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.
I have a 1998 Chevy Malibu with 60,000 miles. The problem started at about 50,000 miles. Both front lower control arms started to rattle over cracks and bumps around July 2001. It has steadily become worse and is to the point I can hear a loud clunk even over expansion joints or when it shifts gears during acceleration. I have heard from several other owners who have experienced the same problem, some with fewer miles. In all cases Chevrolet refuses to take any responsibility and says we have to replace with newly designed control arms at our own cost. I am going to replace them for fear that the bolts are going to break from the excessive movement allowed by the inferior bushings used in the original part, but I think GM's decision to not recall this obvious safety hazard should be questioned. They have admitted there was a design flaw by producing a redisigned part, why should they not recall it?
The consumer has experienced the following: The front end suspension arm needs changing, rack pinion assembly is leaking oil and internal noises, the pump cap has been changed twice (the pressure oil returns to the cap), and the rear crankshaft seal is leaking. Scc
Vehicle experienced several transmission related problems, consumer stated while pushing accelerator from a complete stop, engine would rev up but vehicle would not move, after a couple of seconds, the transmission would engage, this would also happen while driving, transmission experienced slipping, dealer rebuilt transmission, also, left front axle boot was torn, dealer replaced the left inner tripod joint boot. Gas cap tether broke, dealer replaced gas cap. Vehicle would vibrate while braking, dealer replaced warped rotors and front brakes, the right front caliper was later replaced due to a torn piston boot. Oil was leaking from the front crankshaft seal, dealer replaced seal. Steering column tilt housing bowl assembly machined improperly from factory causing tilt wobble, also caused a popping noise. Consumer heard a clunk noise from rear when going over bumps, dealer replaced both lower control arms.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Omaha, NE, USA