1997 Chevrolet Malibu Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 55about this part
- Share
- 12%of 443 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 55 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 12% of the 443 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 1 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.
“Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. They checked the tires, and found that the tires were within specifications. Could not determine the problem or cause of it. While driving 40 miles per hour the vehicle pulled multiple times towards oncoming traffic. The consumer pulled towards the shoulder and the vehicle ended up in a ditch.”
NHTSA complaint #10090216, filed 2004-09, 97,200 miles“Noticed a howling noise coming from front wheel. Noise grew louder at higher speeds. Determined it to be the wheel hub/bearing. The hub/bearing was replaced. This has now happened 4 times on this vehicle 3 on lf and 1 on rf wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #10186089, filed 2007-03, 185,000 miles“Brakes gone (again). Been replacing about every 10000 miles. This car has been one thing wrong after another. Already replaced lower control arms at 7500 miles, leaking antifreeze gasket, A/C control head (twice), and the brakes are ongoing.”
NHTSA complaint #10050934, filed 2003-12, 78,000 miles“Bought car new 4-14-1997----problem car 32750 mi now Chevrolet ran away from this car and so did dealers---kept customer in the dark----waiting for 3 yrs or 36000mi suspension noise on going---rattle---creaking---glunking water pump leak at 23000 miles--fix est.$835.00--29295 mi suspension noisy yet 32655 mi on car. Relaced ignition lock cylinder $532.42---32600 mi replace 4 tires $314.00---32525 mi took 3 years to get brakes up tp par. Suspension still a problem.over all this car has problems from day one. Battery---windshield---poorly built auto. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069826, filed 2004-01, 3,000 miles“I have had to change the passenger caliper and rotors twice because the bolts for the caliper keeps popping out and the bolts for the bracket keeps popping out.. My windshield wiper on the passenger side went out last month..last night the car wouldn't start up anymore when I do turn the key the lights come on but when I try to start the car up I get a clicking noise, the radio kept going in and out also. Now my o2 sensors and tripping. I've had to change the EGR valve because it kept getting stuck in open position and I also changed the belt”
NHTSA complaint #11322384, filed 2020-04Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 13 | 2% |
| 2017 | 10 | 1% |
| 2016 | 19 | 2% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 9 | 3% |
| 2013 | 65 | 8% |
| 2012 | 10 | 1% |
| 2011 | 11 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 1% |
| 2009 | 11 | 1% |
| 2008 | 15 | 2% |
| 2007 | 22 | 2% |
| 2006 | 15 | 1% |
| 2005 | 21 | 2% |
| 2004 | 31 | 3% |
| 2003 | 23 | 4% |
| 2002 | 14 | 2% |
| 2001 | 20 | 3% |
| 2000 | 33 | 4% |
| 1999 | 82 | 10% |
| 1998 | 108 | 11% |
| 1997 | 55 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
111 complaintsElectrical system
87 complaintsSteering
80 complaintsEngine cooling
60 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 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