1998 Chevrolet Malibu: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 10, 2004 · Transmission · 87,000 miles · LA

While my husband was driving my 1998 chevrolet malibu which has approximately 87,000 miles on it, he heard an unusual noise that indicated something was wrong with the engine. The car immediately lost power while moving at a speed of approximately 40 MPH. There was a lot of rattling and vibrations. Upon having the car towed to a garage for a diagnostic test, he was informed that the car had to have a new engine. The engine repair company states that the harmonic balancer failed which in turned messed up the internal workings of the engine. This will cost us approximately $3600 dollars to replace the engine.

Filed Feb 18, 2004 · Steering · FL

While driving 75 MPH, consumer heard a noise coming from under the hood. Then, vehicle lost power steering.

Filed Feb 10, 2004 · Steering · 80,000 miles · PA

While driving power steering fluid leaked. This could cause intermittent lost of power steering fluid.

Filed Jan 27, 2004 · Steering · 60,000 miles · IL

While driving or turning, the vehicle lost power steering and it became difficult to steer.

Filed Mar 18, 2003 · Brakes, Lights · 40,000 miles · MO

Rack and pinion steering gear failed at 65,000 miles, causing a loss of power steering and a near accident. This is the second time this has happened (last time was at 40,000). This vehicle has also had front brakes and rotors 6 times and has experienced all other malibu problems such as air conditioner control failure, tail light melting, etc.

Filed Mar 12, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · OH

I have replaced a battery twice. I bought my 1998 malibu used. The first time we were able to keep jumping it, to get it were I needed to go. Found out the positive charge was broken from battery. Six month's later on january 19. My ABS light comes on and I lose all power on snow and ice. Luckily I was able to keep control of my car and get it stopped. If there would be a been another car coming towards me I would have hit them head on. I had it towed the following day, and they said my battery was leaking acid and my timing belt was breaking. I have only had my car a year and I bought it from a dealership. What's causing the battery to leak acid? I am scared to death it will happen again and next time I won't be so lucky.

Filed Nov 21, 2002 · Transmission · IL

I purchased new 98 malibu and traded back in w/in one month for another because of severe mechanical problems. This automobile was in for service on 11/23/01 for transmission leak and all gaskets & seals replaced. I had in for service on 8/5/02 for $1146 worth of work on various parts. I reported that vehicle lost power on highway but fuel pump was replaced for that problem. I pointed out that I thought car had transmission problem at that time and was told that car did not have history of transmission problems even though auto had all transmission seals replaced in 2001 by dealership. All work was done by dealership that auto (#2) was purchased from. Regular maintenance done on car without fail. Just replaced front arms on vehicle less that 1 mos. Ago for $400 and was told by sales that this was an earlier problem also w/98 malibu. Dt

Filed Aug 17, 2000 · Body, Brakes · GA

While applying brakes, the car pulsates and jumps when coming to a stop. The car was taken in several times to have the rotars turned, then later replaced, then replaced again with 99 model rotars, the brakes are still pulsating to current date. The alternator went out while driving, lost all power to brakes, ABS system, and air bags. The alternator was replaced. Later had to have battery replaced due to alternator killing it. The A/C light would blink on and off, the compressor would cut on and off. Had to eventually replace the panel on the inside of the car after having a new compressor put on. The A/C panel seemed to have done the trick, though is has some new problems from the beginning. The bushings squeak and sqwauk while driving over bumps, they have now started in the rear of the car.