1997 Chevrolet Malibu brakes problems
Owners reported brakes problems in 136 complaints for the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 20% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 136 20% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 72,000 miles 11 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 5 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When brakes problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 4 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 1 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 11 brakes complaints that report mileage, the median is about 72,000 miles, and 45% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 5 crashes, 1 injury.
What owners wrote
Suddenly brakes stopped working, and consumer's vehicle was involved in four collisions. . In the most recent collision consumer's vehicle struck the rear end of a truck at 30 MPH. Also, vehicle stalled and cuts off in traffic.
I have owned my malibu since it was new in 1997. In its lifetime it has had 4 or 5 sets of rotors and at least 7 sets of brake pads. It is now ready for a new set of rotors and brakes. The last time these were replaced on the car was 2 years ago. GM knew about the brake problem from day one. The 1997 and 1998 models have had numerous brake problems with them. They don't do anything about it because no one has gotten killed from the problem. Do I have to die in a wreck before someone listens??
Other problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
- Electrical system 95 complaints
- Steering 84 complaints
- Suspension 64 complaints
- Engine 63 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 49 complaints
- Lighting 45 complaints
- Air bags 25 complaints
- Tires 18 complaints