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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

What owners actually said

789 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING OR AT A COMPLETE STOP VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8013409

Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

FUEL AND TEMPERATURE GAUGES/ BLOWER FUSE REPLACED FOR 1AND 2 POSITIONS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #763956

Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentExterior Lighting

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AFTER ENGINE IS WARM, ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF NOTHING WORKS BUT THE RADIO. VEHICLE HAS TO BE PUT IN PARK TO RESTART. ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER THE FIRST FEW TIMES AFTER PROBLEM OCCURS. VEHICLE ALSO STALLED OUT WHEN UNDER 30 MPH. DEALER UNABLE TO DUPLICATE CONCERN. *TT

NHTSA ODI #566437

Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING THE COOLANT BOILS UP AND SHOOTS OUT THROUGH THE OVERFLOW RUBBER TUBE ON THE COOLANT CONTAINER, THIS IS DUE TO ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE. CONSUMER STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR CORRECTION OF THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM. *YH

NHTSA ODI #566459

Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

HORN WAS REPLACED TWICE BY THE DEALER. NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBAORD AS LINKED TO ANOTHER PROBLEM. THIS KEEPS CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT.*AK CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, RELAY SWITCH AND CANCEL CAM HORN WERE ALL REPLACED, ALSO THE INTAKE …

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HORN WAS REPLACED TWICE BY THE DEALER. NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBAORD AS LINKED TO ANOTHER PROBLEM. THIS KEEPS CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT.*AK CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, RELAY SWITCH AND CANCEL CAM HORN WERE ALL REPLACED, ALSO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL DUE TO THE GASKET BEING IMPROPERLY SEALED, THE OIL PUMP DRIVE SEAL WAS REPLACED.*JB

NHTSA ODI #8012969

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING THE COOLANT BOILS UP AND SHOOTS OUT THROUGH THE OVERFLOW RUBBER TUBE ONTO THE COOLANT CONTAINER. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE CONSUMER CAN SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF ANTIFREEZE. THEN THE RED LIGHT ON THE DASH ILLUMINATES AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE RISES SLIGHTLY. CONSUMER HAS TO CONSTANTLY STOP AND ADD COOLANT. *TT …

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WHILE DRIVING THE COOLANT BOILS UP AND SHOOTS OUT THROUGH THE OVERFLOW RUBBER TUBE ONTO THE COOLANT CONTAINER. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE CONSUMER CAN SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF ANTIFREEZE. THEN THE RED LIGHT ON THE DASH ILLUMINATES AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE RISES SLIGHTLY. CONSUMER HAS TO CONSTANTLY STOP AND ADD COOLANT. *TT

NHTSA ODI #566272

Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2002
Service Brakes, AirService Brakes, Hydraulic

ABS LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE SENSOR HAS BROKEN IN HALF. *AK THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER AFTER SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF AND TURNING IT BACK ON, THE MECAHNIC INFORMED CONSUMER NOTHING COULD BE TESTED BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. CONSUMER STOPPED TO SEE ANOTHER MECHANIC AND THIS TIME THE VEHI…

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ABS LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE SENSOR HAS BROKEN IN HALF. *AK THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER AFTER SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF AND TURNING IT BACK ON, THE MECAHNIC INFORMED CONSUMER NOTHING COULD BE TESTED BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. CONSUMER STOPPED TO SEE ANOTHER MECHANIC AND THIS TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED INOPERABLE BECAUSE THE FRONT WHEEL SENSOR WAS BROKEN IN HALF. *JG

NHTSA ODI #8012036

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2002
Service Brakes, HydraulicVisibility

THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WORE OUT PREMATURELY SEVERAL TIMES, CAUSING PULSATION AND NOISE. *YH

NHTSA ODI #566066

Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2002
Seat Belts

PLASTIC LATCH PLATE BROKE WHILE INSTALLING A CHILD SAFETY SEAT. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8011312

Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2002
Electrical System

PLEASE REFER ALSO TO ODI ID 703986. WAS DRIVING ALONG A 2-LANE ROAD AND BUMPED THE KEYS. THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING IMMEDIATELY. ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON, AND ALL THE GAUGES TURNED OFF. I HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP ON THE SHOULDER. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND THEN BACK ON, AND THE CAR RESTARTED. THE DEALER DOES NOT KNOW …

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PLEASE REFER ALSO TO ODI ID 703986. WAS DRIVING ALONG A 2-LANE ROAD AND BUMPED THE KEYS. THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING IMMEDIATELY. ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON, AND ALL THE GAUGES TURNED OFF. I HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP ON THE SHOULDER. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND THEN BACK ON, AND THE CAR RESTARTED. THE DEALER DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS YET. I AM ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM BY TAPPING ON THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING.*AK

NHTSA ODI #762730

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