1998 Chevrolet Malibu from North America - Comments

I currently have an AC and heat problem, and am just living with it because I don't have the money to get it fixed. The air conditioner just shuts off for no reason, and sometimes I can't even get it to stay on. The heat only works on settings three and up.

I had a head gasket replaced at 37,000 miles, because coolant was leaking, which could have lead to a more serious problem had I not taken it to the mechanic immediately. The cost for this was $600, and was just after the warranty ran out.

The car has a whistling sound in the windshield when I reach speeds of 65+.

Six months ago I had both ABS sensors replaced ($800), and I'm still experiencing problems with the ABS light coming on all the time. This problem can become annoying because if the senor is broken, it causes the ABS breaks to kick in when they are not needed. I was told that this was a "normal" problem that occurs in Malibu's, and that because I live in Michigan where the roads are salted in the winter, the salt causes the sensors to become corroded. I personally do not buy this excuse.

The tires are pretty good because I have them rotated regularly, and have only had to replace them once since I bought the car. However, I have noticed that in the winter, even with new snow tires, the car has difficulty keeping traction while going up small inclines.

As for the brakes, I have problems with them constantly, and they even went out on me one time. I can't even estimate how much money has been put into the brakes.

The taillights have to be replaced every three months, which is cheap. However, it can become dangerous when they all go out at the same time, and you don't realize it because they were just replaced three months ago.

The right headlight has permanent condensation in it, and it is not cracked.

From reading reviews on my car, I found that many of the problems I am experiencing are not uncommon. GM should take a ride to hell in the Malibu.

I discourage anyone who might be thinking of buying a Malibu.

I am a college student and my roommates all drive much older, foreign cars, and I am the only one who is always at the dealer getting my car fixed!! The Malibu in my opinion is a piece of crap.

I think one of the recurring themes I am finding is people taking their cars to the dealer. I do all my own repairs, and while I recognize that not all can, and I don't have all the problems with my 98 malibu. my heater/ac works at all speeds, brakes work, (replace them with oem compatible, non dealer parts), and all in all my ride rides good. change your oil kids, and tranny filters, and air filters, and coolant, etc. don't wait for problems, prevent them. goes with any car, for that matter.

You spent $800 to get your ABS sensor fixed- and it still comes on? LOl. I think you need a new mechanic. Mine would probably cost $200 for the same thing.

My mechanic charged me $674 to fix a flat tire and change my oil... is that too much??