1998 Chevrolet Malibu: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jul 15, 2004 · Suspension · 85,000 miles · NJ

I have replaced my entire braking system at least 4 times. I was told by chevrolet that due to a problem with the ball joints, the brake rotors would wear unusually fast. I am currently waiting to see if with over $4,000 spent in parts, service, and labor, the problem is solved.

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 Mar 23, 2003 · Brakes, Suspension · VA

Brake pads, rotors, and calipers continually failed on chevrolet malibu. This has been going on since car was new. Pads, rotors, calipers, and ball joints have all been replaced - pads and rotors as often as every 6000 to 12000 miles. Dealers and independents have worked on it with the same result: more failures. There are hundreds of complaints about these problems for malibu's just from this year's model and many more for other years. The federal safety agency has never investigated even though brake failure would seem to be significant. My tax money is not working hard enough.

Filed Feb 13, 2003 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · NE

I have a 1998 chevy malibu with 60,000 miles. The problem started at about 50,000 miles. Both front lower control arms started to rattle over cracks and bumps around july 2001. It has steadily become worse and is to the point I can hear a loud clunk even over expansion joints or when it shifts gears during acceleration. I have heard from several other owners who have experienced the same problem, some with fewer miles. In all cases chevrolet refuses to take any responsibility and says we have to replace with newly designed control arms at our own cost. I am going to replace them for fear that the bolts are going to break from the excessive movement allowed by the inferior bushings used in the original part, but I think gm's decision to not recall this obvious safety hazard should be questioned. They have admitted there was a design flaw by producing a redisigned part, why should they not recall it?

Filed Jan 22, 2003 · Steering · 73,400 miles · NC

After hearing a "clicking/creaking" sound coming from the steering (on full lock)when maneuvering at slow speeds, I.e. Parking, I had the car inspected. It turned out to be a bad rh lower control arm and a loose lh lower control arm.

Filed May 18, 2002 · Suspension · IA

Bushings on both lower front control arms on front suspension wor out at 16k miles, causing thumping and banging noise that gets increasing worst with more miles put on the car--dealer says it is safe to drive the car.

Filed Jan 4, 2001 · Brakes, Engine · MN

Vehicle experienced several transmission related problems, consumer stated while pushing accelerator from a complete stop, engine would rev up but vehicle would not move, after a couple of seconds, the transmission would engage, this would also happen while driving, transmission experienced slipping, dealer rebuilt transmission, also, left front axle boot was torn, dealer replaced the left inner tripod joint boot. Gas cap tether broke, dealer replaced gas cap. Vehicle would vibrate while braking, dealer replaced warped rotors and front brakes, the right front caliper was later replaced due to a torn piston boot. Oil was leaking from the front crankshaft seal, dealer replaced seal. Steering column tilt housing bowl assembly machined improperly from factory causing tilt wobble, also caused a popping noise. Consumer heard a clunk noise from rear when going over bumps, dealer replaced both lower control arms.

Filed Oct 18, 2000 · Electrical, Suspension · NY

Bushings on control arms defective and battery accid leaks

Filed Jul 12, 2000 · Brakes, Suspension · PA

Both lower control arms failed causing noise in the front suspension while driving surfaces. Nlm

Filed May 23, 2000 · Transmission · MI

Both left and right front wheel bearings are bad. I was informed that this is a common problem with chevy malibu's when they reach 50,000 - 60,000 miles. If this is a common problem, shouldn't this repair be covered? I have not called the manufacturer/dealer yet, but I plan on doing so. I also had the front control arms replaced in 1998.( dot number: ? Tire size: p215 93t )

Filed Nov 4, 1999 · Brakes · WV

Vehicle has had 4 sets of brakes & rotors, front control arms, rear suspension bar, paint flaked off front of car, front elec. Seat control, oil pan leak,

Filed Sep 8, 1999 · Steering, Suspension · CA

Steering--steering rack, gear assembly, gear kit, ball joint and both lower control arms.