1998 Chevrolet Malibu classic problems
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from model years 1964–1983 and since 1997. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel-drive car in 1997.
Named after the coastal community of Malibu, California, the Malibu was marketed primarily in North America, with the eighth generation introduced globally. It is currently the only sedan offered by Chevrolet in the U.S.
First generation (Chevelle Malibu, 1964)
The first Malibu was a top-line subseries of the mid-sized Chevrolet Chevelle from 1964 to 1972. Malibus were generally available in a full range of bodystyles including a four-door sedan, two-door Sport Coupe hardtop, convertible and two-seat station wagon. Interiors were more lavish than lesser Chevelle 300 and 300 Deluxe models thanks to patterned cloth and vinyl upholstery (all-vinyl in convertibles and station wagons), deep-twist carpeting, deluxe steering wheel and other items. The Malibu SS performance package was available only as a two-door Sport Coupe hardtop or convertible and added bucket seats, center console (with optional four-speed manual or Powerglide transmissions), engine gauges and special wheelcovers, and offered with any six-cylinder or V8 engine offered in other Chevelles - with the top option being a 300 hp (224 kW; 304 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) in 1964.
For 1965, Malibus and other Chevelles received new grilles and revised tail sections and had the exhaust pipes replaced but carried over the same basic styling and bodystyles from 1964. The Malibu and Malibu SS models continued as before with the SS featuring a blacked-out grille and special wheelcovers. Top engine option was now a 350 hp (261 kW; 355 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8. 201 of the 1965 Malibu SS cars got Regular Production Option (RPO) Z16, which include a heavily modified chassis and Chevy's new 375 horsepower 396 cubic inch V8. All were hardtops, although rumors persist that one convertible was built.
The Malibu SS was replaced in 1966 by a new Chevelle SS-396 series that included a big-block 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8 engine (Canadian market did not receive the SS396 but marketed the former Malibu SS nameplate until January 1967 when it was phased out), heavy duty suspension and other performance equipment. Other SS-396 equipment was similar to Malibu Sport Coupes and convertibles including an all-vinyl bench seat. Bucket seats and console with floor shift were now optional on the SS and for 1966 with the SS now denoting a car with a big-block engine, the bucket seats became a new option on the regular Malibu Sport Coupe and convertible, upon which any six-cylinder or small-block V8 could be ordered. Also new for 1966 was the Chevelle Malibu four-door Sport Sedan hardtop. Styling revisions on all 1966 Chevelles including more rounded styling similar to the full-sized Chevrolets with sail panels and tunneled rear windows featured on two-door hardtop coupes.
For 1967, the same assortment of bodystyles were continued with styling changes similar to all other Chevelles including a new grille and revised tail section with taillights that wrapped around to the side. New this year was a Chevelle Malibu Concours station wagon with simulated woodgrain exterior side panel trim. Front disc brakes were a new option along with a stereo 8-track tape player. The same assortment of drivetrains carried over from 1966 with the top 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 dropped from 350 to 325 hp (261 to 242 kW; 355 to 330 PS).
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Common 1998 Chevrolet Malibu classic problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Chevrolet Malibu Classic 1998, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Transmission Stopped Working: One of the most reported problems with the 2010 Malibu is the transmission stopping working. Owners have experienced this issue at an average mileage of 101,000 miles, with an average cost to fix around $3,200.
- Power Steering Going Out Intermittently: Another common problem reported is the power steering going out intermittently in the 2004 Malibu. This issue occurs at an average mileage of 81,000 miles, with an average cost to fix around $700.
- Leaking Coolant, Cracked Intake Manifold Gasket: The 2002 Malibu has been known to have problems with leaking coolant due to a cracked intake manifold gasket. Owners have reported an average cost to fix this issue around $900, occurring at an average mileage of 81,000 miles.
These issues highlight some of the significant problems that owners of the Chevrolet Malibu Classic 1998 have faced. It's essential for Malibu owners to be aware of these common problems to address them promptly and ensure the proper maintenance and functioning of their vehicles.
What is the biggest problem with Chevy Malibu?
Common Issues with the Chevrolet Malibu
- Transmission problems: Some Malibu models have experienced transmission issues, including rough shifting and delayed acceleration.
- Electrical issues: Some Malibu models have experienced electrical issues, including problems with the power steering system and battery.
What year was the Malibus bad?
The worst year for Chevy Malibu out of all the model years to avoid would be the 2002 and 2010 model years. 2002 had passlock and coolant leaking issues, and 2010 had multiple engine problems, leading to pricey fixes.
What are the weaknesses of a Chevy Malibu?
Here are some of the most frequent problems Malibu drivers experience.
- Engine. Many Chevy Malibu models are prone to experiencing engine problems. ...
- Transmission. The quality of the transmissions used within Chevy Malibus is often held under the microscope. ...
- Electrical System. ...
- Broken and Faulty Machinery.
How long can a Chevy Malibu engine last?
How Long Does it Last? Naturally, there are many factors to consider when determining a vehicle's lifespan. However, it's not uncommon for the Chevy Malibu to outlive other midsize sedans in its segment. In fact, many models last over 200,000 miles or even more.
What is the most common problem with Chevy Malibu?
Some of the most common include transmission problems, electrical issues, and interior accessory faults. Still, none come close to the damage the worst models might sustain.
What year was the Malibus bad?
The worst year for Chevy Malibu out of all the model years to avoid would be the 2002 and 2010 model years. 2002 had passlock and coolant leaking issues, and 2010 had multiple engine problems, leading to pricey fixes.
Is a Chevy Malibu high maintenance?
Cost. The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Chevrolet Malibu is $532, compared to an average of $526 for midsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models.
Is the Chevy Malibu a good car to buy?
The 2024 Malibu gets mostly good ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Malibu also comes with a decent number of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, pedestrian detection and rear parking sensors.
1998 Chevrolet Malibu classic complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu classic.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Chevrolet Malibu classic problems:
'05 Classic not starting - sudden change | Chevrolet Malibu Forums
Jun 13, 2014 ... '05 Classic with the 2.2l Ecotec motor. Was running fine, starting fine, no problems. Yesterday I drove it to softball practice.
Just got a 1998 Chevy Malibu, 77,000 miles, 1 previous owner that's ...
Sep 30, 2022 ... Any known issues I should be looking out for? Or anywhere I can take it for a complete “car checkup?”.
Both front door speakers stopped working | Chevrolet Malibu Forums
Jun 3, 2013 ... It sounds like a common pr4oblem so GM would know where to look? I also had a problem with my rear brake lights coming on even if I didn't touch ...
Common Problems with 2005 Chevy Malibu - Q&A
Feb 12, 2015 ... I have a 2005 chevy Malibu classic 2.2 and my main problem with it is that I am not getting any fire the fuel pump. I - Answered by a ...
1998 Chevrolet Malibu Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
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