1997 Chevrolet Malibu
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 1147 |
| 2005 | 975 |
| 2006 | 1115 |
| 2007 | 977 |
| 2008 | 987 |
| 2009 | 1509 |
| 2010 | 1359 |
| 2011 | 977 |
| 2012 | 905 |
| 2013 | 835 |
| 2014 | 350 |
| 2015 | 270 |
| 2016 | 835 |
| 2017 | 701 |
| 2018 | 694 |
| 2019 | 188 |
| 2020 | 195 |
| 2021 | 86 |
| 2022 | 92 |
| 2023 | 64 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
30% of complaints: service brakes — 133 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY21% of complaints: electrical system — 92 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and control module.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLES COMPUTER SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE WARNING LIGHTS FOR ABS BRAKES AND ANTI THEFT WOULD COME ON FREQUENTLY. FINALLY THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE. *DT
NHTSA ODI report, 20030321
I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE PASSENGER CALIPER AND ROTORS TWICE BECAUSE THE BOLTS FOR THE CALIPER KEEPS POPPING OUT AND THE BOLTS FOR THE BRACKET KEEPS POPPING OUT..
NHTSA ODI report, 20200427
Also filed under SUSPENSION
19% of complaints: steering — 84 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and gear box (other than rack and pinion).
CRASH INJURY14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 64 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
CRASH INJURY14% of complaints: suspension — 62 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and lower arm.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE FRAME SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO FLIP AND CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140929
Also filed under AIR BAGS and STRUCTURE
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FASTENERS THAT SECURE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TIE BAR WERE OMITTED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AIR BAG MODULE FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE FASTENERS AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL ANY FASTENERS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED.
Campaign 97V107000 — check if this car was fixed
WINDSHIELD WIPER
STOP LAMP ASSEMBLY OVERHEAT
WINDSHIELD WIPER
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 14, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DA
Campaign 01V068000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING RACK AND PINION
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARI
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004.
Campaign 03V527000 — check if this car was fixed
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
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 UNI
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.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 14V400000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (133 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (92 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (84 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V107000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V068000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V527000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V400000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.