1998 Chevrolet Malibu Tires Problems
- Complaints
- 58about this part
- Share
- 6%of 976 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 161,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 58 complaints about the tires of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 6% of the 976 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 161,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Passenger side front coil spring broke, followed by driver's side front coil spring. Passenger side spring began rubbing into tire, melted side wall of tire. Tire destroyed. Replaced springs and tire.”
NHTSA complaint #10187645, filed 2007-04, 161,000 miles“Complete tire # p215/60r15 93t mt5 , tpc spec1139m6, #027487. Tire seperated/peeled off from right rear rim as I was driving on freeway at app 65mph. I replaced this tire with the same brand & size & am concerned because of what occurred on my car as well as the problem that firestone is presently experiencing. Quite frankly I am wondering if these tires are safe and am concerned about a potential safety hazard. I have the receipt for the replacement tire.( DOT number: tire size: p215/60r15 )”
NHTSA complaint #730778, filed 2000-09“I have had the car back to the dealer 4 times for the same problem. The rotors. May 99, 9800 mi, feb 00, 18247 mi, may 00, 23,236 miles and now today 35,500 mi. The first 2 times they shaved the rotors and the third time they replaced them. However they never put on new pads. Now today they tell me I need new brakes. They car is doing the same thing it did other time. At a speed of over 50 MPH it shimmies. There should definetly be a recall on the brakes. The tires all had to be replaced as they split. Also I have water coming into the left tail light and puts out the bulb. ( DOT number: )”
NHTSA complaint #744597, filed 2001-04“Insurance agent took in one of company's vehicle to have tires checked for cracks between tread. Inspected the tires, and firestone confirmed that there was a problem. They would replace tires at no charge to consumer. Chevrolet, Malibu, 1998 with original tires, size p215/60r15, and 34,400 miles on them. Dot number was w2mwaa158, tire dealer stated tires experienced weather cracking.”
NHTSA complaint #890480, filed 2001-06“Pad/,rotors,tires replaces at 22,000 miles. Tires chopped and feathered. Rubbing began at 7,000. Told dealer on several occasions, finally at 22,000 problem was corrected. However, still gets grinding noise with brakes when roads are wet. Told dealer, they said that it was normal. (tiresize: r14)( DOT number: tire size: r14 )”
NHTSA complaint #736447, filed 2000-11Related service bulletins
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Tires: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 11 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 7 | 1% |
| 2009 | 6 | 0% |
| 2008 | 8 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 5 | 0% |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% |
| 2004 | 2 | 0% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 10 | 2% |
| 2001 | 15 | 2% |
| 2000 | 33 | 4% |
| 1999 | 75 | 10% |
| 1998 | 58 | 6% |
| 1997 | 17 | 4% |
| 1980 | 1 | 20% |
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 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