Faults:

One month after purchasing the car with 50,000 miles I had an Axle Seal Leak, the wheel bearings/hubs had to be fixed, and the rotors were warped.

The fan blower motor stopped working and would only work on speeds 3, 4 & 5.

The a/c blower blinks and sometimes cools, sometimes doesn't.

I had a short in a circuit board for the brake light (if you drive behind any other Malibu, it's likely you will see one section of the brake lights out).

Passenger side window goes down slow (this is a recent problem) and at times doesn't work.

Brake pads and drums replaced twice. They always make a noise even after being replaced.

My fuel gauge is not accurate. I can sit at a stop light and watch the gauge move up and down.

Struts had to be replaced around 70,000.

Intake manifold around 85,000.

Water pump went out a couple of weeks after the intake manifold.

Wheel bearings AGAIN at 85,000.

Both rear doors are difficult to open and shut and squeak loudly.

Headlights always have water/condensation on them.

The car is SO sluggish. I hit the gas and have a 3 second delay before I even go anywhere.

Something is wrong with the transmission and the check engine light just came on. I am dumping this car ASAP (and taking a loss on it, I might add--considering I haven't lost enough money on this piece).

General Comments:

If you are considering purchasing this car buy the extended warranty and get rid of the car before the warranty is up.

I am almost sad to see this car go. It is a fun car to drive when nothing is wrong with it.

Faults:

Brake pads changed every 15000 km. Rotors replaced under warranty 3 times.

Intake manifold gasket blew at 70,000 km, after expiry of 60,000 km warranty. Dealer service dept stated that this was because Canada has higher sulphur content in our fuel compared to US and that the gaskets are not designed for this.

Using recommendations from "Lemonade", I called GM Canada and enquired regarding the existence of a "secret warranty". They confirmed that such a warranty existed and covered the cost of the intake manifold replacement, which had been quoted at $1400.

I sold the car back to the dealer for $7200, in 2002.

Chevy's North Vancouver service dept was fairly cheerful through all the trials and tribulations. They acknowledged that the quality was crap, in both the original equipment and replacement parts.

General Comments:

GM produced the 1999 Malibu with appalling quality. I am embarrassed to have owned such a car.

Faults:

EBCM (Electronic Brake Control Module) failed a few months after buying the car due to road salt intrusion, replaced with used unit ($250 cdn).

Fuel tank had to be replaced at about 100000 km due to rust perforation on top ($350 cdn).

Both front hub and bearing assemblies replaced with good aftermarket SKF brand units, $165 cdn each.

Had to drill drain holes in taillight assemblies to allow water to drain out.

Replaced right front strut bearing.

Replaced rotors/drums/shoes/pads.

Car is now on third blower control resistor pack, $60 cdn each time.

General Comments:

Comfortable car, has had it's share of problems, will definitely be the last GM product I ever buy. After suffering with a 1992 Lumina and then spending a fair bit of money on this one, my wife and I will be buying a Mazda 3 as soon as we can manage. No wonder GM is in trouble and Delphi is bankrupt, with the poor quality cars and components they keep producing.