1997 Chevrolet Malibu Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 3%of 443 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the 443 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Swerved to avoid a deer and struck a guard rail, head on. Air bags didn't deploy and seat belt didn't lock up. Police, fire, ambulance and tow truck driver couldn't believe the bags and seat belt failed. Daughter was driving and receive a concussion, a v shape cut in scalp requiring 17 stitches to close and severe bruising all over. Police thinks her head struck the steering wheel or possibly the rear view mirror. Slack in seat belt allowed too much body movement and the air bags failure cause the head trauma. Entire front end of car is destroyed so sensors should have activate.”
NHTSA complaint #10691665, filed 2015-03, 107,000 miles“We have had numerous things repaired or replaced on this car. Everything from the carpet to the radio to warped rotors. We are currently trying to get out of our lease due to the number of problems that we are experiencing. It's become quite a nuisance to have and we are dissappointed and even angry at the fact that these many problems have gone uninvestigated by the dealer that we take it to for repairs. Fortunately, there have been no serious malfunctions with the car causing accidents. …”
NHTSA complaint #712439, filed 1999-09“Both rear seat shoulder belts had to be replaced at a cost of us$202.49 due to the plastic covering on the latchplate cracking and falling off. This vehicle has never been in an accident and the belts were primarily used to secure child seats. I don't feel the belts are of quality to support child seats. I'm also afraid that people who have the same problem will not spend this kind of money to make their restraints safe again. The dealer told me we would have to purchase the belts due to there not being a recall on them. I also feel Chevrolet should absorb this cost.”
NHTSA complaint #745162, filed 2001-05“There have been repeated failures with this automobile. The passlock anti-theft system often locks up the ignition, the headlamp and tail lamp assemblies have excessive moisture in them, causing the bulbs to burn out, the air conditioner fan motor shuts off, and the drivers seat is loose. These problems have repeatedly been reported to the dealers, and they have been unable or unwilling to repair them.”
NHTSA complaint #10060437, filed 2004-03“The plastic locking latchplate on both the front driver and front passanger seat have broken. The dealer fixed the first problem because it was still under warranty, but now that the driver's side has broken and it is out of warranty, it will cost over $100 to fix it. The vehicle has not been in a crash.”
NHTSA complaint #10028841, filed 2003-07Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 3 | 0% |
| 2017 | 7 | 1% |
| 2016 | 9 | 1% |
| 2015 | 8 | 3% |
| 2014 | 7 | 2% |
| 2013 | 6 | 1% |
| 2012 | 47 | 5% |
| 2011 | 53 | 5% |
| 2010 | 16 | 1% |
| 2009 | 7 | 0% |
| 2008 | 4 | 0% |
| 2007 | 13 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 0% |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% |
| 2004 | 14 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 9 | 2% |
| 2001 | 9 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 0% |
| 1999 | 13 | 2% |
| 1998 | 24 | 2% |
| 1997 | 15 | 3% |
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 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 Nov 1, 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