1999 Chevrolet Malibu
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 | 566 |
| 2003 | 569 |
| 2004 | 1147 |
| 2005 | 975 |
| 2006 | 1115 |
| 2007 | 977 |
| 2008 | 987 |
| 2009 | 1509 |
| 2010 | 1357 |
| 2011 | 976 |
| 2012 | 904 |
| 2013 | 834 |
| 2014 | 349 |
| 2015 | 267 |
| 2016 | 834 |
| 2017 | 696 |
| 2018 | 687 |
| 2019 | 188 |
| 2020 | 190 |
| 2021 | 74 |
| 2022 | 86 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
13% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 105 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY13% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 102 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET FOR 70MPH WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE SUDDENLY BLEWOUT, CAUSING THE CRUISE CONTROL TO BECOME STUCK. BRAKES WERE OF NO HELP IN THE SITUATION, THEY MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990728
9% of complaints: electrical system — 74 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140915
I LOCATED A RECALL THAT MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AND TOOK IT TO THE GMC DEALER IN LARAMIE WHY WHERE MY CAR SAT FOR 2 WEEKS AND ENDLESS CALLS NO CALL BACK FOR THE IGNITION RECALL AND OTHER ISSUES THAT MY CAR HAD I HAVE EMAILED AND CALLED AND ALL I...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180125
IGNITION SWITCH AND PASS LOCK SENSOR CAUSING VEHICLE TO NOT START AND/OR RANDOMLY SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171121
8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 66 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY6% of complaints: tires — 45 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET FOR 70MPH WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE SUDDENLY BLEWOUT, CAUSING THE CRUISE CONTROL TO BECOME STUCK. BRAKES WERE OF NO HELP IN THE SITUATION, THEY MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990728
SAFETY TIMELINE
STOP LAMP ASSEMBLY OVERHEAT
ENGINE COOLANT BOILS OVER
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE
TURN SIGNAL FAILURES
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
1999 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (105 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (102 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (74 reports on file for this year).
- 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 1999 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.