1999 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 3%of 789 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the 789 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 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 have found that in my 1999 Chevrolet Malibu that when the key is in the accessory position in the ignition that the car can be shifted out of park without the application of the brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10278854, filed 2009-07, 70,500 miles“Rotor replacement x 3. Suspension - front replaced. Calipers x3. Tire wear and leaks - replaced annually. Radio - bad wiring. A/c in dash wiring replaced twice. Rear light assembly replaced twice. Leaking in rear light assembly and trunk. Coolant leak - 8/06 at 74000 miles. Mechanic believes it is the water pump. A/c sensor replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10166043, filed 2006-08, 5,000 miles“Consumer complained about an anti-lock brake problem. The transmission was also performing poorly and the ignition switch required a little jiggling before it ignited. The intake gasket leaked and the vehicle overheated. The vehicle became inoperative.”
NHTSA complaint #10050377, filed 2003-12, 60,000 miles“Windshield: whistles while driving at high speeds. Taken in for repairs numerous times and told that mechanic doesn't hear anything wrong. Ongoing problem. Brakes: need to be replaced every year. Car seems to chew them up. Replaced with high quality brakes from auto zone. Lifetime guarantee, and replaced by myself. Transmission: when car goes from reverse into drive, car revs up as if in neutral. Finally kicks into gear, but is jerky for about 5 minutes afterwards.”
NHTSA complaint #10070687, filed 2004-01, 15,000 miles“Automatic transmission housing is coming apart due to the gears grinding together. This condition causes transmission fluid to leak. Vehicle had not been to a dealer for service.”
NHTSA complaint #10059191, filed 2004-02, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10115081Nov 2, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission…
- 10023942Oct 1, 2007Information on 4t40-e (mn4) and 4t45-e (mn5) front wheel drive automatic transmission valve body reconditioning, dtc p0741, p0742, p0751, p0752, p0756, p0757, p1811, harsh…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 24 | 24% |
| 2021 | 28 | 31% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 68 | 35% |
| 2018 | 171 | 24% |
| 2017 | 139 | 20% |
| 2016 | 166 | 20% |
| 2015 | 31 | 11% |
| 2014 | 52 | 15% |
| 2013 | 54 | 6% |
| 2012 | 49 | 5% |
| 2011 | 112 | 11% |
| 2010 | 133 | 10% |
| 2009 | 121 | 8% |
| 2008 | 86 | 9% |
| 2007 | 47 | 5% |
| 2006 | 43 | 4% |
| 2005 | 65 | 7% |
| 2004 | 64 | 6% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 18 | 3% |
| 2000 | 26 | 3% |
| 1999 | 21 | 3% |
| 1998 | 50 | 5% |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
308 complaintsElectrical system
144 complaintsEngine cooling
138 complaintsSuspension
82 complaintsTires
75 complaintsExterior lighting
58 complaintsAir bags
40 complaintsFuel system
38 complaintsSteering
37 complaintsEquipment
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
29 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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