Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||||
| 010308003A | 02/01/2002 | 010308003 | 629407 | Some customers may comment on a squawk noise from the front and/or rear suspension while driving. *tt | 04/02/2002 |
| 010308003 | 10/01/2001 | 627662 | Information regarding squawk noise from front and/or rear suspension. *yh | 02/13/2002 | |
| 050901 | 09/05/2001 | 626054 | Some customers may comment of a squawk noise from the front or rear suspension area. *slc | 12/12/2001 | |
| 990308004 | 08/01/1999 | 607580 | Subject pertaining to front and / or rear stabilizer shaft squawk / squeak noise. *tt | 09/29/1999 | |
| 98733210 | 04/01/1998 | 601113 | Low pitch rattle, clunk and/or squeak noise coming from front end of vehicle during low speeds. *yc | 07/01/1998 | |
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||||
| 32 | 02/01/2001 | 623586 | Customers may complain of a creak or pop noise from the rear of the vehicle, this may occur on turns, on acceleration or deceleration, or on maneuvers that twist the suspension. *slc | 10/29/2001 | |
| 000309003 | 11/01/2000 | 617720 | Some vehicles built prior to vin breakpoint 1m531582 or 16145701 may exhibit a creak / pop noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. *tt | 03/24/2001 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 07/26/2004 | 97200 | 1 | |
| 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. *tc | |||
| 07/15/1998 | 3000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 01/31/2002 | 1 | 10/31/1997 | |
| 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. *jg | |||
| 08/15/2002 | |||
| While driving at any speed and with no warning, while making a turn, can hear a loud clicking noise in steering column. dealer notified.*ak | |||
| 07/16/1998 | 04/01/2097 | ||
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 01/31/2002 | 1 | 10/31/1997 | |
| 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. *jg | |||
| 06/01/2000 | 1 | 04/09/1997 | |
| 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 | |||
| 3 | 09/01/1997 | ||
| Suspension system is defective, several repair attempts, however did not rectify problems. yh | |||
| 04/02/1998 | 13 | 10/18/1997 | |
| Vehicle has experienced continued noise in the suspension system, several repair attempts however continues to experience noise. mjs | |||
| When vehicle stops at a light or stop sign it vibrates, cause unknown. dealer cannot identify problem. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 10/01/1997 | 5 | 03/29/1997 | |
| Suspension system has had continuous repairs of components however the vibration and rough ride are still present, unable to rectify poor suspension system. | |||
| 02/15/1997 | |||
| Experiencing problems with the vehicle vibrating at all speeds, and vehicle has been taken in to be serviced, the problem has not been remedied. please describe details. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| 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 | |||
| 04/08/2003 | 35000 | ||
| The vehicle swerved left and right without warning. the dealer was notified. *nlm | |||
| 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. | |||
| 07/16/1998 | 5 | 04/01/1997 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak (tiresize: 215r60-15) | |||
| 07/16/1998 | 1 | 04/01/1997 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak (dot number: 0 tiresize: 215r60-15) | |||
| 08/01/1997 | |||
| Front end shakes at highway speeds,brake rotors failed,tires worn at 30000 miles. *ak( dot number: tire size: p21560r15 ) | |||
| 11/04/1997 | 08/01/1997 | ||
| Front end squeak and thump. dealer reports no repair/remedy at this time. *ak | |||
| 05/01/1999 | |||
| Rattle, clunk coming from left front end of vehicle while driving. *ak | |||
| 01/04/2000 | |||
| The vehicle vibrates in the front end when applying brake at speeds of 70 mph. yh | |||
| 05/01/1997 | |||
| Air conditioner cuts off, engine fails to start (security system), carpet has disentegrated, front end problems, brake pad replaced and belt. *ak | |||
| 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 | |||
| 12/12/1999 | 1 | 07/01/1997 | |
| Car made a lot of front end noise. dealer states a lot of lower control arms are failing on the 1997 chevrolet malibu. this part should not go bad, at least not under 100,000 miles . general motors knows this component is a safety defect. i spent $1200.00 in repairs within a 2 week period. *ak | |||
| 1 | 08/01/1997 | ||
| Right front suspension failed. yh | |||
| 05/01/1998 | 2 | 04/01/1997 | |
| No summary | |||
| 06/27/1999 | 5 | 12/01/1997 | |
| The front of my car vibrates still after being in the shop 5 times at three different dealers, at 21000 miles had to buy new tires due to the front of car being defective, steering went out along with some type of arms and a gear box , we bought this car for my daughter and its done nothing but cost us money along with the orignal payment ,the dealer says he dosent no why he cant stop the vibration i cant afford new tires every 21000 miles or a new car for my daughter i want my money back, and the dealer says they cannot do that, would you let your child drive this car ?:( | |||
| 08/17/1999 | 2 | ||
| While driving consumer applied brakes and they made a popping noise. also front end shook like it was going to come off. the problem was due to defective rotors, and wants to be reimbursed for the cost of their replacement. *ak *ml | |||
| 09/16/1998 | 1 | 09/01/1997 | |
| Brake system: i complained to the dealer on 7/13/98 that there was a rubbing/squeaking sound when depressing and releasing brake pedal. the dealer was unable to confirm sound. i reported the problem again on 9/16/98. the dealer stated that the rotors were grooved. the dealer resurfaced the rotors and applied stop squeal to the pads. less than two months from this service, the problem has recurred. returning to dealer for service on 11/11/98. suspension: i complained to the dealer about clunking sound when hitting bumps or gaps in road surface and of low pitch whirring noise in front wheel area (audible at speeds of 20-25 mph). first reported problem of clunking sound to dealer on 7/13/98. dealer attributed noise to loose gear assembly and replacedit. this problem recurred and was again reported to dealer on 9/16/98. dealer replaced lower front arm assembly. problem has recurred. returning to dealer for service on 11/11/98. | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM | |||
| 09/14/2004 | 40000 | 5 | |
| Complaint #1 a/c cuts on and off. complaint #2 suspension knocking, serviced 4 times, still have same problems.*ak | |||
| 07/01/1997 | 1 | 07/07/1997 | |
| 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 | |||
| 10/10/1999 | 3 | 05/01/1999 | |
| 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. *ak | |||
| 10/02/1998 | 4 | 04/01/1997 | |
| Control arms and steering gear replaced multiple times. now at 38,000 miles, the front end shakes almost uncontrollably during slight turns at approximately 60mph. | |||
| 3 | 09/01/1997 | ||
| 12 service visits, suspension control arms, rack and pinion, steering gear bad, brake rotors warped. all have been replaced 2 to 3 times and several reapir attempts with tape and bushings. other items as well. *ak | |||
| 12/04/1997 | 1 | 11/05/1997 | |
| Control arms failed causing noise in the front end. | |||
| 03/20/1997 | |||
| While driving the vehicle at any speed and hitting a bump in the road, a very loud noise comes from the front end of the vehicle. the dealer is not able to correct the problem with the vehicle. on 6/9/98 the control arms were weldedto the frame of the vehicle, and the owner is still experiencing a prolbem with the vehicle. please describe details. *ak | |||
| 07/24/1997 | 3 | 02/03/1997 | |
| Front end failure. vehicle has been serviced 7 times for this problem. control arm replaced twice and problem still exist. | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER ARM | |||
| 03/06/2002 | 107616 | 1 | |
| Control arms, r & r arm, control lower-one side . both went out, both needed replacement. *jb | |||
| 11/20/2003 | 78000 | 3 | 12/01/1997 |
| 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. *ak | |||
| Seat belt not working, all four tires are cracking all around the tread and sidewall. lower control arm replaced and hood cable defective. | |||
| 06/01/1998 | 1 | 07/01/1997 | |
| Front suspension loose and banging when going over bumps. dealer replaced lower control units 8/16/99. starting to experience severe steering vibration at 60-70 mph, again. this is how the original problem started. | |||
| 12/12/1999 | 1 | 07/01/1997 | |
| Car made a lot of front end noise. dealer states a lot of lower control arms are failing on the 1997 chevrolet malibu. this part should not go bad, at least not under 100,000 miles . general motors knows this component is a safety defect. i spent $1200.00 in repairs within a 2 week period. *ak | |||
| 11/01/1997 | 1 | 09/24/1997 | |
| Front suspension malfunction. dealer advises owner that the dealership has replaced 5 sets of lower control arms on this model. | |||
| 07/20/1998 | 1 | 04/01/1997 | |
| Control arms failed. | |||
| 07/22/1997 | 1 | 02/01/1997 | |
| Lower front control arm failure. | |||
| 05/05/1997 | |||
| The vehicle has a real bad squeaking problem due to the independent front suspension. the vehicle has been brought to dealership (5) times for suspension problems in the last (6) months. lower control arm and bushings have been replaced (4) times. *ak | |||
| 08/04/1997 | 8 | 07/29/1997 | |
| Consumer purchased vehicle 7-29-97/ 8-04-97, the steering rack was determined defective. whenever turning a curve the rigt front tire rattles, otherwise any bump in the road causes the vehicle to make rattling noises. dealer has replaced steering rack eight (8) times already, and says that until gm redesigns steering rack there is no need to replace again. *ak brakes vibrate, front rotors warped. clicking noise comes from the motor of the driver side window express down feature. consumer had vehicle in shop 8 different times, however the rattling noise has not been corrected, manufacturer has a newly designed steering rack, however consumer declined due to pursuing the lemon law. lower control arms replaced, caused a thumping noise. *slc | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT | |||
| 03/06/2002 | 107616 | 1 | |
| Control arms, r & r arm, control lower-one side . both went out, both needed replacement. *jb | |||
| 12/29/1997 | 1 | 08/14/1997 | |
| Front lower control arm ball joint failed. yh | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - HUB | |||
| 01/07/2007 | 185000 | 4 | 05/10/1998 |
| 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.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SHOCK ABSORBER | |||
| 10/01/1997 | 5 | 03/29/1997 | |
| Suspension system has had continuous repairs of components however the vibration and rough ride are still present, unable to rectify poor suspension system. | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - STABILIZER BAR | |||
| 01/02/1998 | 1 | 03/29/1997 | |
| Clamps to the stabilizer is loose resulting in vibration. | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING | |||
| 02/01/2002 | |||
| Two front wheel bearings have gone out/broke while consumer was driving, and it became difficult to control vehicle. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 11/16/2006 | 1 | 08/20/2006 | |
| 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. *jb | |||
| 05/28/1999 | 1 | 10/31/1997 | |
| Consumer stated there was a bad squeak noise coming from the rear of vehicle, the dealer replaced the rear stabilizer insulator bushings.*jb | |||
| 10/10/1999 | 3 | 05/01/1999 | |
| 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. *ak | |||
| 08/27/1997 | 3 | 08/01/1997 | |
| The car has had air condition problems, power steering was changed, the drivers seat pedal to move forward broke, the two left doors had to painted a week after purchased, i wanted another car since i had given 10,000.00 dollars as down payment but they said this was not possible, please can you help me? | |||
| 11/01/1998 | 10/01/1996 | ||
| Rear axles--oil seals leaking into wheel brake drums. | |||
| 05/30/1998 | 1 | 11/05/1997 | |
| Rear suspension making noise. | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SHOCK ABSORBER | |||
| 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 | |||
| 10/01/1997 | 5 | 03/29/1997 | |
| Suspension system has had continuous repairs of components however the vibration and rough ride are still present, unable to rectify poor suspension system. | |||