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1998 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems

130 complaints (13% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
130
of this car's complaints
13%
typical mileage
90,000
crashes
3
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Ignition: anti-theft: control module
    26
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    12
  • Ignition: switch
    11
  • Ignition
    11
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    10
  • Ignition: module
    8
  • Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
    7
  • Horn
    7

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems in other years

1997200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 6

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignitionReported July 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 vehicles affected
What is wrong
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Recall number 14V400000 · Recall details

What 1998 Chevrolet Malibu owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 23, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 130,000 miles · IA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. While driving 70 MPH, the anti-theft system engaged and the engine seized. The contact was not able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to his home. The manufacturer was notified, but was unable to assist. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was unknown.

Filed Jan 13, 2017 · Electrical · 170,000 miles · WV

Ignition switch not shutting off and at times not turning to start car. Shift lever has to be wiggled to allow key to turn to off position. Key cylinder shutting off in start position.

Filed Jan 28, 2016 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that after the ignition key was inserted into the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as the anti theft warning light illuminated. The contact stated that vehicle was able to start after ten minutes. The contact also mentioned that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Jul 2, 2015 · Electrical · 285,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. While driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the vehicle continued to fail intermittently after the recall repair was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 285,000.

Filed Jul 1, 2015 · Electrical · 98,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. When attempting to start the vehicle, the anti-theft system activated and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

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 Mar 6, 2015 · Electrical · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) however, the repair could not be performed due to the contact not having the original key. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Dec 12, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · SC · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. While driving 5 MPH, the contact's vehicle stalled and was struck on the driver side by another vehicle. Most of the air bags deployed; however, one air bag did not, which caused injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) and manufacturer recall number: n140350. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 20, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 226,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. The contact received recall the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the key would come out of the ignition independently while the vehicle was in motion. The contact stated that the air bag warning light intermittently flashed and the engine seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 226,000.

Filed Nov 20, 2014 · Electrical · 114,571 miles · PA

1998 chevrolet malibu. Consumer requests reimbursement. *tgw the ignition lock cylinder was replaced.

Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu electrical

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 130 complaints about the electrical of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 13% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 14V400000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have the most electrical problems?

The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most electrical complaints are 2013 (376 complaints), 2009 (368 complaints) and 2010 (295 complaints).

Other 1998 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Brakes 376Engine 146Suspension 108Lights 83Steering 74Visibility 63Tires 57Transmission 50Airbags 40Fuel system 34Seat belts 24Acceleration 22Body 18Wheels 9Seats 6Driver assistance 2Locks 2

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