1997 chevrolet malibu. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch cut off issues. *tgw the ignition switch was replaced at a cost of $400.00 and is seeking reimbursement. Also, the outer and inner tie rods were replaced.
1997 Chevrolet Malibu: ball joint or control arm failure
23 of the 443 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 23
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 7 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
Control arms, r & r arm, control lower-one side . Both went out, both needed replacement.
Brakes gone (again). Been replacing about every 10000 miles. This car has been one thing wrong after another. Already replaced lower control arms at 7500 miles, leaking antifreeze gasket, A/C control head (twice), and the brakes are ongoing.
Vehicle taken to dealer for repair due to front end suspension noises (creaking/popping) while cornering. Service center stated that lower control arms needed replacing. I was also informed that rack and pinion gear needed replacing even though I have not experienced any of the warning signals of a failure.
Seat belt not working, all four tires are cracking all around the tread and sidewall. Lower control arm replaced and hood cable defective.
Dealer replaced both control arm due to rattling and sqeaking in the front end as a result the tire had to be replaced, after 20000 miles the noise is back. Nlm
While driving at low speeds, the right side inner and outer tie rod broke, causing wheel to separate from the vehicle, the power steering rack boots were torn and replaced, consumer states the metal is defective.
Broken, right front tie rod, car is in shop, unable at this time to verify milage and car id. Nos.
While traveling at low to high speed, consumer noticed vehicle vibrating, dealer dropped surame and tightened rack mounts, lower control arms rattle at low speed and vehicle vibrates at high speed. Engine torques back under power, dealer stated this was because of faulty lower control arms.
Power steering seemed rough brought car to dealer and they replaced box $689.00, I brought car in for oil change dealer said it needed rack and pinion and new lower control arms $2000.00 approx. I was driving and battery light went on brought to a shop open at night needed a new alternator and battery.I contacted gm and they said they had no complaints on any of the following.I guess they lied with all the information I have found.
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.
Control arms and steering gear replaced multiple times. Now at 38,000 miles, the front end shakes almost uncontrollably during slight turns at approximately 60mph.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Some customers may comment on a squawk noise from the front and/or rear suspension while driving
- Information regarding squawk noise from front and/or rear suspension
- Some customers may comment of a squawk noise from the front or rear suspension area
- Customers may complain of a creak or pop noise from the rear of the vehicle, this may occur on turns, on...
- Some vehicles built prior to VIN breakpoint 1M531582 or 16145701 may exhibit a creak / pop noise coming...
- Subject pertaining to front and / or rear stabilizer shaft squawk / squeak noise
- Low pitch rattle, clunk and/or squeak noise coming from front end of vehicle during low speeds
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu?
23 of 443 owner complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu (5%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu?
There are 0 recalls and 7 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
Wipers 27ABS 24Grinding brakes 19Headlights 17Premature wear 13Stalling 13Won't start 11Power steering loss 9Steering lock-up 8No deployment 7Brake failure 7Overheating 7Engine failure 6Knocking 5
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