1998 Chevrolet Malibu Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 79about this part
- Share
- 8%of 976 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 79 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 8% of the 976 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Tail lights on almost all chev. Malibu's are bad mostly on the right sides if you going down the road look for yourself almost always they have at least one burned out light. I own two my kids drive and almost every time they wash them or it storms I have too replace bulbs the tail light fills with water.”
NHTSA complaint #10192120, filed 2007-05, 100 miles“The intake manifold / intake gaskets are leaking water into my oil. Because of this I am in great danger of my engine blowing. The car has 65,000 miles on it, this should not happen at all.”
NHTSA complaint #10060899, filed 2004-03, 65,000 miles“The complaint is for the electronic ignition and the taillights and brake lights. The brake lights and tail lights have already been fixed twice, I am told it is an electrical problem, they work when they want to. This is a problem at night when I have no tail lights or when the brake lights don't work. The other problem is the ignitions switch, the key won't move in the ignition, which makes it impossible to start. After reading on line, there are hundreds of other people with the same problem with Malibu's and other chevy vehicles, but nothing is being done about this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10223542, filed 2008-04, 45,000 miles“My brake lights are continueing to not work. I have replaced bulbs etc. The issue is the bulb sockets are over heating and the right side brake light socket is beginning to melt due to excess heat.”
NHTSA complaint #10005377, filed 2003-02, 35,000 miles“Rack and pinion steering gear failed at 65,000 miles, causing a loss of power steering and a near accident. This is the second time this has happened (last time was at 40,000). This vehicle has also had front brakes and rotors 6 times and has experienced all other Malibu problems such as air conditioner control failure, tail light melting, etc.”
NHTSA complaint #10010696, filed 2003-03, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10012147Jun 1, 2004Stop tail lamp inoperative or intermittent and or water in lamp.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 | 21 | 3% |
| 2016 | 19 | 2% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 28 | 3% |
| 2012 | 202 | 22% |
| 2011 | 130 | 13% |
| 2010 | 194 | 14% |
| 2009 | 172 | 11% |
| 2008 | 106 | 11% |
| 2007 | 29 | 3% |
| 2006 | 63 | 6% |
| 2005 | 153 | 16% |
| 2004 | 84 | 7% |
| 2003 | 28 | 5% |
| 2002 | 143 | 25% |
| 2001 | 108 | 15% |
| 2000 | 241 | 26% |
| 1999 | 58 | 7% |
| 1998 | 79 | 8% |
| 1997 | 40 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
376 complaintsEngine cooling
144 complaintsElectrical system
130 complaintsSuspension
108 complaintsSteering
74 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
63 complaintsTires
58 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
50 complaintsAir bags
40 complaintsEquipment
38 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsSeat belts
24 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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