Model year record

1999 Chevrolet Malibu recalls & problems

The 1999 Chevrolet Malibu has 3 safety recalls and 789 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (378 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints789filed by owners

Crashes · fires44 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths40 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Electrical systemJul 3, 2014

Ignition

Recall 14V4000005,877,718 vehicles

Problem: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Fuel system, otherMar 12, 2007

Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices

Recall 07E021000742 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1999 Chevrolet Malibu 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Malibu

23mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Malibu

21mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc › Rotor; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	378	19	0	22	41,000 mi
Electrical systemAlternator/generator/regulator; Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module	161	6	0	5	77,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingCooling system; Engine	146	1	1	2	56,000 mi
SuspensionFront › Springs › Coil springs; Front	90	1	0	2	70,000 mi
TiresTread/belt	76	3	0	11	41,695 mi
Exterior lightingBrake lights; Tail lights	68	0	0	0	75,000 mi
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Linkages › Tie rod assembly	41	3	0	2	68,500 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	40	19	0	17	132,681 mi
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner; Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.	32	0	0	0	48,750 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield wiper/washer	31	0	0	2	50,847 mi
Fuel system, gasolineFuel injection system; Storage › Tank assembly	30	1	0	0	77,500 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission	23	3	0	1	60,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel/propulsion system
Yes it was on and off kept having computer issues and other issues
Mar 11, 2024
Fuel/propulsion system
My 1999 Chevy Malibu 3.1 V6 engine won,t turn on the engine whend i try to turn the ignition switch and key lock cylinder on and the fuel pressure regulator won,t work whend i try to turn the ignition switch and key lock cylinder on and the airbag srs system comes on in the spring time and in the hot summer time heat and in the winner time.
Sep 5, 2021
Air bagsCrash2 injuries
TAKARA RECALL ..FRONT AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT. I WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WHEN A CAR STRUCK ME FROM BEHIND GOING HIGHWAY SPEED , IMPACT CAUSED THE CAR TO GET STUCK IN MY TRUNK PUSHED ME DOWN THE HIGHWAY SIDEWAYS AND STUFFED THE NOSE OF MY CAR INTO THE GUARDRAIL BREAKING THE GUARDRAIL , QUICK THINKING SAVED OUR LIVES ( MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT )I SAW THE CAR COMING FULL HIGHWAY SPEED AND NOSED MY CAR INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE TO AVOID GETTING STUFFED UNDER THE TRUCK INFRONT OF ME. THE CAR WAS A COMPLETE LOSS, I ENDED UP WITH A CONCUSSION, TORN ROTATOR CUFF, FRACTURES IN MY RIGHT ARM AND RIGHT KNEE, CHRONIC HEADACHES, AND PARANOIA OF DRIVING.. LUCKILY NO ONE…
Jan 18, 2019 · 180,000 miles
Service brakes
STARTED MY DRIVE TO WORK IN THE TOOK A LEFT TURN, THEN APPLIED BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THANKFULLY I WAS STILL GOING SLOW AND DIDN'T PANIC, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND SLOWLY APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE. PARKED THE CAR AND OPENED DOOR AND LOOKED UNDER CAR. COULD SEE BRAKE FLUID NEAR REAR LEFT TIRE. APPLIED BRAKE AGAIN AND COULD SEE BRAKE FLUID STREAMING FROM THE METAL BRAKE LINE. CLEARLY A FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LINE. CORROSION CAUSED THE UNSAFE CONDITION. DO NOT HAVE PICTURES BUT I WILL BE TAKING SOME AS SOON AS I CAN GET THE CAR ON A LIFT.
Apr 8, 2019 · 150,000 miles
Electrical system
I LOCATED A RECALL THAT MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AND TOOK IT TO THE GMC DEALER IN LARAMIE WHY WHERE MY CAR SAT FOR 2 WEEKS AND ENDLESS CALLS NO CALL BACK FOR THE IGNITION RECALL AND OTHER ISSUES THAT MY CAR HAD I HAVE EMAILED AND CALLED AND ALL I HAVE GOTTEN WAS A BILL FOR NON SENCE AND HEADACKS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN FIXED ON THE CAR AND I HAVE LOST MONEY AND TIME BECAUSE THEY WOULDNT FIX THE RECALL OR EVEN KNOLAAGE THE PROBLEM. JUST UN PROFESSIONAL AND UN REASONABLE PEOPLE THAT AGAIN WOULD NOT EVEN TAKE THE TIME TO TALK TO ME ABOUT THE RECALL JUST LET ME LOOSE MY JOB... AGAIN THE AUTO PLACE IS GMC LARAMIE AND THE REP THAT WOULD NOT GIVE ME THE TIME ABOUT MY CAR IS RICH!
Jan 12, 2018
Electrical system
IGNITION SWITCH AND PASS LOCK SENSOR CAUSING VEHICLE TO NOT START AND/OR RANDOMLY SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING.
Nov 17, 2017 · 127,000 miles
Air bagsCrash1 injury
WHILE DRIVING MY AIRBAGS BLEW UP AND I CRASHED RESULTING IN MY BACK AND BOTH LEGS BEING BROKEN
Jun 8, 2015 · 90,000 miles
Electrical system
YOUR CAR LIKE ALL NEWER CARS ARE JUNK. READ CLAIM 10926267.
Nov 12, 2016 · 132,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

TURN SIGNAL FAILURESClosed
GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS…
RQ04005 · opened Jun 18, 2004 · closed Nov 30, 2004
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTUREClosed
THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
EA03021 · opened Nov 4, 2003 · closed Oct 19, 2004
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTUREClosed
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS.PE03-031 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING.THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR AND APPARENTLY ORIGINATE IN CORROSION PITS FOUND BENEATH REGIONS OF DAMAGED EPOXY COATING.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR PREDOMINANTLY IN THE ?CORROSION STATES? AND TEND TO APPEAR OUTSIDE OF THE STANDARD 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TERM.THESE DATA ALSO SUGGEST THAT THESE FAILURES WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE INVOLVED THE BROKEN SPRING COIL CONTACTING THE ADJACENT TIRE.ODI IS UPGRADING PE03-031 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THESE FAILURES.
PE03031 · opened Jul 14, 2003 · closed Nov 4, 2003
ENGINE COOLANT BOILS OVERClosed
There is no summary currently available
DP02008 · opened Sep 3, 2002 · closed Sep 24, 2002
STOP LAMP ASSEMBLY OVERHEATClosed
There is no summary currently available
EA00010 · opened Mar 27, 2000 · closed Aug 9, 2001