1997 Chevrolet Malibu Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 87about this part
- Share
- 20%of 443 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 87 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 20% of the 443 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,500 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1997 chevy Malibu. Recently, the anti-theft light has been coming on and disabling the engine. There is no fix for this problem per the dealership and the only option I have is to disconnect the battery and reconnect it. This isn't ever convenient and is a major safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10312785, filed 2010-02, 135,000 miles“I would like to get a replacement,discount or free service on my 1997 Malibu. I've had my car since 2004 and had to get another motor in 2005 which is needed now .this car has put me down a lot not only problems with the motor but the ignition locked up and I had to replace that as well as the brakes and rotors that last about 2 or 3 months. I also have a problem with the lights not working properly they only work on high beam. …”
NHTSA complaint #10227398, filed 2008-05, 74,000 miles“I was driving my car on the byway and took the interstate merge lane while increasing my speed to merge into traffic I felt a snap in my steering wheel and gas pedal, I then lost the dash and the car immediately overheated, I had no real power to turn the wheel and the gas pedal was a loose push. Being that I had merged onto the interstate when this occurred I had to drive an additional 5 miles to the next exit. Not everyone has a cell phone. …”
NHTSA complaint #10223326, filed 2008-04, 187,000 miles“I am submitting this complaint for my mother. Her 1997 Chevrolet has had two instances of problems with the anti-theft controller. Both occurrences has required major work at the dealership in order for her car to start. The first time this occurred was a couple of years ago, and after paying almost $400 the dealership appeared to have fixed the problem. Now once again this same problem has occurred and cost her another $400. It's only been a couple of years between the two instances. …”
NHTSA complaint #10098466, filed 2004-11, 70,000 miles“Passive theft system continually if set off, not allowing engine to run. This has caused many problems from being late to work, to simply missing a movie. In past instances the engine would start after the system reset in ten minutes, this time it just will not start and now we are late to celebrate new years eve with our family.I have had the car looked at by a mechanic, I have looked in Chevrolet repair manuals, and I have even asked the dealer about this, but I can not find an answer on how to fix this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10051457, filed 2004-01, 70,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V400000Jul 3, 2014This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand AM 1999–2005, Oldsmobile Alero 1999–2004 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10248778Nov 1, 2014Unintended Ignition Key Rotation
- 10245891Sep 1, 2014Unintended Ignition Key Rotation
- 10245890Sep 1, 2014Unintended Ignition Key Rotation
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 33% |
| 2024 | 18 | 41% |
| 2023 | 12 | 17% |
| 2022 | 33 | 33% |
| 2021 | 30 | 33% |
| 2020 | 57 | 29% |
| 2019 | 62 | 32% |
| 2018 | 192 | 27% |
| 2017 | 161 | 23% |
| 2016 | 222 | 26% |
| 2015 | 68 | 25% |
| 2014 | 86 | 25% |
| 2013 | 376 | 45% |
| 2012 | 291 | 32% |
| 2011 | 235 | 24% |
| 2010 | 295 | 22% |
| 2009 | 368 | 24% |
| 2008 | 233 | 24% |
| 2007 | 113 | 12% |
| 2006 | 142 | 13% |
| 2005 | 180 | 18% |
| 2004 | 151 | 13% |
| 2003 | 289 | 51% |
| 2002 | 259 | 46% |
| 2001 | 285 | 40% |
| 2000 | 199 | 22% |
| 1999 | 144 | 18% |
| 1998 | 130 | 13% |
| 1997 | 87 | 20% |
| 1980 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
111 complaintsSteering
80 complaintsEngine cooling
60 complaintsSuspension
55 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
43 complaintsExterior lighting
40 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsTires
17 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology