1999 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Owners have filed 1,227 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu. Brakes is the most reported problem area, at 33% of complaints. After that come electrical system (13%) and engine (9%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 1,227 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Brakes 33% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 61 and 2
- Injuries and deaths
- 69 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 60,000 miles 408 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 | 46 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 61 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 82 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 81 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 42 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 35 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 23 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 19 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 10 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 8 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Among the 408 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 60,000 miles. For brakes specifically, the median reported mileage is about 43,000 miles (75 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 61 complaints mention a crash; 2 complaints mention a fire; 69 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1999 ranks 7th most-complained-about out of 28 model years of the Chevrolet Malibu with enough data (750 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 1 safety recall campaign.
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.
When appyling brakes in an emergency ABS system failed to activate, and pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distance, cause unknown. After three visits to the dealer for brake problem, the ABS system failed again resulting in accident.
In july of 2005 I was involved in a accident due to the fact I was unable to stop this vehicle. I did not realize at the time that I had the ability to file a complaint to a federal safety organization. This vehicle has now had 5 brake jobs, the last being today. The front rotors had to be repaired because the vehicle was difficult to stop and had severe vibration during braking. The mileage on this vehicle is 101000 miles.
Consumer was driving vehicle when a tire blewout, vehicle spun out of control into a ditch and collided with another vehicle, causing injuries to five people, firestone affinity, p215/60r15, claim 32-v322-572. *slc
Continual brake problems. Three complete front brake services including rotors and pads each time at 20,000 , 36,000 , and 55,000 miles. All service was performed by chevrolet dealers. After each service I have noticed a "grinding" noise, faint, at first but worsens gradually until replacement. Last dealer (simms chevrolet ortonville michigan) strongly suggested I call GM (which I have on the last two occasions) but they claim it is normal.
Car had been driven from ohio to florida for vacation. Car was driven out of living complex when black smoke & burning rubber was noticed,drove back into complex & exited car when the tire on front passenger side blew.called aaa to have vehicle taken to an auto repair shop.