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Vehicle speed controlPart report

1998 Chevrolet Malibu Vehicle speed control Problems

Complaints
22about this part
Share
2%of 976 total for the year
Median mileage
60,410miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 2% of the 976 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,410 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I received my chev recall letter ref recall 14350 today. This is not a complaint, just info that may be important in reference to this safety recall. Problems I have had with my 1998 chev Malibu is : engine shuts off while traveling at highway speeds-sometimes engine won't start ( ignition key will not go all way to start position)-sometimes engine want shutoff (ignition key want turn back to off position). …”

NHTSA complaint #10637564, filed 2014-09, 180,000 miles

“I lightly pressed the gas pedal, lifted my foot off, then pressed again - the pedal fell to the floor. After having the car towed, the mechanic said the throttle cable snapped and needed to be replaced - 2nd failure.”

NHTSA complaint #10041172, filed 2003-10, 77,017 miles

“I lightly pressed the gas pedal, lifted my foot off, then pressed again - the pedal fell to the floor. After having the car towed, the mechanic said the throttle cable had snapped and needed to be replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10041170, filed 2003-10, 56,742 miles

“Defects in 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. I have spent over $1000 trying to repair the ABS system (including replacing the wiring harness for what GM call an updated wiring harness, replacing left and right wheel barons, and replacing the ABS relay). The brakes consistently have trouble and pulse when trying to stop the vehicle. I am also experiencing considerable trouble with the computer system in the car. The anti theft light and air bag lights come on and stay on, creating codes in the computer, with no visible reasons for the codes. …”

NHTSA complaint #10021020, filed 2003-06, 61,000 miles

“Dt: the contact stated every time she used the cruise control it deactivated on its own. This started approximately one month after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle has been to the dealership multiple times for cruise control problems, but they were unable to duplicate the problem. There have been no repairs to the vehicle at this time. Updated 2/7/2006 - the bralkes failed at less than 2800 miles. The dealer replaced the brakes and rotors.”

NHTSA complaint #10143477, filed 2005-11, 2,800 miles

Vehicle speed control: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202412%
202323%
202244%
202111%
2020189%
2019126%
201811416%
201713519%
201615218%
20152810%
2014175%
2013283%
2012526%
2011879%
20101169%
2009735%
2008424%
2007313%
2006353%
2005273%
2004272%
20038515%
200261%
2001253%
2000212%
199971%
1998222%
1997133%

Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu

Brakes
376 complaints
Engine cooling
144 complaints
Electrical system
130 complaints
Suspension
108 complaints
Exterior lighting
79 complaints
Steering
74 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
63 complaints
Tires
58 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
50 complaints
Air bags
40 complaints
Equipment
38 complaints
Fuel system
34 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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