10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
2,356 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #13

Mar 191998

Malibu

  • miles
The front brake rotors warped which may result in extended stopping distance and crash. Been to dlr 4 times. Dealer replaced rotors once, and resurfaced rotor 3 times.

- Douglasville, GA, USA

problem #12

Nov 011997

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Front brake rotors warped.

- Huntington, CA, USA

problem #11

Mar 011999

Malibu

  • miles
First failure resulted in resurfacing of rotors under warranty. Problem reoccurred approx. 5,000 miles later. Rotors to be replaced under "good will policy".

- Newington, CT, USA

problem #10

Apr 051998

Malibu

  • miles
Front rotors have been cut at 9000, 19,000 and are to be replaced on 4/12/99 at 22,300. Also, front control arms have been replaced.

- Fond Du Lac, WI, USA

problem #9

Jun 011998

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brake rotors were bent and out of shape, causing the vehicle to pulse and bounce when applying brakes, making it difficult for vehicle to stop, and resulting in loss of control. Dealer claimed this was normal wear and tear. But brake rotors and pads have been replaced twice within 7,000 miles.

- E. Windsor, NJ, USA

problem #8

Mar 251999

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brake rotors keep warping. Rotors have been replaced three times within 33,000 miles. Dealer claims cannot determine what is causing the brakes to warp.

- Delavan, WI, USA

problem #7

Mar 261999

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
Front brake rotors keep warping. Dealer says will put on 2nd set of updated rotors. When asked what happens when warranty runs out and problem still exists, dealer says that problem would then be a manufacturer's problem, and work for this would no longer be covered unless manufacturer of part is willing to shell out expense. I believe if they are selling a car with defective components to the point that they have released 2 sets of updated parts, then dealer should still honor any work in the future which is caused by same problem which has been occurring long before warranty ran out. Dealer should then contest with part manufacture about sending them defective parts to build their automobiles with, instead of customer having to go through part manufacturer themselves. I am very displeased with the answers I have been getting from dealer.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #6

Oct 131998

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
Front brake rotors are prematurely wearing out within 20,000 miles. They have been changed 5 times. Cause unknown.

- Chauncey, WV, USA

problem #5

Mar 021999

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
Brake rotors continually failing.

- Kimper, KY, USA

problem #4

Jul 151998

Malibu

  • miles
Every 6000 to 10000 miles the brake rotors will warp, causing a shimmy at 70 mph. This is 4 times in less than 1 year and 30000 miles driven. GM says nothing is wrong.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #3

Jan 251999

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
Front end suspension rough, clunk, feels loose, brakes/rotors prematurely wearing out, and instrument panel very hot when heater or A/C being used. Radio am already malfunctioned once. Am concerned re: Brakes, front end and fire hazard of this vehicle.

- New Balltimore, MI, USA

problem #2

Nov 151998

Malibu

  • miles
Front brake rotors out of round at 12000 miles of wear. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that this problem was not under warranty and cost would go to consumer.

- Colora Spring, CO, USA

problem #1

Jul 061998

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When applying brakes front end shakes. Cause unknown. Dealer repaired and turned rotors. Rotors warped from overheating then cooled by rain, dealer stated rain was at fault.

- Delavan, WI, USA