Consumer replaced rotors due to the noises they made when the brakes were used and they did not fit properly, they were too loose and they shifted.
1997 Chevrolet Malibu brakes complaints
Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 111, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Heard a loud noise when applying brakes, and brake pedal felt spongy. Been in dealer shop on five occasions to replace brake lining and front pads, but problem reoccurred every 3-4,000 miles. *ak the manufacture knew of the problem but never informed the consumer.
Brake failure/noisy.
Ongoing problem with pulsation when applying brakes. At 21,000 miles/at low speed it appear moderate, and severe at high speed. Dealer was notified, and had front rotors turned. At 30,000 miles problem reoccurred. Dealer notified again, and returned front rotors, and replaced pads at consumer's cost. At 33,000 miles, again problem reoccurred while coming down the mountain at 60 MPH and applying brakes, it caused severe vibration / pulsation. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
Severe shaking of front wheels when applying brakes at speeds of 55 to 70 MPH. Traveling over the mountains of western maryland, I could not keep my foot on brakes. Had to pump the brakes to avoid the severe shaking of the front wheels. This is more than just annoying, it is frightening because you have to get off the brakes to stop the shaking when descending long grades. Have had the car to the dealer twice for this problem. First time at 21,368 (dealer machined rotors) and the second time at 30,467 (dealer machined rotors and replaced pads). Each time, problem only stopped temporarily. At 54,400 I had to purchase 2 rotors ($240.00) and was told that gm had redesigned the rotors to fix the problem. Since I was beyond 3yr/36,000 mile waranty gm would not cover this cost. The original rotors are defective and dangerous under high speed downhill conditions. I have just learned of a gm bulletin to dealers that acknowledges that the rotors are a problem. My neighbor advised me of a 1999 malibu that exhibited the same severe front end shaking under braking. I have the original rotors and the pads that I replaced on 10/27/2000 at a cost of $357.30 (parts only). This problem deserves immediate attention.
Loud squeaking noise coming from the idle pulley. Had that part replaced with new part. By the time I got home noise was back. Brought car back to mechanic this morning. He is checking to see if new part was defected or if belt needs replacement. I am very disappointed with the malibu's performance. In the 3 years that I have the car, I have replaced front and back brakes, alternator, battery, etc. Etc. And now the idle pulley (hopefully nothing else major).
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
Due to improper installation rear brakes are inoperative, causing the rear brakes to rust out. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.
The calipers stick and wear the rotors down to the metal. Dealer has repaired the vehicle .
Brakes cause front end to shake. Dealer states that the only solution is to turn the rotors.
When applying brakes the vehicle does not stop in a proper amount of distance. Dealer has seen vehicle, and can't duplicate the problem.
I have had three new front control arms put on. Now the rear suspension is bad. The brakes wear out fast because the rotors are junk, they need to be replaced every 15k to 20k miles. The car has 47k miles on it and I have owned it for 20k of those miles and have had the rotors replaced once and they need it again now. The brakes need replaced often as a result of the rotors wearing down so quickly. I don't know why this is but I urge chevy/gm to offer a solution shortly or they will lose a lot of loyal customers. I have spoken to a number of malibu owners with similar problems.
Front end shakes at highway speeds,brake rotors failed,tires worn at 30000 miles. *ak( dot number: tire size: p21560r15 )
While traveling and when depressing the brakes, brakes make a noise. Dealer has been notified, and brake pads were replaced. Consumer has to replace pads every 3 thousand miles. Only the outer brake pads are wearing, neither dealer nor gm can provide an explanation. *ak
The oil pan on the car has defective gaskets the engine manifold has defective gaskets the emergency brake light does not work the brakes have had to be replaced twice in less than 36,000 miles.
While driving on road and whenever applying brakes, vehicle shakes and grinds. Contacted dealer, and they have replaced rotors twice and pads four times.
The vehicle vibrates in the front end when applying brake at speeds of 70 MPH. Yh
Side trim on the inside (top and bottom) are defective. Nlm
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
Brake pads failed with out audible warning damaging rotors. Bulb bases in rear light both melted for 2nd time. Pwr window fails intermittently. Noise in suspension, dealer couldn't find it.brakes also not covered under extended warranty, very expensive to repair. Model should be investigated by all the complaints listed.
The car has brakes that need replacement at about 35,000 miles then at 51000 miles and now need to be done again. I have not had an accident but it could happen. The brakes pulse which cause a shimmy at high speed and thus instability. I accept responsibility forbrake repair but feel that cheverolet has a design fault with the brakes. I have noted on the internet other people with similar problems with the brakes and know personally of two people who have also had problems. This is a problem that could cause an accident my repair records indicate several visits to the dealer. They claimed I was riding the brakes, that it was a design problem and in one instance I had two tires replaced and they blamed the tire dealer for not torqueing the bolts correctly. I realize that brakes wear out but this is a problem beyond fair wear and tear.
Air conditioner cuts off, engine fails to start (security system), carpet has disentegrated, front end problems, brake pad replaced and belt.
Vehicle would shake while driving. Suspension was bad in the front. Also, battery did not work & needed charging/ windshield needed replacing due to wind singing/ vehicle would stall/ brake rotors were warped, and tires were wearing out excessively due to the poor suspension. Vehicle at dealer.
Throttle body was clogged, causing the accelerator pedal to stick. Also, the vehicle has expoerienced premature brake wear.
Suspension system is defective, several repair attempts, however did not rectify problems. Yh
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!!
12 service visits, suspension control arms, rack and pinion, steering gear bad, brake rotors warped. All have been replaced 2 to 3 times and several reapir attempts with tape and bushings. Other items as well.
Brake pads have been replaced twice/ mileage on car less than 32,000 miles (calipers and rotors replaced once)
Brake calipers sticking causing premature brake pad wear and rotor damage
No summary
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