1998 Chevrolet Malibu Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 108about this part
- Share
- 11%of 976 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,900miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 108 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 11% of the 976 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,900 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The coil spring snapped in half while I was in my car and popped my tire. I was traveling at extremely low speeds, otherwise it could have been terrible. I replaced it with a junk yard spring and strut since I have never heard of this type of failure. Several weeks before the failure there was a low squeak or rub coming from the front wheel well. I thought at the time that it was snow build up, but now I know better.”
NHTSA complaint #10215875, filed 2008-01, 135,000 miles“Front passenger coil strut broke while driving. Rubbed up against tire. Left my car in the parking lot until I could afford to replace it. I took the car to a trusted local mechanic who fixed my car. Front passenger coil was replaced as well as the two front struts. Also two new tires were replaced up front.”
NHTSA complaint #10139226, filed 2005-10, 108,755 miles“I was parking the car in my drive way and all of sudden a loud noise comes from underneath and the car steers by itself in the wrong direction where the other car was already parked. I managed to steer due to the slow speed the car was moving but I realized how bad this could have been while driving the car in traffic and at high speed rates. When I checked what happened, I noticed that the front end cradle that the steering rack mounts to, has rusted out and the whole rack and pinion became lose in one of the mounting points. …”
NHTSA complaint #10490238, filed 2012-12, 76,900 miles“I have replaced my entire braking system at least 4 times. I was told by Chevrolet that due to a problem with the ball joints, the brake rotors would wear unusually fast. I am currently waiting to see if with over $4,000 spent in parts, service, and labor, the problem is solved.”
NHTSA complaint #10081102, filed 2004-07, 85,000 miles“I have a 1998 chevy Malibu, and the spring strut snapped in half and popped a hole in my tire, I had no control of the vehicle and almost had a head on collision with another car going 45 MPH. Luckily the car moved just in time, I am very scared for other people who own this car. It just happened tonight, so I am not quite sure what is going to be done about the car, but im begging you to please make this issue public! Something needs to be done about this issue, people need to know because it can cost lives by not saying anything.”
NHTSA complaint #10344135, filed 2010-07, 160,000 milesSuspension: 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 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
376 complaintsEngine cooling
144 complaintsElectrical system
130 complaintsExterior lighting
79 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