64 of the
693 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu are about the
suspension — 9% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
64,000 miles.
I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE PASSENGER CALIPER AND ROTORS TWICE BECAUSE THE BOLTS FOR THE CALIPER KEEPS POPPING OUT AND THE BOLTS FOR THE BRACKET KEEPS POPPING OUT.. MY WINDSHIELD WIPER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WENT OUT LAST MONTH..LAST NIGHT THE CAR WOULDN'T START UP ANYMORE WHEN I DO TURN THE KEY THE LIGHTS COME ON BUT WHEN I TRY TO START THE CAR UP I GET A CLICKING NOISE, THE RADIO KEPT GOING IN AND OUT ALSO. NOW MY O2 SENSORS AND TRIPPING. I'VE HAD TO CHANGE THE EGR VALVE BECAUSE IT KEPT GETTING STUCK IN OPEN POSITION AND I ALSO CHANGED THE BELT
NHTSA complaint #11322384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesCarthage, MSCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE FRAME SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO FLIP AND CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #10639799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesHastings, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
NOTICED A HOWLING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT WHEEL. NOISE GREW LOUDER AT HIGHER SPEEDS. DETERMINED IT TO BE THE WHEEL HUB/BEARING. THE HUB/BEARING WAS REPLACED. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED 4 TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE 3 ON LF AND 1 ON RF WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10186089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winona, MN
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE TURN SIGNALS ARE NOT RELIABLE THEY MIGHT WORK ONE TIME AND THE NEXT TIME THEY WONT WORK. THERE IS A LOT OF RATTLING SOUNDS COMING FROM THE REAR WHEELS, THE STEERING COLUMN MAKES A WEIRD SOUND WHEN BEING TURNED.
NHTSA complaint #10180895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesHouston, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
COMPLAINT #1 A/C CUTS ON AND OFF. COMPLAINT #2 SUSPENSION KNOCKING, SERVICED 4 TIMES, STILL HAVE SAME PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10091025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,200 milesDodge City, KS
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THEY CHECKED THE TIRES, AND FOUND THAT THE TIRES WERE WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. COULD NOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM OR CAUSE OF IT. *AK WHILE DRIVING 40 MILES PER HOUR THE VEHICLE PULLED MULTIPLE TIMES TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CONSUMER PULLED TOWARDS THE SHOULDER AND THE VEHICLE ENDED UP IN A DITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10090216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Terrell, TX
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
MY FIRST ISSUE IS WITH THE LIGHTS ON THE MALIBU. MY LIGHT DEVELOPED CONDENSATION IN THEM WHICH IN THE REAR CAUSED THE LIGHT TO GLOW DIM, AND CAUSED E TO GET PULLED OVER ON A NUMBER OF TIMES. IN THE FRONT IT HAS CAUSED THE GLASS SHIELD TO FOG CAUSING ME TO FAIL VEHICLE INSPECTION. THERE HAVE ARE MANY OTHER ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS ON MY CAR SUCH AS THE THEFT LOCK SYSTEM, THE POWER MOON ROOF, THE MANUFACTURER'S CD PLAYER, THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL SWITCH. THEN IT HAS A PROBLEM WITH EMISSIONS. THE HEADLINER IS FALLING OFF THE CEILING.
NHTSA complaint #10073144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesPortland, OR
SUSPENSION
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.$835.00--29295 MI SUSPENSION NOISY YET 32655 MI ON CAR. RELACED IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER $532.42---32600 MI REPLACE 4 TIRES $314.00---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.
NHTSA complaint #10069826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,616 milesWilliamsport, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
CONTROL ARMS, R & R ARM, CONTROL LOWER-ONE SIDE . BOTH WENT OUT, BOTH NEEDED REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10065934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,616 milesWilliamsport, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
CONTROL ARMS, R & R ARM, CONTROL LOWER-ONE SIDE . BOTH WENT OUT, BOTH NEEDED REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10065934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesDeland, FL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10050934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesPortland, OR
SUSPENSION:FRONT
MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 1997 MALIBU, SUSPENSION NOISE/LEAKY WATER PUMP/KEY AGNITION, AND LOCK COLLAR. 32600 MILES ON THE CAR MANY REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #10029037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesMadison, FL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THE VEHICLE SWERVED LEFT AND RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10015477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MT. Holly, NJ
SUSPENSION
RENEE BORSTAD, DIRECTOR/SUPERINTENDENT OF THE BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS WRITES ON BEHALF OF PARKER FLORES, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE HOME, SERIOUS VIBRATIONS BEGAN NECESSITATING IT BE BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #565690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Panama City, FL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIR DUE TO FRONT END SUSPENSION NOISES (CREAKING/POPPING) WHILE CORNERING. SERVICE CENTER STATED THAT LOWER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED REPLACING. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT RACK AND PINION GEAR NEEDED REPLACING EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY OF THE WARNING SIGNALS OF A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #766301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING, WHILE MAKING A TURN, CAN HEAR A LOUD CLICKING NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #8017683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
SUSPENSION
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #765377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MT. Holly, NJ
SUSPENSION
RENEE BORSTAD, DIRECTOR/SUPERINTENDENT OF THE BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS WRITES ON BEHALF OF PARKER FLORES, " WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE HOME, SERIOUS VIBRATIONS BEGAN NECESSITATING IT BE BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #565690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willingboro, NJ
SUSPENSION:REAR
CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A BAD SQUEAK NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF VEHICLE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR STABILIZER INSULATOR BUSHINGS.
NHTSA complaint #564702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willingboro, NJ
SUSPENSION:REAR
CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A BAD SQUEAK NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF VEHICLE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR STABILIZER INSULATOR BUSHINGS.
NHTSA complaint #564702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wheeling, IL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
SEAT BELT NOT WORKING, ALL FOUR TIRES ARE CRACKING ALL AROUND THE TREAD AND SIDEWALL. LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACED AND HOOD CABLE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #9005502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manaway, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
TWO FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE GONE OUT/BROKE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #8004588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
SUSPENSION:FRONT
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK (TIRESIZE: 215R60-15)
NHTSA complaint #753832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Antonio, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
DEALER REPLACED BOTH CONTROL ARM DUE TO RATTLING AND SQEAKING IN THE FRONT END AS A RESULT THE TIRE HAD TO BE REPLACED, AFTER 20000 MILES THE NOISE IS BACK. NLM
NHTSA complaint #785516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
SUSPENSION:FRONT
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 0 TIRESIZE: 215R60-15)
NHTSA complaint #750991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conyners, GA
SUSPENSION
WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW TO HIGH SPEED, CONSUMER NOTICED VEHICLE VIBRATING, DEALER DROPPED SURAME AND TIGHTENED RACK MOUNTS, LOWER CONTROL ARMS RATTLE AT LOW SPEED AND VEHICLE VIBRATES AT HIGH SPEED. ENGINE TORQUES BACK UNDER POWER, DEALER STATED THIS WAS BECAUSE OF FAULTY LOWER CONTROL ARMS. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #876239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davenport, IA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
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.
NHTSA complaint #722896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davenport, IA
SUSPENSION:REAR
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.
NHTSA complaint #722896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Prairie, WI
SUSPENSION:FRONT
FRONT END SQUEAK AND THUMP. DEALER REPORTS NO REPAIR/REMEDY AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #721840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Prairie, WI
SUSPENSION:FRONT
FRONT END SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS,BRAKE ROTORS FAILED,TIRES WORN AT 30000 MILES. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P21560R15 )
NHTSA complaint #721842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.