1997 Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 443 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 1% of the 443 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Theft light keeps coming on, my car will stop when it happens. This has happened while driving. And will not start. I’ve had the recall fixed years ago that was said to be the reason. It didn’t fix the problem”
NHTSA complaint #11422206, filed 2021-06“Car goes into lockdown frequently because of the theft alert system and you have to wait 10 minutes before the car will start. I believe this is a safety concern and potential hazard to anyone is operating this vehicle. I called dealership to discuss this problem and there reply is well the car is old and you need to see about purchasing another one . I got this reply in 2007. I have also researched it on the internet and found that this is a common problem in chevy Malibu's, which to me constitutes a manufacturing defect as well as a safety concern.”
NHTSA complaint #10482296, filed 2012-10“The contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that it took numerous attempts to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the ignition switch and sensor were both replaced. In addition, the engine piston slap made a loud knocking noise whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10637571, filed 2014-09, 68,000 miles“Theft light. Car won’t start it’s happened 20 times in the last 6 months. I was driving and theft light caused everything to shut down. This is a dangerous thing that needs to be fixed”
NHTSA complaint #11433505, filed 2021-09Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 13 | 18% |
| 2022 | 29 | 29% |
| 2021 | 15 | 17% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 65 | 34% |
| 2018 | 281 | 40% |
| 2017 | 253 | 36% |
| 2016 | 304 | 36% |
| 2015 | 70 | 26% |
| 2014 | 125 | 36% |
| 2013 | 204 | 24% |
| 2012 | 99 | 11% |
| 2011 | 160 | 16% |
| 2010 | 115 | 8% |
| 2009 | 61 | 4% |
| 2008 | 62 | 6% |
| 2007 | 28 | 3% |
| 2006 | 33 | 3% |
| 2005 | 49 | 5% |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% |
| 2003 | 47 | 8% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 26 | 4% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
111 complaintsElectrical system
87 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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