Safety ratings
1997 Chevrolet Malibu 4-DR.
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlNo
Crash test videos & photos
Crash test #1NHTSA test 2517
Full test report (PDF) ↗Crash test #2NHTSA test 2529
Full test report (PDF) ↗Recalls (6)
- AIR BAGS:FRONTALCampaign 97V107000 · 28/06/1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FASTENERS THAT SECURE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TIE BAR WERE OMITTED.
Risk: IF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYS, THE MODULE COULD SEPARATE FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STRIKING AND INJURING AN OCCUPANT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AIR BAG MODULE FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE FASTENERS AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL ANY FASTENERS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED.
- FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICESCampaign 07E021000 · 12/03/2007
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
- STEERING:RACK AND PINIONCampaign 03V527000 · 11/12/2003
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
- VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGESCampaign 01V068000 · 08/03/2001
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. IF A BUILDUP OF SNOW OR ICE RESTRICTS THE MOVEMENT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM, THE PIVOT HOUSING CAN CRACK AND THE WIPERS WILL NOT OPERATE.
Risk: REDUCED VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 14, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 09E012000 · 07/04/2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONCampaign 14V400000 · 03/07/2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- SERVICE BRAKES109
- HYDRAULIC99
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM90
- STEERING80
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING60
- SUSPENSION45
- VISIBILITY38
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING37
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/30/2008· VISIBILITY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE PIVOT HOUSING FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE WIPERS TO FAIL. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY WAS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED AND THE RISK OF A CRASH WAS INCREASED. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V068000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES). THE CONTACT PAID $380.68 TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSING. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 93,986. UPDATED 1/26/09 *CN UPDATED 01/26/09. *JB
- 12/28/1997· POWER TRAIN
WHEN ENGINE IS WARM THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUOUSLY SHIFTS IN AND OUT OF OVERDRIVE. THE TRANSMISSION JERKS ENTIRE ENGINE AND HAS DIFFICULTY ON INCLINES, MAKING LOUD NOISE WHEN SHIFTING.
- 12/22/2003· SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
BRAKES GONE (AGAIN). BEEN REPLACING ABOUT EVERY 10000 MILES. THIS CAR HAS BEEN ONE THING WRONG AFTER ANOTHER. ALREADY REPLACED LOWER CONTROL ARMS AT 7500 MILES, LEAKING ANTIFREEZE GASKET, A/C CONTROL HEAD (TWICE), AND THE BRAKES ARE ONGOING. *AK
- 12/22/1999· SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE WHILE DRIVING. SUSPENSION WAS BAD IN THE FRONT. ALSO, BATTERY DID NOT WORK & NEEDED CHARGING/ WINDSHIELD NEEDED REPLACING DUE TO WIND SINGING/ VEHICLE WOULD STALL/ BRAKE ROTORS WERE WARPED, AND TIRES WERE WEARING OUT EXCESSIVELY DUE TO THE POOR SUSPENSION. VEHICLE AT DEALER. *AK
- 12/21/2001· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
NO SUMMARY
- 12/21/2000· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
VEHICLE MADE A GRINDING OR GROANING NOISE WHILE STOPPING FROM VARIOUS SPEEDS. HAD BRAKES REPLACED THREE TIMES. *AK
- 12/19/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU (3.1 V6 ENGINE). MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM WITH GM PRODUCTS, PARTICULARLY THIS ENGINE AND CAR. I ALSO SEARCHED THE COMPLAINTS DADABASE AND I FOUND THAT IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. ALSO, THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT COMING AND EXCESSIVE BRAKE PAD WEAR AND ROTOR WARPING APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. THIS WAS FIXED ONCE, THE PROBLEM IS REACCURING. $1200 IN MAJOR REPAIRS SO FAR ON A 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU, NOT TO MENTION THE OTHER SMALL BUT FREQUENT REPAIRS. I AM DISSATISFIED WITH BOTH OF MY RECENT GM PRODUCTS BECAUSE THEY BOTH HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS THAT LEAD TO COSTY REPAIRS OR ENGINE FAILURE AT 120,000 MILES ON A 1994 GRAND AM AND 89,000 MILES ON A 1997 MALIBU. I HAVE HAD TO FIX THE RADIO NUMEROUS TIMES (CABLE COMES UNPLUGGED QUITE OFTEN). *AK
- 12/19/2000· STEERING
STEERING BECAME NOISY WHEN MAKING A TURN AND DIFFICULT/HARD TO MANAGE. WITH LESS THAN 11000 MILES RACK AND PINION STEERING HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK
- 12/19/1999· SUSPENSION
CAR MADE A LOT OF FRONT END NOISE. DEALER STATES A LOT OF LOWER CONTROL ARMS ARE FAILING ON THE 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THIS PART SHOULD NOT GO BAD, AT LEAST NOT UNDER 100,000 MILES . GENERAL MOTORS KNOWS THIS COMPONENT IS A SAFETY DEFECT. I SPENT $1200.00 IN REPAIRS WITHIN A 2 WEEK PERIOD. *AK
- 12/18/1997· VISIBILITY
WIPER MOTOR AND RELAY BOARD FAILED.
- 12/17/2019· AIR BAGS
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.
- 12/17/2003· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
EXCESSIVE BRAKE PAD USEAGE WITH THIS CAR. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 88,000 MILES. I AM VERY VERY DISSATISFIED WITH THIS CAR AND DO NOT PLAN ON PURCHASING ANOTHER GM AT THIS TIME. *AK
- 12/17/1997· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
KEY WON'T TURN IN IGNITION, HAD TO BE FIXED TWICE.
- 12/14/1999· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THROTTLE BODY WAS CLOGGED, CAUSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO STICK. ALSO, THE VEHICLE HAS EXPOERIENCED PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR. *AK
- 12/14/1999· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE ROTORS ARE DEFECTIVE. YH
- 12/12/2002· SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
EXCESSIVE BRAKE PAD WEAR, AND NOISE. ABS LIGHT ON AND OFF. MECHANIC QUESTIONED WIRING PROBLEM COMING FROM WHEEL BEARING TO ABS LIGHT WHICH COULD NOT BE FOUND. WHEN ABS LIGHT IS ON THE VEHICLE HAS NO ANTILOCK BRAKES.
- 12/11/2000· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BROKEN BRAKE LIGHT - CHEVROLET IS AWARE OF BAD CIRCUIT BEHIND THE LIGHT PANEL. *AK
- 12/11/2000· SUSPENSION
WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW TO HIGH SPEED, CONSUMER NOTICED VEHICLE VIBRATING, DEALER DROPPED SURAME AND TIGHTENED RACK MOUNTS, LOWER CONTROL ARMS RATTLE AT LOW SPEED AND VEHICLE VIBRATES AT HIGH SPEED. ENGINE TORQUES BACK UNDER POWER, DEALER STATED THIS WAS BECAUSE OF FAULTY LOWER CONTROL ARMS. *SLC
- 12/11/1997· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE PADS FAILED.
- 12/09/2003· STEERING
STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING. STEERING WHEEL HAS TO BE FULLY ROTATED TWICE BEFORE THE VEHICLE GOES INTO THAT DIRECTION. *AK
- 12/09/1998· SUSPENSION
RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION FAILED. YH
- 12/09/1997· STRUCTURE
DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE'S HOOD/WINDSHIELD AREA IS VERY WIDE CAUSING SNOW, LEAVES AND DEBRIS TO ENTER ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
- 12/08/2010· STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 1997 CHEVY MALIBU HAS STARTED TO GO BAD I KNOW ITS THE LOWER GASKET I CALLED CHEVY AFTER SEEING SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM I WAS TOLD CHEVY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT DUE TO IT BEING OVER TEN YEARS OLD WELL IT SEEMS LIKE WITH WAS A PROBLEM WAITING TO HAPPEN AS SOON AS THEY SEALED THE MANIFOLD AT THE FACTORY I THINK GM SHOULD REPLACE THIS ITEM ONCE FREE OF CHARGE PER CAR ALSO MY RACK AND PINION SEEMS TO STICK ON MY LEFT SIDE I'VE REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND CHECKED THE RACK AND PINION SEEMS THE BALL BEARING WANTING TO COME OUT OR IS GONE I TOLD GM I DON'T THINK THEY REPLACED IT WHEN THEY RECALLED IT AND THEY TOLD ME THE FIRST OWNER DID BUT WONT SEND ME PAPERWORK ON THE REPAIR OR THE DEALERSHIP THAT DID THE WORK. *TR
- 12/08/2006· STEERING
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO STEER FOR THE FIRST 10 MINUTES AFTER TURNING ON THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING RACK AND THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE WERE LEAKING. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #03V527000, REGARDING THE STEERING: RACK AND PINION. THE SERVICE DEALER PERFORMED THE RECALL, HOWEVER THE GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS NOT REPLACED. UPDATD 01/30/07. *JB
- 12/07/2004· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
ONE AFTERNOON WE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE AFTER DOING SOME SHOPPING TO FIND BOTH DOORS COMPLETELY AJAR. WE KNEW THAT WE HAD CLOSED THEM BEFORE LEAVING SO WE THOUGHT IT WAS VERY STRANGE. WE GOT IN THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DOORS AND THEY KEPT SWINGING OPEN. NEITHER DOOR WOULD CLOSE. WE HAD TO DRIVE HOME HOLDING THE DOORS CLOSED. ONCE HOME WE WERE ABLE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE DOORS TO SEE WHAT MIGHT BE CAUSING IT. THE DRIVER DOOR TURNED OUT TO BE FIXABLE, FOR THE TIME BEING, THE THING THAT LATCHES THE DOOR WAS STUCK IN THE CLOSED POSITION SO WE JUST OPENED IT AND IT WAS FINE. THE PASSENGER DOOR, WE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT AT ALL. ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE DRIVER DOOR STOPPED CLOSING ALL TOGETHER AS WELL. WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THE DOORS FIXED BECAUSE WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND WE CAN'T AFFORD TO JUST TAKE IT IN AND HAVE IT DONE BY THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
- 12/05/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE TENSIONER PULLEY FOR THE ACCESSORY BELT COMPLETELY BROKE OFF FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE DEALER HAD TO REMOVE THE ENGINE TO DRILL OUT THE OLD BOLT AND TO GET THE NEW ASSEMBLY IN. THIS IS A PIECE THAT SHOULD NEVER JUST BREAK. DT
- 12/05/1999· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS CAR IS A LEMON (WIFE'S CAR). IN MANY INSTANCES, THE CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL, DESPITE IT BEING BRAND NEW. WHILE PARKED OR DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENTS WOULD GO HAYWIRE (PINNING AND MOVING VIOLENTLY), AND THE DASH LIGHTS WOULD TURN ON AND OFF BY THEMSELVES. IN ADDITION, MY WIFE'S BRAKES FAILED FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN STARTED WORKING AGAIN. THE FRONT END MAKES A STRANGE NOISE, AND THE RIDE IS VERY HARSH. BEEN TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM, BUT THEY DID NOT 'FIND ANYTHING WRONG'! AT THIS POINT, THEY SHOULD HAVE GIVEN US PROFESSIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE AND A NEW CAR! THIS IS THE LAST TIME WE ARE BUYING AN AMERICAN CAR. IT'S JAPANESE AND GERMAN FROM NOW ON!!
- 12/04/1998· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE DRIVING, SIGNAL LIGHTS DO NOT WORK (NOT ALWAYS, NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL HAVE THEM. SERVICE DEPT. REPLACED SWITCH, NOW IT IS WORSE. NEVER HAPPENS TO SERVICE WHEN THEY HAVE THE CAR.
- 12/03/2007· STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING RACK AND PINION FAILS TO TURN PROPERLY. SHE COULD NOT EXPLAIN THE FAILURE ANY FURTHER; HOWEVER, IT IS THE SAME FAILURE STATED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V527000 (STEERING:RACK AND PINION). THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125,000.
- 12/03/2002· SEAT BELTS
THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *TS *NLM
- 12/01/1997· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSCrash
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING AT 45-50 MPH BOTH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEATBELTS UNBUCKLED WHEN VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. ALSO THEIR WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S OR PASSEGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
- 11/30/2001· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
MOTOR MOUNTS ARE DEFECTIVE. IF CONSUMER WOULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE THEN MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION COULD FALL OUT OF VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE.*AK
- 11/29/2002· STEERING
WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AT 25 MPH THE VEHICLES STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED UP. *PH *JG *NLM
- 11/29/2000· AIR BAGSCrash
DURING A HEAD-ON COLLISION AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUSTAINED SOME WHIPLASH THAT HURT REAL BADLY. *AK
- 11/28/2000· TIRES
WE WERE TOWING OUR MALIBU BEHIND A MOTORHOME, HAD JUST PULLED ON TO I75 AFTER AN HOUR STOP AT A TRUCK STOP. WE WALKED AROUND THE VEHICLE BEFORE LEAVING THE TRUCK STOP AND ALL TIRES APPEARED TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION. FORTUNATELY TWO PASSING VEHICLES MOTIIONED US TO PULL OVER. THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY REMOVED FROM THE RIM. WE TOOK A PHOTOGRAPH. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/60R15 )
- 11/27/2000· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FRONT END SHIMMY AT 50-60 MPH WHEN BRAKES APPLIED;ROTORS&PADS REPLACED. *AK
- 11/24/2004· VISIBILITY
1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU WIPERS THE PART BROKE FROM THE ARM CALLED CHEVROLET PLACE IN BOAZ ALABAMA TO CHECK IF THEY HAD A RECALL HE CHECKED AND SAID NO. *NM
- 11/24/1999· STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
12 SERVICE VISITS, SUSPENSION CONTROL ARMS, RACK AND PINION, STEERING GEAR BAD, BRAKE ROTORS WARPED. ALL HAVE BEEN REPLACED 2 TO 3 TIMES AND SEVERAL REAPIR ATTEMPTS WITH TAPE AND BUSHINGS. OTHER ITEMS AS WELL. *AK
- 11/24/1997· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER EXPERIENCES ELECTRICAL SHOCK WHEN REMOVING OIL FILTER.
- 11/21/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FROM CHEVROLET DIVISION OF GENERAL MOTORS SEPTEMBER 2014. GM RECALL 14350. IGNITION SHUT OFF PROBLEM. GM ADVISED ME BY LETTER TO TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIR BY OCT 1, 2014. COMPLIED WITH GM REQUEST ON OCT 1, 2014, BUT WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT GM HAD NOT SENT PARTS FOR REPAIR AND TO CHECK BACK IN ONE MONTH. COMPLIED WITH DEALER REQUEST AND RECONTACTED DEALER ON NOV 10, 2014 FOR REPAIR. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT GM STILL HAD NOT SENT PARTS AND THAT MY NAME WOULD BE ADDED TO A CALL BACK LIST. AS OF THIS DATE, NOV 21, 2014 HAVE NOT HAD A CALL BACK FROM DEALER. *TR
- 11/20/2002· STEERING
WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN THE VEHICLE FAIL TO TURN. WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE VEHICLE KEPT STRAIT HE WAS ABLE TO THE VEHICLE BY HIS BRAKES TS
- 11/19/2007· STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN FEBRUARY OF 2004 REGARDING THE LOWER RACK AND PINION STEERING. HE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES AT THE TIME; HOWEVER, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. SIX MONTHS LATER, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL THE WHEEL BACK TO THE RIGHT AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME AND HIS FATHER, A MECHANIC, INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DECLARED THE CAUSE OF FAILURE TO BE THE LOWER RACK AND PINION. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE THE RECALL REPAIR HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 243,831. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ UPDATED *JB
- 11/18/1998· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED.
- 11/17/1997· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR.
- 11/17/1997· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVING AT APPROX 10-25 VEHICLE WILL BEGIN TO STALL WHEN TRYING TO COME TO COMPLETE STOP OR STARTING UP VEHICLE. DEALER CLAIMS THAT THE VEHICLE IS BASICALLY A LEMON. CHANGED/REPLACED ALL FOUR FUEL INJECTORS/CLEANED FUEL PLUGS/REPLACED THE COMPUTER, REPROGRAMMED IT. *AK
- 11/15/2000· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CONSUMER REPLACED ROTORS DUE TO THE NOISES THEY MADE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE USED AND THEY DID NOT FIT PROPERLY, THEY WERE TOO LOOSE AND THEY SHIFTED. *SLC
- 11/12/2003· STEERING
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED. *AK WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HAD BECOME DIFFICULT TO TURN ONE WAY WHILE REMAINING EASY TO STEER IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE RACK WAS REPLACED. *SCC *JB
- 11/12/2001· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR WOULD NOT START. ANTI-THEFT LIGHT KEPT FLASHING. 1ST OCCURRENCE HAPPENDED ON 10/20/00 AND THEN AGAIN ON 11/11/01. DEALER DIAGNOSED AS DEFECTIVE HOUSING AND TUMBLER AND REPLACED BOTH AT THE COST OF $396.39 EACH TIME.*AK
- 11/10/1998· SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE SYSTEM: I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ON 7/13/98 THAT THERE WAS A RUBBING/SQUEAKING SOUND WHEN DEPRESSING AND RELEASING BRAKE PEDAL. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM SOUND. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM AGAIN ON 9/16/98. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ROTORS WERE GROOVED. THE DEALER RESURFACED THE ROTORS AND APPLIED STOP SQUEAL TO THE PADS. LESS THAN TWO MONTHS FROM THIS SERVICE, THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED. RETURNING TO DEALER FOR SERVICE ON 11/11/98. SUSPENSION: I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT CLUNKING SOUND WHEN HITTING BUMPS OR GAPS IN ROAD SURFACE AND OF LOW PITCH WHIRRING NOISE IN FRONT WHEEL AREA (AUDIBLE AT SPEEDS OF 20-25 MPH). FIRST REPORTED PROBLEM OF CLUNKING SOUND TO DEALER ON 7/13/98. DEALER ATTRIBUTED NOISE TO LOOSE GEAR ASSEMBLY AND REPLACEDIT. THIS PROBLEM RECURRED AND WAS AGAIN REPORTED TO DEALER ON 9/16/98. DEALER REPLACED LOWER FRONT ARM ASSEMBLY. PROBLEM HAS RECURRED. RETURNING TO DEALER FOR SERVICE ON 11/11/98.
- 11/10/1997· STEERING
DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN THE STEERING RACK AND PINION, THE VEHICLE SHAKES AND RATTLES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER FEELS IT WILL LEAD TO A STEERING PROBLEM. *AK