Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||||
| 990844003 | 06/01/1999 | 606083 | Some customers may complain about weak fm radio reception and / or no am radio reception. *tt | 08/06/1999 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||||
| 98836416 | 06/01/1998 | 601912 | Conditions regarding weak or discharged battery, slow starting, gen or mil lamp on, various driveability symptoms. *yc | 08/28/1998 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||||
| 010849020 | 12/01/2001 | 631899 | Subject regarding revised ignition lock cylinder or ignition switch assembly replacement. *slc | 06/25/2002 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||||
| 0208116001 | 01/01/2002 | 631229 | Subject regarding intermittent communication or serial data diagnostic trouble codes stored in history. *slc | 05/21/2002 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||||
| 97IDPD18B | 08/01/1997 | 606395 | Subject on clusters for 1997-98 vehicles - circuit board update. *tt | 06/29/2000 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 10/02/2006 | |||
| Car goes into lockdown frequently because of the theft alert system and you have to wait 10 minutes before the car will start. i believe this is a safety concern and potenetial hazard to anyone is operating this vechile. i called dealership to discuss this problem and there reply is well the car is old and you need to see about purchasing another one. i got this reply in 2007. i have also researched it on the internet and found that this is a common problem in chevy malibu's, which to me constitutes a manufacturing defect as well as a safety concern. | |||
| 10/22/2009 | 126930 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet malibu. the contact was having the vehicle serviced and when the battery was disconnected, the fuel gauge needle became stuck. the failure occurred twice. a private mechanic was able to repair the vehicle after the first failure. the dealer was contacted about the failure and advised the contact that the failure could have happened due to a spike in voltage when the battery was reconnected with the key left in the run position. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 126,930. kmj | |||
| 10/22/2009 | 126930 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet malibu with 126,930 miles. when the contact was having the vehicle serviced and the battery was disconnected the fuel gage needle became stuck. this failure happened twice. a private mechanic was able to repair the vehicle after the first failure. the dealer was contact about the failure but offered no assistance, but stated that the failure could have happened do to a spike in voltage when the battery was reconnected with the key left in the run position. bl | |||
| 05/03/2011 | 115000 | ||
| Anti theft system arms and disarms ramdomly, causing the car to not start or stall out | |||
| 02/20/2010 | 135000 | 1 | |
| I have a 1997 chevy malibu. recently, the anti-theft light has been coming on and disabling the engine. there is no fix for this problem per the dealership and the only option i have is to disconnect the battery and reconnect it. this isn't ever convenient and is a major safety issue. *tr | |||
| 08/25/2008 | 100000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 45 mph, the engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the light remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. the vehicle has not yet been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 100,000. | |||
| 08/13/2008 | 1 | ||
| The car has a theft system in it which on numerous occasions doesn't let me start the car . it is a 1997 chevy malibu. *tr | |||
| 01/01/2004 | 1 | ||
| I have a 1997 chevrolet malibu and my sister has a 1997 chevrolet venture. we both experience the same instances with our vehichles. the check engine light will come on frequently, the abs brake light will come one frequently. it happens to my car, the 97 chevrolet malibu every other time i turn on my car. i have to turn it off, and then restart it and then the lights go off. when the light is on, the abs brakes do not work. my sister got her 1997 chevrolet venture looked at and fixed and they said that it was a sensor. i find it odd that we both have the same problems. is there a recall on any electrical device or sensor? please let me know. *ak | |||
| 04/22/2004 | 02/08/1998 | ||
| 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. *nm | |||
| 04/11/2004 | 2 | ||
| When driving at night consumer was unable to see the gauges because the lights shut off inside of the vehicle. *ak | |||
| 03/02/2004 | 5 | 06/20/1997 | |
| There have been repeated failures with this automobile. the passlock anti-theft system often locks up the ignition, the headlamp and tail lamp assemblies have excessive moisture in them, causing the bulbs to burn out, the air conditioner fan motor shuts off, and the drivers seat is loose. these problems have repeatedly been reported to the dealers, and they have been unable or unwilling to repair them.*ak | |||
| 03/10/2003 | 95000 | 0 | 04/08/2002 |
| Poor manufacturing and quality of vehicle components. *nlm | |||
| 05/20/2002 | 32000 | 1 | |
| The vehicles computer system malfunctioned. the warning lights for abs brakes and anti theft would come on frequently. finally the dealer replaced the computer control module. *dt | |||
| 01/26/2003 | 0 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 08/01/1997 | 25 | 03/13/1997 | |
| 5 different times, vehicle stalling in the middle of traffic causing exteme anxiety and stress, replace the pcm. check engine light is on, due to cap cracked, replace fuel cap, clean code road test ok. gas pedal loose, replace accel pedal shaft and bracket assembly | |||
| 02/02/2001 | |||
| Vehicle experienced electrical problems. *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Electrical system failed causing other components to malfunction. *yc | |||
| 1 | 11/01/1996 | ||
| Resistor failed. nlm | |||
| While driving vehicle at 60 mph fender skirts fell off for no reason. vehicle also experienceswiring problems which cause problems with abs light. *ak | |||
| 03/11/1997 | |||
| Vehicle has been serviced eight times for the electrical problems. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||
| 02/04/2007 | 187000 | 6 | |
| I was driving my car on the byway and took the interstate merge lane while increasing my speed to merge into traffic i felt a snap in my steering wheel and gas pedal, i then lost the dash and the car immediately overheated, i had no real power to turn the wheel and the gas pedal was a loose push. being that i had merged onto the interstate when this occurred i had to drive an additional 5 miles to the next exit. not everyone has a cell phone. when i got to the next exit i was almost unable to turn the wheel enough to get it into the nearest parking lot, it was harder to turn than my first truck a 1959 ford twin i beam pickup. i fortunately didn't hit any one or anything. upon raising my hood after parking the car i am appalled to see that the tensioner pulley and one of the idler pulleys are gone and my serpentine belt is shredded. i have replaced the parts but since then i also found that within 5 miles the dreaded gaskets that so many people have complained about, and mine we already eating fluids in sipps before this, were gone. i have replaced the broken pulleys serpentine belt alternator waterpump and gaskets not a month later the other idler pulley that was unaffected in the first incident went. when the first two were replaced that dreaded squeaking stopped for about 3 days and started back up again. something must not be straight for me to have to keep replacing the moving parts that run on the serpentine belt and everytime one of them goes you loose your power steering and the car is hard to turn. not only that but the tail lights would be a better place for a gold fish than a light bulb. everytime it rains, or snows i have to replace tail lights. this car is the bane of my existence. i have the first idler pulley part still the rest of them were lost to the highway the thing is melted. *tr | |||
| 03/04/2003 | 82000 | 1 | 08/23/2000 |
| Alternator belt broke, car over heated and anti freeze boiled over.*jb | |||
| 4 | |||
| Brake lights went out at unknown time to driver resulting in rear end collison by another automobile. instrument panel went black and emitted a black smoke resulting in unoperative use of any fan/heat/defrost..main instrument of power windows on driver side operated enough to roll down windows but not roll up drivers side resulting in ice/snow/rain buildup. alternator went out 4 times resulting in power failure on highway resulting in crash into guard rail. please provide us with any information to protect our family and prevent any future accidents..thank you very much. nlm | |||
| 10/25/2000 | 05/01/1997 | ||
| Loud squeaking noise coming from the idle pulley. had that part replaced with new part. by the time i got home noise was back. brought car back to mechanic this morning. he is checking to see if new part was defected or if belt needs replacement. i am very disappointed with the malibu's performance. in the 3 years that i have the car, i have replaced front and back brakes, alternator, battery, etc. etc. and now the idle pulley (hopefully nothing else major). | |||
| 02/18/2000 | 1 | 05/01/1997 | |
| Power steering seemed rough brought car to dealer and they replaced box $689.00, i brought car in for oil change dealer said it needed rack and pinion and new lower control arms $2000.00 approx. i was driving and battery light went on brought to a shop open at night needed a new alternator and battery.i contacted gm and they said they had no complaints on any of the following.i guess they lied with all the information i have found. | |||
| 07/01/1997 | |||
| No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||
| 07/16/1998 | 1 | 04/01/1997 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak (dot number: 0 tiresize: 215r60-15) | |||
| 10/25/2000 | 05/01/1997 | ||
| Loud squeaking noise coming from the idle pulley. had that part replaced with new part. by the time i got home noise was back. brought car back to mechanic this morning. he is checking to see if new part was defected or if belt needs replacement. i am very disappointed with the malibu's performance. in the 3 years that i have the car, i have replaced front and back brakes, alternator, battery, etc. etc. and now the idle pulley (hopefully nothing else major). | |||
| 04/14/1997 | |||
| 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. *ak | |||
| 05/07/1999 | 1 | 10/18/1997 | |
| Battery failed. mjs | |||
| 05/01/1998 | 2 | 04/01/1997 | |
| No summary | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | |||
| Rear tail lights have a tendency to overheat, short out circuit board inside tail light. owner has had to replace 5 bulbs from the tail light assembly, along with one light recepticle. please describe details. *ak | |||
| 02/01/2001 | 8 | 04/11/1997 | |
| When the defroster is turned on, fuses in vehicle short out, causing all gauges and electrical systems to fail including the lights. a private mechanic replaced compressor in vehicle to correct this defect.*ak vehicle also has a head gasket leak. *slc | |||
| Horn assembly would only respond intermittently when in use. acts as if electrical system has a short in it. have not taken to dealership.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 03/01/2008 | 74000 | 1 | |
| I would like to get a replacement,discount or free service on my 1997 malibu. i've had my car since 2004 and had to get another motor in 2005 which is needed now .this car has put me down a lot not only problems with the motor but the ignition locked up and i had to replace that as well as the brakes and rotors that last about 2 or 3 months. i also have a problem with the lights not working properly they only work on high beam. i can't find a more reasonable mechanic that's willing to repair the motor that i currently have due to the type which is a 2.4 and a used motor cost about half the price of a new one. please help! *tr | |||
| 03/07/2003 | 85000 | 1 | 07/17/1997 |
| Ignition failed. key would not turn in the ignition. missed work!!! began to work again several hours later.*ak | |||
| 02/27/2004 | 160000 | 1 | 01/04/2004 |
| Ignition lock failed! we can't turn the key to start car! tumblers must have frozen!*ak | |||
| 07/15/2000 | 89000 | 5 | |
| All of the above listed in the complaints. no components listed. *ak | |||
| 03/01/2002 | 4 | ||
| Consumer states intermittently the vehicle anti-theft light would come on while driving, within a few seconds it would start to flicker on/off, when this occurs the vehicle would cut off, dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. *jb also, consumer states dealer replaced fuse, multifunction switch, dome lamp wiring, ignition lock cylinder, power steering hose, fuel pump, engine mount, heater, left door window switch, right front seat belt, left front door handle cover, and left front door lock switch.*yd | |||
| 11/11/2001 | 2 | 02/01/1997 | |
| Car would not start. anti-theft light kept flashing. 1st occurrence happended on 10/20/00 and then again on 11/11/01. dealer diagnosed as defective housing and tumbler and replaced both at the cost of $396.39 each time.*ak | |||
| 1 | 08/28/1997 | ||
| The starter and ignition failed causing the key to become stuck in the start position with the engine racing, the vehicle could not be turned off nor could the key be removed, the battery had to be disconnected at the dealer to shut the vehicle off. nlm | |||
| 2 | |||
| This car is a lemon (wife's car). in many instances, the car would not start at all, despite it being brand new. while parked or driving, the instruments would go haywire (pinning and moving violently), and the dash lights would turn on and off by themselves. in addition, my wife's brakes failed for a few seconds, then started working again. the front end makes a strange noise, and the ride is very harsh. been to the dealer many times for the electrical system problem, but they did not 'find anything wrong'! at this point, they should have given us professional customer service and a new car! this is the last time we are buying an american car. it's japanese and german from now on!! | |||
| 07/20/1999 | 1 | 07/01/1997 | |
| We have had numerous things repaired or replaced on this car. everything from the carpet to the radio to warped rotors. we are currently trying to get out of our lease due to the number of problems that we are experiencing. it's become quite a nuisance to have and we are dissappointed and even angry at the fact that these many problems have gone uninvestigated by the dealer that we take it to for repairs. fortunately, there have been no serious malfunctions with the car causing accidents. we have an extensive list of repairs done to the car starting less than six months from the date of purchase. to date, we have had this car serviced for repairs on average, once every six weeks. | |||
| 05/15/1999 | 3 | 02/01/1997 | |
| I have had this vehicle for just over two years, and in that time frame i have had the following problem occurring 3 times, and almost a 4th. when i get in the car to start it up, the theft system light on the dash comes on and the car starts up but shuts right back off. this continues, with the results being that the car needs to be towed in to be fixed. the first time this occurred was a few months after i purchased the vehicle, and it was diagnosed as open pass codes and fixed by replacing the ingnition cylinder. the second occurrence was in july, 1998 and after several unproductive days in the tuscaloosa chevrolet service department was diagnosed as a defect/short in the wiring, which was replaced. the third occurrence was this one reported - 5/15/99, which was again diagnosed as open pass codes with the fix being replacement of the ignition cylinder. this same scenario almost occurred again yesterday evening 5/29/99, but the car started back up after having sat there for 10-15 minutes (this waiting period was not previously effective). the service people at the dealership have no idea what triggered this event nor how to prevent it. in fact, they say they have never seen it before except in my car. it may not be a safety issue while driving, but it is definitely a personal safety issue and an issue of vehicle reliability. *ak | |||
| 10/15/1997 | 1 | 02/01/1997 | |
| Ignition failed. | |||
| 06/01/1997 | 20 | 04/30/1997 | |
| Key won't turn in ignition, had to be fixed twice. | |||
| 11/26/1997 | 20 | 04/30/1997 | |
| Ignition cylinder lock failed twice. key would not turn in ignition. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER | |||
| 01/12/2009 | 162123 | 1 | |
| Theft system continues to come on intermittently after multiple repairs. i own a 1997 chevrolet malibu 3.1l. *tr | |||
| 09/10/2005 | 1000 | 09/01/2005 | |
| My fiance and i have had a 1997 chevy malibu for a year and a half. about a month after purchasing it, the vehicle started having problems with the passlock theft system that would leave us stranded for 10 minutes because the car wouldn't crank. gradually it started doing it more and more. we've had incidents where the theft system light would go off after 10 minutes but when trying to start it again; it would do the same thing. i've actually had times of being stranded for 2 hours because it would keep doing it! right now our car is at my fiance's work because it won't crank and we got tired of trying after 3 hours. this is so annoying! chevrolet should be ashamed of themselves! i know a lot of people that have had this same problem(not counting all the other problems like the brakes and windshield wipers). with so many people having the same problem..that means they should recall it and fix it. we don't have money like they do and can't afford to keep putting it in the shop to be worked on. i'm currently a college pell grant recipient that is going to lose my grants because of this lemon car! i was adopted by my grandparents that are on ssi and disability and they can't afford to send me to school. i hope the people at chevrolet are happy with ruining my future! please help me!!!i need my car fixed before it's too late!*jb | |||
| 07/20/2006 | 58000 | 2 | 10/30/2000 |
| Dt*: the contact stated, the anti-theft device malfunctioned, keeping the vehicle from restarting until the device was resets which usually takes 10 minutes or more. an independent mechanic replaced the pass lock cylinder, to correct the failure. however, the malfunction continued. the manufacturer was contacted and refused to reimburse, or replace the affected part because an unauthorized service mechanic had performed work on the device. the consumer wants the device disconnected. updated 08/14/06. *jb | |||
| 02/05/2006 | 69000 | 1 | 08/01/2005 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle it failed to start and the theft system light illuminated. once the vehicle started it was taken to the dealership and they replaced the pass lock sensor, which remedied the problem. the manufacturer was alerted. updated 06/16/06. *jb | |||
| 07/27/2005 | 73000 | 25 | 03/14/2004 |
| Theft light comes on while driving, then next time i try to start car it flashes and i can start car from 10 mins like owners manual says to try after 10 mins after light stops flashing. i do this and the light starts flashing. this is very unsafe not being able to start a car leaving a motorist stranded where ever they turn there car off for hours and in my case 1 1 days with no cell service to call for repair i had to sleep in my car until another motorist passed the following day. i understand that normal equipment failure is an issue of its own the dealership says there no fix for the problem but to have the car towed evertime to the shop to be reprogrammed which happens every 2-3 months. *jb | |||
| 11/05/2004 | 70000 | 2 | 01/01/1997 |
| I am submitting this complaint for my mother. her 1997 chevrolet has had two instances of problems with the anti-theft controller. both occurrences has required major work at the dealership in order for her car to start. the first time this occurred was a couple of years ago, and after paying almost $400 the dealership appeared to have fixed the problem. now once again this same problem has occurred and cost her another $400. it's only been a couple of years between the two instances. i feel based on the number of instances that this is a defect and that she should not have to continue to pay every couple of years to fix this on-going problem with the malibu. i too think she should be reimbursed by gm for this defect.*ak | |||
| 05/30/2004 | 50 | 04/19/2000 | |
| April 2000, the pass lock theft system stranded me the first time within 30-days of paying cash for my 1997 chevrolet malibu ls. the first 30-days the car spent more time in the dealer shop than in my possession. i was told by dealership management that they had put too much money in car already, not going to fix theft system and brakes, which were complaints within the 30-day warranty. two years with theft system disabling car numerous times, finally wouldn't start at all, i took to chevrolet dealer in ontario oregon, they replaced ignition assembly. less than two years later i am stranded once again, it would not start for 3-days, went to dealer in payette idaho where i paid cash for the car, they again didn't want to put any more money into the car. on 5/30/2004 car spent the night in parking lot, wouldn't start. also have problems with brakes, in less than 4 years 2-complete brake assemblies (rotors, pads, callipers, etc.), 6-sets of brake pads, all les schwab work. i've poured almost as much money into the car since ownership, than i paid for the car. i have 3 children, we've been stranded, late for school, missing school, late for work, lost jobs because of lost hours. i leave the car running now, because i'm scared that my family will be stranded. i'm sooo frustrated with chevrolet, no one can answer any of my questions, chevrolet of boise, said that i didn't have a theft system, wow this has all been my imagination! i have 3-children that have been late for school, missed school, i have lost jobs because of missing hours, everytime i get in it i'm not sure if it will start. i have run out of money to continue to fix the same things every few months, leave the car running at $2.09 per gallon, my children are scared of going anywhere as am i. please help!!*ak | |||
| 03/02/2004 | 5 | 06/20/1997 | |
| There have been repeated failures with this automobile. the passlock anti-theft system often locks up the ignition, the headlamp and tail lamp assemblies have excessive moisture in them, causing the bulbs to burn out, the air conditioner fan motor shuts off, and the drivers seat is loose. these problems have repeatedly been reported to the dealers, and they have been unable or unwilling to repair them.*ak | |||
| 01/23/2004 | 10 | ||
| Passlock theft deterrent system malfunctions, causing car not to start. theft deterrent light will flash on dash board. after approximately 10 minutes, car can be started. this is an intermittent problem that has occurred for several years. dealers have been able to find source of problem. *la | |||
| 12/31/2003 | 70000 | 6 | 02/10/1998 |
| Passive theft system continually if set off, not allowing engine to run. this has caused many problems from being late to work, to simply missing a movie. in past instances the engine would start after the system reset in ten minutes, this time it just will not start and now we are late to celebrate new years eve with our family.i have had the car looked at by a mechanic, i have looked in chevrolet repair manuals, and i have even asked the dealer about this, but i can not find an answer on how to fix this problem. this vehicle also has a random multiple misfire that can not seem to be fixed as well. from talking to other malibu owners this is a common problem. this may be caused by the intake penelem gasket. when iquiring at the auto parts store about this gasket i came to find an improved design has been made. i do not feel that i should have to take care of these problems myself.*ak | |||
| 06/01/1999 | 6 | 06/01/1997 | |
| In june of 1999, the anti-theft lock system malfunctioned which prevented consumer from starting vehicle. dealership did repairs to correct this problem. in october of 2001, anti-theft lock system malfunctioned again, preventing consumer from starting vehicle. *ak consumer stated that the anti theft system malfunctioned on 4 different occasions, the light would come on and stay on at times, also consumer went to have fuel filter replaced and was informed that the quick release connection at fuel filter needed to be replaced quickly, because when it was installed at the factory it was some how bent.*jb | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||
| 10/21/1997 | |||
| Driving at approx 10-25 vehicle will begin to stall when trying to come to complete stop or starting up vehicle. dealer claims that the vehicle is basically a lemon. changed/replaced all four fuel injectors/cleaned fuel plugs/replaced the computer, reprogrammed it. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH | |||
| 07/21/2003 | 8000 | 12 | 04/14/1997 |
| Many problems with my 1997 malibu, suspension noise/leaky water pump/key agnition, and lock collar. 32600 miles on the car many repairs. *ak | |||
| 06/16/2003 | 1 | ||
| Dealer had replaced ignition switch, and problem still recurring. *ak | |||
| 09/09/2002 | 2 | ||
| Key will not turn in ignition. had to replace switch twice. *jb | |||
| Ignition switch went bad keeping vehicle from starting. dealr has been contacted.*ak | |||
| 02/01/2000 | 5 | 01/01/1998 | |
| I cannot start the car. the key lock loose. friend had same problem. i put the key into the lock to start the car and the key does not turn. this makes the mileage a guess, as it is electronic and only displayed when the key turns over. friend said his wife found this problem documented somewhere on the internet but i was unable to find it. thank you. *ak | |||
| 3 | 05/31/1997 | ||
| When putting the key into the ignition switch the cylinder will not turn, cause unknown. dealer replaced the cylinder three times which has not corrected the problem. please give any further details. *ak *yc | |||
| 04/13/1997 | 7 | 03/01/1997 | |
| One month after i leased this vehicle, i began to have an ignition problem with my car. once the key is inserted into the ignition, it will not turn in the ignition cylinder in order to start the car, the anti-theft light on the dash board flashes and the key cannot be pulled out. the ignition cylinder has been replaced twice by the dealer not including the original one. i have been stranded 7 times. the first three times i was pregnant. the rest of the time, i had my infant son in the car or was on my way to picking him up from day care. when i have called the dealer, they instructed me to wait at least 15 - 30 minutes and if that did not work, then i was to call the towing service. i have been stuck in many parking lots and most recently, on christmas day i was stuck in new york state. i have filed with the state of new jersey's lemon law unit, and have contacted the manufacturer, per their instruction. i have left several messages with the manufacturer and my assigned rep. has yet to return my phone calls. this has been an extremely frustrating experience because i paying $300 a month for a car that i never know when or if it will not start. i am, particularly, afraid to drive it at night. i cannot comprehend how three different parts, ignition cylinders, can all be defective. *ak | |||
| 07/15/1997 | 1 | 04/01/1997 | |
| Ignition switch failed. | |||
| 07/15/1997 | 3 | ||
| Consumer experiencing ongoing problem with ignition switch. intermittently the vehicle would start and sometimes would be unable to start. dealer notified, and replaced and repaired ignition switch, but problem still reoccurring. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY | |||
| 1 | 08/28/1997 | ||
| The starter and ignition failed causing the key to become stuck in the start position with the engine racing, the vehicle could not be turned off nor could the key be removed, the battery had to be disconnected at the dealer to shut the vehicle off. nlm | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 08/09/2002 | 361620 | 15 | 06/25/2001 |
| Abs light comes on after i lose brake. chronic problems associated with this year vehicle are abs sensor, belt tensioner breaks away, cooling system heat controls, wiring to the rear lights. these are problems that this year model has that should be recalled. especially when the break sensor goes out and brakes are lost. why has nothing been done to force chevrolet to fix these problems? it is not just one car but all of 1997 malibu that has the problem. it is a definite safety issue. *jb | |||
| 01/01/1998 | |||
| The defective braking system malfunctioned, causing no braking ability and an accident. been to dealer several times. dealer replace brake pads/rotors/master cylinder and the wiring harness. dealer cannot determine problem. cause unknown. please provide problems. *ak | |||
| 08/31/1998 | 1 | 03/29/1997 | |
| Electrical wiring failures causing the dash lights and power window to fail. | |||
| 09/13/1998 | 1 | 03/29/1997 | |
| Wiring in the steering column failed resulting in smoke from burning. | |||
| 03/18/1997 | 3 | 03/10/1997 | |
| While driving interior lights went off due to burned out electrical wiring. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||
| 12/29/1997 | 1 | 08/14/1997 | |
| Computor body module failed. yh | |||
| 07/20/1999 | 1 | 07/01/1997 | |
| We have had numerous things repaired or replaced on this car. everything from the carpet to the radio to warped rotors. we are currently trying to get out of our lease due to the number of problems that we are experiencing. it's become quite a nuisance to have and we are dissappointed and even angry at the fact that these many problems have gone uninvestigated by the dealer that we take it to for repairs. fortunately, there have been no serious malfunctions with the car causing accidents. we have an extensive list of repairs done to the car starting less than six months from the date of purchase. to date, we have had this car serviced for repairs on average, once every six weeks. | |||
| 05/11/1999 | 4 | 10/01/1997 | |
| The same electrical failure has now happened 4x. no one has any idea why it happens or how to fix it. | |||
| 05/01/1998 | 5 | ||
| All electrical gauges on the vehicle just die out. no prior indication or warning, vehicle will automatically shut off. vehicle being towed to dealer. dealer is aware of the problem. incident has occurred four times prior. dealer cannot duplicate the problem, and problem still occurs. *ak | |||
| 20 | 08/02/1997 | ||
| Electrical system fails causing the whole instrument panel to go out. | |||