1998 Chevrolet Malibu Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 1%of 976 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the wheels of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 1% of the 976 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Aluminum alloy tire rims: I own a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, and the problem is with the rims. I am on my third purchased replacement rim for the vehicle. The problem is that when the tire goes through a chuck or pot hole in the road they are cracking, causing deflation of the tire. I feel that this is a problem since the dealership where I purchased the vehicle tells me that they have been replacing alot of these rims.”
NHTSA complaint #10053014, filed 2004-01, 65,000 miles“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“Front wheels developed grining noise. Dealer says its worn out hubs and bearing on both sides and claims its from potholes. I don't hit many potholes. I make a conscience effort to avoid potholes. Repair is costing me $1000. I think I'm being taken.”
NHTSA complaint #744241, filed 2001-04“The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the spare wheel that came with the vehicle does not fit onto the front axle. He notified the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls and no assistance could be provided. The exact purchase date was unknown; however, the year was 1999. The current mileage was 52,000 and failure mileage was 51,900. Updatatted 11/05/07.”
NHTSA complaint #10206239, filed 2007-10, 51,900 miles“Due to the design of the lugs: nuts,the only way to remove the lugs:nuts is by breaking them off with a hammer consumer contacted dealer. Dealer stated normal removal standard. Also, consumer was having problems with the mounted stop lamp assembly working intermittently, pe99071. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #857024, filed 2000-02Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 7 | 1% |
| 2016 | 12 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 18 | 5% |
| 2013 | 24 | 3% |
| 2012 | 19 | 2% |
| 2011 | 11 | 1% |
| 2010 | 33 | 2% |
| 2009 | 21 | 1% |
| 2008 | 10 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 0% |
| 2006 | 7 | 1% |
| 2005 | 6 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 3 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1999 | 7 | 1% |
| 1998 | 9 | 1% |
| 1997 | 2 | 0% |
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 30, 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