1998 Chevrolet Malibu

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING AND SHATTERED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,751.

Incident Jul 18, 2015

I COMPLETED RECALL NHTSA-14V400, GM-N140350 ON OCT 30, 2014 AT DUBLIN CHEVY WHERE THEY INSERTED THE SPACERS IN MY 2 IGNITION KEYS. SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED 4 MORE TIMES TO COME IN, BY GM, CONCORD CHEVY AND DUBLIN CHEVY. . I HAVE CALLED DUBLIN CHEVY 2 TIMES AND THEY VERIFY I HAVE HAD THE RECALL PERFORMED AND SAID THEY WILL SEE THAT IT IS TAKEN CARE OF AND I WILL NEVER BE CONTACTED AGAIN. AS OF JUL 11, 2015 IT IS STILL LISTED AS RECALL INCOMPLETE ON YOUR SITE. PLEASE CORRECT YOUR RECORDS.

Incident Oct 30, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO FAIL INTERMITTENTLY AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 285,000.

Incident Jan 30, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Incident Jan 1, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG, ABS, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

Incident Aug 1, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE REPAIR COULD NOT BE PERFORMED DUE TO THE CONTACT NOT HAVING THE ORIGINAL KEY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Incident Jan 1, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. MOST OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED; HOWEVER, ONE AIR BAG DID NOT, WHICH CAUSED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: N140350. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Incident Aug 22, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD COME OUT OF THE IGNITION INDEPENDENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY FLASHED AND THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 226,000.

Incident Nov 12, 2014

1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT. *TGW THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. *JB

Incident May 15, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS LOSE AND COULD BE WIGGLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS NOT PART OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE RECALL ONLY COVERS THE MODIFICATION OF THE KEYS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Incident Jan 1, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Incident Sep 20, 2014

1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAGS AND IGNITION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMERS SON WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED IGNITION PROBLEMS SEVERAL TIMES. *JB

Incident Jun 1, 2014

MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS 18 YEARS OLD AND HAD RECENTLY GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL. SHE WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A TUESDAY MORNING, THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND THE ROAD WAS DRY. AS SHE ROUNDED A SMALL CURVE, HER STEERING WENT OUT. THE CAR'S RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WENT OFF THE ROAD, SENDING THE CAR OUT OF CONTROL. WHEN MY GRANDDAUGHTER TRIED TO STEER BACK ONTO THE ROAD, THE CAR SLID ON THE PAVEMENT, SPUN AROUND, WAS THROWN OVER A DITCH, HIT A TREE AND LANDED BACK ON THE ROAD. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, AND MY GRANDDAUGHTER'S SMALL BODY (98 POUNDS) WAS THROWN ACROSS THE SEAT AND INTO THE FLOORBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. WHEN POLICE AND AMBULANCES ARRIVED, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. MY GRANDDAUGHTER DIED AT THE SCENE FROM HEAD TRAUMA AND INTERNAL INJURIES. HER IDENTICAL TWIN SISTER LOST HALF OF HER IDENTITY THAT DAY; THE TWO OF THEM WERE AS ONE. EMERGENCY TEAMS HAD TO USE THE JAWS OF LIFE TO RETRIEVE HER BODY FROM THE CAR. THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED WITHIN ONE MILE FROM MY HOME. I COULD HEAR THE SIRENS IN THE DISTANCE BUT HAD NO IDEA THAT THEY WERE SOUNDING FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER. THE MEMORY OF THOSE SIRENS STILL HAUNTS ME. *TR

Incident Sep 1, 2009

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SUDDENLY MALFUNCTION AND BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Incident Oct 4, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V40000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE DEALER DECLINED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK AND REFUSED TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE.

Incident Oct 3, 2014

1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES TO EXPRESS DISCONTENT WITH LOCAL DEALERSHIP. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE WAS SPONGY, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE AC WORKED ERRATICALLY, DEPENDING ON THE BLOWER SPEED AND WOULD SOMETIMES QUIT BLOWING COLD AIR AND WOULD START TO BLOW WARM AIR. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE FLUID WAS VERY LOW. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY BRAKE FLUID LEAKS. HOWEVER, TWO MONTHS LATER WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, BECAUSE THE FLUID HAD LEAKED OUT AGAIN. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, TO THE BRAKE LINE ISSUE, THE SWAY BAR WAS BROKEN, A FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING AND THE LEFT REAR STRUT HAD FAILED. *JB

Incident Oct 1, 2014

THIS VEHICLE HAD A CRASH WITH FATALITIES IN 2006. GENERAL MOTORS NEVER ISSUED A UNINTENDED IGNITION TURNOFF ON THIS VEHICLE UNTIL AUG2014. THE CRASH BEGAN WITH AN UNCONTROLLABLE AND UNEXPECTED SPINOUT, THERE WAS NO ABILITY TO STEER, BRAKE AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THESE ARE THE EXACT CONDITIONS LISTED IN THE GM RECALL. GM WILL NOT ACCEPT A FILING FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE GM IGNITION FAILURE CLAIM PROGRAM. NHTSA DIDN'T ALL THE GM RECALL TO MALIBU'S BUT I HAVE NOTIFIED THEM OF THE OVERSIGHT. THIS SHOULD BE CORRECTED AND COMPENSATION PROVIDED BY GM. THIS IS THE EXACT WORDING ON THE GM RECALL WEBSITE: THE FOLLOWING RECALLS HAVE BEEN FOUND FOR YOUR 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU RESULTS LAST UPDATED: SEP 16, 2014 GM RECALL #: N140350 NHTSA RECALL #: 14V400 DATE ISSUED: AUG 12, 2014 UNINTENDED IGNITION KEY ROTATION RECALL DESCRIPTION: GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN 2000-2005 MY CHEVROLET IMPALA AND MONTE CARLO, 1997-2005 MY CHEVROLET MALIBU, 1999-2004 MY OLDSMOBILE ALERO, 1998-2002 MY OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, 1999-2005 MY PONTIAC GRAND AM, AND 2004-2008 MY PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES. IF THE KEY RING IS CARRYING ADDED WEIGHT AND THE VEHICLE GOES OFF ROAD OR EXPERIENCES SOME OTHER JARRING EVENT, IT MAY UNINTENTIONALLY MOVE THE KEY AWAY FROM THE RUN POSITION. IF THIS OCCURS, ENGINE POWER, POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKING MAY BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. SAFETY RISK DESCRIPTION: THE TIMING OF THE KEY MOVEMENT OUT OF THE RUN POSITION, RELATIVE TO THE ACTIVATION OF THE SENSING ALGORITHM OF THE CRASH EVENT, MAY RESULT IN THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR OCCUPANT INJURY IN CERTAIN KINDS OF CRASHES. *TR

Incident Nov 12, 2006

I RECEIVED MY CHEV RECALL LETTER REF RECALL 14350 TODAY. THIS IS NOT A COMPLAINT, JUST INFO THAT MAY BE IMPORTANT IN REFERENCE TO THIS SAFETY RECALL. PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH MY 1998 CHEV MALIBU IS : ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS-SOMETIMES ENGINE WON'T START ( IGNITION KEY WILL NOT GO ALL WAY TO START POSITION)-SOMETIMES ENGINE WANT SHUTOFF (IGNITION KEY WANT TURN BACK TO OFF POSITION). AS A RETIRED TRUCK MECHANIC I KNOW THAT THE PROBLEM IS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER (TUMBLERS ARE WORN EXCESSIVELY CAUSING THE LOCK CYLINDER TO JAM AND/OR BE COME LOOSE ALLOWING IGNITION KEY TO ROTATE OFF) . I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE REPAIR MYSELF BUT ALL PARTS OUTLETS TELL ME THAT THE LOCK CYLINDER IS NOT AVAILABLE (MUST PURCHASE $350.00 IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY) IF THIS RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE REPLACING THE LOCK CYLINDER,THE PROBLEM WILL NOT BE CORRECTED. EXPERIENCED MECH/TECH CAN REPLACE THE LOCK CYLINDER IN ABOUT 10 MINUTES. *TR

Incident Jan 8, 2014

THIS VEHICLE HAD A CRASH WITH FATALITIES IN 2006. GENERAL MOTORS NEVER ISSUED A UNINTENDED IGNITION TURNOFF ON THIS VEHICLE UNTIL AUG2014. THE CRASH BEGAN WITH AN UNCONTROLLABLE AND UNEXPECTED SPINOUT, THERE WAS NO ABILITY TO STEER, BRAKE AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THESE ARE THE EXACT CONDITIONS LISTED IN THE GM RECALL. GM WILL NOT ACCEPT A FILING FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE GM IGNITION CLAIM PROGRAM. AN INNOCENT PERSON HAS A BEEN CONVICTED OF MANSLAUGHTER AND THIS SHOULD BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY AND COMPENSATION PROVIDED BY GM. THIS IS THE EXACT WORDING ON THE GM RECALL WEBSITE: THE FOLLOWING RECALLS HAVE BEEN FOUND FOR YOUR 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU RESULTS LAST UPDATED: SEP 16, 2014 GM RECALL #: N140350 NHTSA RECALL #: 14V400 DATE ISSUED: AUG 12, 2014 UNINTENDED IGNITION KEY ROTATION RECALL DESCRIPTION: GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN 2000-2005 MY CHEVROLET IMPALA AND MONTE CARLO, 1997-2005 MY CHEVROLET MALIBU, 1999-2004 MY OLDSMOBILE ALERO, 1998-2002 MY OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, 1999-2005 MY PONTIAC GRAND AM, AND 2004-2008 MY PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES. IF THE KEY RING IS CARRYING ADDED WEIGHT AND THE VEHICLE GOES OFF ROAD OR EXPERIENCES SOME OTHER JARRING EVENT, IT MAY UNINTENTIONALLY MOVE THE KEY AWAY FROM THE RUN POSITION. IF THIS OCCURS, ENGINE POWER, POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKING MAY BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. SAFETY RISK DESCRIPTION: THE TIMING OF THE KEY MOVEMENT OUT OF THE RUN POSITION, RELATIVE TO THE ACTIVATION OF THE SENSING ALGORITHM OF THE CRASH EVENT, MAY RESULT IN THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR OCCUPANT INJURY IN CERTAIN KINDS OF CRASHES. *TR

Incident Nov 12, 2006

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. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A KNEE, A HIP BRUISING AND A MUSCLE BEHIND SHOULDER WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Incident Sep 3, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS THE VEHICLE WOULD START AND THEN STALLED AS THE ANTI-THIEF WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Incident Sep 16, 2013

KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. *TR

Incident Jan 1, 2008

I WAS PARKING THE CAR IN MY DRIVE WAY AND ALL OF SUDDEN A LOUD NOISE COMES FROM UNDERNEATH AND THE CAR STEERS BY ITSELF IN THE WRONG DIRECTION WHERE THE OTHER CAR WAS ALREADY PARKED. I MANAGED TO STEER DUE TO THE SLOW SPEED THE CAR WAS MOVING BUT I REALIZED HOW BAD THIS COULD HAVE BEEN WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IN TRAFFIC AND AT HIGH SPEED RATES. WHEN I CHECKED WHAT HAPPENED, I NOTICED THAT THE FRONT END CRADLE THAT THE STEERING RACK MOUNTS TO, HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE WHOLE RACK AND PINION BECAME LOSE IN ONE OF THE MOUNTING POINTS. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE QUALITY AND WORKMANSHIP THEY PUT IN ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE CAR, WHERE STEERING, SUSPENSION, IN FACT THE WHOLE POWER TRAIN SEATS ON AND IT FAILED SO EASY. THE MANUFACTURE WAS TRYING TO SAVE SOME DOLLARS AT THE COST OF PEOPLES LIVES. *TR

Incident Dec 21, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL ODOR BEING EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK COMING FROM THE SEAL ON TOP OF THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE. THE MECHANIC STATED THE FUEL PUMP WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

Incident Jul 15, 2012

ONLY WHEN ITS COLD OUTSIDE THE SHIFTER DOESN'T SHIFT OUT OF PARK TILL THE CAR WARMS UP FOR 15 TO 20 MINUTES. *JS

Incident May 1, 2009

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SPRING FAILED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE AND WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,924.

Incident Jun 21, 2012

THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT COMES ON AT SPORADIC TIMES AND DOES NOT ALLOW CAR TO START. YOU THEN HAVE TO WAIT AT LEAST 10 MINUTES TO RESTART CAR. THIS COULD BE A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION DEPENDING WHERE YOU ARE WHEN CAR WILL NOT START. I HAD A SMALL CHILD WITH ME ON THE WAY TO THE DOCTOR AND MADE A STOP AT THE DRUG STORE, THEN TRIED TO RESTART CAR TO PROCEED TO DOCTOR AND CAR WOULD NOT START. SINCE I ONLY RECENTLY ACQUIRED THIS CAR, I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND SEE THAT IT IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH CHEVY MALIBUS. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL FOR THIS--OR, IF THERE IS ONE, PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

Incident Feb 15, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY STIFF, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO STEER IN ANY DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,041 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 230,000.

Incident Aug 1, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM WOULD ACTIVATE AND PREVENT HIM FROM STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND WOULD LAST BETWEEN FIFTEEN MINUTES TO AN HOUR. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,000.

Incident May 13, 2011

ANTI-THEFT IGNITION SYSTEM DISABLED STARTING OF CAR. I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE CAR TURNED OVER BUT WOULD NOT START, MANUAL SAYS THE FUEL PUMP IS DISABLED BY ANTI-THEFT. BY ACCIDENT WAITED IN CAR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHILE TRYING TO REACH MANUFACTURER, THE FLASHING ANTITHEFT LIGHT HAD GONE OUT, I TRIED STARTING THE CAR AND IT STARTED FINE. HOWEVER FURTHER ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATED THAT THIS IS A PERVASIVE PROBLEM WENT HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS. MY SOURCE WAS CARCOMPLAINTS.COM. CALLED CHEVROLET AND FILED A COMPLAINT WAS ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE PER SE, BUT IT COULD BE IN THE EVENT OF NEEDED TO GET SOMEONE TO AN ER, FOR EXAMPLE. *TR

Incident May 13, 2011

DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR IN A DOWNPOUR AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE BROKE CAUSING THE WIPERS TO FLY ACROSS THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR. THEY STOPPED WORKING CAUSING HER TO HAVE TO GET OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT SEE. *TR

Incident Apr 16, 2011

WHILE DRIVING MY 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU AT SLOW SPEED (LUCKILY), THE STEERING MAKE A CRUNCHING NOISE AND COMPLETELY FAILED. THIS CAUSE THE COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SIMPLY SPIN, WITH NO EFFECT ON THE ACTUAL STEERING GEARBOX. THERE WAS NO LONGER ANY MECHANICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE RACK AND PINION GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MY MOTHER'S HOME ABOUT A MILE AWAY AND THERE WAS AN INITIAL INSPECTION BY MY STEPFATHER (A 25 YEAR VETERAN OF THE AUTOMOBILE BUSINESS). HE STATED THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN A FAILURE LIKE THIS AND SUGGESTED THAT A CONTACT CHEVROLET TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THIS, WHICH I DID. HE ALSO CHECKED AND THERE WAS ONE IN THE STEERING COLUMN BEARING AND IT WAS COMPLETED IN 2004 ON THIS VEHICLE. I CONTACTED GM BY E-MAIL AND THEY CALLED AND TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE NOT GOING TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY REPAIRS. I SUBSEQUENTLY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE AND THEY DID A PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSIS AND ADVISED ME OF THE NATURE OF THE FAILURE (ALONG WITH A $900 ESTIMATE TO REPAIR IT). THEY ALSO STATED THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN A FAILURE LIKE THIS. THE MAIN CONCERN WAS THAT WE WERE EXTREMELY LUCKY THAT THIS HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY, AS THE RESULTANT LOSS OF CONTROL WOULD LIKELY HAVE COST US OUR LIVES. *TR

Incident Mar 15, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS. THE CONTACT WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME ABNORMALLY STIFF YET THE CONTACT WAS STILL ABLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Incident Jan 28, 2011

WENT TO START MY 1998 CHEVY MALIBU, AND IT WOULDN'T START. IT WOULD TURN OVER AND START FOR LIKE 2 SECONDS, BUT THEN SHUTS OFF. I TRIED STARTING IT A FEW TIMES, AND THEN REALIZED THAT THE "THEFT SYSTEM" LIGHT WAS FLASHING. AFTER I TRIED THE FEW TIMES, THE LIGHT SHUT OFF AND THEN MY CAR STARTED UP NO PROBLEM. HAS HAPPENED 3 DAYS IN A ROW NOW. *TR

Incident Dec 24, 2010

I WAS ON INTERSTATE 95 GOING HOME WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED UP ON ME AND I STARTED LOSING HORSEPOWER UNTIL I COMPLETELY STOPPED!. SO THERE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE STOPPED!, WITH CARS SWERVING AROUND ME AT HIGH SPEEDS!... NOT TO MENTION THE CARS STOPPED BEHIND ME TRYING TO GET AROUND!. I THOUGHT I WOULD BE BADLY REAR ENDED FOR SURE!!. LUCKILY, A TOW TRUCK HAPPENED TO BE PASSING...AND STOPPED TO HELP. SOMEONE COULD OF BEEN KILLED!!!!!. AND FROM ALL THE TESTIMONIALS I'VE HEARD...I THINK GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD MAIL EVERYONE WHO OWNS A CHEVY MALIBU A BIG FAT CHECK!.

Incident Sep 5, 2010

PASSLOCK SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT START FOR AT LEAST TEN MINUTES. *TR

Incident Jul 10, 2010

I HAVE A 1998 CHEVY MALIBU, AND THE SPRING STRUT SNAPPED IN HALF AND POPPED A HOLE IN MY TIRE, I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND ALMOST HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER CAR GOING 45 MPH. LUCKILY THE CAR MOVED JUST IN TIME, I AM VERY SCARED FOR OTHER PEOPLE WHO OWN THIS CAR. IT JUST HAPPENED TONIGHT, SO I AM NOT QUITE SURE WHAT IS GOING TO BE DONE ABOUT THE CAR, BUT IM BEGGING YOU TO PLEASE MAKE THIS ISSUE PUBLIC! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE, PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW BECAUSE IT CAN COST LIVES BY NOT SAYING ANYTHING. *TR

Incident Jul 19, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON THE VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING DURING A RAIN STORM. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE LINKAGE ON THE MOTOR FOR BOTH WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE BROKEN. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO PURCHASE THE PART FROM THE DEALER AND IS CONCERNED THAT IT WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE AT A SALVAGE FACILITY. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V068000, VISIBILITY, WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER, LINKAGES WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES DUE TO A BUILDUP OF SNOW, ICE, AND CORROSION. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.

Incident Jun 30, 2010

1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU WILL NOT START DUE TO PASSLOCK PROGRAM. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED NORMALLY HE WOULD DRIVE SOMEWHERE AND TURN OFF THE IGNITION, BUT WHEN HE TRIED TO RESTART IT, NOTHING HAPPENED. ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SCREEN ON THE DASH AN ICON FLASHED. HE HAD TO WAIT 10-15 MINUTES FOR THE LIGHT TO STOP FLASHING, EXIT THE VEHICLE, GET BACK IN AND THEN THE VEHICLE STARTED. *JB

Incident Jan 1, 1901

THEFT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. *TR

Incident Mar 2, 2010