17th May 2006, 20:40

I was thinking about buying a 1998 malibu LS for my 17 year son. He just needs a beater car. I have taken the last 15 minutes reading these post and I am terrified to spend 500.00$ for the car. Any Suggestions?

30th Oct 2006, 22:51

I own a '97 Malibu. The very first problem I had, and still do, is the ABS light stays on all the time. The car has very sensitive ABS sensors. The person I purchased the car from drove into a curb. The first problem I fixed myself was the water pump. I went through antifreeze as fast as gas. The next problem was the fan blower resistor. Until recently, I didn't get around to fixing it. It's a $23 resistor at NAPA or Auto zone. After looking in a Haynes book, I was able to replace the resistor myself in about 2 hours. As others have mentioned, my brakes are not right. They wear unevenly, wearing almost all of the outside pad down, and none of the inside. Luckily auto zone has lifetime warranty brake pads. Until recently, I also had a horrible shaking when stopping. This is partly because the front shocks/struts are going bad, I needed and alignments and new tires. I have new tires and just got an alignment, the the shaking is still there, but not gone. I also had to replace the engine with a Pontiac grand am engine, only because I forgot to put oil in. Various other rattles and squeaks come from around the car. I've had it since 2002, and I'm hoping it will last for a couple more years. If you can manage to replace some parts yourself, you'll save lots of money.

28th Dec 2006, 12:39

I purchased my 1998 Malibu LS in 2001. I've had a few problems, ranging from the blower as many have mentioned, the alternator belt (soon after I purchased the vehicle), and most recently (and expensively), the coil spring snapped in half.

The car only has 78K miles on it, so I'm hoping that the coil spring was the last major problem I have with it. We'll see!

1st Jun 2007, 17:46

I own a 2006 Chevy Malibu LS, for no reason the brakes started making loud noises, my antifreeze started leaking, overall I really wish I didn't buy this car, it is a used car, but it has only been for a couple of months. I can wait to trade this garbage for a new car.

5th Jun 2007, 09:12

Wow! And I thought I was alone! I too own a 99 Chevrolet Malibu that I thought was a great deal when I bought it with only 80,000 kms about a year and a half ago. I am plagued with front brake problems (rotor and pad replacements ever 10-12,000 kms) and the fan problem with only settings 3 - 5 working.

The majority of my driving is highway driving. I drive just under 100km each way to work. That being said, I find it greatly disturbing that someone who hardly ever has to brake could go through brakes so quickly! I guess it's time to bite the bullet and hope that I won't inherit the same problems with another used car!

5th Jun 2007, 13:34

Your blower fan problem is most likely caused by a faulty resistor. This problem happened to my 2002 Cavalier and cost about 100$ to replace (parts and service at Applewood Chevrolet).

8th Jun 2007, 07:21

My girlfriend has bought a 1998 Malibu LS twice. The first one was totaled in an accident unrelated to mechanical problems, but this second one is just burning in a hole in both her pocket and mine.

Car had 60,000 miles on it at purchase. Nothing but problems after 70,000 Miles. Automatic Windows stop working at random intervals. Power Steering fluid leaks. A/C System only works at setting 3 and above. CD player functions at random times as well. ABS light ran constantly after 80,000 miles hit. Replaced brake pads twice in one year. Car creaks and groans, while driving at any speed or making turns, suspect new shocks, struts, etc. needed. Right front ABS Speed Sensor shot, replaced for $600. For the longest time, the car refused to start for 15 minute intervals. Took car to dealer for that one, they looked at the theft system and replaced a few things. Car still refused to start randomly. I replaced the entire ignition system and have had no problems with starts since. Transmission slips A LOT when going from reverse to drive. Headlight seals gone too.

Poorly built, and GM refuses to do recalls on any of the above noted problems, although from reading on here its obvious this car is a lemon. STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR, YOU'LL BE SORRY IF YOU Don't!

16th Jun 2007, 15:21

I have a '98 Malibu since 2000 with about 108k on it now and for the most part I've had pretty good luck.

I have the same problem with the A/C cycling on and off mysteriously since as far back as I can remember.

The brakes were redone *several times* since I've had the car however things seem better now.

One of my tail-lights collects water and shorts out the light bulbs on a regular basis. This is after it had been completely replaced for the same problem.

In the past year I've had to refill my cooling system with dexcool twice after the fluid mysteriously disappeared just recently I've starting hearing ticking sounds. Have a very bad feeling that I know where the dexcool is going and what they are going to tell me when I take it into the shop Monday.

14th Aug 2007, 15:34

I purchased a 1998 Chevy Malibu used from a individual and I have had a/c problems since day one!! My a/c had a mind of its on. It would work sometimes and sometimes it wouldn't. I replaced the a/c control switch on the inside of car at $265.00 hoping that would fix the problem. Not a chance. I also had to replace the a/c compressor--- that was another $900.00 did that help. Not a chance. My a/c still goes on and off at free will. I then had to replace intake gasket at $385.00. All that within 2 months. Yesterday I got in my car and It would not start I noticed the theft system light would not go off and and so that's why it wouldn't. I ended up leaving it at work overnight and when I got back to work this morning it started.??? I am selling this car for what I can and buy a Toyota!!!