469 of the
1,480 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu are about the
braking system — 32% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
58,000 miles.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG, ABS, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
NHTSA complaint #10701336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES TO EXPRESS DISCONTENT WITH LOCAL DEALERSHIP. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE WAS SPONGY, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE AC WORKED ERRATICALLY, DEPENDING ON THE BLOWER SPEED AND WOULD SOMETIMES QUIT BLOWING COLD AIR AND WOULD START TO BLOW WARM AIR. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE FLUID WAS VERY LOW. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY BRAKE FLUID LEAKS. HOWEVER, TWO MONTHS LATER WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, BECAUSE THE FLUID HAD LEAKED OUT AGAIN. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, TO THE BRAKE LINE ISSUE, THE SWAY BAR WAS BROKEN, A FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING AND THE LEFT REAR STRUT HAD FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10639977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES TO EXPRESS DISCONTENT WITH LOCAL DEALERSHIP. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE WAS SPONGY, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE AC WORKED ERRATICALLY, DEPENDING ON THE BLOWER SPEED AND WOULD SOMETIMES QUIT BLOWING COLD AIR AND WOULD START TO BLOW WARM AIR. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE FLUID WAS VERY LOW. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY BRAKE FLUID LEAKS. HOWEVER, TWO MONTHS LATER WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, BECAUSE THE FLUID HAD LEAKED OUT AGAIN. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, TO THE BRAKE LINE ISSUE, THE SWAY BAR WAS BROKEN, A FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING AND THE LEFT REAR STRUT HAD FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10639977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesScottsdale, AZCrash2 injured1 killed
SERVICE BRAKES
THIS VEHICLE HAD A CRASH WITH FATALITIES IN 2006. GENERAL MOTORS NEVER ISSUED A UNINTENDED IGNITION TURNOFF ON THIS VEHICLE UNTIL AUG2014. THE CRASH BEGAN WITH AN UNCONTROLLABLE AND UNEXPECTED SPINOUT, THERE WAS NO ABILITY TO STEER, BRAKE AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THESE ARE THE EXACT CONDITIONS LISTED IN THE GM RECALL. GM WILL NOT ACCEPT A FILING FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE GM IGNITION FAILURE CLAIM PROGRAM. NHTSA DIDN'T ALL THE GM RECALL TO MALIBU'S BUT I HAVE NOTIFIED THEM OF THE OVERSIGHT. THIS SHOULD BE CORRECTED AND COMPENSATION PROVIDED BY GM. THIS IS THE EXACT WORDING ON THE GM RECALL WEBSITE: THE FOLLOWING RECALLS HAVE BEEN FOUND FOR YOUR 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU RESULTS LAST UPDATED: SEP 16, 2014 GM RECALL #: N140350 NHTSA RECALL #: 14V400 DATE ISSUED: AUG 12, 2014 UNINTENDED IGNITION KEY ROTATION RECALL DESCRIPTION: GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN 2000-2005 MY CHEVROLET IMPALA AND MONTE CARLO, 1997-2005 MY CHEVROLET MALIBU, 1999-2004 MY OLDSMOBILE ALERO, 1998-2002 MY OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, 1999-2005 MY PONTIAC GRAND AM, AND 2004-2008 MY PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES. IF THE KEY RING IS CARRYING ADDED WEIGHT AND THE VEHICLE GOES OFF ROAD OR EXPERIENCES SOME OTHER JARRING EVENT, IT MAY UNINTENTIONALLY MOVE THE KEY AWAY FROM THE RUN POSITION. IF THIS OCCURS, ENGINE POWER, POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKING MAY BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. SAFETY RISK DESCRIPTION: THE TIMING OF THE KEY MOVEMENT OUT OF THE RUN POSITION, RELATIVE TO THE ACTIVATION OF THE SENSING ALGORITHM OF THE CRASH EVENT, MAY RESULT IN THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR OCCUPANT INJURY IN CERTAIN KINDS OF CRASHES.
NHTSA complaint #10639070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesWaycross, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
I RECEIVED MY CHEV RECALL LETTER REF RECALL 14350 TODAY. THIS IS NOT A COMPLAINT, JUST INFO THAT MAY BE IMPORTANT IN REFERENCE TO THIS SAFETY RECALL. PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH MY 1998 CHEV MALIBU IS : ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS-SOMETIMES ENGINE WON'T START ( IGNITION KEY WILL NOT GO ALL WAY TO START POSITION)-SOMETIMES ENGINE WANT SHUTOFF (IGNITION KEY WANT TURN BACK TO OFF POSITION). AS A RETIRED TRUCK MECHANIC I KNOW THAT THE PROBLEM IS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER (TUMBLERS ARE WORN EXCESSIVELY CAUSING THE LOCK CYLINDER TO JAM AND/OR BE COME LOOSE ALLOWING IGNITION KEY TO ROTATE OFF) . I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE REPAIR MYSELF BUT ALL PARTS OUTLETS TELL ME THAT THE LOCK CYLINDER IS NOT AVAILABLE (MUST PURCHASE $350.00 IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY) IF THIS RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE REPLACING THE LOCK CYLINDER,THE PROBLEM WILL NOT BE CORRECTED. EXPERIENCED MECH/TECH CAN REPLACE THE LOCK CYLINDER IN ABOUT 10 MINUTES.
NHTSA complaint #10637564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, TNCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A KNEE, A HIP BRUISING AND A MUSCLE BEHIND SHOULDER WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10633554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,700 milesGibsonton, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I BOUGHT A CERTIFIED USED CAR FROM BILL HEARD IN PLANT CITY BEFORE THEY CLOSED DOWN,FROM DAY 1 I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR IGNITION NOT STARTING AND THE ANTI THEFT,I HAVE BEEN LEFT STRANDED SEVERAL TIME S CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM,I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THEM TWICE AND THEY KEPT TELLING ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG ALTHOUGH AT TIMES THERE IS THEN THEY TOLD ME IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN JUST LET THE CAR SET FOR 10MINS AND IT WILL BE OK, WELL IT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN IN THE FIRST PLACE,THEN AFTER ALMOST FLIPPING THE CAR I FOUND OUT THAT THE FRONT ROTORS ARE TOTALLY SHOT AND WHEN I HAD TO HIT MY BRAKES ONE CAUGHT BEFORE THE OTHER CAUSING THE CAR TO GO INTO A SKID,THEN THE IGNITION AND THE ANTI THEFT ACT UP AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE HORN IS STUCK SO I HAD TO PULL THE FUSE TO STOP THE HORN TESTED THE RELAY AND IT WAS FINE THE SWITCH IS STUCK SOMEWHERE AND KNOW ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHERE,SO NOW I HAVE A USED CERTIFIED USED CAR WITH NO HORN AND WORN OUT ROTORS FAULTY IGNITION AND OH I FORGOT THAT EVERY NOW AND THEN I WILL GET SHOCKED GETTING OUT OF THE CAR AND A BROKE MOTOR MOUNT THAT I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO FIX OWN MY OWN DUE TO IT WAS AWARE AND TEAR APART THAT THEY WON'T COVER, WELL IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED BEFORE THE CAR WAS EVEN SOLD. SO NOW I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 2 OTHER DEALERS TO GET IT FIXED AND THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT WELL I DON'T THINK THAT'S RIGHT DUE TO THE FACT THAT ALL OF THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND FIXED BEFORE THE CAR WAS EVER SOLD AND I GUESS SINCE I WAS A FIRST TIME BUYER WITH NO CREDIT THAT IT WAS OK FOR THEM TO STICK IT TO ME WHICH IN TURN I SEE WHY BILL HEARD WENT OUT OF BUSINESS WITH PEOPLE LIKE THAT WORKING FOR THEM,SO NOW I NEED TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO ABOUT THIS SO CALLED CERTIFIED USED PIECE OF DEATH TRAP I WAS SOLD?
NHTSA complaint #10270034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Granbury, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
I PURCHASED MY MALIBU IN 2000 AS A USED VEHICLE. IT HAD 24,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE REPEATEDLY HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD THE ROTORS TURN AND REPLACED THE ROTORS ABOUT 5 TIMES. THERE IS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM WITH THE BREAKING SYSTEM. I UNDERSTAND THAT BRAKES NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT I HAVE REPLACED MINE ABOUT 32 TIMES IN 6 YEARS. I DRIVE A LOT OF HIGHWAY MILES AND THEREFORE DO NOT USE MY BRAKES AS OFTEN AS AN IN TOWN DRIVER. THE BRAKES START TO CHATTER WHEN APPLIED AND WHEN I GO DOWN THE ROAD AT CERTAIN SPEEDS THEY ALSO DO IT. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CHEVROLET VEHICLE USE BRAKES LIKE THIS ONE. I HAVE A 1995 CHEVY CORSICA WITH 230,000 MILES ON IT AND HAVE ONLY HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES ON IT ABOUT 10 TIMES. I ALSO HAD A CHEVY CAVALIER AND ALSO DROVE IT ABOUT 250,000 MILES AND DID NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THE BRAKES ON IT THAT MANY TIMES EITHER. I HAVE 230,000 MILES ON MY MALIBU. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL OWNERS OF MALIBU'S AND ALL OF THEM SAID THAT THEY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES NEEDING TO BE REPLACED TO OFTEN.
NHTSA complaint #10168797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Syracuse, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CODES C1286 AND C1214. THE CAR DOESN'T WANT TO STOP. I'VE ALREADY HAD THE BRAKES AND ROTORS DONE BECAUSE THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT WERE ON. THE TRACTION CONTROL FOR THE RELAY CONTACT OR COIL AND STEERING SENSOR BIAS MALFUNCTION IS PULLING UP. THE CAR HAS TOO MANY PROBLEMS IN 3 MONTHS I'VE HAD IT.
NHTSA complaint #10159973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,800 milesCLE ELM, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DT: THE CONTACT STATED EVERY TIME SHE USED THE CRUISE CONTROL IT DEACTIVATED ON ITS OWN. THIS STARTED APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES FOR CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. *AK UPDATED 2/7/2006 - THE BRALKES FAILED AT LESS THAN 2800 MILES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKES AND ROTORS.
NHTSA complaint #10143477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hilton, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
REPEATED FAILURE OF FRONT ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSORS CAUSING ERRATIC ABS AND BRAKE OPERATION.
NHTSA complaint #10136465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kearns, UT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
I PURCHASED MY 1998 MALIBU, IT'S HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN NOVEMBER OF 2001 WITH IN LESS THAN A WEEK OF PURCHASING I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO DEALER AND HAVE THEM FIX A PROBLEM BECAUSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, I AM UNSURE OF THE EXACT PROBLEM BUT I DO KNOW THE CAR DID NOT PASS EMISSIONS AND IF I HAD TO PAY FOR IT, IT WOULD HAVE COST ME OVER 500 DOLLARS, I HAVE REPLACED MY FRONT BRAKES ON 3 OCCASIONS, I HAVE FIXED THE LEAKING TRANSMISSION 2X, I HAVE REPLACED THE TAIL LIGHT BULBS ABOUT 4X, I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AND THE LINING IS COMING OFF THE TRUNK. THESE ARE ALL PROBLEMS I HAD IN LESS THEN 2 YEARS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. SINCE MARCH 2004 I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, WATER PUMP, 2 OF THE INJECTORS AND THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER SMALL REPAIRS HERE AND THERE. EVERY TIME I FIX SOMETHING WITHIN LESS THEN A WEEK OF DRIVING IT THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE WRONG I AM UNABLE TO REPAIR IT UNTIL I CAN SAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO PUT MORE INTO IT. I AM CURRENTLY REPLACING THE INJECTORS WHICH I HAVE ALREADY PAID 600 DOLLARS AND HAVE 4 MORE TO GO. I AM WORRIED THAT AFTER I PUT THIS MONEY INTO IT I WILL STILL HAVE MORE PROBLEMS, I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IN THE DASH BUT THEY ARE UNSURE EXACTLY WHAT IT IS BECAUSE THE CAR WILL NOT RUN LONG ENOUGH TO FIGURE OUT. NOBODY CAN TELL ME EVERYTHING THAT IS WRONG WITH BECAUSE I NEED TO FIX ONE PROBLEM BEFORE THEY CAN BE SURE OF THE NEXT. THIS CAR WAS THE WORST PURCHASE I HAVE MADE. I WAS UNABLE TO REGISTER MY VEHICLE LAST YEAR DUE TO ALL THE PROBLEMS. I HAVE BEEN ON SEVERAL WEB SITES AND ABOUT THIS CAR AND EVERYONE IS HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND PUTTING OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #10132979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesSAN Diego, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHEEL BEARINGS KEEP FAILING, RESULTING IN ME HAVING TO GET NEW OR RESURFACED ROTORS, PADS, CALIPERS, BEARINGS OBVIOUSLY, ETC. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME IN A YEAR AND A HALF! I CAN'T AFFORD TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE, BUT I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP SHELLING OUT $500-600 EVERY SIX MONTHS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, EITHER. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, AND TALKING TO A FEW MECHANICS, I'M APPARENTLY NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, MY POWER STEERING HOSE HAS A HABIT OF BLOWING OFF THE LINE FOR NO REASON, RESULTING IN ME HAVING TO RE-ATTACH IT. BUT I DON'T CARE ABOUT THAT, I WANT TO KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY BRAKE SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10132730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesBala Cynwyd, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE ABS WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN GOING ON OCCASIONALLY SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 1998. RECENTLY, THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FREQUENTLY, ALMOST EVERY TIME, SHORTLY AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND USUALLY DURING THE FIRST TURN. TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND THEN RESTARTING TURNS THE ABS LIGHT OFF, AND IT THEN STAYS OFF. ALSO, IN THE PAST MONTH OR SO, THE CAR HAS SLID FORWARD JUST AS IT IS COMING TO A STOP. THIS CAUSES ME TO SLIDE ABOUT ONE FOOT BEYOND WHERE I INTENDED TO STOP, WHICH COULD BE DANGEROUS. I HAVE TAKEN TO STOPPING WELL BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME TO ALLOW FOR THIS EXTRA SLIDE. AT THE TIME OF THE SLIDE, I FEEL THE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY DROP, AND THEN I HAVE TO PUSH REALLY HARD TO STOP. THIS FAILURE ONLY SEEMS TO HAPPEN IN THE FIRST FEW TIMES I STOP AFTER STARTING THE CAR. I BROUGHT THE CAR TODAY TO WILKIE CHEVROLET IN PHILADELPHIA TO HAVE THIS DEFECT CHECKED OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10128403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesLaconia, NH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR, I BOUGHT A 1998 CHEVY MALIBU, 2.4 L, 4 CYL, SEDAN. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I BEGAN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS LIGHT COMMMING ON AND MY BRAKES WERE GRINDING REALLY BAD. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER THAT I BOUGHT IT FROM THE DAY MY WARRENTY WAS TO RUN OUT. THEY SUPPOSIDLY RESET THE ABS SYSTEM BECAUSE IT DID THROW THEM A CODE. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURED. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I'VE ALSO BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR COMPRESSOR. IT MAKES AN AWFUL NOISE. THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM ALSO SUPPOSIDLY REPLACED THE COMPRESSOR WITH A USED ONE. THE COMPRESSOR IS STILL MAKING THE SAME NOISE AS IF THEY NEVER REPLACED IT. BUT THESE REPAIRS WERE DONE ON MY LAST DAY OF MY WARRENTY SO THE DEALER WILL NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE PROBLEMS ANYMORE. I LOVE MY VEHICLE, IT IS PERFECT FOR THE SIZE FAMILY THAT I HAVE AND IT IS A VERY BEAUTIFUL VEHICLE BUT THE ISSUES I AM HAVING WITH IT ARE ALMOST NOT WORTH DEALING WITH. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.
NHTSA complaint #10127305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesEighty Four, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHEN PULLING OUT OF A FRIENDS HOME ON A DRY 60 DEGREE NIGHT, MY SON PROCEEDED LESS THAN A BLOCK TO A FLASHING RED LIGHT. BEFORE GETTING TO THE LIGHT, HE APPLIED THE BRAKE (THE CAR BEHIND HIM SAW THE BRAKE LIGHTS) AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. HE HAD A TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. WHEN HE REALIZED THAT HE WOULD SOON BE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION WITH AN ONCOMING VEHICLE, HE ACCELERATED TO TRY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THE ONCOMING VEHICLE. HOWEVER, HE STILL WAS HIT NEAR THE REAR OF THE BACK DOOR (ON THE DRIVERS SIDE) AND THE CAR WAS SPUN INTO A POLE ON THE OTHER SIDE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE - THE CAR HAS BEEN DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. FORTUNATELY, THE OCCUPANTS WERE BOTH UNINJURED, BUT HAD HE NOT ACCELERATED IT COULD HAVE BEEN QUITE A DIFFERENT STORY. RIGHT NOW, THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS PUSHING FOR US TO HAVE IT MOVED TO A JUNK YARD TO AVOID THE STORAGE FEES. *AK *BF
NHTSA complaint #10116746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesGranite Falls, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
NUMBER OF PROBLEMS SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 1998. THE FRONT BRAKES HAVE BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM, THE COOLING SYSTEM HAS A LEAK AT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND NUMEROUS OTHER MAJOR PROBLEMS THAT EVERYONE I TALK TO OR READ ABOUT IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. CHEVY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10110458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holcomb, KS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
A LOUD POPPING NOISE CAME FROM THE FRONT AND REAR. CONSUMER DROVE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WARPING.
NHTSA complaint #10107148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holcomb, KS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
A LOUD POPPING NOISE CAME FROM THE FRONT AND REAR. CONSUMER DROVE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WARPING.
NHTSA complaint #10107148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,422 milesSAN Jose, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
FOR SOME REASON THE FRONT DISC BRAKE PADS WEAR PREMATURELY.(THEY LAST ABOUT A MONTH OR SO OF IN-FREQUENT DRIVING).AT ABOUT EVERY THIRD PAD CHANGE,I'VE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT ROTORS.AK
NHTSA complaint #10089037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,422 milesSAN Jose, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
FOR SOME REASON THE FRONT DISC BRAKE PADS WEAR PREMATURELY.(THEY LAST ABOUT A MONTH OR SO OF IN-FREQUENT DRIVING).AT ABOUT EVERY THIRD PAD CHANGE,I'VE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT ROTORS.AK
NHTSA complaint #10089037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
THE ABS LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FREQUENTLY TURNS ON, ESPECIALLY DURING BRAKING, AND/OR NON-BRAKING WHILE MAKING A TURN. WHEN THE ABS LIGHT TURNS ON, THE BRAKING CAPABILITIES OF THE CAR ARE DIMINISHED (CONVERSELY OF WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN). THESE INCIDENTS OF ABS SYSTEM MALFUNCTION HAVE ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE A COUPLE ACCIDENTS WHERE THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS NOT FULLY POWERED. IT HAS FELT LIKE LOSING THE POWER ASSISTED BRAKES ON THE CAR, WHERE THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE POWER BRAKING SYSTEM. 99% OF THE TIME, THE SYSTEM WORKS FINE, BUT IT'S THAT 1% OF THE TIME THAT THIS HAPPENS UNEXPECTED, AND IS VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10086532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parma, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR: I HAVE REPLACED TIRES TWICE, TRIED TO HAVE THE FRONT END ALIGNED BECAUSE OF THE STEERING PROBLEM , IT IS LIKE I HAVE NO POWER STEERING - WHEN I TOOK IT TO GET THE FRONT END ALIGNED, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULDN'T DO IT BECAUSE OF THE RACK & PINION NEEDED REPLACED FIRST. I HAVE CALLED GM AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS AND FOR ME TO CONTACT YOU. I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO PUT A MOTOR AND BRAKES(SEVERAL TIMES) ON THIS CAR. PLEASE HELP ME. SINCERELY, [XXX]. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10081051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Friendship, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ON MY 1998 MALIBU (WITH 113,000 MILES) ARE WARPED AND MUST BE REPLACED. THREE PRIOR SETS ALSO WARPED, AT 18,000, 29,000, AND 91,000. AFTER THE FIRST PROBLEM I SENT A COMPLAINT TO THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION AT NHTSA. IT WAS ASSIGNED ODI #735425. I NEVER HEARD ANYTHING BACK. I NOTE THERE ARE OVER 200 COMPLAINTS ABOUT MALIBU ROTORS WARPING ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. ISN'T THERE SOME MANUFACTURER LIABILITY FOR THIS?
NHTSA complaint #10075161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrington, DE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN DRIVING 10 MPH CONSUMER TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS THE LEFT AND STEERING WHEEL MADE A GRINDING NOISE. ALSO, BRAKES WERE DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, AND TOWED IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10075797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesWaycross, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHEN MY CAR WAS BOUGHT FROM GOLD KEY AUTO IT HAD 88,000 MILES. THE DAY AFTER PURCHASE THE CAR WOULD NOT CRANK, HAD TO PURCHASE A BATTERY THAT WOULD HOLD ENOUGH POWER TO START CAR. THE BRAKE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONTINOUS SINCE CAR HAS BEEN PURCHASED THEY WEAR OUT AND SQUEAL ONCE A YR. OR LESS, 1 YR. AFTER PUCHASE OF CAR IT HAS HAD A TOTAL CALIBER CHANGE RIGHT AND LEFT, THIS WAS A 235.00 CHARGE FROM WHEELS UNLIMITED IN WAYCROSS CAUSE OF REPAIR BRAKES LOCKED UP ON CAR. ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN CHANGED 3 TIMES 1ST YR., ONE FAILING AFTER ANOTHER. THIS PAST DEC., 1 RIGHT SIDE CALIBER CHANGE AND ANOTHER BRAKE CHANGE.CAR STARTED MAKING A RATTLE NOISE WERE TIMING CHAIN IS SO WE PROCEEDED WITH CHANGING THE TIMING CHAIN, REPLACED IN DEC. 2002.AT THE SAME TIME WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE RATTLED WAS STILL THERE, NOW MY CAR IS PARKED WAITING TO FIND OUT WHATS WRONG NOW. POSSIBLE FLY-WHEEL OR TIMING GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10069900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longwood, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ON 3.1L V6, AND HEAD GASKET FAILED. SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE RESULTED FROM COOLANT ENTERING ENGINE, FREEZING TWO EXHAUST VALVES AND RENDERING THE CAR INOPERABLE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. COMPLETE DAMAGE ESIMATE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. CAN UPDATE LATER. CONTACT WITH GM CUSTOMER SERVICE INDICATES THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. NOT TRUE! A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND THEY KNOW IT WELL! THEY APPARENTLY REFUSE TO TAKE ANY ACTION TO MAKE RIGHT THIS MAJOR ENGINE DESIGN ERROR. THIS CAR FAILED IN A VERY DANGEROUS PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #10069908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesArleta, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU ABS LIGHT COMES ON. WHEN BRAKING, THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN AND BRAKES DON'T WORK CORRECTLY, MAKING THE STOPPING DISTANCE LONGER. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACE THE FRONT SPEED SENSOR. A FEW MONTHS LATER IT STARTED TO DO THE SAME THING AGAIN. AND SINCE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, WHEN BRAKING THE CAR VIBRATES, I KNOW THAT IT'S DO TO THE FRONT ROTORS, NEEDING TO BE REPLACE, BUT I WAS LOOKING ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS THAT THIS TYPE OF CARS HAS AND DON'T FIND IT TO BE A COINCIDENCE. SURELY THERE IS SOME THINKING WE CAN DO TO FIX THIS PROBLEM OR ARE WE GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT TILL SOMEONE GET INJURED OR KILLED. IT IS NOTABLY THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF NOW. WE HAVE CARS ON THE STREET THAT HAVE FAULTY BRAKE SYSTEMS, IF THAT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE THEN CALL ME CRAZY. HOPEFULLY SOME ONE GET BACK TO ME.
NHTSA complaint #10065703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plymouth, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
CONSUMER REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS SIX TIMES IN 4 1/2 YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10065192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Halifax, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A ROCK. THE DRIVER WAS NOT HURT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY TRIPLE L TOWING. *AK CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER IN LAW HEARD NEWS OF GM RECALLING 88,000 VEHICLES FOR A POWER STEERING DEFECT, AND RELAYED THE NEWS TO CONSUMER. CONSUMER CONTACTED GM REGARDING THE NEWS AND WAS INFORMED THAT VEHICLE IS INCLUDED ON THE LIST. ALSO, GM SAID THAT THEY WOULD SEND AN INSPECTOR TO CHECK ON TO THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER ALSO REPORTED INFORMATION TO HER INSURANCE CARRIER.
NHTSA complaint #10065388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.