1998 Chevrolet Malibu Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 2%of 976 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 2% of the 976 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving, the vehicle lost its rack and pinion steering and all power of the steering wheel. Dealer notified. The power window control panel on the driver side arm rest popped out, the vehicle pulled severely to the right (dealer couldn't find the problem). The dealer finally replaced the lower control arms, brake rotors, 2 sets of tires/almost completely bald at the time only 13k miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10022685, filed 2003-09, 58,000 miles“Trunk struts wore out, and caused the trunk lid to fall on the consumer. Consumers sustained neck/back of the head injuries. Dealership was notified , but was unable to resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10053438, filed 2004-01, 88,000 miles“I own a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu and my complaint is that the trunk does not stay up in the air on windy days or sometimes by just putting groceries into the trunk. I can not recall the amount of times myself or another person has been hit on the head with the trunk lid. I find this to be very dangerous and think the some sort of hydraulics (like in most hatchbacks) should be installed.”
NHTSA complaint #10060644, filed 2004-03“Theft prevention light comes on intermittently, unable to start vehicle at that time. Dealer replaced passenger's lock sensor/cylinder, and switch twice. At this time light comes on while driving. Dealer has also replaced the passlock system and oxygen sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #8004336, filed 2002-02“The dashboard popped up when leaving the parking lot of the dealer after purchasing the car. The dealer has repaired the vehicle three times, mechanic states it is under the dash that is warped. An extensive overhaul of the vehicle is needed. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #827367, filed 1998-08Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 7 | 1% |
| 2017 | 19 | 3% |
| 2016 | 40 | 5% |
| 2015 | 13 | 5% |
| 2014 | 11 | 3% |
| 2013 | 25 | 3% |
| 2012 | 16 | 2% |
| 2011 | 19 | 2% |
| 2010 | 44 | 3% |
| 2009 | 31 | 2% |
| 2008 | 21 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 1% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 12 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 1% |
| 2003 | 9 | 2% |
| 2002 | 12 | 2% |
| 2001 | 14 | 2% |
| 2000 | 25 | 3% |
| 1999 | 20 | 3% |
| 1998 | 18 | 2% |
| 1997 | 13 | 3% |
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