Most common 1998 Chevrolet Malibu Classic problems
Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Malibu Classic complaints by model year
Best Malibu Classic years: 1998, 2000, 2001. Years to avoid: 2004, 2005, 2008. Compare all years →
What 1998 Chevrolet Malibu Classic owners say
Electrical system
This vehicle had a crash with fatalities in 2006. General motors never issued a unintended ignition turnoff on this vehicle until aug2014. The crash began with an uncontrollable and unexpected spinout, there was no ability to steer, brake and air bags did not deploy. These are the exact conditions listed in the GM recall. GM will not accept a filing for this make and model vehicle and should be added to the GM ignition claim program. An innocent person has a been convicted of manslaughter and this should be corrected immediately and compensation provided by GM. …
I completed recall NHTSA-14V400, GM-n140350 on oct 30, 2014 at dublin Chevy where they inserted the spacers in my 2 ignition keys. Since then I have been notified 4 more times to come in, by GM, concord Chevy and dublin Chevy. . I have called dublin Chevy 2 times and they verify I have had the recall performed and said they will see that it is taken care of and I will never be contacted again. As of jul 11, 2015 it is still listed as recall incomplete on your site. Please correct your records.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu Classic a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Malibu Classic rates average: 71% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Malibu Classic at the same age. It is one of the best Malibu Classic years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu Classic?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 80% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the air bags (2) and brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu Classic have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Malibu Classic?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1998, 2000 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2004, 2005 and 2008. See the full Chevrolet Malibu Classic years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Malibu Classic problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.