1998 Chevrolet Malibu
This year had 30% to 100% more 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.
47% of complaints: service brakes — 457 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow 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, 20140925
Also filed under AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140916
16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 155 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIRE15% of complaints: electrical system — 147 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control module and 12v/24v/48v battery.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ENGAGED AND THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS HOME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190123
Also filed under ENGINE
12% of complaints: suspension — 115 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing coil springs and front.
9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 85 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing brake lights and headlights.
CRASH FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
STOP LAMP
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
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
1998 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (457 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (155 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (147 reports on file for this year).
- 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 1998 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu have?
5 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.