Investigation PE03031: 1999 Chevrolet Malibu

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Jul 14, 2003

Closed

Nov 4, 2003

Model years

1999

Subject

Front suspension coil spring fracture

Component: Suspension › Front

Summary

The subject vehicles are equipped with a coil spring-over-strut front suspension with the spring itself resting in compression between two polymer isolators.pe03-031 was opened to investigate reports of fracture of this spring.the fractures occur in the first active coil above the lower isolator and apparently originate in corrosion pits found beneath regions of damaged epoxy coating.consumer complaints and warranty data show that the failures occur predominantly in the ?corrosion states? And tend to appear outside of the standard 36,000 mile warranty term.these data also suggest that these failures will continue to happen.slightly more than one third of the consumer complaints have involved the broken spring coil contacting the adjacent tire.odi is upgrading pe03-031 to an engineering analysis to gather further information concerning the scope and consequences of these failures.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1999 Chevrolet Malibu789 complaints