MYRModel Year Report

1998 Chevrolet Malibu Classic

○ Not enough data
1998 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:35:26.277Z

Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Malibu Classic Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1997: 3 complaints 1997 1998: 5 complaints 1998 1999: 4 complaints 1999 2000: 11 complaints 2001: 13 complaints 2001 2002: 16 complaints 2003: 16 complaints 2003 2004: 116 complaints 2005: 92 complaints 2005 2007: 15 complaints 2008: 21 complaints 2008
1998: 5 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19973
19985
19994
200011
200113
200216
200316
2004116
200592
200715
200821

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 5 total reports mention: electrical system.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

IGNITION WORT TURN AT TIMES, HAVE TO WIGGLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180508

AIR BAGS

2 of 5 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

THIS VEHICLE HAD A CRASH WITH FATALITIES IN 2006. GENERAL MOTORS NEVER ISSUED A UNINTENDED IGNITION TURNOFF ON THIS VEHICLE UNTIL AUG2014.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140918

STEERING

1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

THIS VEHICLE HAD A CRASH WITH FATALITIES IN 2006. GENERAL MOTORS NEVER ISSUED A UNINTENDED IGNITION TURNOFF ON THIS VEHICLE UNTIL AUG2014.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140918

SERVICE BRAKES

1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

THIS VEHICLE HAD A CRASH WITH FATALITIES IN 2006. GENERAL MOTORS NEVER ISSUED A UNINTENDED IGNITION TURNOFF ON THIS VEHICLE UNTIL AUG2014.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140918

ENGINE

1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Chevrolet Malibu Classic — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu Classic reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu Classic?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu Classic have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.