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7.9

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,400 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

problem #5

Oct 102007

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

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

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?? 2 years ago when I had it fixed I thought that would be the last time, but no, the brakes and rotors still don't fit my car right or they wouldn't wear like they do. GM need to fix the problem on my car. They seem to have corrected the problem on the 2000 models just fine.

- Lees Summit, MO, USA

problem #4

Sep 151997

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,000 miles
I bought a 1997-Malibu ls brand new. Before it turned 14,000 miles had to have work done on brakes. Before even turning 30,000 miles I had to replace a complete brake job, (2nd set) tires, water pump, wheel cylinders, my head lights pop on, and I have a little over 33,000 miles.the dealer were I bought the car said unless they see the lights pop on.they could do nothing. GM sent out a recall. Which I did take my car into dealer. I took it to the dealer I bought it from a few times.I moved back to Indiana and took it to coyle Chevrolet in new albany. I have had nothing but problems with this car.both dealers said there was nothing I could do as a consumer..I am mad as hell-and feel I was ripped off, and will not recommend to no one to ever buy a Malibu. I had one in 1969. And, it was the best car. When you pay around $25,000 for a new car-you would think you would not have all the brake trouble. I to this day do not feel safe with these brakes. I am a single women and thought by buying a new car I would feel safer. Please check into this. As soon as I can afford to get rid of this car I plan too. I have spent several hundred dollars on out of pocket repairs. Battery-2 brake jobs-ABS brakes-wheel cylinders-roaries-water pump.

- New Albany, IN, USA

problem #3

Jul 151998

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,000 miles
Bought car new 4-14-1997----problem car 32750 mi now Chevrolet ran away from this car and so did dealers---kept customer in the dark----waiting for 3 yrs or 36000mi suspension noise on going---rattle---creaking---glunking water pump leak at 23000 miles--fix est.$835--29295 mi suspension noisy yet 32655 mi on car. Relaced ignition lock cylinder $532.42---32600 mi replace 4 tires $314---32525 mi took 3 years to get brakes up tp par. Suspension still a problem.over all this car has problems from day one. Battery---windshield---poorly built auto. That's why I have low miles don't use it much.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #2

Jan 262003

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
There has been numerous problems with the brakes, they have been replaced every 20,000 miles. The cruise control has been fixed a few times and needs repair again. Now, the engine has started to consume oil and I have been told it needs replacement. The Malibu is a lemon of a car.

- Depere, WI, USA

problem #1

Sep 041998

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
Vehicle shakes violently when braking at high speeds and the front end clunks. Dealer stated that the owner over-inflated the tires, rides the brakes which warped the rotors. Owner's company have two vehicles which experienced the same problem.

- Bonner, MT, USA

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