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SeatsPart report

1997 Chevrolet Malibu Seats Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
1%of 443 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the seats of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 1% of the 443 complaints for this model year.

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.

“My first issue is with the lights on the Malibu. My light developed condensation in them which in the rear caused the light to glow dim, and caused e to get pulled over on a number of times. In the front it has caused the glass shield to fog causing me to fail vehicle inspection. There have are many other electrical malfunctions on my car such as the theft lock system, the power moon roof, the manufacturer's cd player, the headlight control switch. Then it has a problem with emissions. The headliner is falling off the ceiling.”

NHTSA complaint #10073144, filed 2004-05

“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

“Rear seatback is falling to the floorboard due to a retainer missing from the seat. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced clips, problem still occurs,.consumer therefore contacted a second dealer, dealer stated that retainer was missing before vehicle left the assembly line. Please provide any further details.”

NHTSA complaint #825560, filed 1998-07

“Disc brake pads failed at 22k and again at 34k. Dealer blames pad quality but will not warranty. Center hinge on rear fold down seats has also failed twice.”

NHTSA complaint #702140, filed 1999-01

Seats: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202425%
202211%
202111%
201820%
201761%
201661%
2015104%
201462%
2013233%
2012364%
2011384%
2010252%
2009302%
200881%
2007162%
200681%
2005626%
2004696%
200320%
200151%
200020%
199930%
199861%
199741%

Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu

Brakes
111 complaints
Electrical system
87 complaints
Steering
80 complaints
Engine cooling
60 complaints
Suspension
55 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
43 complaints
Exterior lighting
40 complaints
Air bags
25 complaints
Tires
17 complaints
Fuel system
15 complaints
Seat belts
15 complaints
Other 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 31, 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