At 11k mi when brakes applied at 50+ MPH front tires severely shimmied, dealer machined and reinstalled front disc, as of 8/8/99 symptoms have returned. At 14k mi a thumping noise began in the right front tire, dealer replaced both lower control arms. At 3k mi heater blower motor started making a loud noise, dealer replaced blower motor. At 9k mi heater blower motor started to again make a loud noise, dealer removed and reinstalled blower fan, motor still makes a loud noise.
1998 Chevrolet Malibu brakes complaints
Page 12 of 14: complaints 311 to 340 of 376, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Front brake rotors have failed and been replaced twice due to warping and vibration. Nlm
Upon hitting the brakes while going 60mph the whole front end shakes.consumer contacted dealer and manufacturer.
When the brakes are applied the vehicle vibrates, resulting in loss of vehicle control. The dealer has repaired the vehicle three times. Manufacturer has been notified. *ak
Brakes pulsate when applied at highway speeds which causes the steering wheel to shake severely. Could cause an accident. Rotors were pitted and warped.
No summary
Front of car vibrates when brakes are applied from a speed of 50 MPH or more. The problem was prematue failure of the front disc brakes at 30400 miles (16% of warranty remaining). Munday chevrolet had to turn rotors and replace brake pads which was not covered under the new car warranty. Gm customer service (case no. 990384225) was contacted about the problem and they said it was normal maintenance. There appears to be a defect in design, materials or workmanship. The federal safety agency customer complaint data base contains numerous incidents of prematue 1998 malibu front disc brake failures. Some of these occurred at less than 10,000 miles and as many as three times. Gm does not recognize these failures as covered under their warranty.
My problem is that my rotors and pads continually warp. The dealership will turn my rotors, and have replaced my pads once, but after every long trip, they warp again. Causeing me substantal loss of my ability to brake. I have had three near accidents, one when a semi pulled out in front of me. These would have not even been a concern if my brakes would have been working properly. But I was only able to stop feet from these cars when it should have been yards. I've done enough driving to know the difference between good brakes and bad. Plus when I apply my brakes my car shakes, and my steering wheel jumps in my hand.
Pulsating brakes in front. Requested they be "replace" denied by dealer....they were fixed..."rotors were resurfaced" I feel this should not have happened that the rotors are defective? Please advise... 2 flats in rear..one tire replaced the other plugged. Again this is a new car? Advise. Thanks. *ak( dot number: )
Brake rotors are continually warping and causing vibration. Mjs
The front brake rotors have become warped 2 separate times, the rotors have been turned and replaced, the faulty rotors cause the vehicle to pull and shake especially once the cruise control is disengaged.
Rotors have been replaced 5 times on this vehicle and it has less than 20,000 miles.
Rotors out of round at 7000 miles resulting in a severe and dangerous shaking of the front end upon application of brakes, rotors replaced under warranty, failed again at 15000 miles, also front pads worn out by 15000 miles
No summary listed for this vehicle.
I really need to talk to someone for a better detail description of my problem. No safety defect listed in summary.
We bought a 98 malibu in feb 99 w/20k miles. Soon after we noticed a slight vibration in braking.I had it checked and rotors are warped. I was told this was common in malibus and that the problem has existed since they came out in 97.this was from the serv. Dept mgr at adams chevrolet in raytown, mo he says he sees several malibus every week for the same problem, and that it wasn't covered by warranty or manuf. Recall. Only if the problem begins withing 12k miles. It was as if I was just supposed to accept this..even though we paid $14,000 for this car. Gm brags that the car can go up to 100k miles without a tuneup , but they forget to tell you you'll have to have the rotors turned every year .
Mfg contacted, denies problem exists, says "go away". No safety defect indicated in summary.
Severe vibration in front end when brakes are applied above 60 MPH. I feel this problem is related to the eariler front end recall problem. Dealer will cut rotors and that is it. I know this is not going to fix the true problem but it will be a quick fix that may last through the warrenty period.
7x's in 47000 miles have had rotors prematurely warped, 1x metallic clicking noise when stopping at lower speeds.
Rotors have warped twice within 20500 miles. Other malibu owners have the same complaint. While I haven't been injured because of this, it should not be occurring so frequently. Chevy wanted to charge me to turn the rotors down the 2nd time, only 4000 miles after they were first turned down. This should not be happening. If I weren't astute enough to catch it early, it could be a real safety hazard.
Disk brake rotors are reported to be warped, causing severe shimmy when braking at freeway speeds. This is reported to be a common defect, which general motors refuses to cover under their "bumper to bumper" warranty.
Front brake rotors warped, causing extended stopping distance and a noise which may result in an accident. Been to dealer several times. Dealer replaced rotors once and turned the rotors twice.
Brake rotors warped every 8,000-10,000 miles, which caused extended stopping distance, and could result in a crash.
No summary listed for this vehicle.
Front rotors experiencing pulsation upon braking. Nlm
When driving at any speed there is a loud squeaking noise coming from vehicle. Brake pads are moving up and down, and there is vibration within brake pedal. Dealer replaced rotors and pads. Also, consumer had cruise control set at 70 MPH, and as consumer was going around the corner, cruise control went up to 76 MPH. When going down a hill or up a hill cruise control went up to a higher speed.
I bought my chevrolet malibu used and have had it about 2 months. Days after the 36,000 mile warranty runs out I have major brake problems. Replaced front brakes, pads, right rotor and right caliper. Every mechanic I've seen is amazed that a car a year old needs a new caliper. Called the dealer and they told me they couldn't do anything about it. Also had problem with front end rattling noise like the front end is loose or something; dealer did put new control arms on, but noise still persists.
Brakes are wearing out prematurley . Pads/calipers and the rotors needed to be replaced at 35,000 miles.there was no indictation of a problem, causing a safety hazard. 2. The vehicle shakes at speeds less than 20 MPH ,and dealer replaced control arm, but defect is still occurring.
Rear brakes were not adjusted properly which put more wear and tear on the front brakes, and caused vehicle to shake and steering wheel to shake, which may have resulted in loss of control. Please provide further information.
Rotors required turning at 18,860 miles. Brake pads had at least 50% life remaining. At 26,733 miles, rotors require turning again. New repair shop (alexander chevrolet, murfreesboro, tn 37133 615‑893‑6600) indicates at least 50%-60% life remaining on brakes pads. There is an apparent defect in the quality of rotors being supplied on vehicle. Chevrolet customer service (1‑800‑222‑1020) will not resolve dispute by waiving charge to turn rotors for a second time. It has been less than 8,000 miles since the initial repair was made. Rotor failing prematurely and too often.
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