1998 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer writes to express discontent with local dealership. The consumer stated the brake was spongy, the ABS light illuminated and the ac worked erratically, depending on the blower speed and would sometimes quit blowing cold air and would start to blow warm air. The consumer stated the brake fluid was very low. The dealer was unable to find any brake fluid leaks. However, two months later while driving, the brake pedal went to the floor, because the fluid had leaked out again. The brake lines were replaced. In addition, to the brake line issue, the sway bar was broken, a fuel line was leaking and the left rear strut had failed.

- Greenville, PA, USA

I was parking the car in my drive way and all of sudden a loud noise comes from underneath and the car steers by itself in the wrong direction where the other car was already parked. I managed to steer due to the slow speed the car was moving but I realized how bad this could have been while driving the car in traffic and at high speed rates. When I checked what happened, I noticed that the front end cradle that the steering rack mounts to, has rusted out and the whole rack and pinion became lose in one of the mounting points. I am very disappointed with the quality and workmanship they put in one of the most important parts of the car, where steering, suspension, in fact the whole power train seats on and it failed so easy. The manufacture was trying to save some dollars at the cost of peoples lives.

- Troy, MI, USA

The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the front driver side spring failed and caused damage to the front driver side tire and wheel. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and the current mileage was 53,924.

- Bowie , MD, USA

Car was parked in driveway, I went into car to get something out of the glove compartment all of a sudden this loud bang! I walked around the car to try to find out what caused this, could not see anything out of the ordinary. I then sat in car and turned the steering wheel to one side, went out to check tires, both tires turned. Did the same for the other side, all okay. Got in car, backed out of driveway and then another loud bang. Backed the car up into the driveway. Had it flat bedded to the repair shop. As the other complaints are noted it was the spring - the repair man said thank god you weren't driving the car it could have caused a serious accident. Had to have spring, struts and strut mounts replaced. At that point I was so scared to drive this vehicle and possibly have the same thing happen to the other side, I asked them to replace both. I called Chevrolet headquarters to ask if this is on a recall or if there have been any other complaints like this filed, the representative said they have no recalls and nothing on record of this problem with other Chevrolet Malibu owners.

- North Brunswick, NJ, USA

The coil spring snapped in half while I was in my car and popped my tire. I was traveling at extremely low speeds, otherwise it could have been terrible. I replaced it with a junk yard spring and strut since I have never heard of this type of failure. Several weeks before the failure there was a low squeak or rub coming from the front wheel well. I thought at the time that it was snow build up, but now I know better.

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

When driving 10 mph consumer turned the steering wheel towards the left and steering wheel made a grinding noise. Also, brakes were difficult to depress. Consumer was able to control the vehicle, and towed it to dealership for inspection.

- Harrington, DE, USA

Defects in 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. I have spent over $1000 trying to repair the ABS system (including replacing the wiring harness for what GM call an "updated wiring harness, " replacing left and right wheel barons, and replacing the ABS relay). The brakes consistently have trouble and pulse when trying to stop the vehicle. I am also experiencing considerable trouble with the computer system in the car. The anti theft light and air bag lights come on and stay on, creating codes in the computer, with no visible reasons for the codes. The gas pedal has also been repaired twice as it has a tendency to stick. The left rear strut mounts have also broken and have had to be repaired (quite costly). I am becoming increasingly concerned for safety while driving this car.

- Manchester, NH, USA

Brake pads, rotors, and calipers continually failed on Chevrolet Malibu. This has been going on since car was new. Pads, rotors, calipers, and ball joints have all been replaced - pads and rotors as often as every 6000 to 12000 miles. Dealers and independents have worked on it with the same result: More failures. There are hundreds of complaints about these problems for Malibu's just from this year's model and many more for other years. NHTSA has never investigated even though brake failure would seem to be significant. My tax money is not working hard enough.

- Dumfries, VA, USA

The vehicle has experienced the following problem: The front end/lower suspension arms need changing, the rack and pinion assembly is leaking constantly and has been changed twice, and the rear crankshaft seal is leaking oil.

- Guaynabo, PR, USA

Front and rear suspension make loud squeaky noises. The noise is consistant while driving over rough and bumpy roads. Dealer confirms that suspension is bad. Dealer was notified.

- Chattanooga, TN, USA

I bought in August of 2000 four monts after I have had this car my problems began since then the car has been in the shop at least 10 times for the same problem the engine light comes on and the car shakes and stalls out.paddock Chevrolet has given me false hope about the car they said they fixed the problem from fuel filters fuel injectors but the problem still occurs they had even after time admitted they can not fix the problem. Recently the problem has gotten worse I have a daughter who just turned a year and all I want is to feel safe on the road I have missed work a couple of time because of the problem and nothing is being done.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

There is a knocking noise in steering wheel. Dealer has replaced rack and pinion steering and problem still exists. Manufacturer has been notified.

- Marlboro, NY, USA

While driving about 55 mph vehicle will vibrate highly. Vibration will be felt on passenger's side as well as on driver's side, dealer has rotated the tires, replaced tires (no brand or size given), replaced plug wires placed a bolt in the suspension, and replaced rotors, the problems still exists.

- Brooklyn Park, MN, USA

While driving on road over 45mph vehicle will sway/won't stay in its lane. Also, factory battery had started melting through the plate/ABS light came on when starting vehicle/ upon applying brakes they squeaked, and vehicle won't go in reverse. The transmission failed. The A/C is inoperable. Brakes failed four times.

- Washington, DC, USA

When applying brakes at high speed heard loud and shaking noise and vibration throughout vehicle.

- Mcaltin, FL, USA

Possibly due to poor suspension vehicle makes noise while driving over rough roads.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

While at 60mph car starts to shutter and it won't slow down properly. Also, within 30, 000 miles had to have brakes done. Dealer didn't help.

- Randalls Town, MD, USA

The front of the car and steering wheel vibrates at speed of 50 mph.

- Baton Roug, LA, USA

The front of the car and steering wheel vibrates at speed of 50 mph.

- Baton Roug, LA, USA

While driving at any spee and, making a turn, there is some a grinding noise coming from the steering. Also, when applying the brakes they are vibrating.

- Columbia, TN, USA