1998 Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 0%of 976 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 178,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 0% of the 976 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 178,000 miles.
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.
“The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 70 MPH, the anti-theft system engaged and the engine seized. The contact was not able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to his home. The manufacturer was notified, but was unable to assist. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11171731, filed 2019-01, 130,000 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received recall NHTSA campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the key would come out of the ignition independently while the vehicle was in motion. The contact stated that the air bag warning light intermittently flashed and the engine seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 226,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10659711, filed 2014-11, 226,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 13 | 18% |
| 2022 | 29 | 29% |
| 2021 | 15 | 17% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 65 | 34% |
| 2018 | 281 | 40% |
| 2017 | 253 | 36% |
| 2016 | 304 | 36% |
| 2015 | 70 | 26% |
| 2014 | 125 | 36% |
| 2013 | 204 | 24% |
| 2012 | 99 | 11% |
| 2011 | 160 | 16% |
| 2010 | 115 | 8% |
| 2009 | 61 | 4% |
| 2008 | 62 | 6% |
| 2007 | 28 | 3% |
| 2006 | 33 | 3% |
| 2005 | 49 | 5% |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% |
| 2003 | 47 | 8% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 26 | 4% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
376 complaintsEngine cooling
144 complaintsElectrical system
130 complaintsSuspension
108 complaintsExterior lighting
79 complaintsSteering
74 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
63 complaintsTires
58 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
50 complaintsAir bags
40 complaintsEquipment
38 complaintsFuel system
34 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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