1998 Chevrolet Malibu: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Mar 19, 2001 · Brakes · KY

Returned to selling dealer 06/13/2000, 18121 miles for repair of brake pulsation, especially violent at interstate speeds. Brake rotors were resurfaced and pads deglazed at my expense. Complained to service manager about being charged for repair on a car with 3/36 bumper to bumper warranty. Was told brake warranty was only 12/12000. Called chevrolet and lodged a complaint, followed by a letter on 06/16/2000. Chevrolet rep gave me a complaint file #, c00624109. Now at 26000 miles, brake pulsation has returned. I have no reason to think this will not be constantly reocurring. At highway speed this is a safety problem. The steering wheel will shudder violently. I feel confident that some reengineering is possible and should be required.

Filed Nov 16, 2000 · Brakes · PA

Oct/99,front brake problems/brake pedal shudder,steering wheel shimmy/(severe over 55mph) at 7000 miles. Reported problem to dealer-was told normal wear/out of warranty-car is 13 months old. Had to have rotors turned/severe warping.nov/00,11600miles. Same problem.rotors and pads have to be replaced because of warping/excess wear. Car only driven 4000 miles in last year.didnt contact dealer because of previous dismissal by service department manager.

Filed Sep 4, 2000 · Brakes · WI

Abs light just came on when turned on car and never went off. When you hit the brakes the whole car shudders. Pulling away from a stop sign the right front axle just popped and broke, we were't even going 25 miles an hour.

Filed Aug 22, 2000 · Brakes · NJ

Second occurance in 29,000 miles: car develops extreme shudder when applying brakes above 50mph. Potential safety hazard on wet/slippery roads common in ny area. Dealer replaced as "good will" but chevrolet will not acknowledge problem. The federal safety agency customer complaints are very high for this identical problem. Chevrolet should replace rotors with high performance rotors that will not warp or extend warranty to include front disk brakes for life of car..

Filed Aug 20, 2000 · Brakes · NJ · crash

Braking system failed causing an accident. Brakes failed to activate at speeds of 10mph causing the inability to stop the vehicle which subsequently caused an accident. Brakes were depressed as far as they could be and vehicle failed to stop. Had problems with brakes before. Shudderin sounds come from the front hood when applying brakes at any speeds. Feels like something rubbing in the front and bottom of vehicle.

Filed Aug 2, 2000 · Brakes · MD

At higher speeds steering wheel shudders during braking. Dealer repaired at 17,000 miles, failing again at 25,000 miles.

Filed Jul 14, 2000 · Brakes · FL

I have replaced, brake pads, rotors, 6 times since the purchase of this car. Have also replaced ABS brakes 1 time. When traveling on the highway and you hit the brakes, it will shudder and shake (even after the brakes have been changed) someone is going to get killed in this car unless gm does something about this. I have informed gm of this problem, they said they would keep a record. No action has been taken on this! Please help! As I can not sell or trade the car in. I am afraid to drive it!

Filed May 28, 2000 · Brakes · GA

When applying brakes, the vehicle vibrates & shudders, the steering wheel also shakes. Had front brake pads replaced/resurfaces rotors in 3/99 and 10,000 miles later problem is back again.

Filed May 1, 2000 · Brakes · KY

While driving at any speed and when applying brakes vehicle vibrates violently/ shudders, and pulls from side to side. Gmc is aware of the problem, and has replaced rotors. This has happened 3 times before.