1989 Chevrolet Malibu
Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 5 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1997 | 443 |
| 1998 | 976 |
| 1999 | 789 |
| 2000 | 922 |
| 2001 | 721 |
| 2002 | 567 |
| 2003 | 569 |
| 2004 | 1,148 |
| 2005 | 975 |
| 2006 | 1,118 |
| 2007 | 977 |
| 2008 | 988 |
| 2009 | 1,510 |
| 2010 | 1,362 |
| 2011 | 978 |
| 2012 | 907 |
| 2013 | 837 |
| 2014 | 351 |
| 2015 | 270 |
| 2016 | 839 |
| 2017 | 705 |
| 2018 | 698 |
| 2019 | 191 |
| 2020 | 198 |
| 2021 | 89 |
| 2022 | 98 |
| 2023 | 68 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Suspension
1 of 3 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing front.
Show complaint excerpts
While making a turn the right front coil spring snapped and punctured tire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-05-27
Service brakes
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
My auto mechanic told me about the GM recall antifreeze dxcool the anti freeze that's on recall. That I have intake gaskets seeping from the radiator. It has the dxcool. Its not the normal antifreeze. Its going to cost 800 to fix the problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-05-19
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1989 Chevrolet Malibu 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 1989 Chevrolet Malibu?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Chevrolet Malibu have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.