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.
1998 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer writes to express discontent with local dealership. The consumer stated the brake was spongy, the ABS light illuminated and the ac worked erratically, depending on the blower speed and would sometimes quit blowing cold air and would start to blow warm air. The consumer stated the brake fluid was very low. The dealer was unable to find any brake fluid leaks. However, two months later while driving, the brake pedal went to the floor, because the fluid had leaked out again. The brake lines were replaced. In addition, to the brake line issue, the sway bar was broken, a fuel line was leaking and the left rear strut had failed.
Codes C1286 and C1214. The car doesn't want to stop. I've already had the brakes and rotors done because the ABS and brake light were on. The traction control for the relay contact or coil and steering sensor bias malfunction is pulling up. The car has too many problems in 3 months I've had it.
The ABS warning light has been going on occasionally since I bought the car new in 1998. Recently, this has been happening frequently, almost every time, shortly after starting the car and usually during the first turn. Turning off the engine and then restarting turns the ABS light off, and it then stays off. Also, in the past month or so, the car has slid forward just as it is coming to a stop. This causes me to slide about one foot beyond where I intended to stop, which could be dangerous. I have taken to stopping well behind the car in front of me to allow for this extra slide. At the time of the slide, I feel the pressure on the brake pedal suddenly drop, and then I have to push really hard to stop. This failure only seems to happen in the first few times I stop after starting the car. I brought the car today to wilkie Chevrolet in philadelphia to have this defect checked out.
When driving 10 mph consumer turned the steering wheel towards the left and steering wheel made a grinding noise. Also, brakes were difficult to depress. Consumer was able to control the vehicle, and towed it to dealership for inspection.
- Harrington, DE, USA
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1998 Chevrolet Malibu ABS light comes on. When braking, the brake pedal goes all the way down and brakes don't work correctly, making the stopping distance longer. We took the car to the dealer and they replace the front speed sensor. A few months later it started to do the same thing again. And since haven't been able to fix this problem. Also, when braking the car vibrates, I know that it's do to the front rotors, needing to be replace, but I was looking on the number of complaints that this type of cars has and don't find it to be a coincidence. Surely there is some thinking we can do to fix this problem or are we going to have to wait till someone get injured or killed. It is notably that this is a safety issue that needs to be taken care of now. We have cars on the street that have faulty brake systems, if that is not a safety issue then call me crazy. Hopefully some one get back to me.
While driving 20 mph and making a left turn steering wheel locked up. Driver applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a rock. The driver was not hurt. The vehicle was towed by triple L towing. Consumer's daughter in law heard news of GM recalling 88,000 vehicles for a power steering defect, and relayed the news to consumer. Consumer contacted GM regarding the news and was informed that vehicle is included on the list. Also, GM said that they would send an inspector to check on to the vehicle. Consumer also reported information to her insurance carrier.
ABS light illuminated, and the brake pedal had to be pressed down to the floor for the vehicle to stop. Also, air conditioner turned on/off on its own.
Factory alarm system module fails constantly causes fuel injectors to quit for about 10-20 min. "theft system" light blinks, once it's done blinking it might start the car, or it might fail again causing another 10-20 min. Lag period. A/C also blows cold air when off, and hot air when on at times. A/C also turns it's self off and on from time to time. Brakes seem to give out in the middle of braking. Almost had an accident because of it.
The ABS warning indicator light illuminated. While making sharp turns in either direction and applying pressure to the brake pedal, vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. Independent mechanic could not determine the cause of the problem.
While applying the brakes ABS braking light appeared on the dashboard without warning. The brakes has been replaced five times, every 35,000 miles. While applying the brakes vehicle would vibrate, and there would be extended stopping distance.
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?
Anti lock brakes not working or releasing causing to replace brake pads and rotors 4 times on the drivers side ABS light coming on and going off. First time about a month after purchase of car.
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.
Anti-lock brake light comes on frequently when depressing brake pedal with certain pressure. Owner is concerned not knowing if brakes are going to perform as necessary.
I have gotten my pads, rotors/calipers fixed and cleaned twice at over 700 dollars and my ABS light is constantly on and I have only had the car six months I have taken it to 2 mechanics and now I can hardly stop the car. Please get back with me asap I don't know what to do. Thank you.
Consumer states while applying brakes at 20-25 mph, the ABS engaged and caused vehicle to rear end another vehicle, dealer and the manufacturer were not notified at this time. Nlm
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Greenville, PA, USA