27th Mar 2003, 12:44

More of the same. Just got my estimate for the manifold ~ $700. Brakes have been redo 2x and blower doesn't work. Rear tail light replace 2x. Also had ABS sensor replace @ $300. Wish I would have had these problems sooner. All start at 60,000+ and no warranty.

15th Apr 2003, 10:06

I have the same whining sound from the dash area as mention in the 14 March 2003 comment. Source seems to be the left forward corner (driver's side) of the dash. Sounds a lot like a taunt rubber band held out the window at high speed. It happens anywhere above 60 mph during warm weather. It does not seem to be related to air flow as operating the heater/cooling system and opening/closing the windows make no difference. It really makes travel very annoying. Hope someone has an answer.

17th Apr 2003, 22:14

Hello I was just reading all the comments on the Malibu's. I own a 1997 and just had to replace the front wheel bearings. The car started out with the ABS light coming on a couple of times and a rubbing sound when I turned sharp. If any one has info on the water in the back floor board we are having that problem now along with the head gasket leaking.

Email donnieandjessica@yahoo.com.

2nd May 2003, 22:03

I have a 1999 Malibu and since I purchased it in 2002 I am having brake light problem. For some reason my brake light stays on and will not go out. The brakes are working fine and the fluid is ok. What could possibly be wrong.

4th May 2003, 08:47

Your alternator is beginning to fail. When your system voltage drops, the power train control module will sense it before the low voltage light on the dash comes on. Replace your alternator before you get stranded.

This is a common problem on the Malibu's. The alternator is located in an area where it does not get sufficient cooling air and it overheats, causing premature failure.

13th May 2003, 06:40

I reached 90,000 miles on my 97 Malibu. I have already had to replace the blower fan, right hub bearing, brakes every 15,000 miles, and noise coming from the steering column. Now my coolant light won't turn off, so its back to shop for that head gasket. It seems like an endless battle of problems. I like my Malibu, but I wouldn't buy one again.

23rd Jun 2003, 21:39

I have a 98 Malibu, and while it's great at gas mileage and great driving control, I have had pretty much all of the same complaints as everyone here. Coolant leak, although it wasn't anything serious, ABS light coming on (it was a computer problem, so fixed under warranty), and now I need to replace the axial and bushing and serpentine belt. I tried to replace the belt on my own.. but there's a part in the belt's way. Anyone know if it is safe to remove this part that seems to be connected to the motor?

28th Jun 2003, 11:31

With very low miles on our '99 Malibu, we have been the lucky ones. We've been through the coolant light, quick tire wear, excessive brake wear, etc.

One comment here is dead on -- ABS light might indicate that you need a new alternator. That happened to us, and it is about a $400 charge. The battery also went out within the first 10 months.

We've also replaced the $20 micro relay (6 months ago) that controls the daytime running lights. While on vacation, we stopped at a restaurant and noticed the lights were staying on continuously, even though they were turned off and the key was out of the ignition.

SO NEW PROBLEM... Dash lights go on and off at their own will. If we turn the headlights on manually, the dash lights go out, including the radio clock. Radio and all electrical stuff still works. All fuses are good, but there seems to be a short some where. Any clue?

--D&C in D.C.

18th Nov 2003, 14:01

We have a 1998 Malibu LS, and have experienced many of the same problems noted here. One of the most annoying problems we had was the whistling noise coming from the windshield/dash area during highway driving (65+ mph). We finally figured out where the whistling was coming from--the driver's side mirror. While driving down the highway, I rolled down the window in an effort to make the irritating noise stop. I simply put my hand over the top of the mirror (where it connects to the door) and the whistling stopped. I'm not sure how one would actually "fix" this problem, but at least knowing where the sound is coming from is a start!

4th Dec 2003, 05:29

I own a 97 Chevy Malibu. I have had it for two years and my parents had it from the time it was new. Here is the list:

1. Coolant Light- New Head gasket needed, $750.00 in the shop right now. Mechanic told me the coolant was not going into the engine oil. Small relief.

2. Battery- I have replaced the battery once. My Parents replaced the battery once. When they had the battery replaced at Chevy, the mechanics failed to take off the handle on the battery and the handle was resting on the battery terminals. After a year they snapped off.

3. Alternator- I had to replace the alternator at 60,000 miles. $500.00

4. Brakes have only been replaced twice. I feel lucky. Last time I bought Midas lifetime brakes, at least I will only pay for labor from here on.

5. A/C- Blower fan seems to have lost a couple of speeds, I replaced the head unit and that did not help. I will just drive around this year with only three speeds.

6. ABS light comes on and off every so often, afraid to see what the problem is. As long as I have brakes I am not fixing it.

I have had the car for two years 30,000 miles. The car has 84,000 miles. This is the last American Car I will own. My previous car a 1986 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck had a 135,000 miles on it when I sold it to a friend. He has since put another 175,000 miles on the truck. Has only had to replace brakes once and the clutch once at 175,000 miles. This is the car My sister and myself and numerous friends learned to drive stick on. SHAME ON YOU GM FOR PUTTING OUT SUCH A SHODDY PRODUCT. I am conferring with a lawyer and a couple of other Malibu owners to seek restitution and replacement of common problems. If you would like to add your name or let me know of your problem, e-mail me at wavy41269@aol.com.

David.