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8.4

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
3,720 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Chevrolet Malibu brakes problems

brakes problem

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1997 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #25

Mar 092004

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumer was concerned with the front brake rotors, brake rotors were replaced on two separate occasions, but problem recurred.

- Portage, WI, USA

problem #24

Nov 202003

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles
Brakes gone (again). Been replacing about every 10000 miles. This car has been one thing wrong after another. Already replaced lower control arms at 7500 miles, leaking antifreeze gasket, A/C control head (twice), and the brakes are ongoing.

- Deland , FL, USA

problem #23

Sep 202002

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Grinding sound while turning to the left-has been there since I bought the car-the dealer would not fix it when I took it back a week later- I feel there is a problem with it and it should have been taken care of within the time that I first bought the car without a charge!

- Big Rapids, MI, USA

problem #22

May 062003

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Coolant leaking, engine overheats after highway driving. Brakes and rotors fail consistently within 15000 miles of replacement.

- Fallon, NV, USA

problem #21

May 282002

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
I have had to change the front disc brakes at least 5 times and the rotors twice in the 2 years since I have owned the vehicle. The air bag sensor has not been functional since 1 month after I bought the vehicle. It also has a problem with the ABS system, causing the brakes to wear so fast. I believe the system should be recalled due to safety issues. I have checked on the internet with other owners and most of them have the same issues with the brakes as I do.

- Moore, OK, USA

problem #20

Mar 292001

Malibu

  • miles
Anti- theft system activates ramdomly and the ignition will not start. Has been in the shop for repairs numerous times without success. The ABS light comes on at random. The rotors wear out excessively on this car. The cruise control cuts itself off while driving. We have also had sensors replaced on the air conditioner twice. Those are just the major problems.

- Mobile, AL, USA

problem #19

Nov 152000

(reported on)

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumer replaced rotors due to the noises they made when the brakes were used and they did not fit properly, they were too loose and they shifted.

- Rye, NY, USA

problem #18

Jun 102000

Malibu

  • miles
Brakes cause front end to shake. Dealer states that the only solution is to turn the rotors.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #17

Oct 101999

Malibu

  • miles
I have had three new front control arms put on. Now the rear suspension is bad. The brakes wear out fast because the rotors are junk, they need to be replaced every 15K to 20K miles. The car has 47K miles on it and I have owned it for 20K of those miles and have had the rotors replaced once and they need it again now. The brakes need replaced often as a result of the rotors wearing down so quickly. I don't know why this is but I urge Chevy/GM to offer a solution shortly or they will lose a lot of loyal customers. I have spoken to a number of Malibu owners with similar problems.

- Davenport, IA, USA

problem #16

Apr 232000

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
Front end shakes at highway speeds, brake rotors failed, tires worn at 30000 miles.( dot number: Tire size: P21560R15 )

- Pleasant Prairie, WI, USA

problem #15

Mar 152000

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The front rotors and drums squeak. Nlm

- New Albany, IN, USA

problem #14

Jan 042000

Malibu

  • miles
Front rotors worn out excessively.

- Cypress, CA, USA

problem #13

Dec 141999

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
Brake rotors are defective.

- Stanley, NC, USA

problem #12

Dec 221999

(reported on)

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle would shake while driving. Suspension was bad in the front. Also, battery did not work & needed charging/ windshield needed replacing due to wind singing/ vehicle would stall/ brake rotors were warped, and tires were wearing out excessively due to the poor suspension. Vehicle at dealer.

- St George, UT, USA

problem #11

Nov 241999

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
12 service visits, suspension control arms, rack and pinion, steering gear bad, brake rotors warped. All have been replaced 2 to 3 times and several reapir attempts with tape and bushings. Other items as well.

- Stanley, NC, USA

problem #10

Mar 171999

Malibu

  • miles
Failed again 28,800;indpndt shop says original rotors 2thin 2turn after "miked";rotors have never been turned;no grooves.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #9

Jan 041999

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Front brake rotors warped & uneven. Has happened twice before. Had the rotors turned at least twice. Mechanic could not locate cause of problem.

- Calhoun, GA, USA

problem #8

May 031999

Malibu

  • miles
Brake rotors warped and pads worn causing vibration while braking. Mjs

- Arlington, VA, USA

problem #7

May 171998

Malibu

  • miles
Whenever brakes are applied, while driving at 40mph, they make squealing noises. They would also lurch & jerk. Have been to dealer, and dealer replaced rotors. The noise in the brakes still exists.

- Edgewood, TX, USA

problem #6

Mar 261998

Malibu

  • miles
Brake pads and rotors failed several times causing pulsating.

- Unknown, UN, USA

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