Theft light. Car won’t start it’s happened 20 times in the last 6 months. I was driving and theft light caused everything to shut down. This is a dangerous thing that needs to be fixed
1997 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems
87 complaints (20% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 89,000. 4 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 87
- of this car's complaints
- 20%
- typical mileage
- 89,000
- crashes
- 4
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Ignition14
- Ignition: anti-theft: control module11
- Ignition: switch9
- Alternator/generator/regulator6
- Wiring: interior/under dash5
- 12v/24v/48v battery5
- Wiring4
- Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers3
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems in other years
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- 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. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Recall number 14V400000 · Recall details
What 1997 Chevrolet Malibu owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My thief light starts blinking and my car will not start. This has happened 3 times this past month. I was told it was the passlock to turn car in on position for 10 minutes or until light stops blinking then it would start. This is a safety issues that needs to be fixed before it happens while driving
Was driving on interstate when car completely shut off, lost all power , no power steering or power brakes. Second time, came to a stop on city street and car shut off again , no power , no power steering or power brakes again. Car had to be towed. This happened after I paid modern chevrolet to fix the issue which ignition switch was found to be at fault. (the federal safety agency reference number-14v400000) affected number- 5,877,718
My ignition switch and cylinder kept turning my car off when I started it. Also while I was driving the car would just cut off..now it got to the point where I have to replace the piece.
I have had to change the passenger caliper and rotors twice because the bolts for the caliper keeps popping out and the bolts for the bracket keeps popping out.. My windshield wiper on the passenger side went out last month..last night the car wouldn't start up anymore when I do turn the key the lights come on but when I try to start the car up I get a clicking noise, the radio kept going in and out also. Now my o2 sensors and tripping. I've had to change the egr valve because it kept getting stuck in open position and I also changed the belt
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet malibu. The contact had trouble starting the vehicle and the anti-theft system warning indicator illuminated. After ten minutes, the vehicle was operable. The contact stated that the failure occurred twice a month. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. *ln consumer stated had to keep key in ignition for 10 minutes in a position not good not safe, chance of battery dying. I'm also afraid theft system light will come on and lock car up while driving. Updated 7/25/18
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the auto theft system independently functioned and caused the vehicle to stall without warning. After 10 to 15 minutes, the vehicle was operable again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle passkey sensor and ignition switch were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the anti-theft system engaged without warning and caused the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 130,000.
1997 chevrolet malibu. Consumer writes in regards to ignition cylinder lock and switch recall repairs and seeks reimbursement. *smd updated 11/24/15
Questions about the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu electrical
Does the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 87 complaints about the electrical of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 20% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 89,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 14V400000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have the most electrical problems?
The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most electrical complaints are 2013 (376 complaints), 2009 (368 complaints) and 2010 (295 complaints).
Other 1997 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Brakes 111Steering 80Engine 64Suspension 55Visibility 43Lights 41Airbags 25Tires 17Fuel system 15Seat belts 15Acceleration 13Body 13Transmission 9Seats 4Locks 3Wheels 2Driver assistance 1
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