1999 Chevrolet Malibu LS from North America - Comments

Had leaking intake manifold gaskets at 42,000 miles, allowing radiator coolant to mix with engine oil. This cost me nearly $900 to fix, including changing coolant and oil.

Alternator failed at 42,000 miles, leaving me stranded while on vacation. This cost nearly $300 to fix, including replacing the serpentine belt.

Front driver side strut mounts and bushings at 39,000 miles. This problem manifested itself as an irritating creaking sound while the car was being driven. $180 to repair.

Air conditioning control head failed at 20,000 miles. AC would not work. Replaced at no charge.

Front brake rotors needed replaced at 28,000 miles. $250, including new brake pads.

Circuit board that controls brake and tail-lights. Fixed at no charge.

Let me make one thing clear: I drive this car like an old man. I rarely push the engine to more than 2,500 RPM. I am easy on the brakes, often coasting long distances to avoid using them.

I loved this car for the first 3 years of ownership. I would still love it if it were more reliable. Frankly, I am afraid to drive it for fear of incurring more repair bills!

These cars appear to cursed with brake, AC, alternator, and intake manifold gasket problems. They hold virtually none of their value, even with low mileage.

That said, the car is nice to look at. It is comfortable for long trips. It handles good, and I get a full 30 MPG on the highway, even with the AC running. There is ample storage room in the trunk.

Sadly, after being stranded by this car, I no longer feel safe taking it on trips out of town. After reading about GM's lack of concern for Malibu owners, I don't dare by another vehicle from them.

Don't by a 1999 Malibu. You've been warned!

I first loved this 1999 Malibu, BUT!I have had the brake rotors and pads changed three times and its needing them changed again. The airconditioner control panel failed shortly after I purchased this car, it was also fixed under warranty. Now the intake manifold gasket is leaking.I'm actually sorry I bought this car. The first three brake problems it was under warranty. The car has 32000 miles on it and the warranty is out, now I'm stuck with the gasket bill and what ever other problem it has. Thanks Bill.

We have a 1999 Malibu with under 41,000 miles on it and it appears that our intake manifold gasket needs to be replaced also. One of the spark plugs is also misfiring. We are getting a second opinion today, but the first place we took it estimated that it would be around $1200 to fix. A car with only 41000 miles shouldn't need this kind of extensive repairs.

I also own '99 Malibu. The car is about 56,000 miles and I've replaced the alternator twice (one time was free) and one of the spark plugs misfiring. When the mechanic took them out, they were in different gaping patterns so I had to buy new ones. The battery also dead at around 20,000 miles. I change oil almost every 3,500 miles at Jiffy Lube where they check everything. I don't expect it to give me such headaches when I follow the maintenance schedule. I never use the brakes that hard, but I had to replace the rotors at about 1 month after the spark plugs problem.