1998 Chevrolet Malibu acceleration problems

Filed Sep 19, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 180,000 miles · GA

I received my chev recall letter ref recall 14350 today. This is not a complaint, just info that may be important in reference to this safety recall. Problems I have had with my 1998 chev malibu is : engine shuts off while traveling at highway speeds-sometimes engine won't start ( ignition key will not go all way to start position)-sometimes engine want shutoff (ignition key want turn back to off position). As a retired truck mechanic I know that the problem is in the ignition switch lock cylinder (tumblers are worn excessively causing the lock cylinder to jam and/or be come loose allowing ignition key to rotate off) . I have attempted to make repair myself but all parts outlets tell me that the lock cylinder is not available (must purchase $350.00 ignition switch assembly) if this recall does not include replacing the lock cylinder,the problem will not be corrected. Experienced mech/tech can replace the lock cylinder in about 10 minutes.

Filed Aug 6, 2009 · Acceleration · 179,638 miles · MD

A totally unexpected malfunction of cruise control while set at 60mph, traveling up and down hilly stretch of us route #301 northbound nearing va route #3 the transmission down-shifted, engine accelerated to maintain set speed (as usual) when highway leveled the vehicle suddenly continued to speedup rapidly..65+70+75. Driver instantly applied brakes w/ normal pressure then even harder until she was standing on the brake pedal w/ both feet. Several times she pressed the cancel control selector, still no real slowing down. As both front and rear brake overheated rapidly smoke and sparks were seen by other motorist, two of whom tried to overtake them and hand signaled to pull off the road which she was soon able to accomplish on a wide grass shoulder where she turned off the ignition+++stop!! At long last. All three (3) adult women were greatly stressed but relieved to be safe. Her rear seat passenger had called 911 on her cell phone when they realized the frightful dangerthey were in and as a result three (3) different police cruisers arrived almost instantly from the county sheriff and va state police. Several witnesses were interviewed for more details. The vehicle is a 1998 chevrolet malibu 4dr. V6. The car was less than 4 months old, driven only 4,000 miles by the dealers wife, until my daughter purchased it. She continued to have it routinely serviced and maintained there so there is where she requested the tow truck driver to haul it to the next day at a cost of $400. Subsequently their service manager and mechanics ran diagnostic sequences as well as several road tests and were unable to reveal any abnormalities in the cruise control or accelertorperform-ance functions. However all four (4) wheels brakes were badly burned and warped. Repairs would cost an estimated $1,100 to $1,300. Our questions include the following: (1) is this event an isolated rarity? (2) what can cause such a dangerous failure? (3) why hidden?

Filed Nov 22, 2005 · Acceleration, Brakes · 2,800 miles · WA

Dt: the contact stated every time she used the cruise control it deactivated on its own. This started approximately one month after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle has been to the dealership multiple times for cruise control problems, but they were unable to duplicate the problem. There have been no repairs to the vehicle at this time. *ak updated 2/7/2006 - the bralkes failed at less than 2800 miles. The dealer replaced the brakes and rotors.

Filed Aug 18, 2005 · Acceleration · 59,820 miles · MD

1998 chevrolet malibu engine started racing at high speeds and the consumer was not able to stop the vehicle. *mr the engine was still running on high speed until the consumer was able to turn off the vehicle. *sc tps sensor had to be replaced.

Filed Feb 19, 2005 · Acceleration · FL

After a few minutes (maybe 10 to 15 minutes) of starting/driving, gas pedal "sticks" in the closed position requiring additional foot pressure to make it advance to a reasonable RPM to either breake inertia or continuing driving. This process becomes dangerous to the extend that a higher/unwanted accelaration results due to the pedal not traveling smoothly.

Filed Nov 22, 2004 · Acceleration, Airbags · WI

Consumer complaint concerning unsatisfactory transaction with gmc, cruise control failed then air bag light came on. *bf the consumer stated that she should be fully compensated for her repairs and a recall should be sent out.

Filed Nov 3, 2004 · Acceleration, Airbags · 117,000 miles · WI

Upon setting up cruise control it failed to set, and the air bag warning light came on. Dealership indicated that this was due to a failure in the air bag warning harness connection. These parts were currently on back order.*ak wrong part sent.

Filed Sep 28, 2004 · Acceleration · 56,000 miles · NJ · crash · 1 injury

While driving 20 MPH accelerator pedal stuck suddenly. As a result, the vehicle surged forward at high speed and crashed into a pole and rolled over. Driver sustained five broken ribs.

Filed Oct 3, 2003 · Acceleration · 77,017 miles · MI

I lightly pressed the gas pedal, lifted my foot off, then pressed again - the pedal fell to the floor. After having the car towed, the mechanic said the throttle cable snapped and needed to be replaced - 2nd failure.

Filed Oct 3, 2003 · Acceleration · 56,742 miles · MI

I lightly pressed the gas pedal, lifted my foot off, then pressed again - the pedal fell to the floor. After having the car towed, the mechanic said the throttle cable had snapped and needed to be replaced.