Engine
3.1L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 339 of 443 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 98 of 443 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
135 complaint records5 crash reports
"ABS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AT LEAST THREE TIMES PER WEEK BUT DEALERS CANNOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM AND FIND ANYTHING WRONG...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Electrical system
95 complaint records4 crash reports
"THE CAR HAS A THEFT SYSTEM IN IT WHICH ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS DOESN'T LET ME START THE CAR . IT IS A 1997 CHEVY MALIBU. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Steering
84 complaint records4 crash reports
"WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN THE VEHICLE FAIL TO TURN. WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE VEHICLE KEPT STRAIT HE WAS ABLE TO THE VEHICLE BY HIS BRAKES TS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ04006 opened Jul 2004 | closed Jan 2005 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE IN MARCH 2001, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA NUMBER 01V068) ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT HOUSINGS.GM REPORTED THE WIPER... |
| RQ03001 opened Jan 2003 | closed Sep 2003 | Steering | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). |
| EA02003 opened Apr 2002 | closed Dec 2002 | Steering | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE - led to recall 02V286000 THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY. |
| PE01038 opened Nov 2001 | closed Apr 2002 | Steering | STEERING RACK AND PINION ODI HAS RECEIVED 200 COMPLAINTS FROMT CONSUMERS AND 1,238 FROM GM ALLEGING FAILURE OR LOCKUP OF THE STEERING RACK AND PINION UNIT (R&P).THIS ALLEGED CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH CAN RESULT.GM HAS REPORTED SIX... |
| EA00019 opened Jul 2000 | closed Mar 2001 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER - led to recall 01V068000 ON FEBRUARY 22, 2000, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) INITIATED PE00-009 BASED ON SEVEN REPORTS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 & 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU & OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14V400000 | Electrical System | 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. | Normally free |
| 03V527000 | Steering | CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE. | Normally free |
| 01V068000 | Visibility | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN,... | Normally free |
| 97V107000 | Air Bags | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FASTENERS THAT SECURE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TIE BAR WERE OMITTED. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014284 2014-07-03 | Electrical | 641,121 | On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition switch could allow the switch to move out of the "run" position if the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off-road or is subjected to some other jarring event. |
| 2003336 2003-12-16 | Steering | 55,411 | On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. |
| 2001060 2001-03-09 | Visual System | 20,021 | On certain vehicles, if a buildup of snow or ice restricts the movement of the passenger side wiper arm, the pivot housing can crack and the wipe will not operate. Reduced visibility in inclement weather could lead to a vehicle crash. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Service Brakes | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Tires | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 16NA260 Aug 2016 | Equipment | THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS. | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 14350D Nov 2014 | Electrical System | Unintended Ignition Key Rotation | |
| 14350A Sep 2014 | Electrical System | Unintended Ignition Key Rotation | |
| 14350B Sep 2014 | Electrical System | Unintended Ignition Key Rotation | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| 05-06-04-035D May 2014 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 070730025 Oct 2007 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON 4T40-E (MN4) AND 4T45-E (MN5) FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY RECONDITIONING, DTC P0741, P0742, P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P1811, HARSH SHIFTS, SLIPS, NO DRIVE, NO REVERSE. *NJ | |
| 070941006 Aug 2007 | Air Bags | SDM REPROGRAM - CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT (U.S. ONLY). *NJ | |
| 070201 Mar 2007 | Service Brakes | INCORRECT OUTER BACKING PLATE. OUTER BACKING PLATE HAS SHORT CENTRE PROTUSION. OUTER BACKING PLATE SHOULD HAVE TALL CENTER PROTRUSION. *KB | |
| 060235019 Sep 2006 | Steering | REVISED TILT STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS. *KB | |
| 000089008E Oct 2005 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY WANT TO TOW THEIR VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ALL FOUR TIRES ONT HE GROUND. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING RECREATIONAL (DINGHY) TOWING FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING 1988-2004 CHEVROLET AND GMC LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 050523001 Mar 2005 | Service Brakes | REVISED BRAKE SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS. *TT | |
| 000842007B Aug 2004 | Exterior Lighting | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT A STOP AND / OR TAIL LAMP MAY NOT WORK CORRECTLY, OR THAT THE TAIL LAMP HAS WATER IN IT. TO INCLUDE CHEVROLET CLASSIC 2005. *TT | |
| 000842007 Jun 2004 | Exterior Lighting | STOP TAIL LAMP INOPERATIVE OR INTERMITTENT AND OR WATER IN LAMP. *EH | |
| 04152004 Apr 2004 | Service Brakes | VEHICLES MAY SET ANYONE OR A COMBINATION OF FRONT-WHEEL SPEED SENSOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CODES AS INTERMITTENT OR HARD FAILURES. GM VOICEMAIL EXPRESS. *TT | |
| 01292004 Jan 2004 | Steering | POWER STEERING GEAR LOWER PINION BEARING, SAFETY RECALL 03062. *TT | |
| 00966B Jan 2004 | Service Brakes | ABS FRONT WHEEL SPEED CODES - JUMPER HARNESS. *TT | |
| 00966 Jan 2004 | Service Brakes | ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) FRONT WHEEL SPEED CODES - JUMPER HARNESS. *TT | |
| 3121 Jan 2004 | Equipment | HVAC WILL CHANGE FROM RECIRC MODE TO FRESH AIR MODE WHEN DRIVING. *SC | |
| 030232049 Nov 2003 | Steering | RELEASE OF NEW OUTER TIE ROD ENDS FOR SERVICE. *TT | |
| 030730021A Nov 2003 | Power Train | NEUTRAL FLARE AND/OR RPM FLARE WHILE IN DRIVE, NO 1-2 UPSHIFT, SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P1810, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1815 SET. *TT | |
| 030849015 Oct 2003 | Fuel System | FUEL GAUGE NEEDLE RESET PROCEDURE AFTER BATTERY DISCONNECT/REPLACEMENT WITH KEY IN ON POSITION. *TT | |
| 000089008B Sep 2003 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY WANT TO TOW THEIR VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ALL FOUR TIRES ONT HE GROUND. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING RECREATIONAL (DINGHY) TOWING FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING 1988-2004 CHEVROLET AND GMC LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 030730021 May 2003 | Power Train | NEUTRAL FLARE AND/OR RPM FLARE WHILE IN DRIVE, NO 1-2 UPSHIFT, SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P1810, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1815 SET. *TT | |
| 000523002B Mar 2003 | Service Brakes | FRONT DISC BRAKE PULSATION. *TT | |
| 022603 Feb 2003 | Service Brakes | BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT. *TT *JB | |
| 010303 Jan 2003 | Power Train | INFORMATION USED WHEN SERVICING THE DRIVE AXLE NUT. *TT | |
| 020730050 Dec 2002 | Power Train | ENGINEERING CHANGES TO THE VALVE BODY, PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE, 2-3 ACCUMULATOR VALVE AND BORE FOR 2002-2003 MODEL YEAR 4T45E TRANSAXLES AND SUBSEQUENT OVERHAUL PROCEDURES WHICH AFFECT 1995-2001 MODEL YEAR TRANSAXLES. *TT | |
| 010601002A Dec 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REVISED PISTON PIN REMOVAL / INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 10172002 Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE STARTS AND IMMEDIATELY STALLS AND THEN CAN BE RESTARTED AND WILL RUN NORMALLY. *TT | |
| 020866005A Aug 2002 | Structure | SOME ONWERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE MOLDING ALONG THE REAR (TRUNK) COMPARTMENT OPENING AT THE STRIKER IS LOOSE OR BROKEN. *TT | |
| 210602 Jun 2002 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION REGARDING THE BRAKE ALIGN KIT. *TT | |
| 200602 Jun 2002 | Exterior Lighting | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT A STOP AND / OR TAIL LAMP MAY NOT WORK CORRECTLY OR THAT THE LAMP ASSEMBLY HAS WATER IN IT. *TT | |
| 020603005 Jun 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON. WITH STORED CODES P0112, P0113, P1111 OR P1112. *TT | |
| 051502 May 2002 | Service Brakes | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REPEAT BRAKE PULSATION AFTER AN INITIAL BRAKE REPAIR. *TT | |
| 020866005 May 2002 | Structure | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE MOLDING ALONG THE REAR (TRUNK) COMPARTMENT OPENING AT THE STRIKER IS LOOSE OR BROKEN. *TT | |
| 020601014 Apr 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 020522001 Apr 2002 | Service Brakes | SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE REGARDING REVISED BRAKE SPECIFICATIONS. *TT | |
| 270202 Feb 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT OF A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH STORED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0112, P0113, P1111 OR P1112. *TT | |
| 040202 Feb 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT AN INTERMITTENT SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LIGHT AND/OR AN ELECTRONIC TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT OFF WHICH MAY ILLUMINATE AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. *TT | |
| 010308003A Feb 2002 | Suspension | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON A SQUAWK NOISE FROM THE FRONT AND/OR REAR SUSPENSION WHILE DRIVING. *TT | |
| 0208116001 Jan 2002 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING INTERMITTENT COMMUNICATION OR SERIAL DATA DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES STORED IN HISTORY. *SLC | |
| 010602012 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON LEAKAGE OF A FEW DROPS OF COOLANT AFTER PARKING THEIR VEHICLE. *TT | |
| 010849020 Dec 2001 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER OR IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT. *SLC | |
| 071101 Nov 2001 | Structure | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT OF WATER LEAKING INTO THE CAR ON THE FRONT FLOOR. *TT | |
| 010308003 Oct 2001 | Suspension | INFORMATION REGARDING SQUAWK NOISE FROM FRONT AND/OR REAR SUSPENSION. *YH |
Showing 60 of 119 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Malibu →