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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
14,858 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Chevrolet Malibu brakes problems

brakes problem

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1997 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #26

Aug 271998

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ongoing problem with pulsation when applying brakes. At 21,000 miles/at low speed it appear moderate, and severe at high speed. Dealer was notified, and had front rotors turned. At 30,000 miles problem reoccurred. Dealer notified again, and returned front rotors, and replaced pads at consumer's cost. At 33,000 miles, again problem reoccurred while coming down the mountain at 60 mph and applying brakes, it caused severe vibration / pulsation. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #25

Jul 112000

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
Due to improper installation rear brakes are inoperative, causing the rear brakes to rust out. Consumer has contacted the dealer.

- Kener, LA, USA

problem #24

May 232000

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
When applying brakes the vehicle does not stop in a proper amount of distance. Dealer has seen vehicle, and can't duplicate the problem.

- Ft. Benning, GA, USA

problem #23

Mar 152000

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The ABS light illuminates with the slightest disturbances on the road. Nlm

- New Albany, IN, USA

problem #22

Dec 011998

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While traveling and when depressing the brakes, brakes make a noise. Dealer has been notified, and brake pads were replaced. Consumer has to replace pads every 3 thousand miles. Only the outer brake pads are wearing, neither dealer nor GM can provide an explanation.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #21

Jul 281999

Malibu

  • miles
The oil pan on the car has defective gaskets the engine manifold has defective gaskets the emergency brake light does not work the brakes have had to be replaced twice in less than 36,000 miles.

- Cumberland, MD, USA

problem #20

Mar 062000

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

- Satellite Beach, FL, USA

problem #19

Jan 131999

Malibu

  • miles
The car has brakes that need replacement at about 35,000 miles then at 51000 miles and now need to be done again. I have not had an accident but it could happen. The brakes pulse which cause a shimmy at high speed and thus instability. I accept responsibility forbrake repair but feel that cheverolet has a design fault with the brakes. I have noted on the internet other people with similar problems with the brakes and know personally of two people who have also had problems. This is a problem that could cause an accident my repair records indicate several visits to the dealer. They claimed I was riding the brakes, that it was a design problem and in one instance I had two tires replaced and they blamed the tire dealer for not torqueing the bolts correctly. I realize that brakes wear out but this is a problem beyond fair wear and tear.

- Concord, CA, USA

problem #18

Aug 171999

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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.

- Columbia, MD, USA

problem #17

Apr 121999

Malibu 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
ABS brake light was on. Consumer had to get the sensor replaced. Also, leaves are getting into the engine.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #16

Aug 031999

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The ABS light stays illuminated while the vehicle is in motion. The dealer has been notified.

- Rolling Meadows, IL, USA

problem #15

Feb 011999

Malibu

  • miles
The ABS brake warning light, indicating non-functioning of the ABS braking system, has been coming on. After the ignition is turned off and the car is restarted the light goes out. The warning light has been coming on more frequently. It seems to occur when making fairly sharp left turns, and is often accompanied by a metallic scraping sound. The dealer was notified after first occurrence and said to come in if it starts happening more often. I intend to take the car into the dealer this week.

- Edina, MN, USA

problem #14

Jun 151999

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
On-going / intermittent failure with asb senor light and brake sysytem; sometime when ABS senor light would come on the, it appear to affect the braking system on the vehicle/ vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on 15 occasion and condition still occur. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter.

- Manchaca, TX, USA

problem #13

May 171998

Malibu

  • miles
Whenever brakes are applied, while driving at 40mph, they make squealing noises. They would also lurch & jerk. Have been to dealer, and dealer replaced rotors. The noise in the brakes still exists.

- Edgewood, TX, USA

problem #12

Jan 011998

Malibu

  • miles
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.

- Waynesboro, PA, USA

problem #11

Aug 151998

Malibu

  • miles
Consumer has been experiencing problems with anti-lock brakes. The consumr replaced brakes once already, and needs to have them replaced again. Also, when applying the brakes, they make a high squeaky sound. Manufacturer has yet to be contacted.

- High Hat, KY, USA

problem #10

Jan 111999

Malibu

  • miles
Intermittently while driving vehicle would pull to the right or left, which may cause loss of control or accident. Consumer thinks it may be the ABS braking system, but no warning light came on. Nas not been to the dealer. Please provide further information and VIN#.

- Portland, MI, USA

problem #9

Jul 021998

Malibu

  • miles
We did not purchase this vehicle, however upon rental I experienced problems with the brakes rubbing. We reported this to the facility where it was rented and was assured this vehicle had just been serviced. We then took said vehicle to the mountains and the brakes went metal to metal. Upon my return to the Agency I made a complaint and was treated unfairly. We then went to court. Raffield tire master testified that the Chevy Malibu in question was notorious for brake sounds and rubbing and that the parts were consistently on back order. We want this verified and put a stop to these people trying to take others for a ride and free brake repair. We are currently in litigation over the deposit against so-called damages to said vehicle. We won the case in magistrate, but they have appealed to the state court.

- Macon, GA, USA

problem #8

Aug 241998

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Front brake pads need replacement due to premature wear. Vehicle has low mileage, dealer notified.

- Oxin Hill, MD, USA

problem #7

Aug 011997

Malibu

  • miles
ABS light keeps coming on. When pressing on the brakes, extended stopping distance occurred. Dealer contacted on numerous times, problem still exists.

- Boonville, NC, USA

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