← New search

1998 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Malibu years

Owner complaints for the 1998 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

Limited mileage data: 223 of 976 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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 347 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 144 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 130 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

34 crash reports5 fire reports18 injury reports

Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints

347 reports
Clear category filter
90,000 miles · Jun 10, 2003
Air BagsElectrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES FRONT END PULSATES WHICH PRODUCES A GRINDING NOISE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END WHEN BRAKING. THE VEHICLE HAS NUMEROUS BRAKE ROTOR REPAIRS. THE CALIPERS LOCKED UP AND THE PISTON SEALS LEAKED. THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT LOST IT'S CONT…

Read full complaint

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES FRONT END PULSATES WHICH PRODUCES A GRINDING NOISE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END WHEN BRAKING. THE VEHICLE HAS NUMEROUS BRAKE ROTOR REPAIRS. THE CALIPERS LOCKED UP AND THE PISTON SEALS LEAKED. THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT LOST IT'S CONTACT. THE HORN WAS INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE AIR BAG AND REPAIRED THE HORN POWER WIRE FROM THE HORN PAD TO THE HORN CONTACT RING. *SCC *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10022730

61,000 miles · Jun 4, 2003
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

DEFECTS IN 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. I HAVE SPENT OVER $1000 TRYING TO REPAIR THE ABS SYSTEM (INCLUDING REPLACING THE WIRING HARNESS FOR WHAT GM CALL AN "UPDATED WIRING HARNESS," REPLACING LEFT AND RIGHT WHEEL BARONS, AND REPLACING THE ABS RELAY). THE BRAKES CONSISTENTLY HAVE TROUBLE AND PULSE WHEN TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I AM …

Read full complaint

DEFECTS IN 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. I HAVE SPENT OVER $1000 TRYING TO REPAIR THE ABS SYSTEM (INCLUDING REPLACING THE WIRING HARNESS FOR WHAT GM CALL AN "UPDATED WIRING HARNESS," REPLACING LEFT AND RIGHT WHEEL BARONS, AND REPLACING THE ABS RELAY). THE BRAKES CONSISTENTLY HAVE TROUBLE AND PULSE WHEN TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING CONSIDERABLE TROUBLE WITH THE COMPUTER SYSTEM IN THE CAR. THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT AND AIR BAG LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON, CREATING CODES IN THE COMPUTER, WITH NO VISIBLE REASONS FOR THE CODES. THE GAS PEDAL HAS ALSO BEEN REPAIRED TWICE AS IT HAS A TENDENCY TO STICK. THE LEFT REAR STRUT MOUNTS HAVE ALSO BROKEN AND HAVE HAD TO BE REPAIRED (QUITE COSTLY). I AM BECOMING INCREASINGLY CONCERNED FOR SAFETY WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10021020

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

BRAKES FAILED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10020941

65,000 miles · May 12, 2003
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash

I HAVE A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS FRONT BRAKE PROBLEMS...FROM THEM WEARING OUT PREMATURELY TO THE ROTORS WARPING. AT AROUND 5,000 MILES I WENT TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND THEY WERE SUBSEQUENTLY RESURFACED. AT AROUND 13,000 MILES I HAD TO HAVE THE ROTORS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE WARPED …

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS FRONT BRAKE PROBLEMS...FROM THEM WEARING OUT PREMATURELY TO THE ROTORS WARPING. AT AROUND 5,000 MILES I WENT TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND THEY WERE SUBSEQUENTLY RESURFACED. AT AROUND 13,000 MILES I HAD TO HAVE THE ROTORS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE WARPED (THE WERE REPLACED WITH AFTER MARKET ROTORS). ALTHOUGH WARPING DID OCCUR AFTER THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED WITH A NON OEM PART, IT DID NOT OCCUR AS OFTEN AND AS BADLY. ABOUT ONE MONTH AGO I HAD THE FRONT BRAKES RESURFACED AND BENDIX PADS PLACED. WARPING STARTED AFTER A FEW DAYS THAT THE BREAKS WERE DONE. THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS NOT THE ROTOR THAT WAS AT FAULT. IT WAS THE ENTIRE BRAKE DESIGN OF THE MALIBU. THE BRAKES SIMPLY CANNOT HOLD BACK THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR ON SUCH SMALL ROTORS. BECAUSE OF THE RELATIVELY SMALL SURFACE AREA OF SUCH SMALL ROTORS, THEY TEND TO HEAT UP WAY TO EARLY CAUSING SEVERE BRAKE FADING....THE REASON WHY I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE THE BRAKES DONE TO BEGIN WITH. TODAY, AS I WAS DRIVING IN LIGHT TRAFFIC, AS I APPLIED THE BRAKES AT AROUND 25 MILES AN HOUR, IT FELT AS IF I WASN'T PRESSING THE BRAKE AT ALL AND I REAR ENDED A VEHICLE CAUSING A LOT OF DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE...SOMEWHERE AROUND $2,500 WORTH. AFTER ALLOWING THE CAR TO SIT FOR ABOUT A HALF HOUR I DECIDED TO TEST THE BRAKES BY APPLYING THEM IN THE SAME MANNER AS BEFORE...AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED AS IT SHOULD. THE ONLY POSSIBLE EXPLANATION IS BRAKE FADE DO TO THE ROTORS OVERHEATING. I'M EXTREMELY UPSET AT CHEVROLET AND AT NHTSA BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO REMEDY THIS MAJOR WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. THESE VEHICLES NEED TO RECALLED IMMEDIATELY IN ORDER TO PREVENT SERIOUS ACCIDENTS FROM OCCURRING. WHAT IF THE OBJECT IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE WAS A PERSON AND NOT JUST ANOTHER CAR. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10018531

Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THE BRAKES PERFORMED ERRATICALLY EVEN AFTER THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS REPLACED. THE OWNER WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW BRAKE CALIPERS. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10015317

3,000 miles · Apr 7, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ABS BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON LEFT TURN. HAVE TO STOP, TURN OFF ENGINE AND RESTART TO TURN OFF THE ABS LIGHT. SERVICE REVIEW INDICATED THAT FAULTY LIGHT, WOULD COST 600$ TO REPAIR. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10014061

50,000 miles · Apr 3, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

FRONT BRAKE ROTOR FAILED TWICE. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THEM TWICE. ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHT ALSO COMES ON PERIODICALLY.

NHTSA ODI #10013898

Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2003
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND CALIPERS CONTINUALLY FAILED ON CHEVROLET MALIBU. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE CAR WAS NEW. PADS, ROTORS, CALIPERS, AND BALL JOINTS HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED - PADS AND ROTORS AS OFTEN AS EVERY 6000 TO 12000 MILES. DEALERS AND INDEPENDENTS HAVE WORKED ON IT WITH THE SAME RESULT: MORE FAILURES. THERE ARE …

Read full complaint

BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND CALIPERS CONTINUALLY FAILED ON CHEVROLET MALIBU. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE CAR WAS NEW. PADS, ROTORS, CALIPERS, AND BALL JOINTS HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED - PADS AND ROTORS AS OFTEN AS EVERY 6000 TO 12000 MILES. DEALERS AND INDEPENDENTS HAVE WORKED ON IT WITH THE SAME RESULT: MORE FAILURES. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS FOR MALIBU'S JUST FROM THIS YEAR'S MODEL AND MANY MORE FOR OTHER YEARS. NHTSA HAS NEVER INVESTIGATED EVEN THOUGH BRAKE FAILURE WOULD SEEM TO BE SIGNIFICANT. MY TAX MONEY IS NOT WORKING HARD ENOUGH. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10010900

40,000 miles · Mar 18, 2003
EquipmentExterior LightingService Brakes, Hydraulic

RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR FAILED AT 65,000 MILES, CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A NEAR ACCIDENT. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED (LAST TIME WAS AT 40,000). THIS VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAD FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS 6 TIMES AND HAS EXPERIENCED ALL OTHER MALIBU PROBLEMS SUCH AS AIR CONDITIONER CONTROL FAILURE, TAIL LIG…

Read full complaint

RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR FAILED AT 65,000 MILES, CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A NEAR ACCIDENT. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED (LAST TIME WAS AT 40,000). THIS VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAD FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS 6 TIMES AND HAS EXPERIENCED ALL OTHER MALIBU PROBLEMS SUCH AS AIR CONDITIONER CONTROL FAILURE, TAIL LIGHT MELTING, ETC. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10010696

32,000 miles · Mar 10, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ABS SENSORS CONSTANTLY TURNING OFF ABS SYSTEM.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10010240

Official recalls

3

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.

03V527000 · Steering:rack And Pinion

Dec 11, 2003

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 BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

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. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

01V068000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

Mar 8, 2001

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, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. IF A BUILDUP OF SNOW OR ICE RESTRICTS THE MOVEMENT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM, THE PIVOT HOUSING CAN CRACK AND THE WIPERS WILL NOT OPERATE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: REDUCED VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.

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 DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

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

6

RQ04006 · Windshield Wiper Failure

Opened Jul 7, 2004 · Closed Jan 13, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer; Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

IN MARCH 2001, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA NUMBER 01V068) ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSINGS.GM REPORTED THE WIPER FAILURE WAS TRIGGERED BY LOADS PLACED ON THE WIPERS WHEN OPERATED UNDER CONDITIONS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.GM CONDUCTED THE RECALL IN 28 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (RECALL STATES) THAT RECEIVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.THE RECALL COVERED THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH JANUARY 1998.ODI OPENED THIS RQ IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT EXPERIENCED WIPER FAILURE AND WERE DENIED THE RECALL REMEDY.GM IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS NOT LOCATED IN THE RECALL STATES GIVING THEM A FREE REMEDY UPON REQUEST IF THEY ANTICIPATE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN AREAS THAT MAY HAVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.IN ADDITION, GM IS NOTIFYING ALL OWNERS WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR RESIDENCE FROM A NON-RECALL STATE TO A RECALL STATE SINCE THE DATE OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (MARCH 2001).THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER ARE 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.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

IN MARCH 2001, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA NUMBER 01V068) ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSINGS.GM REPORTED THE WIPER FAILURE WAS TRIGGERED BY LOADS PLACED ON THE WIPERS WHEN OPERATED UNDER CONDITIONS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.GM CONDUCTED THE RECALL IN 28 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (RECALL STATES) THAT RECEIVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.THE RECALL COVERED THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH JANUARY 1998.ODI OPENED THIS RQ IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT EXPERIENCED WIPER FAILURE AND WERE DENIED THE RECALL REMEDY.GM IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS NOT LOCATED IN THE RECALL STATES GIVING THEM A FREE REMEDY UPON REQUEST IF THEY ANTICIPATE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN AREAS THAT MAY HAVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.IN ADDITION, GM IS NOTIFYING ALL OWNERS WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR RESIDENCE FROM A NON-RECALL STATE TO A RECALL STATE SINCE THE DATE OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (MARCH 2001).THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER ARE 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.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

IN MARCH 2001, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA NUMBER 01V068) ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSINGS.GM REPORTED THE WIPER FAILURE WAS TRIGGERED BY LOADS PLACED ON THE WIPERS WHEN OPERATED UNDER CONDITIONS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.GM CONDUCTED THE RECALL IN 28 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (RECALL STATES) THAT RECEIVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.THE RECALL COVERED THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH JANUARY 1998.ODI OPENED THIS RQ IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT EXPERIENCED WIPER FAILURE AND WERE DENIED THE RECALL REMEDY.GM IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS NOT LOCATED IN THE RECALL STATES GIVING THEM A FREE REMEDY UPON REQUEST IF THEY ANTICIPATE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN AREAS THAT MAY HAVE MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL.IN ADDITION, GM IS NOTIFYING ALL OWNERS WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR RESIDENCE FROM A NON-RECALL STATE TO A RECALL STATE SINCE THE DATE OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (MARCH 2001).THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER ARE 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.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.

RQ03001 · Power Rack And Pinion Steering Failure

Opened Jan 2, 2003 · Closed Sep 15, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:rack And Pinion

GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering

GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.

Steering:rack And Pinion

GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.

EA00019 · Windshield Wiper

Opened Jul 12, 2000 · Closed Mar 6, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility

ON FEBRUARY 22, 2000, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) INITIATED PE00-009 BASED ON SEVEN REPORTS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 & 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU & OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO EA00-019 ON JULY 12, 2000.DURING THE COURSE OF THE INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FAILURES WERE THE RESULT OF FRACTURE OF THE PASSENGER-SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSING (SUBJECT COMPONENT).SUCH A FRACTURE LED TO AN IMMEDIATE AND IRRECOVERABLE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FUNCTION.GMREPORTED THAT THE MATERIAL COMPOSITION (50% GLASS-REINFORCED ACETAL) OF THE SUBJECT COMPONENT WAS INSUFFICIENT TO WITHSTAND STRESSES IMPOSED BY CERTAIN FROZEN PRECIPITIATION ACCUMULATIONS.THE SUBJECT COMPONENT MATERIAL WAS CHANGED TO THE STRONGER 50% GLASS-REINFORCEDNYLON-6, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 98.OBSOLETE SERVICE PART WERE DISCARDED.GM WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS IN 129,427 SUBJECT VEHICLES FOUND IN 28 STATES (AK, CO, CT, DE, ID, IL, IN, IA ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WV, WI, WY), THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND ALL CANADIAN PROVINCES.THESE STATES ACCOUNTED FOR 91% OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS IDENTIFIED ABOVE.ODI WILL MONITOR THIS COMPAIGN FOR ADEQUATE EFFCTIVENESS AND, IF NECESSARY, TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE.FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS MATTER IS UNJUSTIFIED AT THIS TIME.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS CLOSED.

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

PE00009 · Windshield Wiper

Opened Feb 22, 2000 · Closed Jul 12, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility

There is no summary currently available

PE99071 · Stop Lamp

Opened Nov 17, 1999 · Closed Mar 27, 2000

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

There is no summary currently available