1997 Chevrolet Malibu: won't start

Filed Jun 24, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

Theft light keeps coming on, my car will stop when it happens. This has happened while driving. And will not start. I’ve had the recall fixed years ago that was said to be the reason. It didn’t fix the problem

Filed Jan 2, 2021 · Electrical · NC

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

Filed Apr 27, 2020 · Electrical, Suspension · MO

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

Filed Feb 5, 2015 · Electrical · SC

1997 chevrolet malibu. The consumer states that the auto would not start or would continue to run after the key was removed from the ignition. *ta the consumer stated the vehicle left her stranded during the months of may, june, and july. The ignition lock cylinder was finally replaced.

Filed Mar 13, 2007 · Electrical, Steering · AL

My fiance and I have had a 1997 chevy malibu for a year and a half. About a month after purchasing it, the vehicle started having problems with the passlock theft system that would leave us stranded for 10 minutes because the car wouldn't crank. Gradually it started doing it more and more. We've had incidents where the theft system light would go off after 10 minutes but when trying to start it again; it would do the same thing. I've actually had times of being stranded for 2 hours because it would keep doing it! Right now our car is at my fiance's work because it won't crank and we got tired of trying after 3 hours. This is so annoying! Chevrolet should be ashamed of themselves! I know a lot of people that have had this same problem(not counting all the other problems like the brakes and windshield wipers). With so many people having the same problem..that means they should recall it and fix it. We don't have money like they do and can't afford to keep putting it in the shop to be worked on. I'm currently a college pell grant recipient that is going to lose my grants because of this lemon car! I was adopted by my grandparents that are on ssi and disability and they can't afford to send me to school. I hope the people at chevrolet are happy with ruining my future! Please help me!!!I need my car fixed before it's too late!

Filed Jun 1, 2004 · Electrical · ID

April 2000, the pass lock theft system stranded me the first time within 30-days of paying cash for my 1997 chevrolet malibu ls. The first 30-days the car spent more time in the dealer shop than in my possession. I was told by dealership management that they had put too much money in car already, not going to fix theft system and brakes, which were complaints within the 30-day warranty. Two years with theft system disabling car numerous times, finally wouldn't start at all, I took to chevrolet dealer in ontario oregon, they replaced ignition assembly. Less than two years later I am stranded once again, it would not start for 3-days, went to dealer in payette idaho where I paid cash for the car, they again didn't want to put any more money into the car. On 5/30/2004 car spent the night in parking lot, wouldn't start. Also have problems with brakes, in less than 4 years 2-complete brake assemblies (rotors, pads, callipers, etc.), 6-sets of brake pads, all les schwab work. I've poured almost as much money into the car since ownership, than I paid for the car. I have 3 children, we've been stranded, late for school, missing school, late for work, lost jobs because of lost hours. I leave the car running now, because I'm scared that my family will be stranded. I'm sooo frustrated with chevrolet, no one can answer any of my questions, chevrolet of boise, said that I didn't have a theft system, wow this has all been my imagination! I have 3-children that have been late for school, missed school, I have lost jobs because of missing hours, everytime I get in it I'm not sure if it will start. I have run out of money to continue to fix the same things every few months, leave the car running at $2.09 per gallon, my children are scared of going anywhere as am I. Please help!!

Filed Jan 1, 2004 · Electrical · 70,000 miles · CA

Passive theft system continually if set off, not allowing engine to run. This has caused many problems from being late to work, to simply missing a movie. In past instances the engine would start after the system reset in ten minutes, this time it just will not start and now we are late to celebrate new years eve with our family.I have had the car looked at by a mechanic, I have looked in chevrolet repair manuals, and I have even asked the dealer about this, but I can not find an answer on how to fix this problem. This vehicle also has a random multiple misfire that can not seem to be fixed as well. From talking to other malibu owners this is a common problem. This may be caused by the intake penelem gasket. When iquiring at the auto parts store about this gasket I came to find an improved design has been made. I do not feel that I should have to take care of these problems myself.

Filed Nov 12, 2001 · Electrical · MO

Car would not start. Anti-theft light kept flashing. 1st occurrence happended on 10/20/00 and then again on 11/11/01. Dealer diagnosed as defective housing and tumbler and replaced both at the cost of $396.39 each time.

Filed May 21, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · AL

Anti- theft system activates ramdomly and the ignition will not start. Has been in the shop for repairs numerous times without success. The ABS light comes on at random. The rotors wear out excessively on this car. The cruise control cuts itself off while driving. We have also had sensors replaced on the air conditioner twice. Those are just the major problems.

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 Jan 6, 1999 · Electrical · NJ

One month after I leased this vehicle, I began to have an ignition problem with my car. Once the key is inserted into the ignition, it will not turn in the ignition cylinder in order to start the car, the anti-theft light on the dash board flashes and the key cannot be pulled out. The ignition cylinder has been replaced twice by the dealer not including the original one. I have been stranded 7 times. The first three times I was pregnant. The rest of the time, I had my infant son in the car or was on my way to picking him up from day care. When I have called the dealer, they instructed me to wait at least 15 - 30 minutes and if that did not work, then I was to call the towing service. I have been stuck in many parking lots and most recently, on christmas day I was stuck in new york state. I have filed with the state of new jersey's lemon law unit, and have contacted the manufacturer, per their instruction. I have left several messages with the manufacturer and my "assigned" rep. Has yet to return my phone calls. This has been an extremely frustrating experience because I paying $300 a month for a car that I never know when or if it will not start. I am, particularly, afraid to drive it at night. I cannot comprehend how three different parts, ignition cylinders, can all be defective.