1999 Chevrolet Malibu: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed May 29, 2007 · Suspension · 123,810 miles · SC

Rear suspension - bolt holding lower control arm for rear tire. Either unscrewed itself or broke. Vehicle began to shake violently and was difficult to control. Any other driver may have not been able to handle vehicle causing a serious accident with injuries or even death.

Filed Dec 1, 2005 · Suspension · 95,000 miles · OH

While pulling out of my car port, I heard a loud noise. All of a sudden the front passenger side of my car fell. I proceeded to go to a auto repair shop not too far from my home to have the problem checked. While in route, right around the corner from where I live, my tire blew out. There was a weird smell and smoke coming from the front right tire. I was able to pull into a parking lot to wait for aaa to tow my car to a repair facility. Thank the lord, I wasn't on the freeway when this happened. The right passenger spring broke and caused the tire to blow out. Had to replace the coil springs, a tie rod and struts.

Filed Jan 12, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · NY

Since I've had the car, the brakes have been replaced twice, rotors replaced (also cleaned and other things-to the point they asked me to see if there was a recall on brakes and rotors). The right front passenger window will not work from the driver side to roll down but can still roll it up from there. The air conditioner button(resistor) needed replacing and then the vent button(resistor) needed replacing. Also, had to replace tie rod end and wheel bearing . Not to mention a water pump. We bought the car used from sawyer chevrolet with 38,000 miles on it. It now has 76,000. But within a year and a half of owning it, this is all the work we had to put into it. I've never had a car that needed all that repairing done before it reached 100,000 miles. Plus we had to get new tires because they had firestone tires on them that were warping, etc. But sawyers refused to replace them and firestone did not get back to us in time before our vacation. So we put new tires on ourselves.

Filed May 17, 2001 · Brakes · PA

Third set of brakes & rotors in 30,000 miles, (car shakes or grinds each time) at other dealer I was told to expect it to happen again in another 10-15,000 miles only that it won't be under warranty next time. 1st time dealer replaced, 2nd time went to local garage because dealer wouldn't do it for free, 3rd time dealer replaced everything again and no charge. When I asked why it was no charge they indicated the following. (different dealership)this time tie rod was damaged and needed to be replaced as well. The dealer said the brakes themselves are not defective, it's just that the car is too heavy and works the brakes harder. The mechanic tried to convince me that it was the way I drive, but another person who works at the dealership stated to hime that she has a 98 malibu and stated she is on her 4th set already. She also mentioned something about a bulletin. I call the chevy 800 number and made a report, but they said nothing will happen. They just put the info in the computer. No person will call, no person available to speak to. No remedy to the sitaution. I would like to be reimbursed for the second repair and want to know if a remedy will soon be available as I did not want a car that has a severe brake problem and don't believe it is fair to say that they will cover it, but only up to the warranty period. If that is the case I would like to return the car and get my money back. I'll be hard pressed to buy another chevy again after this experience. I am seeking out an attorney to explore my options with respect to the lemon laws.

Filed Mar 20, 2001 · Brakes, Steering · NY

Rotors replaced 3 times in one year, worn down. When applying brakes they pulsate, and there is increased braking distance. Also tie rod had to be replaced.

Filed Oct 19, 2000 · Steering · MS

Rack and pinion steering failed which could cause loss of steering, steering is very loose. Consumer has already replaced tie rods and tires.

Filed May 3, 2000 · Suspension · KS

While driving heard something rattling. Took to dealer, and they said that rear wheel control arm broke in two. Vehicle could have flipped over. Failure due to a poor weld. Dealer contacted. *ak

Filed Feb 18, 2000 · Suspension · GA

When traveling consumer noticed a loud knocking noise coming from the front end. Also, when attempting to make a normal stop when traveling on wet pavement, vehicle continued to move forward, causing loss of vehicle control. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced the control arm, but problem still occurs. Please provide any further details.

Filed Feb 16, 1999 · Steering · IL

Nut work itself loose on the tie rod causing loss of steering ability.