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1999 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Malibu years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

265 reports with mileage · 524 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 292 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 144 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 138 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

44 crash reports2 fire reports30 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

17 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2003
Fuel System, GasolineService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM IN MY 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. REPLACED CALIPERS, BEARINGS,ROTORS,OF COURSE PADS. NOW MY ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF (IDIOT LIGHT) ALSO THE GAS GAUGE MALFUNCTIONS WHEN IT GETS TO 1\4 TANK ALSO MY CLIMATE CONTROL FAN WON'T WORK ON THE 1ST 3 SPEEDS. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10014303

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

THE LEFT REAR BRAKE MAKES NOISE AND THE BRAKE CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. ALSO, WARPED ROTORS WERE REPLACED AND TURNED AS WELL. *YH

NHTSA ODI #567802

Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2002
Fuel System, GasolineUnknown Or Other

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER THE CAR WAS IDELING VERY ROUGH. O'RIELLY CHEVROLET SAID THAT THE #5 INJECTOR WAS STICKING, THEY FLUSHED THE SYSTEM & REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER FOR $207.73. TWO WEEKS LATER ON 2-25-02 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I TOOK TO O'RIELLY CHEV. & THEY SAID IT WAS THE #5 & # 3 INJECTOR HAD …

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THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER THE CAR WAS IDELING VERY ROUGH. O'RIELLY CHEVROLET SAID THAT THE #5 INJECTOR WAS STICKING, THEY FLUSHED THE SYSTEM & REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER FOR $207.73. TWO WEEKS LATER ON 2-25-02 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I TOOK TO O'RIELLY CHEV. & THEY SAID IT WAS THE #5 & # 3 INJECTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FIRST TIME THE #5 INJECTOR WAS STICKING THE SERVICE REP. SAID IT WAS BECAUSE I WAS USING CHEAP GAS. I CHANGED THE TYPE OF GAS TO CHEVRON & AFTER TAKING ANOTHER TRIP, I HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS & AFTER TAKING THE CAR TO O'RIELLY CHEV. THE #5 & #3 INJECTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE TOTAL COSTS OF REPAIRS FOR BOTH TIMES IS $717.88. I DON'T RECALL, OTHER THAN THE LEVEL OF OCTANE, READING IN MY OWNER'S MANUEL ANYTHING ABOUT USING A BETTER TYPE OF GAS, BUT CHEVROLET AGREES WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT O'RIELLY'S THAT THIS IS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE INJECTORS IN MY CAR. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE. I FEEL THAT I SHOULDN'T HAVE MAJOR REPAIR PROBLEMS WITH A VEHICLE WHEN IT HAS WAS ONLY 1,181 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE A FRIEND THAT OWNS A 2000 MALIBU LS & SHE HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE #5 INJECTOR, BUT AT LEAST HER CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #758907

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2001
Unknown Or Other

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. DEALER SAYS IT IS ACCEPTABLE TO DRIVE THIS WAY, SINCE THEY CAN'T FIX. CONCERNED THAT IF A TRUE SYSTEM PROBLEM HAPPENS, I WON'T REACT BECAUSE THE LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. *AK

NHTSA ODI #753583

Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2000
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicStructure

LUGS: NUTS- THESE ARE CONSTANTLY LOOSE,I CAN TURN THEM BYE HAND. SOME ARE BROKEN RIGHT OFF.AND THE CHEVROLET H.Q.AND DEALERSHIP(WILDD DODGE) ALONG WITH THE CHEVYDEALERSHIP(EWALDS) KEEP GIVIN ME THE RUN AROUND. THE PAINT IS SIMPLY PEELING OFF THE HOOD OF THE CAR,THE ROTORS ARE GRINDING AND ARE BEGINNING TO PEEL APART.THE BACK BUM…

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LUGS: NUTS- THESE ARE CONSTANTLY LOOSE,I CAN TURN THEM BYE HAND. SOME ARE BROKEN RIGHT OFF.AND THE CHEVROLET H.Q.AND DEALERSHIP(WILDD DODGE) ALONG WITH THE CHEVYDEALERSHIP(EWALDS) KEEP GIVIN ME THE RUN AROUND. THE PAINT IS SIMPLY PEELING OFF THE HOOD OF THE CAR,THE ROTORS ARE GRINDING AND ARE BEGINNING TO PEEL APART.THE BACK BUMPER IS STARTING TO HANG,AND THE BACK TAIL LIGHTS ARE MELTING AND CONSTANTLY OUT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #731024

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2000
Air BagsFuel System, GasolinePower Train

TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING FLUID. NLM

NHTSA ODI #552704

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2000
Service Brakes, HydraulicUnknown Or Other

I HAVE HAD THIS MALIBU IN THE SHOP 7 TIMES FOR THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMING ON SECURITY SYSTEM FOR 3 OR 4 TIMES THAT IS WORKING NOW BRAKES THAT HAS FAILED 2 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS AND I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT I HAVE GOT 2 LITTLE CHILDREN AND I AM SCARED TO GET IT MY OWN CAR WHAT I THOUGHT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE WHEN I GOT IT. *…

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I HAVE HAD THIS MALIBU IN THE SHOP 7 TIMES FOR THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMING ON SECURITY SYSTEM FOR 3 OR 4 TIMES THAT IS WORKING NOW BRAKES THAT HAS FAILED 2 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS AND I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT I HAVE GOT 2 LITTLE CHILDREN AND I AM SCARED TO GET IT MY OWN CAR WHAT I THOUGHT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE WHEN I GOT IT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #718677

Official recalls

1

14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jul 3, 2014

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. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

5

RQ04005 · Turn Signal Failures

Opened Jun 18, 2004 · Closed Nov 30, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

EA03021 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture

Opened Nov 4, 2003 · Closed Oct 19, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front; Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Suspension:front

THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

Suspension

THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

PE03031 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture

Opened Jul 14, 2003 · Closed Nov 4, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front; Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS.PE03-031 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING.THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR AND APPARENTLY ORIGINATE IN CORROSION PITS FOUND BENEATH REGIONS OF DAMAGED EPOXY COATING.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR PREDOMINANTLY IN THE ?CORROSION STATES? AND TEND TO APPEAR OUTSIDE OF THE STANDARD 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TERM.THESE DATA ALSO SUGGEST THAT THESE FAILURES WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE INVOLVED THE BROKEN SPRING COIL CONTACTING THE ADJACENT TIRE.ODI IS UPGRADING PE03-031 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THESE FAILURES.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension:front

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS.PE03-031 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING.THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR AND APPARENTLY ORIGINATE IN CORROSION PITS FOUND BENEATH REGIONS OF DAMAGED EPOXY COATING.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR PREDOMINANTLY IN THE ?CORROSION STATES? AND TEND TO APPEAR OUTSIDE OF THE STANDARD 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TERM.THESE DATA ALSO SUGGEST THAT THESE FAILURES WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE INVOLVED THE BROKEN SPRING COIL CONTACTING THE ADJACENT TIRE.ODI IS UPGRADING PE03-031 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THESE FAILURES.

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS.PE03-031 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING.THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR AND APPARENTLY ORIGINATE IN CORROSION PITS FOUND BENEATH REGIONS OF DAMAGED EPOXY COATING.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR PREDOMINANTLY IN THE ?CORROSION STATES? AND TEND TO APPEAR OUTSIDE OF THE STANDARD 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TERM.THESE DATA ALSO SUGGEST THAT THESE FAILURES WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE INVOLVED THE BROKEN SPRING COIL CONTACTING THE ADJACENT TIRE.ODI IS UPGRADING PE03-031 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THESE FAILURES.

DP02008 · Engine Coolant Boils Over

Opened Sep 3, 2002 · Closed Sep 24, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

There is no summary currently available

EA00010 · Stop Lamp Assembly Overheat

Opened Mar 27, 2000 · Closed Aug 9, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting

There is no summary currently available