1998 Chevrolet Malibu: adaptive cruise control problems

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 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 Jun 26, 2003 · Fuel system · NC

Driving on I-95 for several hours, car feels like it is on cruise control, but it isn't. I take my foot off the accelerator and car is is still doing 65, tackometer says I'm at 2,000 rpms. I pull off highway at a rest stop and have to almost stand on the brakes to stop at a red light. I put it in park at a gas station and the engine revs. Tack still at 2,000 (in park). Mechanic tells me computer diagnostic shows fuel injection problems (motor idle gummed up and getting stuck). I had both kids in the car. If the brakes had given out, we'd all be dead now.

Filed May 9, 2000 · Acceleration · VA

Cruise control brake release switch failed causing the vehicle to surge. Nlm

Filed Sep 2, 1999 · Acceleration, Brakes · TX

Cruise control was set between 60-70 MPH , went to apply brakes, but they did not disengage the cruise, driver had to repeatedly apply brakes before the finally engaged, resulting in serious safety hazard.defect has occurred 3 times, and dealer has replaced brake sensor.

Filed Jul 12, 1999 · Brakes · AR

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.

Filed Jun 1, 1999 · Acceleration, Brakes · NC

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.

Filed May 20, 1999 · Acceleration · FL

At 60 MPH the cruise control was on at the steering wheel, but not set. It set itself as indicated by the "cruise" light on the dash and would not turn off, but kept accelerating as indicated by the gas pedal being depressed. I applied brakes and it still would not turn off. After reaching 80 MPH, I was able to start slowing down, even though I could feel the car continue to try to accelerate and the cruise control indicator on the dash was still on. After traveling 1/4 mile, I finally got the car stopped on the side of the road, I put the car in park. The RPM's were pulsing between 2500-3500 and continuing to climb. I turned off the key. Smoke was boiling from the front brakes. It took a full 15 seconds for the accelerator pedal to release from its engaged position. I could hear a "pop" and feel the accelerator pedal spring back to its normal position. The dealership is blaming my floor mat.