1999 Chevrolet Malibu

Above average

Owners filed 789 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
66,249 milesMedian miles at failure

265 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 1999 Chevrolet Malibu problems

268 of the 789 complaints (34%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes78
704
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes65
202
Electrical System62
101
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc · brakes53
203
Tires36
206
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs29
100
Tires › Tread/Belt28
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine26
110
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine23
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · engine20
000

1999 Chevrolet Malibu brakes problems

34% of all complaints

268 of the 789 complaints are about the brakes. This is what owners describe:

  • vibrates or shakes31% · 83
  • knocks, grinds or clunks8% · 22
  • sets off warning lights on the dash7% · 19
  • loses its brakes or the pedal sinks7% · 19
  • leaks oil or fluid6% · 15

Share of the 268 brakes complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
41,000 mi
median of 39 reports
Peak year of filing
2001
80 brakes complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
17 · 0 · 15
in these complaints
Recalls on the brakes
None
“In july of 2005 I was involved in a accident due to the fact I was unable to stop this vehicle. I did not realize at the time that I had the ability to file a complaint to a federal safety organization. This vehicle has now had 5 brake jobs, the last being today. The front rotors had to be repaired because the vehicle was difficult to stop and had severe vibration during braking.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 2, 2006 at 98,000 miles
“After making buying this car, I found out what a lemon really is. One month after the purchase, the front end started shaking so bad, I could not drive over 55 on the interstate. I brought it back to the dealer who told me the rotors were a bad design. They apparently had made them too thin, which was causing them to warp during braking. After they were changed to a thicker rotor I still continued to have problems.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 21, 2005 at 1,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1999: 36 complaints, 11 about the brakes'992000: 140 complaints, 78 about the brakes2001: 136 complaints, 80 about the brakes2002: 96 complaints, 38 about the brakes2003: 102 complaints, 26 about the brakes'032004: 74 complaints, 17 about the brakes2005: 51 complaints, 9 about the brakes2006: 15 complaints, 3 about the brakes2007: 12 complaints, 0 about the brakes'072008: 20 complaints, 0 about the brakes2009: 14 complaints, 0 about the brakes2010: 21 complaints, 2 about the brakes2011: 9 complaints, 1 about the brakes'112012: 4 complaints, 0 about the brakes2013: 3 complaints, 0 about the brakes2014: 29 complaints, 1 about the brakes2015: 13 complaints, 0 about the brakes'152016: 7 complaints, 1 about the brakes2017: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes2018: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes2019: 2 complaints, 1 about the brakes'192020: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2021: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes2022: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2023: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'232024: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakesRecall 07E021000 (fuel system)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 14V400000 (electrical system)NHTSA investigation RQ04005NHTSA investigation EA03021NHTSA investigation PE03031NHTSA investigation DP02008NHTSA investigation EA00010
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1999 Malibu peaked in 2000, with 140 filed that year. No recall on file covers the brakes, the subject of 34% of the complaints. In 2024 owners filed 1 so far.

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition14V400000
Filed Jul 3, 20145,877,718 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi

Defect. CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Risk. FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 5 name the 1999 Malibu.

TURN SIGNAL FAILURESRecall query RQ04005Closed
Opened Jun 18, 2004Closed Nov 30, 2004headlights

Gm conducted a recall (NHTSA recall number 03v327) on model year (my) 2000-2001 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles to replace defective hazard switches that cause the turn signals and hazard lights to fail.the recall covered vehicles built from february 2000 through may 2001 (depending on model).odi opened this investigation based on 64 reports alleging turn signal failure on my 1999-2000 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles not covered under the recall and built prior to february 2000.in december 2004, GM will issue a special policy for my 1999-2000 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles not …

FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTUREEngineering analysis EA03021Closed
Opened Nov 4, 2003Closed Oct 19, 2004suspension

The failure rate of the subject vehicles is low relative to past odi investigations.the engineering analysis is therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.please see the attached report for additional details.

FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTUREPreliminary evaluation PE03031Closed
Opened Jul 14, 2003Closed Nov 4, 2003suspension

The subject vehicles are equipped with a coil spring-over-strut front suspension with the spring itself resting in compression between two polymer isolators.pe03-031 was opened to investigate reports of fracture of this spring.the fractures occur in the first active coil above the lower isolator and apparently originate in corrosion pits found beneath regions of damaged epoxy coating.consumer complaints and warranty data show that the failures occur predominantly in the ?corrosion states? And tend to appear outside of the standard 36,000 mile warranty term.these data also suggest that these …

ENGINE COOLANT BOILS OVERDefect petition DP02008Closed
Opened Sep 3, 2002Closed Sep 24, 2002engine

There is no summary currently available

STOP LAMP ASSEMBLY OVERHEATEngineering analysis EA00010Closed
Opened Mar 27, 2000Closed Aug 9, 2001headlights

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

132 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1999 Malibu. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

brakes 20body and frame 16engine 16equipment 15electrical system 10suspension 10transmission 9fuel system 6
4615Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 31, 2007brakes

ABS PUMP RUNNING WHEN NOT NEEDED. *NJ

070201Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 1, 2007brakes

INCORRECT OUTER BACKING PLATE. OUTER BACKING PLATE HAS SHORT CENTRE PROTUSION. OUTER BACKING PLATE SHOULD HAVE TALL CENTER PROTRUSION. *KB

050523001Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 1, 2005brakes

REVISED BRAKE SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS. *TT

3192Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 3, 2004brakes

THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR IS ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE C1236 IS STORED. *TT

3169Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 1, 2004brakes

BRAKES CALIPER NOISE ON APPLY. *EH

040523004Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 1, 2004brakes

BRAKE NOISE/CREAK DURING SLOW SPEED BRAKING. ALSO INCLUDES 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 20 bulletins about the brakes, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 19, 2024TX

Yes it was on and off kept having computer issues and other issues

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 19, 2021NC

My 1999 Chevy Malibu 3.1 V6 engine won,t turn on the engine whend i try to turn the ignition switch and key lock cylinder on and the fuel pressure regulator won,t work whend i try to turn the ignition switch and key lock cylinder on and the airbag srs system comes on in the spring time and in the hot summer time heat and in the winner time.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 29, 2019180,000 milesCT

TAKARA RECALL ..FRONT AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT. I WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WHEN A CAR STRUCK ME FROM BEHIND GOING HIGHWAY SPEED , IMPACT CAUSED THE CAR TO GET STUCK IN MY TRUNK PUSHED ME DOWN THE HIGHWAY SIDEWAYS AND STUFFED THE NOSE OF MY CAR INTO THE GUARDRAIL BREAKING THE GUARDRAIL , QUICK THINKING SAVED OUR LIVES ( MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT )I SAW THE CAR COMING FULL HIGHWAY SPEED AND NOSED MY CAR INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE TO AVOID GETTING STUFFED UNDER THE TRUCK INFRONT OF ME. THE CAR WAS A COMPLETE LOSS, I ENDED UP WITH A CONCUSSION, TORN ROTATOR CUFF, FRACTURES IN MY RIGHT ARM AND RIGHT KNEE, CHRONIC HEADACHES, AND PARANOIA OF DRIVING.. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN THE BACKSEAT BECAUSE THE REAR SEAT BROKE FROM IMPACT WITH THE SPARE TIRE.

Service Brakes
Filed May 13, 2019150,000 milesMN

STARTED MY DRIVE TO WORK IN THE TOOK A LEFT TURN, THEN APPLIED BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THANKFULLY I WAS STILL GOING SLOW AND DIDN'T PANIC, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND SLOWLY APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE. PARKED THE CAR AND OPENED DOOR AND LOOKED UNDER CAR. COULD SEE BRAKE FLUID NEAR REAR LEFT TIRE. APPLIED BRAKE AGAIN AND COULD SEE BRAKE FLUID STREAMING FROM THE METAL BRAKE LINE. CLEARLY A FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LINE. CORROSION CAUSED THE UNSAFE CONDITION. DO NOT HAVE PICTURES BUT I WILL BE TAKING SOME AS SOON AS I CAN GET THE CAR ON A LIFT.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 25, 2018WY

I LOCATED A RECALL THAT MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AND TOOK IT TO THE GMC DEALER IN LARAMIE WHY WHERE MY CAR SAT FOR 2 WEEKS AND ENDLESS CALLS NO CALL BACK FOR THE IGNITION RECALL AND OTHER ISSUES THAT MY CAR HAD I HAVE EMAILED AND CALLED AND ALL I HAVE GOTTEN WAS A BILL FOR NON SENCE AND HEADACKS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN FIXED ON THE CAR AND I HAVE LOST MONEY AND TIME BECAUSE THEY WOULDNT FIX THE RECALL OR EVEN KNOLAAGE THE PROBLEM. JUST UN PROFESSIONAL AND UN REASONABLE PEOPLE THAT AGAIN WOULD NOT EVEN TAKE THE TIME TO TALK TO ME ABOUT THE RECALL JUST LET ME LOOSE MY JOB... AGAIN THE AUTO PLACE IS GMC LARAMIE AND THE REP THAT WOULD NOT GIVE ME THE TIME ABOUT MY CAR IS RICH!

Electrical System
Filed Nov 21, 2017127,000 milesAR

IGNITION SWITCH AND PASS LOCK SENSOR CAUSING VEHICLE TO NOT START AND/OR RANDOMLY SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 25, 201790,000 milesMO

WHILE DRIVING MY AIRBAGS BLEW UP AND I CRASHED RESULTING IN MY BACK AND BOTH LEGS BEING BROKEN

Electrical System
Filed Nov 15, 2016132,000 milesIL

BLOWER MOTOR DOES NOT WORK AT ANY SPEED,NO FUSES OR RELAY ARE BAD OR BLOWN.NO POWER AT RELAY BY BLOWER OR BLOWER ITSELF.IT WORKED FRIDAY,SATURDAY WHEN STARTED DID NOT WORK.ALSO WHEN TURNING LEFT SOME DUMB BELL SOUNDS.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 15, 2016132,000 milesIL

YOUR CAR LIKE ALL NEWER CARS ARE JUNK. READ CLAIM 10926267.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 14, 201644,000 milesFL

I WAS GETTING OUT OF MY CAR AND I LEFT IT RUNNING AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS ANY RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Aug 21, 2016FL

TAKATA RECALL: MY SONS ANTITHEFT CONSTANTLY TURNS ON CAUSING THE CAR NOT TO START OR SHUT OFF AND DISABLES HIS KEYLESS REMOTES WHICH THAN NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE I WAS ABLE TO FIND A WAY TO GET IT STARTED DUE TO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE HAD SOME TRICKS. MY SON IS IN COLLEGE AND HAS BEEN STRANDED MANY TIMES DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION. HE'S HAD 2 ACCIDENTS WHERE THE CAR WON'T FULLY STOP CAUSING HIM TO HIT A CAR. HIS AC LIGHT CONSTANTLY SHUTS OFF MAKING THE AC NOT WORK PROPER. THIS IS THE WORSE CAR!

Electrical System
Filed Apr 19, 2016120,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE ANTI-THEFT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 5, 20167,135 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A MANUFACTURER RECALL REPAIR REMEDY FOR THE KEY SWITCH. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE PRIOR TO THE REPAIR. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE ANTI-THEFT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO START RANDOMLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE DEALER WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY FOR THE CONDITION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,135.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 17, 201686,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RANDOM PROGRESSING FAILURE IN WHICH THE KEY MOVED OUT OF POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO ABLE TO START WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE FUEL GAUGE ALSO FAILED TO PROVIDE A PROPER READING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME AND THE BULBS CONSTANTLY SHORTED OUT, WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) YEARS AFTER EXPERIENCING THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THERE WAS NO PERMANENT REPAIR FOR THE CONDITION. THE FAILURES CONTINUED, INCLUDING VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 28, 201566,249 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE ANTI-THEFT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASS LOCK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,249.

Tires
Filed Nov 27, 2015179,311 milesPA

VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO PASS INSPECTION DUE TO TIRE (TREAD) SEPARATION ON ALL 4 BRIDGESTONE POTENZA 'S INSPECTOR POINTED OUT THAT ALL 4 TIRES WERE CRACKED THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE ON ALL 4 TIRES AND DANGEROUS/HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE ON. HAD TO PURCHASE NEW TIRES IN ORDER TO PASS INSPECTION... HAVE TAKEN PHOTOS OF ALL THE TIRES... TIRES WERE PURCHASED IN OCT, 2010 AND REPLACED IN NOV, 2015 -- TIRE HAD A TOTAL OF 24,183 MILES ON IT... AND STILL HAS PLENTY OF TREAD LEFT.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 6, 2015MO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE THEFT PROTECTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. AFTER WAITING, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ...UPDATED 01/20/16 *BF *JS

Electrical System
Filed Jul 18, 2015173,000 milesPA

THIS COULD BE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. (WILL THE ALARM INITIATE ITSELF THAT IS LOCATED DIRECTLY BEHIND THE KEY CYLINDER LOCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DIE WHILE DRIVING)? THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE LAST MONTH... APPARENTLY THIS CAR HAS A ANTI-THEFT FEATURE NOT MENTIONED IN THE USER MANUAL (MENTIONS A ALARM FOR THE CAR RADIO, BUT NOT THE CAR ITSELF). MY CAR WOULD "NOT START" BECAUSE "IT" THOUGHT I WAS STEALING MY OWN CAR WHILE TRYING TO START THE CAR. ACCORDING TO CHEVROLET THERE IS NO WAY TO TURN IT OFF OR RESET IT MANUALLY (YOU JUST HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE ALARM GOES AWAY), THE CHEVROLET DEALER SAID UNIT MUST BE REPLACED (WHICH WOULD COST AROUND $350.00 TO $400.00 WHICH I REFUSE TO PAY). REGARDING SAFETY -- WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU NEED TO MOVE THE CAR FOR SOME REASON OR ANOTHER IN AN EMERGENCY AND THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT STARTS BLINKING? (NO WAY TO DISABLE THE ALARM) -- NEED TO WAIT... FIRST TIME IT TOOK OVER 8 HOURS, THE SECOND TIME IT TOOK LESS THAN 1 HOUR FOR IT TO RESET.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 29, 2015160,000 milesID

IGNITION SWITCH HAS BEEN GETTING LOOSE AND DIFFICULT TO TURN ON FOR A LONG TIME. RECEIVED NTSB RECALL LETTER ABOUT UNINTENTIONAL KEY ROTATION FOR THE 1999 CHEVY MALIBU. I FOLLOWED THE NTSB INSTRUCTIONS AND REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE KEY RING. ON APRIL 21, 2015 THE CHEVY DEALER GLUED A PLASTIC HOUSING TO MY KEYS. AFTER RECEIVING MY KEYS BACK I COULD HARDLY GET THE KEY TO ROTATE THE IGNITION LOCK, I HAD TO JIGGLE THE KEY QUITE VIGOROUSLY TO GET THE IGNITION TO OPERATE. FOUR DAYS LATER THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH. ALTHOUGH DIFFICULT TO STEER AND BRAKE I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY BRING THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, LOCATE THE KEY ON THE FLOOR AND AFTER REINSERTING THE KEY RESTARTED HE CAR. I HAD A ROLL OF TAPE IN THE GLOVE BOX AND I USED IT TO TAPE THE KEY IN POSITION. NO FURTHER DIFFICULTIES. ON APRIL 27, 2015 I REPLACED THE LOCK CORE SUCCESSFULLY. THE RECALL FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM IS NOT ACCEPTABLE OR SAFE. I KNEW THE IGNITION LOCK WAS GETTING BAD BUT WAS NOT AWARE THAT THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT DOWN IF THE KEY FELL OUT. THIS FIX GAVE ME A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY THAT A PROBLEM WAS TAKEN CARE OF. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER I THOUGHT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE LOCK CORE AND KEYS AND NOT JUST GLUE A HOUSING ONTO MY WORN-OUT KEYS. MY REPLACEMENT OF THE LOCK CORE SOLVED THE PROBLEM THE WAY THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE. A LETTER NEEDS TO GO OUT TO ALL THAT RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER THAT THIS IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE FIX IF THE LOCK CORE I

Electrical System
Filed Apr 17, 2015120,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER SERVICED THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 1, 2015165,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE OFF OR ON POSITION, THE THEFT LOCK SYSTEM ACTIVATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED IT WOULD TAKE APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 13, 2015IN

CAR CUT OFF WENT OFF ROAD. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 27, 2015166,000 milesDC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000. UPDATED 03/24/15*LJ UPDATED 10/20/2015*JS

Steering
Filed Jan 16, 2015180,000 milesNJ

IT'S BEEN HAPPENING FOR A WHILE & IN RECENT TIMES MORE REGULARLY. WHILE DRIVING YOU CAN FEEL THE STEERING TOUGHENING IT UP MAKING TURNING DIFFICULT. ONCE CAR IS PULLED OVER STEERING RETURNS TO NORMAL. PARKING GETS TOUGH. FLUIDS ARE FINE. CAR IS RIDDLED WITH ENGINEERING GREMLINS THAT REAR THEIR HEADS IN THE MOST INOPPORTUNE TIME. MOST HAVE SIMPLE & STRAIGHT FORWARD SOLUTIONS (BLEEDING THE ANTIFREEZE SYSTEM) BUT LACK OF THE DOCUMENTATION CAN MAKE THINGS UNNECESSARILY DIFFICULT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 14, 2015LA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, THE AIR CONDITIONER AND RADIO REMAINED ACTIVATED WHICH CAUSED THE BATTERY TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 12, 201532,035 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF AND THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO, THE ELECTRIC WINDOW PANELS AND THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V4000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,035. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE BEGAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS AS EARLY AS MAY 2005. THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS, AIR CONDITIONER, DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY WORK. HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC, COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED, IT WAS POSSIBLE THE PROBLEM WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE CONTINUED TO SOME EXPERIENCE AN ISSUE WHERE THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION. UPDATED 07/08/15

Steering
Filed Jan 7, 201567,000 milesCA

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. DJR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 15, 2014IN

1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WROTE IN REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF IGNITION SWITCH.*MW

Electrical System
Filed Dec 9, 2014157,282 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY MOVED OUT OF THE RUN POSITION WHILE IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,282. UPDATED 01/23/15*LJ UPDATED 6/9/2015*JS

Electrical System
Filed Dec 1, 2014KY

1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER STATED KEYS WERE STUCK IN IGNITION. IT COST $300 THE FIRST TIME, AND $150 THE SECOND TIME. *SS THE CONSUMER STATED SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER, AFTER CALLING GM BECAUSE SHE SAW THE RECALL ANNOUNCEMENT ON T.V. *JB

Engine
Filed Nov 19, 201486,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI THEFT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT A SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 14, 2014101,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 13, 2014100,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE KEY WOULD INDEPENDENTLY RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OPERATE AS NORMAL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE KEY WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN IN THE IGNITION IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 13, 2014140,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 13, 2014NV

1999 CHEVROLET CLASSIC CUSTOMER VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING SUDDENLY.*CW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING, BRAKES AND ENGINE POWER. *JB THE CONSUMER RECENTLY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE IGNITION SYSTEM, WHICH DESCRIBED THE EXACT PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED. HE IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE CHARGES HE INCURRED FOR REPLACING THE PART AND TOWING CHARGES. UPDATED 07/20/15. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Oct 27, 2014MN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS UNABLE TO BE TURNED IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL) BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Oct 9, 2014AL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 1, 2014103,248 milesWI

MY SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN IT SHUT OFF IN THE ROAD, COULD NOT RESTART IT AT ALL...NO WARNING LIGHTS NO NOTHING, JUST PLAIN SHUT OFF. LUCKILY, NO ACCIDENT WAS INVOLVED AND THEY WERE ABLE TO PUSH IT TO THE GAS STATION WHERE WE HAD IT TOWED AND FIXED......I HAVE THE RECEIPT SHOWING IT WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT WENT OUT AND CAUSED THE CAR TO STOP. WHEN CONTACTING THE RECALL PEOPLE, THEY SAID IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM AND THE CAR WAS ALREADY FIXED. THIS IS TOTALLY WRONG....MY CAR IS ON THE RECALL LIST FOR IGNITION SWITCH AND THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME WITH THIS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 1, 2014GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 1, 201497,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE IGNITION WAS STARTED, THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. UPDATED 11/24/14*LJ UPDATED 5/6/2015 *JS

Electrical System
Filed Sep 26, 2014160,000 milesNV

I ATTEMPTED TO START MY VEHICLE WHEN THE KEY WOULD NOT ROTATE TO START. A FEW TRIES HAD GOTTEN STUCK AND IT WAS NOT ALLOWING ME TO REMOVE THE KEY OR START THE CAR, OR IF IT WOULD START THE KEY COULD EASILY BE PULLED OUT OF IGNITION WHILE IN RUN POSITION. ULTIMATELY I HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION TUMBLER AND NEW KEYS. I HAVE RECEIVED RECALL FOR IGNITION PROBLEMS WITH MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL. HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE REPAIRS THAT I HAD TO MAKE DO NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH I HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION TUMBLER AND KEYS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Sep 25, 201425,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift
Filed Sep 22, 2014AL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE GEAR SHIFTER STEM CAME OUT OF THE SHIFTER KNOB WHICH MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT GEARS. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE STEM WAS REPLACED WITH GLUE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 10/29/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS THE GEAR SHIFTER KNOB THAT CAME OFF OF THE STEM. UPDATED 7/15/2015*JS

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 18, 2014OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT INTO PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL CAP WAS NOT APPLIED TIGHT ENOUGH AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO USE A BETTER GRADE OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 18, 2014152,008 milesWI

I WAS INVOLVED IN A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT, WHICH WASNT MY FAULT. THE CAR WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING THE STEERING COLUMN TO FALL ONTO MY LAP.THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLORE, I SUFFERED A FRACTURED PELVIS WHICH DID NOT HEAL CORRECTLY. IM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS FROM THIS . THE CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Sep 16, 2014130,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE PARKED AND THE KEY REMOVED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FIVE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Electrical SystemCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 15, 2014KY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/22/2014*LJ UPDATED 4/1/2015 *JS

Electrical System
Filed Sep 4, 2014OR

1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE, AS THE THEFT DEVICE CAME ON AND BLINKED UP TO 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE BLINKING ENDED AND ALLOWED HIM TO START THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, IT WAS A FACTORY PROBLEM AND THEY HAD NO IDEA, HOW TO FIX IT. *JB UPDATED 10/01/14

Structure
Filed Aug 20, 2014WI

I WAS TRAVELING SOUTH BOUND ON I-45 AT 6:45AM. ONCE IN THE CONSTRUCTION AREA RIGHT BEFORE THE WEST BOUND EXIT TO I-94 A LARGE OBJECT FELL FROM THE BRIDGE AND BUST MY PASSENGER WINDOW. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 5, 2014VA

WELL STARTED WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THIS STUPID POS. GAS GAGE DIDN'T EVER WORK. I NEVER KNOW !MUCH GAS I'VE GOT. THEN THE ABS LIGHT STARTED COMING ON FLASHING. HAD IT CHECKED OUT BY A MECHANIC BUT COULDN'T FIND ANYWAY TO FIX IT. THE BRAKES THEN STARTED IN ON ME ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT BUT THE OTHER CAR DIDN'T REALIZE I HAD NO WAY POSSIBLE TO STOP. THEY JUST QUIT WORKING NO NOTICE. I THEN LOST THE ABILITY TO ROLL DOWN THE BACK WINDOW THEN THE DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE QUIT LOCKING. TO MAKE THINGS BETTER THE PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW QUIT AND LOCK COMPLETELY GONE. CAN'T EVEN UNLOCK IT WITH THE KEY. STEERING THEN STARTED. STARTED HEARING A BIG CLUNK WHEN TRYING TO TURN THE WHEEL AND IT STARTED LOCKING UP. NOW IT'S BEEN LESS THAN SIX MONTHS SINCE BUYING THIS CAR AND IT'S IMMOBILE. I HAVE SUNK SO MUCH INTO IT THAT I COULDN'T AFFORD TO PAY MY LOT RENT SO IT'S DROVE ME TO BE HOMELESS TRYING TO LIVE OUT OF THIS THING CHEVY WANTS TO CALL A CAR HAD TO GIVE MY PRIDE AND JOY MY TWO CHILDREN TO MY EX HUSBAND. I LOST MY JOB OVER NOT BEING ABLE TO GET TO WORK AND LATE OVER CAR TROUBLE. I'VE ALMOST GAVE UP ON LIFE AND AM CURRENTLY SITTING IN THIS THING AT A WAL-MART WITH NO WAY TO PAY TO GET IT TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT NO WAY TO REPAIR IT NO WAY TO PAY FOR FOOD OR TO REPLACE THIS CAR. IT'S DESTROYED MY LIVELY HOOD AS A WOMAN AND MOTHER TAKING AWAY EVERYTHING I'VE WORKED SO HARD FOR IN LIFE. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON CAN ASK FOR ENOUGH MONEY TO STAY IN A CHEAP MOTEL(NOT ANY KIDS WOULD BE GOOD IN IF MY MEA

Complaints 1-50 of 789, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202512100Routine
202444200Routine
202372210Routine
202299100Routine
202190210Routine
2020200101Fatalities reported
2019193110Routine
2018700640Above average
2017705440Above average
2016841921Fatalities reported
2015270391Fatalities reported
2014351681Fatalities reported
201383710100Above average
20129073130High concern
20119784170Above average
20101,3634140Above average
20091,511693Fatalities reported
2008989552Fatalities reported
2007977620Above average
20061,118960Above average
20059756343Fatalities reported
20041,148970Above average
2003569341Fatalities reported
2002567410Above average
2001721412Fatalities reported
2000922563Fatalities reported
1999 — this page789320Above average
1998976553Fatalities reported
1997443602Fatalities reported

Compare every Malibu year →

1999 Chevrolet Malibu: questions buyers ask

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

It is not among the Malibu years to avoid. Owners filed 789 complaints, against about 755 for a typical Malibu year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (34%).

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu?

The brakes: 268 of the 789 complaints (34%) are about it. Owners most often say it vibrates or shakes (31%), knocks, grinds or clunks (8%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (7%). The typical report comes at 41,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu have?

3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jul 3, 2014. The largest, 14V400000, covered 5,877,718 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1999 Chevrolet Malibu problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 66,249 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 41,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu?

Yes, 5 times. The latest, RQ04005 ("TURN SIGNAL FAILURES"), was opened Jun 18, 2004 and closed Nov 30, 2004.

Are there service bulletins for the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu?

The manufacturer filed 132 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the brakes (20), the body and frame (16) and the engine (16). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 3, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.