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8.9

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
2,529 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 suspension problems

suspension problem

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1997 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments

problem #17

Jul 212003

Malibu 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,000 miles

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

Many problems with my 1997 Malibu, suspension noise/leaky water pump/key agnition, and lock collar. 32600 miles on the car many repairs.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #16

Apr 082003

Malibu

  • 35,000 miles
The vehicle swerved left and right without warning. The dealer was notified.

- Madison, FL, USA

problem #15

Aug 272002

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
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.

- Panama City, FL, USA

problem #14

Jul 161998

Malibu

  • miles

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

No summary listed for above vehicle. (tiresize: 215R60-15)

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #13

Jul 161998

Malibu

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle. (dot number: 0 tiresize: 215R60-15)

- Portland, OR, USA

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problem #12

Apr 252000

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
Rattle, clunk coming from left front end of vehicle while driving.

- Chandler, AZ, USA

problem #11

Apr 232000

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles

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

Front end shakes at highway speeds, brake rotors failed, tires worn at 30000 miles.( dot number: Tire size: P21560R15 )

- Pleasant Prairie, WI, USA

problem #10

Nov 041997

Malibu

  • miles
Front end squeak and thump. Dealer reports no repair/remedy at this time.

- Pleasant Prairie, WI, USA

problem #9

Jan 042000

Malibu

  • miles
The vehicle vibrates in the front end when applying brake at speeds of 70 mph.

- Cypress, CA, USA

problem #8

Jan 052000

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
Air conditioner cuts off, engine fails to start (security system), carpet has disentegrated, front end problems, brake pad replaced and belt.

- Crosby, TX, USA

problem #7

Dec 221999

(reported on)

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

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.

- St George, UT, USA

problem #6

Dec 121999

Malibu

  • miles
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 in repairs within a 2 week period.

- Culleoka Tn, TN, USA

problem #5

Dec 091998

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
Right front suspension failed.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #4

May 011998

Malibu

  • miles
No summary

- St. George, UT, USA

problem #3

Jun 271999

Malibu

  • miles
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 ?:(

- Holly Springs, MS, USA

problem #2

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 #1

Sep 161998

Malibu

  • miles
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.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

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