Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact had trouble starting the vehicle and the anti-theft system warning indicator illuminated. After ten minutes, the vehicle was operable. The contact stated that the failure occurred twice a month. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Consumer stated had to keep key in ignition for 10 minutes in a position not good not safe, chance of battery dying. I'm also afraid theft system light will come on and lock car up while driving. Updated 7/25/18
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the auto theft system independently functioned and caused the vehicle to stall without warning. After 10 to 15 minutes, the vehicle was operable again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle passkey sensor and ignition switch were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Was driving on interstate when car completely shut off, lost all power , no power steering or power brakes. Second time, came to a stop on city street and car shut off again , no power , no power steering or power brakes again. Car had to be towed. This happened after I paid modern Chevrolet to fix the issue which ignition switch was found to be at fault. (NHTSA reference number-14V400000) affected number- 5,877,718
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the anti-theft system engaged without warning and caused the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Theft light. Car won't start it's happened 20 times in the last 6 months. I was driving and theft light caused everything to shut down. This is a dangerous thing that needs to be fixed
Passive theft system continually if set off, not allowing engine to run. This has caused many problems from being late to work, to simply missing a movie. In past instances the engine would start after the system reset in ten minutes, this time it just will not start and now we are late to celebrate new years eve with our family.I have had the car looked at by a mechanic, I have looked in Chevrolet repair manuals, and I have even asked the dealer about this, but I can not find an answer on how to fix this problem. This vehicle also has a random multiple misfire that can not seem to be fixed as well. From talking to other Malibu owners this is a common problem. This May be caused by the intake penelem gasket. When iquiring at the auto parts store about this gasket I came to find an improved design has been made. I do not feel that I should have to take care of these problems myself.
I am submitting this complaint for my mother. Her 1997 Chevrolet has had two instances of problems with the anti-theft controller. Both occurrences has required major work at the dealership in order for her car to start. The first time this occurred was a couple of years ago, and after paying almost $400 the dealership appeared to have fixed the problem. Now once again this same problem has occurred and cost her another $400. It's only been a couple of years between the two instances. I feel based on the number of instances that this is a defect and that she should not have to continue to pay every couple of years to fix this on-going problem with the Malibu. I too think she should be reimbursed by GM for this defect.
Theft light comes on while driving, then next time I try to start car it flashes and I can start car from 10 mins like owners manual says to try after 10 mins after light stops flashing. I do this and the light starts flashing. This is very unsafe not being able to start a car leaving a motorist stranded where ever they turn there car off for hours and in my case 1 1\2 days with no cell service to call for repair I had to sleep in my car until another motorist passed the following day. I understand that normal equipment failure is an issue of its own the dealership says there no fix for the problem but to have the car towed evertime to the shop to be reprogrammed which happens every 2-3 months.
I would like to get a replacement,discount or free service on my 1997 Malibu. I've had my car since 2004 and had to get another motor in 2005 which is needed now .this car has put me down a lot not only problems with the motor but the ignition locked up and I had to replace that as well as the brakes and rotors that last about 2 or 3 months. I also have a problem with the lights not working properly they only work on high beam. I can't find a more reasonable mechanic that's willing to repair the motor that I currently have due to the type which is a 2.4 and a used motor cost about half the price of a new one. Please help!
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014.
Electrical complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 87 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 20% of the model year's 443 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-400 (ignition, Jul 3, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.