1997 Chevrolet Malibu: brake failure

7 of the 443 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu describe brake failure.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 19 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Brake failure by model year

2022
2
2020
7
2019
1
2018
16
2017
9
2016
8
2015
1
2014
3
2013
8
2012
4
2011
6
2010
3
2009
5
2008
4
2007
2
2006
2
2005
6
2004
3
2003
10
2002
4
2001
10
2000
14
1999
20
1998
23
1997
7

What owners say

Filed Apr 21, 2008 · Airbags · 167,000 miles · NC · crash

Sitting at a red light in a complete stopped position the car rolled forward with the brake still being depressed and completely went to the floor as I quickly tried to pump the brakes to stop and an oncoming vehicle struck me. Troopers and other personal checked my brakes at the time of the accident and said that there wasn't any brakes. No brake problems had been experienced prior to this. I was severely struck by the other vehicle which completely turned the direction of my vehicle and caused total damage resulting in a total loss. The impact was so hard, the other drive was cited for his high-speed hit to my vehicle. The airbags never deployed and is a great concern of mine at this point in time as well as the brake failure. I received notice in december 2007 from gm that there was a settlement of a pending district court case (delmas ford, el al. V. General motors corporation, case no. Cj-2002-424) which meant that my vehicle had to be sean by a authorized chevy dealer to have the 1997 chevy malibu's sensing and diagnostic module reprogrammed. This referred to tsb #07-09-41-006 dated august 2007. I had the vehicle seen as soon as there was an open appointment on january 7, 2008 at randy marion chevrolet pontiac buick. So, upon this accident today, I am without a vehicle due to brake failure after already have them replaced within the last four months as well as failure of the airbags to deploy. I am also contacting an attorney in regard to this matter. I understand there were other accidents involving this issue of the airbags deploying at odd times. After a notice of settlement of this case and having the vehicle airbags checked and fixed as indicated, I am a fearful and concerned consumer of this incident as I have total vehicle loss and sufficient damages. You would think that the airbags would definitely work.......they didn't deploy at all as well as the brakes letting go mid stoplight.

Filed Jan 3, 2005 · Brakes, Engine · 50,000 miles · WI · crash · 1 injury

Suddenly brakes stopped working, and consumer's vehicle was involved in four collisions. . In the most recent collision consumer's vehicle struck the rear end of a truck at 30 MPH. Also, vehicle stalled and cuts off in traffic.

Filed Jun 23, 2002 · Brakes · UT

While driving at 55 MPH I had to stop for a car, the brakes failed,( brake clear to the floor) I had to drive into the bar pit to avoid a collision. I have had the vehicle to a gm authoriized service department 3 times to have them fixed because of how slow it stops. Brake pads were replaced, calipers replaced, everything was done to the brakes that they could. The brakes failed after the brakes on the wheel were in working order. I think the ABS system is going out.!

Filed Apr 30, 2002 · Brakes · MI

We have had to replace the brake pads and rotors three times since feb. 11 2000. The mileage was 34,000. The vehicle only has 62,000 miles as of today april 30, 2002. With the receipts we kept the combined total for brake work in the past two years equals $800. Our machanic did some of his own investigating and came up with the conclusion that the rotors are too thin, and the calipers were too light for the heat dispersment causing premature brake failure.

Filed Nov 3, 2000 · Brakes · MO

Brake failure/noisy.

Filed Dec 5, 1999 · Brakes, Electrical · OH

This car is a lemon (wife's car). In many instances, the car would not start at all, despite it being brand new. While parked or driving, the instruments would go haywire (pinning and moving violently), and the dash lights would turn on and off by themselves. In addition, my wife's brakes failed for a few seconds, then started working again. The front end makes a strange noise, and the ride is very harsh. Been to the dealer many times for the electrical system problem, but they did not 'find anything wrong'! At this point, they should have given us professional customer service and a new car! This is the last time we are buying an american car. It's japanese and german from now on!!

Filed Apr 19, 1998 · Brakes · PA

Front ABS brakes failed quickly.