1998 Chevrolet Malibu: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Mar 24, 2015 · Airbags, Brakes · 54,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The air bag, ABS, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 54,000.

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Brakes, Fuel system · PA

1998 chevrolet malibu. Consumer writes to express discontent with local dealership. *tgw the consumer stated the brake was spongy, the ABS light illuminated and the AC worked erratically, depending on the blower speed and would sometimes quit blowing cold air and would start to blow warm air. The consumer stated the brake fluid was very low. The dealer was unable to find any brake fluid leaks. However, two months later while driving, the brake pedal went to the floor, because the fluid had leaked out again. The brake lines were replaced. In addition, to the brake line issue, the sway bar was broken, a fuel line was leaking and the left rear strut had failed.

Filed Jun 16, 2006 · Brakes · NY

Codes c1286 and c1214. The car doesn't want to stop. I've already had the brakes and rotors done because the ABS and brake light were on. The traction control for the relay contact or coil and steering sensor bias malfunction is pulling up. The car has too many problems in 3 months I've had it.

Filed Sep 14, 2005 · Brakes · NY

Repeated failure of front ABS wheel speed sensors causing erratic ABS and brake operation.

Filed Jul 12, 2005 · Brakes · 95,000 miles · PA

The ABS warning light has been going on occasionally since I bought the car new in 1998. Recently, this has been happening frequently, almost every time, shortly after starting the car and usually during the first turn. Turning off the engine and then restarting turns the ABS light off, and it then stays off. Also, in the past month or so, the car has slid forward just as it is coming to a stop. This causes me to slide about one foot beyond where I intended to stop, which could be dangerous. I have taken to stopping well behind the car in front of me to allow for this extra slide. At the time of the slide, I feel the pressure on the brake pedal suddenly drop, and then I have to push really hard to stop. This failure only seems to happen in the first few times I stop after starting the car. I brought the car today to wilkie chevrolet in philadelphia to have this defect checked out.

Filed Jul 1, 2005 · Brakes · 65,000 miles · NH

At the beginning of this year, I bought a 1998 chevy malibu, 2.4 l, 4 cyl, sedan. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle I began having a problem with the ABS light commming on and my brakes were grinding really bad. I took the vehicle back to the dealer that I bought it from the day my warrenty was to run out. They supposidly reset the ABS system because it did throw them a code. The following day the same problem occured. I have had nothing but problems with the ABS since I purchased the vehicle. I've also been having a problem with the air compressor. It makes an awful noise. The dealer I purchased the vehicle from also supposidly replaced the compressor with a used one. The compressor is still making the same noise as if they never replaced it. But these repairs were done on my last day of my warrenty so the dealer will not have anything to do with the problems anymore. I love my vehicle, it is perfect for the size family that I have and it is a very beautiful vehicle but the issues I am having with it are almost not worth dealing with. Something needs to be done.

Filed Apr 20, 2005 · Transmission · 139,400 miles · VA

1) normal driving conditions, mostly highway. 2) failure of the hub assembly. Very noisy, reduced noise around corners. 3) this hub has been replaced three times and it needs to be replaced again. I have searched for any recalls on this and could not find any. It has been 25000 miles since it was replaced last and this is totally unacceptable and expensive. Was told that continued driving could cause more damage including ABS system. Incident date below corresponds to the lastest time hub failed. Have not had it replaced yet, so part is still available.

Filed Aug 10, 2004 · Brakes · DC

The ABS light on the instrument panel frequently turns on, especially during braking, and/or non-braking while making a turn. When the ABS light turns on, the braking capabilities of the car are diminished (conversely of what should happen). These incidents of ABS system malfunction have almost caused me to have a couple accidents where the braking system was not fully powered. It has felt like losing the power assisted brakes on the car, where there is nothing wrong with the power braking system. 99% of the time, the system works fine, but it's that 1% of the time that this happens unexpected, and is very dangerous.

Filed Apr 7, 2004 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · CA

1998 chevrolet malibu ABS light comes on. When braking, the brake pedal goes all the way down and brakes don't work correctly, making the stopping distance longer. We took the car to the dealer and they replace the front speed sensor. A few months later it started to do the same thing again. And since haven't been able to fix this problem. Also, when braking the car vibrates, I know that it's do to the front rotors, needing to be replace, but I was looking on the number of complaints that this type of cars has and don't find it to be a coincidence. Surely there is some thinking we can do to fix this problem or are we going to have to wait till someone get injured or killed. It is notably that this is a safety issue that needs to be taken care of now. We have cars on the street that have faulty brake systems, if that is not a safety issue then call me crazy. Hopefully some one get back to me.

Filed Mar 30, 2004 · Brakes · 93,000 miles · TN

Abs light illuminated, and the brake pedal had to be pressed down to the floor for the vehicle to stop. Also, air conditioner turned on/off on its own.

Filed Oct 23, 2003 · Brakes · OH

The ABS warning indicator light illuminated. While making sharp turns in either direction and applying pressure to the brake pedal, vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. Independent mechanic could not determine the cause of the problem.

Filed Oct 9, 2003 · Brakes · 350,000 miles · DC

While applying the brakes ABS braking light appeared on the dashboard without warning. The brakes has been replaced five times, every 35,000 miles. While applying the brakes vehicle would vibrate, and there would be extended stopping distance.