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 | |||||
| 020604011 | 03/01/2002 | 634710 | Subject regarding revised diagnostic trouble code p0140. *tt | 10/07/2002 | |
| 0208116001 | 01/01/2002 | 631229 | Subject regarding intermittent communication or serial data diagnostic trouble codes stored in history. *slc | 05/21/2002 | |
| 990604037 | 09/01/1999 | 608390 | Subject on on-board diagnostic (obd) system improvements. *mjs | 11/26/1999 | |
| 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 | |||
| 05/13/2011 | 98000 | ||
| Anti-theft ignition system diabled starting of car. i put the key in the ignition, the car turned over but would not start, manual says the fuel pump is disabled by anti-theft. by accident waited in car about 10 minutes while trying to reach manufacturer, the flashing antitheft light had gone out, i tried startig the car and it started fine. however further online research indicated that this is a pervasive problem wint hundreds of complaints. my source was carcomplaints.com. called chevrolet and filed a cmplaintwas asigned a case number. this is not a safety issue per se, but it could be in the event of needed to get someone to an er, for example. | |||
| 05/13/2011 | 98000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the anti theft system would activate and prevent him from starting the vehicle. the failure recurred intermittently and would last between fifteen minutes to an hour. the contact did not inform the dealer of the failure and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. no repairs were performed. the current and failure mileage was approximately 98,000. | |||
| 05/13/2011 | 98000 | ||
| Anti-theft ignition system diabled starting of car. i put the key in the ignition, the car turned over but would not start, manual says the fuel pump is disabled by anti-theft. by accident waited in car about 10 minutes while trying to reach manufacturer, the flashing antitheft light had gone out, i tried startig the car and it started fine. however further online research indicated that this is a pervasive problem wint hundreds of complaints. my source was carcomplaints.com. called chevrolet and filed a cmplaintwas asigned a case number. this is not a safety issue per se, but it could be in the event of needed to get someone to an er, for example. | |||
| 05/13/2011 | 98000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the anti theft system would activate and prevent him from starting the vehicle. the failure recurred intermittently and would last between fifteen minutes to an hour. the contact did not inform the dealer of the failure and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. no repairs were performed. the current and failure mileage was approximately 98,000. | |||
| 05/13/2011 | 98000 | ||
| Anti-theft ignition system diabled starting of car. i put the key in the ignition, the car turned over but would not start, manual says the fuel pump is disabled by anti-theft. by accident waited in car about 10 minutes while trying to reach manufacturer, the flashing antitheft light had gone out, i tried startig the car and it started fine. however further online research indicated that this is a pervasive problem wint hundreds of complaints. my source was carcomplaints.com. called chevrolet and filed a cmplaintwas asigned a case number. this is not a safety issue per se, but it could be in the event of needed to get someone to an er, for example. | |||
| 05/13/2011 | 98000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the anti theft system would activate and prevented him from starting the vehicle. the failure occurred intermittently and would last between fifteen minutes to an hour. the contact did not inform the dealer. the manufacturer was not aware of the failure. no repairs were performed. the current and failure mileages were approximately 98,000. bw | |||
| 05/13/2011 | 98000 | ||
| Anti-theft ignition system diabled starting of car. i put the key in the ignition, the car turned over but would not start, manual says the fuel pump is disabled by anti-theft. by accident waited in car about 10 minutes while trying to reach manufacturer, the flashing antitheft light had gone out, i tried startig the car and it started fine. however further online research indicated that this is a pervasive problem wint hundreds of complaints. my source was carcomplaints.com. called chevrolet and filed a cmplaintwas asigned a case number. this is not a safety issue per se, but it could be in the event of needed to get someone to an er, for example. | |||
| 05/13/2011 | 98000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the anti theft system would activate and prevented him from starting the vehicle. the failure occurred intermittently and would last between fifteen minutes to an hour. the contact did not inform the dealer. the manufacturer was not aware of the failure. no repairs were performed. the current and failure mileages were approximately 98,000. bw | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 1 | ||
| 1998 chevrolet malibu will not start due to passlock program. *kb the consumer stated normally he would drive somewhere and turn off the ignition, but when he tried to restart it, nothing happened. on the left side of the screen on the dash an icon flashed. he had to wait 10-15 minutes for the light to stop flashing, exit the vehicle, get back in and then the vehicle started. *jb | |||
| 03/02/2010 | 107000 | 1 | |
| Theft system malfunction. *tr | |||
| 08/22/2009 | 1 | ||
| Under normal usage, the vehicle will shut off, and the dashboard theft light comes on . at other times the vehicle will not start, and the theft light comes on. the failure occurs at least once a week. this can be dangerous, im afraid it will happen while driving. i have taken the car to a mechanic, and have found the problem. the problem is the gm passlock ii system. i did some research online and have found thousands of people with the same problem. i cannot believe that such a widespread problem has not been addressed. *tr | |||
| 11/11/2008 | 68700 | 1 | |
| 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? *tr | |||
| 02/03/2009 | 93000 | 1 | |
| Vehicle passlock system prevents starting of vehicle. has occurred numerous times, incident date shown is most recent. the vehicle is old, things will break, things will go bad. that is understood, but after visiting many websites and reading an untold number of identical complaints, two things are apparent: 1) gm is aware of the problem, and 2) gm is unable to give customers experiencing this problem constant, permanent, or satisfactory resolution. not when you have different dealerships providing different diagnoses for the same problem, and not when, after components are replaced, the complaint resurfaces. it's not a worn out switch we're complaining about. it's a theft system which is preventing a lawful operator with the appropriate vehicle key from starting the vehicle. this problem should be recalled because it is the result of poor engineering and customers shouldn't have to pay for repairs due to faulty engineering. particularly when the problem component/system was installed in vehicles even after the manufacturer became aware of the problem. *tr | |||
| 08/28/2008 | 1 | ||
| I have a 1998 chevy malibu that does not start due to a faulty reset passlock system. chevrolet does not know how to fix it. it is clearly dangerous since i am going to get mugged or worse waiting the 10 minutes it takes to fool the anti-theft system and get the car to start. there are over 1000 complaints all over the internet, in various years of manufacture of this defective chevrolet product. there must be some solution to this. the other night i was in a dark parking lot for 20 minutes waiting for my car to let me drive home. i called gm again and was told they still do not know why this is occurring in the malibu but just that it has something to do with the passlock system and the car thinks it is being robbed. please rob my car. then i will be safe!! *tr | |||
| 10/01/2003 | 1 | 11/03/2001 | |
| 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. *nm | |||
| 01/23/2005 | 137000 | 1 | 07/12/2001 |
| This car has been nothing but a nightmare for me. and to add insult to injury, the local chevy dealer says there is nothing wrong with the car. (though it doesn't stop them from charging me for all the expensive repairs that have been made) this car has many, many electrical problems. i purchased this car as a certified gm back in july 2001. there are just too many issues to list on this forum. most recent, was coming home last night with my son in the car. for no reason at all the headlights failed, leaving me w/ 1 fog lamp as the other went w/ the headlights. on a gravel road, w/ no lights. found ourselves in the ditch. still waiting for the tow truck to pull the piece of crap out. son got a nice goose egg out of the ordeal from hitting his head on the door on the bumpy ride down the ditch. i am so fed up with this car. *nm | |||
| 07/11/2004 | 69000 | 3 | 07/11/2004 |
| I bought this car used, and have had problems since the day i drove it off the lot. car was sold with check engine light on, and it took 2 repair visits for it to be fixed. numerous minor problems have had to be fixed in the last 2 months that i have owned the car. new transmission put in at 69000 miles. once i received the car back from the dealership, check oil light was on, but oil level was fine. brought the car in to the dealership so the mechanic could reset it. after that, all gauges on the dash periodically quit working while driving, and mileage was not being recorded while gauges were out. when the gauges come back on, the service vehicle soon light is lit. the vehicle is currently at the dealership for repairs for this problem with the gauges for the 3rd time in the last month. i definitely feel that i got a lemon and am unhappy. | |||
| 08/02/2004 | 2 | ||
| Upon purchase, lighter/assessory fuse blown. replaced fuse, recently blown again. now blowing fuses at any try of use.*ak | |||
| 08/15/2001 | 12 | 08/12/2001 | |
| When the gas tank was full the gas gauge read empty and when the gas tank was empty the gas gauge read full. *ak the steering wheel made noises, the a/c light did not stay on and the a/c blew hot air when the button was not activated, the key would come out of the ignition and would not stay in and the vehicle would still drive without the key in the ignition. the brakes would have to be replaced at least twice a year, the antenna did not pick up an adequate number of stations, (case efficiency decreased from 350 to 250 to refill the can), when two batteries were replaced, the gas gauge did not work, and condensation would set in the rear lights and burned them out. *sc *jb | |||
| 08/25/2003 | 1 | ||
| Water leaked onto the electric system and caused left back tail light to fail. *ak | |||
| 07/09/2003 | 1 | ||
| Intermittently, the ignition switch did not work properly. the dealer changed the new key and the problem remained. *ak the theft system light had come on and shut off the fuel system off. the consumer was stranded until the vehicle restarted. the key still didn't work when the new key was made. *scc *jb | |||
| 06/24/2003 | 1 | ||
| Brake problem, abs faulty as well, transmission slippage. electrical system faulty i.e.; ac fan does not turn on until turned to 3, theft system intermittent. many people have posted these same problems. is it going to have to take a death before something is done? *jb | |||
| 06/09/2003 | 58000 | 1 | 02/01/1999 |
| While driving, the vehicle lost its rack and pinion steering and all power of the steering wheel. dealer notified. *ak the power window control panel on the driver side arm rest popped out, the vehicle pulled severely to the right (dealer couldn't find the problem). the dealer finally replaced the lower control arms, brake rotors, 2 sets of tires/almost completely bald at the time only 13k miles. the rims had to be forced off, the front rotors had become rusted at 20k miles, the ignition wire harness had come apart, the power steering hoses had come loose, lost fluid and power steering while in motion, the trunk leaked, the abs light had come on twice a week, the front end squeaked and rattled, the antenna wire was loose, the right head lamp had permanent moisture with no crack, the a/c would shut on/off intermittently, the alternator failed at 60k miles and the waning light had come on for only five minutes, the engine leaked oil, and the right windshield wiper pivot housing had broken. *scc *jb | |||
| 01/01/2001 | 61000 | 10/15/2001 | |
| Defects in 1998 chevrolet malibu. i have spent over $1000 trying to repair the abs system (including replacing the wiring harness for what gm call an updated wiring harness, replacing left and right wheel barons, and replacing the abs relay). the brakes consistently have trouble and pulse when trying to stop the vehicle. i am also experiencing considerable trouble with the computer system in the car. the anti theft light and air bag lights come on and stay on, creating codes in the computer, with no visible reasons for the codes. the gas pedal has also been repaired twice as it has a tendency to stick. the left rear strut mounts have also broken and have had to be repaired (quite costly). i am becoming increasingly concerned for safety while driving this car. *nlm | |||
| 06/08/2002 | 6 | 06/15/1998 | |
| I own a 1998 chevy malibu. this vehicle will cut off while driving. i bought this vehicle brand new in june 1998 and had to take it to the shop for repair the next month. the service department at shaver motors has never been able to fix it. there is something wrong with this car's electrical system. i was driving in chicago on 80 90 toll road and this vehicle stopped for no reason while i was doing 55 miles per hour. i listed one incident date but have had numerous other problems. also, when i first purchased the vehicle i had to replace the tires after less than 3000 miles, they were also bad. | |||
| 08/05/1998 | |||
| Used four set of brakes. sensor had internal electrical failure, j4355 sensor ,crankshaft position replaced. radio has never worked right despite radio supposely sent off for repair. two positive battery bolt and cable replacement and on another occasion discovered post broken off in battery. | |||
| 12/01/2000 | 3 | 08/15/1997 | |
| Theft prevention light comes on intermittently, unable to start vehicle at that time. dealer replaced passenger's lock sensor/cylinder, and switch twice. at this time light comes on while driving. *ak dealer has also replaced the passlock system and oxygen sensor. *jb | |||
| 03/01/1999 | |||
| Transmision slips, temp/elec. problems, major vibration when applying brakes-hi & lo speeds | |||
| 09/01/1998 | 1 | 06/01/1998 | |
| Emergency brake light / chime remained on after brake was released, electrical system malfunction. *yc | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||
| 04/05/2001 | 58000 | 11/08/1999 | |
| Water is leaking into engine from the head gasket. water pump started seeping after head gasket was replaced. the front brakes was replaced several times with finally the ones mentioned on the bulletin. first the left side wheel bearing/ speed sensor assembly changed then a couple of thousand of miles later the right side. air condition was going on and off intermittently. *la | |||
| 11/12/2002 | 173527 | 1 | 11/19/1999 |
| The odometer read incorrectly. the water pump and belt failed. the wiper regulator failed. the tensioner pulley failed. the vehicles rotors warped and the master cylinder failed. *nlm *nlm | |||
| 07/01/1999 | 02/01/1998 | ||
| Air conditoin panel has gone out twice and has been replaced now it is going out a third time. @ had replace brakes twice in one year and also replace the roters, rear suspension makes a noise a craking souns like the shocks are bad. transmission problems ,car will not shift out or change gear. it has been put on the computer 2 times and no code is showing up in the transmission. please help i have had problems with this car since day one. and i have no extended warrenty.*ak | |||
| 2 | 02/01/1998 | ||
| Almost as soon as i bought the car, rear lights began to go out sporadically, i've already had to replace the brake shoes twice (at 18,000 and about 44,000 miles), i had to replace the alternator at 37,000 miles, one seat belt clip plastic handle protector broke off, and i've had radiator leakage and air condition problems as well as radio reception being sporadic at best. | |||
| 09/01/1998 | |||
| At around 40 thousand miles the alternator went out on the car causing the car to completely stop in a turning lane in traffic. the rubber lining going all the way around the car has begun to fall off. the brake pads and shoes had to be replaced long before they were due. the tires, which supposedly had a 70,000 mile warranty on them had to be replaced at 40,000 miles. that cost us 300 dollars to replace. after looking on message boards i don't seem to be the only one with problems with the malibu and i really think someone ought to be looking into this. seems like these cars are made to fall apart after the warranty has expired. (tiresize: 16)( dot number: tire size: 16 ) | |||
| 09/01/1998 | |||
| At around 40 thousand miles the alternator went out on the car causing the car to completely stop in a turning lane in traffic. the rubber lining going all the way around the car has begun to fall off. the brake pads and shoes had to be replaced long before they were due. the tires, which supposedly had a 70,000 mile warranty on them had to be replaced at 40,000 miles. that cost us 300 dollars to replace. after looking on message boards i don't seem to be the only one with problems with the malibu and i really think someone ought to be looking into this. seems like these cars are made to fall apart after the warranty has expired.( dot number: tire size: 16 ) | |||
| 05/31/2000 | 3 | 07/01/1998 | |
| Alternator went out while i was driving down a busy highway in rush hour traffic. car completely died. could not jump start. had to have it towed to a mechanic who stated this was the fourth alternator he had replaced on this year of chevy malibu in the last month and for me to inquire as to a possible recall on these parts. also have had to change the light bulbs in the brake lights and back up lights at least once every other month since purchase. brakes were serviced with new pads and everything from the dealer 4 months ago and now the abs light is comming on and going off and intervals. air conditioner shuts itself off frequently. the little green light goes out and the system blows hot air. i have to turn the power down on it to get the little green light to come back on again and for the air to cool off again. i have noticed air drafts comming from the door handles on the inside of the vehicle while driving on the highway.*ak | |||
| 08/23/1999 | 1 | 09/01/1998 | |
| Rotors replaced twice before 20,000 miles and alternator replaced at 25,000. this car is a real lemon. will never buy gm product again. *ak | |||
| 05/27/1998 | 8 | 03/01/1998 | |
| While applying brakes, the car pulsates and jumps when coming to a stop. the car was taken in several times to have the rotars turned, then later replaced, then replaced again with 99 model rotars, the brakes are still pulsating to current date. the alternator went out while driving, lost all power to brakes, abs system, and air bags. the alternator was replaced. later had to have battery replaced due to alternator killing it. the a/c light would blink on and off, the compressor would cut on and off. had to eventually replace the panel on the inside of the car after having a new compressor put on. the a/c panel seemed to have done the trick, though is has some new problems from the beginning. the bushings squeak and sqwauk while driving over bumps, they have now started in the rear of the car. | |||
| 10/01/1997 | |||
| When i am driving the car, all the lights on the dash(panel) light up and the speedometer starts going crazy. one minute it shows that i am traveling 10 miles an hours then in a split second it shows that i am going 110 miles an hour. all the other gauges start going back and forth as well. i have no idea how fast i am going or if my car is about to just quit completely. when i first brought my car, about a year later or so (and i am just estimating) the dash board started acting crazy but i just blue it off. then i was traveling to dallas to look for a place to live and the lights all come on and the speed went crazy then the car started to die. i made it to the dealership before it died. they stated it was the altnerator, that was replaced. it worked fine for a while then it happened again. i took it to the dealership in san angelo and they said there was an electrical short. that was fixed and it didn't happen for a while then it happened again yesterday (10/3/99). i am a single parent and i travel a lot back and forth from dallas to san angelo. i am absolutely a neverous wreck when driving my car. i never know when it's going to act up and leave my daugther and i stranded along the highway. pleas help me....... has this happened to other malibu owners??????? | |||
| 10/01/1997 | |||
| Alternator, engine cooling system, main computer, grounding wirtes, engine, and the glove compartment has failed. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||
| 01/19/2003 | 2 | ||
| I have replaced a battery twice. i bought my 1998 malibu used. the first time we were able to keep jumping it, to get it were i needed to go. found out the positive charge was broken from battery. six month's later on january 19. my abs light comes on and i lose all power on snow and ice. luckily i was able to keep control of my car and get it stopped. if there would be a been another car coming towards me i would have hit them head on. i had it towed the following day, and they said my battery was leaking acid and my timing belt was breaking. i have only had my car a year and i bought it from a dealership. what's causing the battery to leak acid? i am scared to death it will happen again and next time i won't be so lucky.*jb | |||
| While driving battery light flashed, and a bubbling noise was coming from engine. dealer serviced vehicle, and noticed that intake manifold was leaking. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| 05/13/1998 | 1 | 03/01/1998 | |
| The coolant was leaking into my engine. i was told the engine block was cracked, after being without my car for 4 days, they told me it was just a gasket leaking. they then as good citizens repaired my car under warrenty and charged me $73.95 for an oil change and fuel filter because these things had to be done while they were investigating the leak. i had just recently had my oil changed. within the first few months of having my car i noticed serveral problems that i reported to the dealer and was waved off several times. i even rode with a service manager who explained that the ticking in the engine, the whinning my window made when rolling it up or down, the squeeking in the front and back of car were all normal because my car was settling like a house does. these noises and squeeks are normal!!! shortly there after, my wheel bearings were replaced, my window failed to roll up while on my way to work when it began pouring rain. the ticking noise was explained three years later, since the coolant was leaking into my engine. i have replaced break pads, and my rotars and am on my way to replacing both again at 36,000 miles. the ticking noise in my car is still present and now the air conditioner goes out intermittently while driving. i replaced the lamps in my break lights twice before another malibu owner told me it was a problem in the circuit board. i am not happy with this vehicle and can't wait until i can afford to get rid of it. i will never buy another chevy unless the choose to rectify this situation. after reading the other compliants i now see i am not the only person to ever report the leaking of the coolant and am frustrated since i was told this was never seen before!!!*ak | |||
| 10/19/2000 | 1 | 10/01/1998 | |
| Vehicle could not start because of bad battery leaking. *yh | |||
| 10/09/2000 | 35 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Car has stalled over 35 times over a two month span. the repair shop has replaced ignition switch, reprogrammed the pcm, and replaced the pcm. i have replaced the battey and the fuel filter. the car will stall at any speed. it would restart 'till 12/24/00 when it stalled for the last time as i approached an intersection. my two children were with me at the time. i managed to pull over. i tried over fourty times to restart the car. the engin turned over fine. it did not drag. finally, i had it towed to the dealer for repair. this is the third time that i takit in with in a two month period to have the stalling repaired. about two months ago, we were coming back form vacation when the car died on us over twenty times form san diego to sacramento. at one point, while running, the car would accelerate and deccerate as if someone was puming the accerator in a rapid motion. then the car would die out. i would pull over and restart it. after a while, i got the hang of it. it would die out, i would put it in nuteral, and i would restart the car. it was night time and it was very dangerous every time that i had to pull over to restart it. i was with my wife and two children. second problem: the abs light lit up when the car had 35,800 miles approximatly. i took it in to the dealer and at that time the light was out. it would come on intermittenly. the dealer could not diagnose a problem. around 37,000 miles, the abs would come on everyother day, and the car would go into an abs brake every time the light wold come on. i took the car in to the dealer and had the left front wheel sensor replaced. that took care of the abs problem. i put off the repair because i did not have the money to have it fixed. i have also replaced the brake pads at 30,000 miles and it soulds like they need to be repalced again. they squeek when i brake. my primary concern is the car's defect with the stalling. i am afraid that some day we may get in an accident. *ak | |||
| 08/27/1999 | 1 | ||
| Battery failed. *slc | |||
| 01/01/1999 | 2 | 01/01/1998 | |
| Bushings on control arms defective and battery accid leaks | |||
| 09/16/2000 | 2 | 06/01/1998 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 09/01/2000 | 1 | 10/01/1997 | |
| Original battery - ac delco, positive prong rotted without notice! car is only 2 years old. car shut off without warning just as i went to pull out of parking space. battery light is still bright green! | |||
| 08/31/2000 | 3 | 10/27/1997 | |
| Battery has failed within 3 years, and will not start on its own..*ak squeak in left rear when getting in and out due to rear stabilizer shaft bushing failure. *yh | |||
| 04/10/2000 | 5 | 04/16/1998 | |
| While driving on road over 45mph vehicle will sway/won't stay in its lane. also, factory battery had started melting through the plate/abs light came on when starting vehicle/ upon applying brakes they squeaked, and vehicle won't go in reverse.*ak the transmission failed. the a/c is inoperable. brakes failed four times. *yh | |||
| 02/02/2000 | 1 | 07/25/1998 | |
| Battery failed causing sluggish start (slow crank). nlm | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY - CABLES | |||
| 05/02/2003 | 70000 | ||
| I bought a 98 chevy malibu about 3 months ago.it onlyhad 69,000 miles on it at the time.since that time i have had to replace the brakesand buy a new battery.my abs light pops on and off,my airconditioner cuts on and off by itself, and my car clucks all the time. my friend has the same car and we ride together we recognize the fact that both of our cars are giving us the same problems. | |||
| 08/05/1998 | |||
| Used four set of brakes. sensor had internal electrical failure, j4355 sensor ,crankshaft position replaced. radio has never worked right despite radio supposely sent off for repair. two positive battery bolt and cable replacement and on another occasion discovered post broken off in battery. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | |||
| 08/01/2002 | |||
| Vehicle has sensor that automatically turns on headlights at dusk. consumer feels this is a safety issue because headlights cannot be turned off without turning vehicle off. it could be blinding to other vehicles or persons in special situations.*ak | |||
| 05/01/2002 | 0 | ||
| Back up light went out. consumer replaced light, and it won't come on. there was a burning smell coming from brake light. consumer has no brake or back up lights. consumer pulled brake light out and it was melted. please provide any further information. *ak | |||
| 04/02/2002 | |||
| Back lights/brake lights melted out. contacted dealer.*ak | |||
| 3 | 05/01/1998 | ||
| Severe brake pulsation at highway speeds, difficult to control car. rotors replaced at 18000 mi, rotors turned at 33000 mi, need to replace again at 46000 mi. rear stop lights keep burning out due to problems with printed circuit. replaced light assembly twice, replace bulbs every 5-6 months.*ak | |||
| 03/01/2001 | |||
| Headlights intermittently don't come on and go off when in use. problem has to duplicate by itself for dealer to fined a solution. *ak | |||
| 10/30/1998 | 2 | 07/23/1998 | |
| Brakes lights totally went out twice within 6-8 months apart. dealer said it was due to bad bulbs and poor wiring. *ak *ml | |||
| 11/04/1999 | |||
| Tail light keep blowing out, and consumer keep replacing the tail lights. tail light's keep going out and the consumer can smell the wires burning and melting. there was a short within the tail lights. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 10/09/2000 | 35 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Car has stalled over 35 times over a two month span. the repair shop has replaced ignition switch, reprogrammed the pcm, and replaced the pcm. i have replaced the battey and the fuel filter. the car will stall at any speed. it would restart 'till 12/24/00 when it stalled for the last time as i approached an intersection. my two children were with me at the time. i managed to pull over. i tried over fourty times to restart the car. the engin turned over fine. it did not drag. finally, i had it towed to the dealer for repair. this is the third time that i takit in with in a two month period to have the stalling repaired. about two months ago, we were coming back form vacation when the car died on us over twenty times form san diego to sacramento. at one point, while running, the car would accelerate and deccerate as if someone was puming the accerator in a rapid motion. then the car would die out. i would pull over and restart it. after a while, i got the hang of it. it would die out, i would put it in nuteral, and i would restart the car. it was night time and it was very dangerous every time that i had to pull over to restart it. i was with my wife and two children. second problem: the abs light lit up when the car had 35,800 miles approximatly. i took it in to the dealer and at that time the light was out. it would come on intermittenly. the dealer could not diagnose a problem. around 37,000 miles, the abs would come on everyother day, and the car would go into an abs brake every time the light wold come on. i took the car in to the dealer and had the left front wheel sensor replaced. that took care of the abs problem. i put off the repair because i did not have the money to have it fixed. i have also replaced the brake pads at 30,000 miles and it soulds like they need to be repalced again. they squeek when i brake. my primary concern is the car's defect with the stalling. i am afraid that some day we may get in an accident. *ak | |||
| While traveling and without any indication vehicle would stall at any speed . please provide further information.*ak | |||
| 07/17/2000 | 3 | 12/01/1997 | |
| Vehicle would hesitate or almost stop while driving. also occurred when attempting to accelerate after vehicle was stopped for a minute or two. in december 1999, reprogrammed pcm(power control module)/clr codes. referenced bulletin 99-0604032. in january 2000, problem recurred, replaced ignition coil. in july 2000, problem recurred, roadtests conducted. technician contacted tans and determined that fuel pressure below specs. replaced sending unit (sender) and filter. | |||
| 09/08/2000 | 1 | 10/01/1998 | |
| Please see comments from previous entry (forgot to add stop/tail lights) to list. no safety defect mentioned. *ak | |||
| 05/01/1998 | 3 | 02/01/1998 | |
| I am so not satisfied with this vehicle every time i turn around, something different is going wrong. i don't know where else to turn. i sure would love for gmc to buy this piece of junk car back. it is really bad when you have a new car and it won't run!! the first time it was in was for it not starting, that has happened about 15-20 times. they have no idea what is wrong with the car. they have replaced the windshield 3 times because it leaked air. still does! the headlights have condensation inside of them, makes visibility bad at night. help! *ak | |||
| 02/16/1998 | 1 | 02/12/1998 | |
| Key cylinder malfunction causing bell to ring continually. yh | |||
| 06/04/1999 | 10 | 03/01/1998 | |
| When ignition turned to accessory position, the shift lever can be moved to any gear without pushing the brake pedal and the brake locks up when the car rolls backwards. the car rolled backwards almost hitting a car. this is dangerous and could be a tragic situation for small children if unattended or senior citizens unaware this could happen. *ak | |||
| 07/27/1998 | 07/01/1998 | ||
| Purchase 07/24/98 cash payment $18,239.24...car had 152 miles at that time..withing a few days of owing the car brake pedal was making constant noise when applying...i took it in to the garage and they oiled it and it continued 8-7-98 lubricated brake had rent a car and they ordered new assembly..8-11-98 new assembley installed and the brake still made the noise...finally rent a car again they found out 8-18-98 that master cylinder leaking..had to replace power boaster and master cylinder and lubed front calipers and adjusted the brakes....also i have constant squeal noise and pulling of brakes in the back when apply and mushing sound...they adjusted and cleaned and still does it cold wet warm does not matter...the manager called and said that there wasn't much else they could do for it. between all this the dash board was warpped and replaced, back tail gasket kept coming off after several visits to the chev. place they orderd and replaced the warp gasket....then the gasket seal around the back window was coming off...he glued it down...i have mentioned to them it started funny at times and he said count to 15 seconds and that would be normal...so everytime i get into the car i am concerned is it going to start or not..finally 3/12/99 i got into the car to do my errands and it would not crank over and start after several tries it finally started and i called and the car is again in the garage i now have a rent a car again and will not know what the problem is until next week. also the wire that holds the gas cap when you pump gas broke off. the first few months of owning the car and trying to repair the problems and get to work and rent a car and continue on with life have been disrupted. all i wanted to do was buy a new car be able to trust it and not end up going every other week in for this or that. i have talked to the manager and have filed a claim 980 503 718 to get a refund. i hate the car its junk. | |||
| 1.}front brakes are prematurley wearing out within 20 miles. 2.}tranaxle shaft seal is leaking oil,part was replaced. 3.}radiator coolant reservoir busted, causing the coolant to leak. 4.}intake manifold is leaking. 5.}igintion wiring had to replaced. 6.}air distrubutor completely failed which is not pulling in air. *ak | |||
| 11/24/1997 | |||
| Vehicle stalls while drivng. dealers have replaced ecu unit and ignition system and reset all codes to factory specs, but problem remains | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER | |||
| 03/02/2010 | 107000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. whenever the contact drove the vehicle at various speeds, he noticed that the theft system light would appear on the dashboard and the vehicle would shut off. the vehicle could not be restarted for approximately 10 minutes. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership. the current and failure mileages were 107,000. | |||
| 02/16/2010 | 125000 | 1 | |
| When trying to start the car the anti theft system light blinks and car will not start. wait about 10 minutes and car will eventually start. this happens a couple of times a week. the problem has not been corrected. *tr | |||
| 01/01/2009 | 1 | ||
| 1998 chevy malibu more and more often, when i start my car, the theft light comes on and i can not start the car until it turns off about 10-15 minutes later. *tr | |||
| 12/06/2009 | 1 | ||
| 1998 chevy malibu has a notorious issue with the theft system. i have read 1000's of issue with this light coming on and your not able to start your car. tons of people online with this issue. chevy needs to take responsibility for this default in their vehicles. you pay money to support american auto makers but where is the accountability when the car no longer works. this is not a safety issue. but i think starting a car when you have purchased it is as important. this theft light comes in and you have to wait 15 mins or more for it to cut off to start your own car!!! chevy dealers charge $600+ dollars to replace this sensor. the faulty sensor in chevy vehicles are on tons of website and they are aware of this issue, but why has there been a recall !! you want to help the economy...helping.getting people to work on time is a great start. next time, i'm going foreign. japanese.....to many money hungry companies for me to support. i know better next time...if you google theft system in a chevy there are nothing but complaints. there are also people giving advise on how to disable this because there is no way to start your car with this issue. i'm disgusted with chevy....shame on them!!!!!!! a car that thinks the owner is stealing it.....what a shame! *tr | |||
| 04/22/2009 | 186900 | 1 | |
| I have a 98 chevy malibu. the car was running fine until a couple of weeks ago when i went to start it. the theft system light was on and the car wouldn't start. after the light shut off it started and this happens alot. everyone i talk to that has a chevy seems to be having the same problem. the shop wants over $200 to fix it. i believe that the ignition tumbler is faulty and is set up to go bad so that they can get more money am very angry that this keeps happening to me. i have read over 1000 reports about people having this particular problem and chevy needs to fix it. *tr | |||
| 09/12/2006 | 120000 | 1 | |
| Passlock system failure. happens very frequently (three to four times a week) and car cannot be started for at least 10 minutes while the system resets itself. this problem was misdiagnosed several times by different (well-qualified) mechanics and wound up costing over 1500 dollars in unneeded repairs to the fuel pump and fuel line several times. gm is aware of this problem and refuses to do a recall. *tr | |||
| 04/01/2007 | 1 | 09/15/2002 | |
| Someone needs to look into the theft security system in these cars!! *tr | |||
| 11/30/2007 | 120000 | 3 | |
| 1998 malibu - theft system will activate for no reason and there is not a solution in the owners manual for this condition. if the internet search of 10 minute wait does not work, using another key, spraying the ignition switch with cleaner or kicking a tire - you will have to take a cab. there is not a way to disarm this system. i will not own another gm product because of this system and the inability to turn off my headlights. *tr | |||
| 10/20/2006 | 50 | 07/08/2006 | |
| I have no clue what has caused the failure. i am using the same key that came with the vehicle. i have only been using it for the last year and a half. theft system is causing me a big headache with the ten to twenty minute waits for the light to stop flashing so i can start the car again. i have not been able to repair the problem because it is so expensive to fix and my financial status is preventing me from being able to repair it. *tr | |||
| 10/13/2007 | 90000 | 1 | |
| Once or twice a week when i turn the key to start the car, it cranks but doesn't start. the theft system light starts flashing. after 10 minutes i can try again and it usually starts. i've found dozens of other complaints for this problem with this car. i've called chevrolet (national 800 number) twice; each time they say they've never heard of it. i've called two dealers; they know what i'm talking about, but of course a diagnosis is still required. *jb | |||
| 10/20/2006 | 40 | 01/10/1998 | |
| I own a 1998 chevy malibu and it is one of the thousands with the anti-theft passlock system error. my car continually reads an error in the theft system and cuts off the fuel for 10 minutes before i can start it again. *tr | |||
| 11/03/2006 | 49500 | 2 | 11/30/1998 |
| Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft controller the anti- theft system disabled the engine while the vehicle was being turned started. this anti-theft system has prohibited the car from starting two different times. had to disable the anti-theft system in order to start car. dealer could not fix this problem. *nm | |||
| 01/12/2007 | 55300 | 5 | 12/27/2005 |
| The anti- theft system disabled the engine while the vehicle was being turned through an intersection. with the motor dead, neither the brakes nor steering were powered. coasted to the far right lane out of traffic flow, tried to restart the engine, but to no avail. called a tow truck but by the time they arrived, the engine started and ran. this anti-theft system has prohibited the car from starting four times in the last year. the dealer stated that they cannot fix this. they suggested i use a backup key, but i have tried several keys inserted both ways with no improvement. this problem has stranded the driver twice at work and on two separate occasions in mall parking lots, once late at night. the dealer says they can't find what causes the problem, and they cannot disable the anti-theft system as a work-around. this appears to be a very common problem with this car that only the manufacturer can solve. *jb | |||
| 09/01/2001 | 35000 | 30 | 03/10/1998 |
| I have had my lock core in my 1998 chevy malibu ls replaced about a dozen times since my car was around 30,000 to 35,000 miles. it started when the passive theft system activated in my car. i would be driving and all of a sudden it would come on. i brought it to a local dealership and they replaced it. they said that they could only follow the plans on how to fix it even though i mentioned to them that it more than likely was a short in the electrical system of the car. it happens every six to eight months where it won't start and the theft system light on the dash starts flashing at me. i called gm and they told me that i would have to sit in the car with the key in the ignition in the on position for up to 20 minutes. i live the upper midwest and if it was on a really cold or hot and humid day, that could be dangerous if you stay with your car. is there any way to get it fixed and fixed right? or have gm stand behind their product? *nm | |||
| 07/12/2006 | 85000 | 12 | |
| Anti- theft system engages for no reason. after getting in the car, we try to start it; it turns over, but will not start. i have tried several keys inserted both ways. i have been stranded at work several times because of this. i have been stranded several hundred miles away from home because of this. i have missed work because of this. it cost $ 180 every time to have it reset by the dealer. a new system is $450, but no guarantees it won't happen again. from reading web sites, this is a very common problem with this car. *jb | |||
| 06/02/2006 | 66000 | 25 | 07/06/2003 |
| On countless occasions my 1998 chevrolet malibu failed to start because the defective anti-theft system prevents starting. i fear for the time when this system causes the engine to cease when i am driving and in danger of loosing control. i know that gm is aware of this problem--hundreds of complaints have been recorded online alone. can't you persuade gm to correct and adress this problem before injuries and/or loss of life occur--to say nothing of the hundreds of dollars chevrolet dealerships are charging affected drivers to attempt solving this problem. *jb | |||
| 05/01/1999 | 6 | ||
| The anti-theft systems seems to be an anti-owner system also. since 1998 when this car was bought new, the ignition cylinder or the ignition switch have been replaced 6 times. this has been because of one of two reasons. either the key won't turn or the theft system light comes on and won't let me start the car. i drive over 50 miles each way to and from work and can't afford to get stranded for any length of time should i have to stop somewhere during my travels. it's only been two weeks since it was replaced and again the light is coming on.... at $300+ for each repair since the warranty expired, it's getting a little expensive. if the only thing that can be done is to replace a defective part with another defective part and that's not reason enough to investigate this and find a solution then what is? i really like the car but this is ridiculous! *nm | |||
| 01/06/2003 | 25 | 07/14/1999 | |
| Lately the anti-theft system only seems to be working to keep me from driving. i have asked everybody what i can do to stop this stupid thing and i come up with the same answers. we can change the keys, put in a new ignition, a new ignition switch. all with the same results. it will not fix the problem. i don't see why chevrolet will not recall the system and disable it some how. it used to happen just once in awhile now it seems to be happening about 2-3 times per month. each time i am stranded for at least 15 minutes because that is how long it takes for the theft system to cycle through. i can remember at least 3 times that i have been stranded for over an hour because when the light would go off i would try to start it and the theft system light would start blinking again. very frustrating. other than the stupid theft system the car has been great.*jb | |||
| 09/10/2001 | 32000 | 03/10/1998 | |
| My theft light came on as i was driving the car. i brought it into village chevrolet and they switched out the ignition switch. (this has happened at least 12 to 15 times). they have replaced the iginition switch at least 4 times, the body control module once. at least five of those 12 to 15 times, i wasn't driving anywhere and i was using the original key that i got when i purchased the car brand new, i was attempting to start the car and the theft light came on solid. i called gm, and they told me to put the key in the on position for 15 to 20 minutes to reset itself. i live in mn, and this is totally unacceptable since we have weather extremes and i am a single woman, and this is my only mode of transportation. the last time that i brought it in for this, they cut a new key from my vin to see if that would help solve the problem. it has happened at least 2 more times since that. i have called gm repeatedly, and they tell me that there is nothing that they can do. i am pretty sure that there is a short between the ignition switch and the starter. is there anything that can be done??? | |||
| 05/04/2004 | 90000 | 20 | |
| Sometimes we start the car the anti-theft controller shuts the car down for a 10 minute period for no reason. *ak | |||
| 02/24/2004 | 24000 | 3 | 07/20/1999 |
| Anti theft activates alot , just wish i could start the car when i need it .heater control doesn't want to work right, it would also be nice to have heat in the winter , been to shop a number of times but gm can't seem to find the problem. chevrolets are junk, i wont buy another one. i fixed my brake problem by using ceramic pads, cost a little but well wort it ( had the same brake problems that were reported here every 5000 or so mile in for repairs. ) when i put ceramic pads on they lasted 40,000 miles and still going strong. *ak | |||
| 11/03/2003 | 1 | ||
| Consumer stated that anti-theft system failed, preventing vehicle from starting. consumer took vehicle to the dealer/mechanic approximately 15 times, and they could not find out why the anti-theft system failed. *ak | |||
| 10/17/2003 | 1 | 12/18/2001 | |
| Pass lock system permits engine from starting for at least 10-20 minutes. *la | |||
| 12/01/2000 | 3 | 08/15/1997 | |
| Theft prevention light comes on intermittently, unable to start vehicle at that time. dealer replaced passenger's lock sensor/cylinder, and switch twice. at this time light comes on while driving. *ak dealer has also replaced the passlock system and oxygen sensor. *jb | |||
| 02/01/1998 | 12 | ||
| Theft deterent system sensors have been replaced 7+ time since 11k causing the vehicle to run for 3-4 min, turn off and not restart, problem is still not fixed.*et | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||
| 3 | 02/01/1998 | ||
| Vehicle has stalled numerous of times especially when i am at a complete stop and engine light will go on. slow crank and battery has been replaced twice. the headlights and interior lights dim whenever you slow down to come to a complete stop. the car is currently in the shop due to the stalling issue, mechanic states it is a problem in the computer system and will and to be replaced at my expense. motor mounts are also corroded which is highly unusually due to car only being 3 years. i was unable to give the vin # due to not having access to vehicle at the moment. the vehicle is currently in the shop undergoing repairs. | |||
| 10/09/2000 | 35 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Car has stalled over 35 times over a two month span. the repair shop has replaced ignition switch, reprogrammed the pcm, and replaced the pcm. i have replaced the battey and the fuel filter. the car will stall at any speed. it would restart 'till 12/24/00 when it stalled for the last time as i approached an intersection. my two children were with me at the time. i managed to pull over. i tried over fourty times to restart the car. the engin turned over fine. it did not drag. finally, i had it towed to the dealer for repair. this is the third time that i takit in with in a two month period to have the stalling repaired. about two months ago, we were coming back form vacation when the car died on us over twenty times form san diego to sacramento. at one point, while running, the car would accelerate and deccerate as if someone was puming the accerator in a rapid motion. then the car would die out. i would pull over and restart it. after a while, i got the hang of it. it would die out, i would put it in nuteral, and i would restart the car. it was night time and it was very dangerous every time that i had to pull over to restart it. i was with my wife and two children. second problem: the abs light lit up when the car had 35,800 miles approximatly. i took it in to the dealer and at that time the light was out. it would come on intermittenly. the dealer could not diagnose a problem. around 37,000 miles, the abs would come on everyother day, and the car would go into an abs brake every time the light wold come on. i took the car in to the dealer and had the left front wheel sensor replaced. that took care of the abs problem. i put off the repair because i did not have the money to have it fixed. i have also replaced the brake pads at 30,000 miles and it soulds like they need to be repalced again. they squeek when i brake. my primary concern is the car's defect with the stalling. i am afraid that some day we may get in an accident. *ak | |||
| 06/01/1999 | 0 | ||
| While driving vehicle constantly stalled. dealership replaced computer, but stalling continued. *ak | |||
| 10/19/1998 | 1 | 06/01/1998 | |
| Pcm failed. yh | |||
| While driving 55 mph the vehicle stalled without warning. dealer reprogrammed the computer which did not remedey the problem. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 10/01/1997 | |||
| Alternator, engine cooling system, main computer, grounding wirtes, engine, and the glove compartment has failed. | |||
| 10/01/1998 | |||
| Exhaust failure/headlights failed/control panel malfunctioned/floor board/rain inside of vehicle and ticking underneath hood. | |||
| 11/24/1997 | |||
| Vehicle stalls while drivng. dealers have replaced ecu unit and ignition system and reset all codes to factory specs, but problem remains | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH | |||
| 02/14/2008 | 45000 | 4 | 07/30/1998 |
| The complaint is for the electronic ignition and the taillights and brake lights. the brake lights and tail lights have already been fixed twice, i am told it is an electrical problem, they work when they want to. this is a problem at night when i have no tail lights or when the brake lights don't work. the other problem is the ignitions switch, the key won't move in the ignition, which makes it impossible to start. after reading on line, there are hundreds of other people with the same problem with malibu's and other chevy vehicles, but nothing is being done about this. i am unsure of the incident date because it has happened several times. *tr | |||
| 10/01/2003 | 1 | 11/03/2001 | |
| 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. *nm | |||
| 45000 | 3 | ||
| Consumer complained about an ignition problem. consumer had to hold the key in ignition switch, turn and hold for a period of time before the engine turned over. secondly, seat belt on the front driver side did not retract. had to put the seat belt on manually. also, brakes squeak when applied. *ak | |||
| 06/08/2002 | 6 | 06/15/1998 | |
| I own a 1998 chevy malibu. this vehicle will cut off while driving. i bought this vehicle brand new in june 1998 and had to take it to the shop for repair the next month. the service department at shaver motors has never been able to fix it. there is something wrong with this car's electrical system. i was driving in chicago on 80 90 toll road and this vehicle stopped for no reason while i was doing 55 miles per hour. i listed one incident date but have had numerous other problems. also, when i first purchased the vehicle i had to replace the tires after less than 3000 miles, they were also bad. | |||
| 05/15/2001 | 2 | ||
| While starting vehicle the ignition was stuck, then caught fire. consumer took key out of ignition, fire went out, ignition switch had been replaced before this incident. on 16 april 2002 also while starting vehicle the starter caught fire. please add further details.*jb | |||
| 12/01/2000 | 3 | 08/15/1997 | |
| Theft prevention light comes on intermittently, unable to start vehicle at that time. dealer replaced passenger's lock sensor/cylinder, and switch twice. at this time light comes on while driving. *ak dealer has also replaced the passlock system and oxygen sensor. *jb | |||
| 04/14/2001 | 2 | 07/01/1998 | |
| The ignition lock was replaced in october of 1999 because the key would not turn. it just had to be replaced again on 4/23/01 because the ignition lock was so worn out, if you took the key out, the car would still run. this was extremely dangerous, because if i thought the car was completely off, and left it in a lot or in the street somewhere, and it turned out it was on, someone could have been really hurt. according to two differnet gm dealerships, and an independent mechanic who i consulted on this matter, the ignition lock should last the life of the car, and this is the third one i have had since 1998. any assistance you could offer would be most appreciated. thanks. | |||
| 10/18/1998 | 1 | 11/01/1997 | |
| Ignition switch failed. yh | |||
| 04/15/1999 | 2 | 01/01/1998 | |
| My vehicle's brake light stopped working while i was driving. my emergency brake warning light would not work on my dash board. my ignition switch on my vehicle would not work sometimes. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY | |||
| 06/08/2002 | 6 | 06/15/1998 | |
| I own a 1998 chevy malibu. this vehicle will cut off while driving. i bought this vehicle brand new in june 1998 and had to take it to the shop for repair the next month. the service department at shaver motors has never been able to fix it. there is something wrong with this car's electrical system. i was driving in chicago on 80 90 toll road and this vehicle stopped for no reason while i was doing 55 miles per hour. i listed one incident date but have had numerous other problems. also, when i first purchased the vehicle i had to replace the tires after less than 3000 miles, they were also bad. | |||
| 1 | 04/01/1998 | ||
| Faulty starter caused fire when the vehicle was at a gm authorized service center. nlm | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 02/14/2008 | 45000 | 4 | 07/30/1998 |
| The complaint is for the electronic ignition and the taillights and brake lights. the brake lights and tail lights have already been fixed twice, i am told it is an electrical problem, they work when they want to. this is a problem at night when i have no tail lights or when the brake lights don't work. the other problem is the ignitions switch, the key won't move in the ignition, which makes it impossible to start. after reading on line, there are hundreds of other people with the same problem with malibu's and other chevy vehicles, but nothing is being done about this. i am unsure of the incident date because it has happened several times. *tr | |||
| 08/10/2005 | 119000 | 1 | 10/01/2002 |
| On aug. 10,2005 my 1998 chevy malibu, while parked with ignition off caught fire. while exiting car before the fire, i smelled no smoke or hot smells, i stood there approx. 3 min. while talking to my daughter. 10 min. later the lebanon, tennessee fire dept. was there extinguishing a fire that was mostly contained to the drivers side front headlight area, they deemed the car totaled . i contacted gm the same day, and after several phone conversations , on sept.13, 2005, i received a letter from mr. mike demare, customer relationship manager, that general motors is unable to assume responsibility for damages and we suggest that you resolve this matter through your insurance carrier. so i am still without a car, and i am disabled, with a minor child living with me. i can not afford full coverage , and only had liability on the vehicle. *nm sept. | |||
| 06/10/2003 | 90000 | 4 | 11/01/1998 |
| When applying brakes front end pulsates which produces a grinding noise. dealer notified. *ak the vehicle experienced vibration in the front end when braking. the vehicle has numerous brake rotor repairs. the calipers locked up and the piston seals leaked. the brake light was inoperative because the circuit lost it's contact. the horn was inoperative. the dealer replaced the air bag and repaired the horn power wire from the horn pad to the horn contact ring. *scc *nlm | |||
| 05/02/2003 | 70000 | ||
| I bought a 98 chevy malibu about 3 months ago.it onlyhad 69,000 miles on it at the time.since that time i have had to replace the brakesand buy a new battery.my abs light pops on and off,my airconditioner cuts on and off by itself, and my car clucks all the time. my friend has the same car and we ride together we recognize the fact that both of our cars are giving us the same problems. | |||
| 06/08/2002 | 6 | 06/15/1998 | |
| I own a 1998 chevy malibu. this vehicle will cut off while driving. i bought this vehicle brand new in june 1998 and had to take it to the shop for repair the next month. the service department at shaver motors has never been able to fix it. there is something wrong with this car's electrical system. i was driving in chicago on 80 90 toll road and this vehicle stopped for no reason while i was doing 55 miles per hour. i listed one incident date but have had numerous other problems. also, when i first purchased the vehicle i had to replace the tires after less than 3000 miles, they were also bad. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD | |||
| 03/31/2005 | 65000 | 1 | 01/01/2002 |
| While pulling into a gas station vehicle caught on fire under the hood. local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. vehicle was towed to the consumer's in-law house. the insurance investigator determined that the fire was cause by an electrical short. dealer and the manufacturer were not notified.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||
| 1 | |||
| Vehicle has an electrical cluster which records mileage driven, however instead of recording the mileage, the word error has illuminated, the dealer informed consumer that a computer chip malfunctioned and would cost 400 to 500 dollars to replace it. *slc | |||
| 09/01/1998 | |||
| 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. *ak | |||
| 12/02/1997 | |||
| Inability to turn on and control instrument panel lights. they are back lighted and autmatically controlled. | |||
| 03/01/1998 | |||
| Front end suspension rough,clunk, feels loose, brakes/rotors prematurely wearing out, and instrument panel very hot when heater or a/c being used. radio am already malfunctioned once. am concerned re: brakes, front end and fire hazard of this vehicle. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK | |||
| 08/05/1998 | 1 | 07/25/1998 | |
| Loose trunk wiring causing the lights on the spoiler not to work. nlm | |||
| 09/01/1998 | 1 | 07/30/1998 | |
| Wiring harness chime switch failed. yh | |||