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.
When consumer applies the brakes vehicle starts to shake. The steering wheel also shakes. Vehicle starts pulsating when she is driving between 30 to 35 mph. The vehicle will not stop.
Rotors on front disc brakes warp and cause severe vibration upon application of brakes at freeway speeds. Original equipment rotors were turned and then replaced within the first year. Second set of rotors have been turned and are now needing replacement at 24000 miles on vehicle. I am concerned about possible vehicle damage to steering and suspension components due to the severe vibration of the vehicle during braking.
Whenever the brakes are applied, vehicle would shake. Took to dealer & was informed the brake pads & rotors were worn out. The rotors were also pitted. Dealer informed owner would have to pay first before repairs to brake damage is done.work completed at location vehicle was purchased under "one time warranty repair". pads worn out at 17,504, rotors worn out at 22,854. * mjs
Car shimmies when brakes applied, had rotors turned and pads replaced at 28,000, now failing again, rotors warped and need replaced. Found many other owners of this make having same problem but manufecturer will not admit to defect or cover under warranty. What's the deal" are they not responsible for safety in these vehichles" please advise.
At 11K mi when brakes applied at 50+ mph front tires severely shimmied, dealer machined and reinstalled front disc, as of 8/8/99 symptoms have returned. At 14K mi a thumping noise began in the right front tire, dealer replaced both lower control arms. At 3K mi heater blower motor started making a loud noise, dealer replaced blower motor. At 9K mi heater blower motor started to again make a loud noise, dealer removed and reinstalled blower fan, motor still makes a loud noise.
Front of car vibrates when brakes are applied from a speed of 50 mph or more. The problem was prematue failure of the front disc brakes at 30400 miles (16% of warranty remaining). Munday Chevrolet had to turn rotors and replace brake pads which was not covered under the new car warranty. GM customer service (case no. 990384225) was contacted about the problem and they said it was normal maintenance. There appears to be a defect in design, materials or workmanship. The NHTSA customer complaint data base contains numerous incidents of prematue 1998 Malibu front disc brake failures. Some of these occurred at less than 10,000 miles and as many as three times. GM does not recognize these failures as covered under their warranty.
My problem is that my rotors and pads continually warp. The dealership will turn my rotors, and have replaced my pads once, but after every long trip, they warp again. Causeing me substantal loss of my ability to brake. I have had three near accidents, one when a semi pulled out in front of me. These would have not even been a concern if my brakes would have been working properly. But I was only able to stop feet from these cars when it should have been yards. I've done enough driving to know the difference between good brakes and bad. Plus when I apply my brakes my car shakes, and my steering wheel jumps in my hand.
Rotors out of round at 7000 miles resulting in a severe and dangerous shaking of the front end upon application of brakes, rotors replaced under warranty, failed again at 15000 miles, also front pads worn out by 15000 miles
When driving at any speed there is a loud squeaking noise coming from vehicle. Brake pads are moving up and down, and there is vibration within brake pedal. Dealer replaced rotors and pads. Also, consumer had cruise control set at 70 mph, and as consumer was going around the corner, cruise control went up to 76 mph. When going down a hill or up a hill cruise control went up to a higher speed.
I bought my Chevrolet Malibu used and have had it about 2 months. Days after the 36,000 mile warranty runs out I have major brake problems. Replaced front brakes, pads, right rotor and right caliper. Every mechanic I've seen is amazed that a car a year old needs a new caliper. Called the dealer and they told me they couldn't do anything about it. Also had problem with front end rattling noise like the front end is loose or something; dealer did put new control arms on, but noise still persists.
Rotors required turning at 18,860 miles. Brake pads had at least 50% life remaining. At 26,733 miles, rotors require turning again. New repair shop (alexander Chevrolet, murfreesboro, tn 37133 615-893-6600) indicates at least 50%-60% life remaining on brakes pads. There is an apparent defect in the quality of rotors being supplied on vehicle. Chevrolet customer service (1-800-222-1020) will not resolve dispute by waiving charge to turn rotors for a second time. It has been less than 8,000 miles since the initial repair was made. Rotor failing prematurely and too often.
It seems as though sooner I get one thing fixed and another goes wrong. I want GM to purchase the car back. It is to the point I am afaid to even get into the car anymore.
After initial 2000 miles vehicle shimmies severely (steering wheels puses back and forth) when brakes are applied at highway speeds. Vehicle brakes unevenly when brakes are applied at slow speeds. Dealer failed to diagnose problem on first two attempts. On third attempt dealer diagnosed worn, pitted rotors after 4000 miles. Rotors replaced. After next 3000 miles condition recurred. Dealer found rotors worn and pitted again. Dealer resurfaced rotors. After next 3000 miles condition has recurred. Dealer refuses to repair under warrantee. This condition so severe that it could cause loss of control in slick road conditions. Also wonder how this condition might interact with ABS system. I notice there are 6 similar complaints in your database for this particular model year.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Carroll, OH, USA