1998 Chevrolet Malibu

◆ Worse than typical
1998 Chevrolet Malibu
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Malibu Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1980: 5 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 1 complaints 1986: 1 complaints 1989: 3 complaints 1989 1997: 443 complaints 1998: 976 complaints 1998 1999: 789 complaints 2000: 922 complaints 2001: 721 complaints 2001 2002: 567 complaints 2003: 569 complaints 2004: 1147 complaints 2005: 975 complaints 2006: 1115 complaints 2006 2007: 977 complaints 2008: 987 complaints 2009: 1509 complaints 2010: 1359 complaints 2011: 977 complaints 2011 2012: 905 complaints 2013: 835 complaints 2014: 350 complaints 2015: 270 complaints 2016: 835 complaints 2016 2017: 701 complaints 2018: 694 complaints 2019: 188 complaints 2020: 195 complaints 2021: 86 complaints 2021 2022: 92 complaints 2023: 64 complaints 2024: 39 complaints 2025: 10 complaints 2025
1998: 976 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19805
19813
19822
19831
19861
19893
1997443
1998976
1999789
2000922
2001721
2002567
2003569
20041147
2005975
20061115
2007977
2008987
20091509
20101359
2011977
2012905
2013835
2014350
2015270
2016835
2017701
2018694
2019188
2020195
202186
202292
202364
202439
202510

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 47%

47% of complaints: service brakes — 457 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

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, 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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 16%

16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 155 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 147 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control module and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
Show 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

SUSPENSION 12%

12% of complaints: suspension — 115 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing coil springs and front.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 9%

9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 85 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing brake lights and headlights.

CRASH FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

1998 — complaint volume: 976
I 19991117 — PE (closed 20000327)

STOP LAMP

I 20000222 — PE (closed 20000712)

WINDSHIELD WIPER

I 20000327 — EA (closed 20010809)

STOP LAMP ASSEMBLY OVERHEAT

I 20000712 — EA (closed 20010306)

WINDSHIELD WIPER

R 20010814 — visibility

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

I 20030102 — RQ (closed 20030915)

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE

R 20040205 — steering

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

I 20040707 — RQ (closed 20050113)

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE

R 20070427 — fuel system, other

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

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

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

R 20140908 — electrical system

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

▲ 2024 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2021

WORST YEARS

■ 2009 ◆ 2010 ◆ 2004

See all years ranked →

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.