1997 Chevrolet Malibu Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 10%of 443 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 10% of the 443 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Recall 01v068000 concerning windshield wiper arm. Front windshield wipers stopped operating during inclement conditions. Dealer was notified, but dealer informed the consumer that this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10107008, filed 2005-03, 96,000 miles“Windshield wipers are experiencing the same defect as stated in recall # 01 v 068 000, but this vehicle not included in recall due to VIN. Incident dated to be corrected when the evoq is returned. Per aaj. 7/7/04.”
NHTSA complaint #10022334, filed 2003-06, 97,000 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 2020-04“My fiance and I have had a 1997 chevy Malibu for a year and a half. About a month after purchasing it, the vehicle started having problems with the passlock theft system that would leave us stranded for 10 minutes because the car wouldn't crank. Gradually it started doing it more and more. We've had incidents where the theft system light would go off after 10 minutes but when trying to start it again; it would do the same thing. I've actually had times of being stranded for 2 hours because it would keep doing it! …”
NHTSA complaint #10185005, filed 2007-03“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 2004-05Related recalls
- 01V068000Mar 8, 2001On certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the "salt belt" states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 1997–1998, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1997–1998
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 5 | 7% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 7 | 1% |
| 2016 | 15 | 2% |
| 2015 | 14 | 5% |
| 2014 | 21 | 6% |
| 2013 | 40 | 5% |
| 2012 | 31 | 3% |
| 2011 | 14 | 1% |
| 2010 | 24 | 2% |
| 2009 | 23 | 2% |
| 2008 | 8 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 0% |
| 2006 | 4 | 0% |
| 2005 | 8 | 1% |
| 2004 | 9 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 13 | 2% |
| 2001 | 12 | 2% |
| 2000 | 11 | 1% |
| 1999 | 29 | 4% |
| 1998 | 63 | 6% |
| 1997 | 43 | 10% |
| 1980 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
111 complaintsElectrical system
87 complaintsSteering
80 complaintsEngine cooling
60 complaintsSuspension
55 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 29, 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