oder that comes in through the airconditioning vents. There is also a strong vibration when braking or traveling at higher speeds which makes the vehicle difficult to control. Service brakes, hydraulic · reported at 34,000 miles
Due to severe pulsation and steering wheel shaking when applying brakes, I had rotors replaced at 11,400 miles...Dealer said they were warped. Just had those rotors resurfaced at 37,000 miles....Dealer and manufacturer swear normal wear and tear. I wish I knew my recourse so I don't foot the bill...The rotors are defective! Also concerned about my safety in Malibu...Thought it was my dream car....Wrong! Service brakes, hydraulic
Abs light illuminated intermittently. Vehicle was taken to the dealer , who was unable to determine the problem. Now while driving and applying brakes consumer could hear noise from "left front" of vehicle and anti-brake system (ABS) engaged itself. This caused the car to "coast" and almost collided with another vehicle. Vehicle is on its third set of pads and second set of rotors. *Ts *tt *nlm. 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 1998 1,480 complaints · 29.2% 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