1998 Chevrolet Malibu: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Nov 30, 2007 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · OK

1998 malibu - theft system will activate for no reason and there is not a solution in the owners manual for this condition. If the internet search of 10 minute wait does not work, using another key, spraying the ignition switch with cleaner or kicking a tire - you will have to take a cab. There is not a way to disarm this system. I will not own another gm product because of this system and the inability to turn off my headlights.

Filed Sep 30, 2005 · Electrical, Lights · 119,000 miles · TN · fire

On aug. 10,2005 my 1998 chevy malibu, while parked with ignition off caught fire. While exiting car before the fire, I smelled no smoke or "hot" smells, I stood there approx. 3 min. While talking to my daughter. 10 min. Later the lebanon, tennessee fire dept. Was there extinguishing a fire that was mostly contained to the drivers side front headlight area, they deemed the car "totaled" . I contacted gm the same day, and after several phone conversations , on sept.13, 2005, I received a letter from mr. Mike demare, customer relationship manager, that "general motors is unable to assume responsibility for damages and we suggest that you resolve this matter through your insurance carrier." so I am still without a car, and I am disabled, with a minor child living with me. I can not afford full coverage , and only had liability on the vehicle. *nm sept.

Filed Jan 24, 2005 · Electrical · 137,000 miles · IA · crash · 1 injury

This car has been nothing but a nightmare for me. And to add insult to injury, the local chevy dealer says there is nothing wrong with the car. (though it doesn't stop them from charging me for all the expensive repairs that have been made) this car has many, many electrical problems. I purchased this car as a "certified gm" back in july 2001. There are just too many issues to list on this forum. Most recent, was coming home last night with my son in the car. For no reason at all the headlights failed, leaving me w/ 1 fog lamp as the other went w/ the headlights. On a gravel road, w/ no lights. Found ourselves in the ditch. Still waiting for the tow truck to pull the piece of crap out. Son got a nice goose egg out of the ordeal from hitting his head on the door on the bumpy ride down the ditch. I am so fed up with this car.

Filed Sep 22, 2003 · Body, Brakes · 58,000 miles · PA

While driving, the vehicle lost its rack and pinion steering and all power of the steering wheel. Dealer notified. *ak the power window control panel on the driver side arm rest popped out, the vehicle pulled severely to the right (dealer couldn't find the problem). The dealer finally replaced the lower control arms, brake rotors, 2 sets of tires/almost completely bald at the time only 13k miles. The rims had to be forced off, the front rotors had become rusted at 20k miles, the ignition wire harness had come apart, the power steering hoses had come loose, lost fluid and power steering while in motion, the trunk leaked, the ABS light had come on twice a week, the front end squeaked and rattled, the antenna wire was loose, the right head lamp had permanent moisture with no crack, the A/C would shut on/off intermittently, the alternator failed at 60k miles and the waning light had come on for only five minutes, the engine leaked oil, and the right windshield wiper pivot housing had broken. *scc

Filed Aug 5, 2002 · Electrical · PA

Vehicle has sensor that automatically turns on headlights at dusk. Consumer feels this is a safety issue because headlights cannot be turned off without turning vehicle off. It could be blinding to other vehicles or persons in special situations.

Filed Sep 12, 2001 · Electrical · CO

Headlights intermittently don't come on and go off when in use. Problem has to duplicate by itself for dealer to fined a solution.

Filed Jul 16, 2001 · Lights · WI

Inside headlights fog up really badly, and it is hard to see at night. They hardly put out any light. When taken to dealer, they stated it was a design problem. *ak consumer states in the fall of 1998 as the weather cooled, the headlights began to fog up on the inside of the lens, in the spring of 2000, the right side was replaced under warranty, the problem is occurring again and if repaired it will not be covered under warranty.

Filed Jul 10, 2001 · Lights · MA

Shorlty after purchasing this vehicle while it was still under warranty we had the passenger side headlight assembly replaced because of condensation building up. Then a couple months later somone told me that my stop lights on the passenger side were out, I thought it was the bulbs but it wasn't , it was because of water building up inside. I contacted several orginizations to see if this was possibly recalled, it wasn't. Since they want $250 for the light assembly I've been waiting to see if they would recall them considering that just in the central mass area I have seen 2 - 3 dozen malibu's with that stop light not working. I have been able to get it working by taking it apart drying it out and cleaning the electrodes with a wire brush but within a week of any rain it blows out again. I even went as far as two weeks ago resealing the seal around the housing and when we got rain that day went out and checked it and there was about a pint of water inside.I pulled the whole assembly out still together, tipped it every way possible and could not get the water to leak out from anywhere. I feel this is a safety issue because it is the stop lights. The other lights still work(the backup, directional , and even the 2 marker lights on the same bulb as the stop) its just the stop lights. Now I've noticed a little condensation in the left side assembly. I hope something can be done about this. Thank you jason jerome.

Filed Mar 27, 2001 · Transmission · NJ

Car still made noise after hub/bearings replaced. 2nd time hub/bearing replaced noise was louder. Got 2nd opinion, was back plate rubbing against rotor. Did I even need my hub/bearing replaced. 3/23/01 said I need rotors resurfaced, 2nd opinion - rotors fine. Chevy is ripping me off. Charged me for new serpentine belt & never replaced it. Moisture in headlights.

Filed Feb 22, 2001 · Body, Brakes · CA

Squeaking noise came from steering, dealer replaced steering rack assembly and power steering hoses. Right front shoulder belt would not adjust up or down, seatbelt stop button was missing, left side driver's shoulder belt retracts slowly, right front shoulder belt retracts slowly and jams at times. Rear bumper cover at left side at tail light opening has poor fit. Excessive wind noise at the left front door glass opening while traveling highway speeds. Steering shimmies while braking, dealer found warped rotors. Idle quality in gear at stop is poor, transmission mounts were weak, engine runs rough at times. Front head light fogged up, delaer found inside lens cracked. Rattle noise heard under vehicle while traveling on rough roads.

Filed Feb 13, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

Vehicle has stalled numerous of times especially when I am at a complete stop and engine light will go on. Slow crank and battery has been replaced twice. The headlights and interior lights dim whenever you slow down to come to a complete stop. The car is currently in the shop due to the stalling issue, mechanic states it is a problem in the computer system and will and to be replaced at my expense. Motor mounts are also corroded which is highly unusually due to car only being 3 years. I was unable to give the VIN # due to not having access to vehicle at the moment. The vehicle is currently in the shop undergoing repairs.

Filed Jul 27, 2000 · Lights · NY

Water is leaking into headlights, causing moisture and condensation, and resulting in poor visibility.