1999 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system problems
161 complaints about electrical system have been filed for the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu, which is 13% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 161 13% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 77,000 miles 89 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 6 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 5 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When electrical system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 10 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 19 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 16 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 7 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 11 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 9 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 6 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 7 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 89 electrical system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 77,000 miles, and 35% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 6 crashes, 5 injuries.
What owners wrote
Purchased vehicle 5/04/01. Had to return 2 days later for melted brake light sockets on left rear. Bulbs were replaced. Melted again within 3 weeks. Went back to dealer, was told they couldn't check it they were too busy. Made appointment to have fixed. They replaced bulbs and reworked socket but it still failed. They said that there is nothing else they can do. I have replaced bulbs on average every 2-3 weeks. I think they have an electrical short causing the bulbs to melt the sockets.
Two repairs in one week, alternator had to be replaced,dash lights started coming on & guages going crazy! Car wouldn't start after being parked for 1 hr, then when jump started it, died again in few minutes, replaced alternator, battery, then next day ignition failed, key wouldn't turn in ignition, had to be towed to my mechanic (this was the third (3rd) time the ignition switch locked up like this and the key wouldn't turn & the car would not start & entire ignition assembly had to be replaced, 2x earlier it was…
Other problems reported for the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
- Brakes 399 complaints
- Engine 105 complaints
- Suspension 90 complaints
- Tires 76 complaints
- Lighting 71 complaints
- Cooling system 46 complaints
- Steering 41 complaints
- Air bags 40 complaints