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Chevrolet Malibu

1997–2001 only

691 classified complaints 1 recall

1997–2001 Chevrolet Malibu models have 691 classified complaints on record for these years specifically, plus 1 recall. The most common issue in this range is Body control and other modules, typically surfacing around 108,227 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 1997–2001 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Chevrolet Malibu report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

1997–2001

2002–2006

2007–2011

2012–2016

2017–2021

2022–2025

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 1997–2001 only

Body control and other modules · Electrical 267 complaints

Median onset: 108,227 miles. 0.4% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Wiring harness, grounds and connectors · Electrical 119 complaints

Median onset: 100,597 miles. 0.8% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Stalling and no-start · Engine 42 complaints

Median onset: 115,000 miles. 2.4% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

Starter and starting system · Electrical 37 complaints

Median onset: 106,000 miles.

Typical repair: $390–$730 nationally.

Airbags, seatbelts and restraints · Body and interior 36 complaints

Median onset: 116,876 miles. 69.4% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion · Suspension 33 complaints

Median onset: 109,740 miles. 3.0% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in older model years.

Power steering pump, rack and lines · Steering 27 complaints

Median onset: 154,392 miles. 18.5% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $750–$2,230 nationally.

Spark plugs, coils and ignition · Engine 16 complaints

Median onset: 92,768 miles.

More common in newer model years.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

How does 1997–2001 compare with other Malibu years? Every model year ranked by complaints per 10,000 sold. See years →

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 1997–2001 model years. See the full Chevrolet Malibu report for every year and full specs/safety data.