1998 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Owners have filed 1,480 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. Brakes is the most reported problem area, at 32% of complaints. After that come electrical system (10%) and engine (9%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 1,480 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Brakes 32% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 53 and 6
- Injuries and deaths
- 37 and 7
- Typical mileage
- 70,000 miles 322 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 19 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 22 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 73 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 58 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 60 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 28 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 21 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 4 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 16 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 9 |
| 200k+ miles | 12 |
What the data shows
Among the 322 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 70,000 miles. For brakes specifically, the median reported mileage is about 58,000 miles (38 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 53 complaints mention a crash; 6 complaints mention a fire; 37 injuries reported; 7 deaths reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1998 ranks 5th most-complained-about out of 28 model years of the Chevrolet Malibu with enough data (907 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 3 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
This vehicle had a crash with fatalities in 2006. General motors never issued a unintended ignition turnoff on this vehicle until aug2014. The crash began with an uncontrollable and unexpected spinout, there was no ability to steer, brake and air bags did not deploy. These are the exact conditions listed in the GM recall. GM will not accept a filing for this make and model vehicle and should be added to the GM ignition failure claim program.
I do not have any accidents or incidents to report, but I am concerned that one could occur, if not to me, to somebody else who may have the same problem. No problem stated or component listed in the summary. I have a 1998 chevy malibu, with a 3.1l v6 engine. I have been recently diagnosed with a leaking lower intake manifold gasket. My mechanic says this is a very common problem with this engine, in the 50k to 80k mile range. I have 89,500 miles on my malibu. Repair cost is $600-800.
The anti- theft system disabled the engine while the vehicle was being turned through an intersection. With the motor dead, neither the brakes nor steering were powered. Coasted to the far right lane out of traffic flow, tried to restart the engine, but to no avail. Called a tow truck but by the time they arrived, the engine started and ran. This anti-theft system has prohibited the car from starting four times in the last year. The dealer stated that they cannot fix this.