1997 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 14V400000Jul 3, 20145,877,718 vehicles potentially affected
  Electrical system › Ignition
  Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand AM 1999–2005, Oldsmobile Alero 1999–2004 +5 more

  Reported issue: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003…

  Possible consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

  Full campaign details →

• 03V527000Dec 11, 2003750,283 vehicles potentially affected
  Steering › Rack and pinion
  Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 1997–1998, Buick Regal 1996–1998, Chevrolet Lumina 1997–1998 +5 more

  Reported issue: Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.

  Possible consequence: If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft…

  Remedy: Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or pontiac at…

  Full campaign details →

• 01V068000Mar 8, 2001129,427 vehicles potentially affected
  Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
  Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 1997–1998, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1997–1998

  Reported issue: On certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the "salt belt" states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, north dakota, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, utah, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and wyoming. If a buildup of snow…

  Possible consequence: Reduced visibility in inclement weather could lead to a vehicle crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side windshield wiper pivot housing. Owner notification began august 14, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or oldsmobile…

  Full campaign details →

• 97V107000Jun 28, 199716,099 vehicles potentially affected
  Air bags › Frontal
  Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 1997

  Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The fasteners that secure the passenger air bag module to the instrument panel tie bar were omitted.

  Possible consequence: If the air bag deploys, the module could separate from the instrument panel striking and injuring an occupant.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect the air bag module for the presence of the fasteners and, if necessary, install any fasteners that may have been omitted.

  Full campaign details →

NHTSA investigations

• RQ04006Windshield wiper failureClosed · Jul 7, 2004
• EA02003Power rack and pinion steering failureClosed · Apr 4, 2002
• PE01038Steering rack and pinionClosed · Nov 14, 2001
• EA00019Windshield wiperClosed · Jul 12, 2000
• EA00010Stop lamp assembly overheatClosed · Mar 27, 2000
• PE00009Windshield wiperClosed · Feb 22, 2000

← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu