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1999 Chevrolet Malibu: engine failure

13 of the 785 complaints about the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu describe engine failure.

owner complaints
13
of this car's complaints
2%
typical mileage
67,000
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 16 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Jan 12, 2015 · Electrical · 32,035 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the headlights shut off and the lights on the instrument panel illuminated intermittently. Also, the electric window panels and the air conditioning system seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that there was a faulty ignition switch that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v4000 (electrical system) however, the remedy failed to repair the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,035. The consumer stated she began experiencing problems as early as may 2005. The electric windows, air conditioner, dashboard lights and headlights would intermittently work. However, the mechanic, could not duplicate the problem. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer where she was informed, it was possible the problem was the ignition switch. The consumer stated after all these years, the problem was solved. The consumer stated she continued to some experience an issue where the key would get stuck in the ignition. Updated 07/08/15

Filed Jan 7, 2015 · Steering · 67,000 miles · CA

Tl-the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while making a right turn, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was restarted and resumed to normal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000. Djr

Filed Mar 24, 2014 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the ignition key would turn however, the engine failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, who stated that the ignition switch would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but able to be restarted after one hour. The contact would leave the engine running when exiting the vehicle for five minutes to ensure the engine would not stall. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 07/08/14 ma

Filed Mar 13, 2004 · Engine · 75,000 miles · NC

On 8/20/2001 at 46,208 miles on my 1999 chev. Malibu, coolant began to leak from the lower intake manifold gasket. Dealership replaced gaskets under gmpp extended warranty. Now on 3/12/04 at 75,600 miles, the replaced gaskets are leaking. After the first repair, I discovered that the original factory gaskets along with dex-cool coolant were defective. At the first repair, still defective gaskets were used to make the repair. After this first repair, gm released a newly redesigned gasket and procedure to address this issue. I feel that there needs to be a recall on the issue due to the number of consumers who are experiencing this same trouble. This could become a safety issue should the gaskets completely fail and allow coolant to mix with the oil. This would cause engine failure while driving, possible resulting in a crash.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 59,000 miles · NH

The intake manifold gasket fails. The dexcool coolant leaked into the oil. The bearings on the gasket are damaged. I was told that I really need a new engine, but that I could try replacing the gasket, but there are no guarantee that will work. I understand this is a common problem for most gm cars from that time frame and starting around 40,000 and that gm has even made a new part finding the original deficient.

Filed Oct 3, 2003 · Brakes · AZ

I experience constant brake grinding, and I had the rotors turned and the pads replaced twice over the past year. Recently, the calipers seized and the brakes did not work. The dealer claimed that there's nothing wrong -- two days after the pads, rotors, and calipers were replaced.

Filed Jul 8, 2003 · Engine · 83,000 miles · NJ

1999 chevrolet malibu has engine problems.*mr while the vehicle was being serviced, the technician recommended an engine replacement.*ts

Filed May 22, 2003 · Engine · 53,500 miles · MO

Head gaskets all needed to be replaced at 53000 miles. This is a known issue with gm, but they refuse to own up to the problem. Some dealers goodwill the repair costs ($500-900), but others offer nothing more than an apology. Two recent tech. Service bulletins address this very issue. This defect can lead to engine failure and could put other drivers are risk. Gm needs to issue a recall and fix the problem.

Filed May 22, 2003 · Engine · 68,586 miles · MI

While driving, the engine failed. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information.

Filed Apr 6, 2003 · Engine · 36,000 miles · AR

I have already sent in a complaint re: my '99 malibu's engine cooling system. I have since found out that wal-mart, the company I work for, has had engine problems on between 30 and 50 of their '98-'99 malibu's, grand am's and grand prix's. I am still trying to get gm to pay for the new engine I had to get because this is my only car. I paid $2000.00 for a used engine to be installed and who's to say that the same thing won't happen again since it's the same type 3.1 engine.

Filed Mar 5, 2003 · Engine · 80,000 miles · MD

I had my manifold intake gasket replaced and I know that gmac had a technical bulletin issued on it. I contacted gmac and they advised they would not pay for it. A couple months later my car started to make noise so I took it back where I got it fixed at and was advised I need a new engine. I contacted gmac and they didn't respond until december 24, 2002 and told me they wouldn't pay for the engine since I didn't get my car repaired at a gmac dealership. I told them when I took it to the chevrolet dealer they said I couldn't get my car in until the following week and I couldn't wait that long because I needed my vehicle so I took it to another shop. Had I been told when I first called gmac I would have tried to take it to another chevrolet shop. I am paying for a car that I can't even drive and the vehicle is only 3 years old. Please advise as to what I can do to have this matter resolved.

Filed Feb 12, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

The horn, anti-lock brakes, battery and engine failed. *ak

Questions about the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu?

13 of 785 owner complaints about the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu (2%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2007.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu?

There are 0 recalls and 16 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu

ABS 42Coil spring 32Stalling 32Overheating 31Grinding brakes 30Premature wear 26Brake failure 20Won't start 19Tire blowout 18No deployment 12Fuel gauge 10Ball joint 9Loss of power 9Power steering loss 8Steering lock-up 8Check engine light 7Fuel pump 7Harsh shifting 7Jerking 7Knocking 6Fire or smoke 6Headlights 6

All model years of the Chevrolet Malibu

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