Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Theft light keeps coming on, my car will stop when it happens. This has happened while driving. And will not start. I've had the recall fixed years ago that was said to be the reason. It didn't fix the problem
Suddenly brakes stopped working, and consumer's vehicle was involved in four collisions. . In the most recent collision consumer's vehicle struck the rear end of a truck at 30 MPH. Also, vehicle stalled and cuts off in traffic.
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
Basically this is to complain about the GM 3.1l v6 engine in my 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. I understand that there are 1100 complaints and would appreciate some help with my situation also. In the last couple of weeks my vehicle has started to have a multitude of problems that had LED up to my current fiasco. About 2 weeks ago after an oil change, my 97 Malibu began to have problems with a lifter 'ticking.' my mechanic suspects a collapsed lifter; this has not been repaired yet. My car also now runs very rough and does not have the power it used to have. Today, 10/2/03, I went to seattle and experienced a severe heating problem. The temp gauge began to rise very quickly as we arrived at our destination just south of seattle, the needle was pegged and the temp light actually came on. I had dex-cool anti-freeze leaking all over the engine and all over the ground. …
I bought a 1997-Malibu ls brand new. Before it turned 14,000 miles had to have work done on brakes. Before even turning 30,000 miles I had to replace a complete brake job, (2nd set) tires, water pump, wheel cylinders, my head lights pop on, and I have a little over 33,000 miles.the dealer were I bought the car said unless they see the lights pop on.they could do nothing. GM sent out a recall. Which I did take my car into dealer. I took it to the dealer I bought it from a few times.I moved back to indiana and took it to coyle Chevrolet in new albany. I have had nothing but problems with this car.both dealers said there was nothing I could do as a consumer..I am mad as hell-and feel I was ripped off, and will not recommend to no one to ever buy a Malibu. I had one in 1969. And, it was the best car. …
Intake manifold gasket, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu (3.1 v6 engine). My understanding is that this is an extremely common problem with GM products, particularly this engine and car. I also searched the complaints dadabase and I found that it appears to be a common problem. Also, theft system light coming and excessive brake pad wear and rotor warping appears to be a very common problem. This was fixed once, the problem is reaccuring. $1200 in major repairs so far on a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, not to mention the other small but frequent repairs. I am dissatisfied with both of my recent GM products because they both had similar problems that lead to costy repairs or engine failure at 120,000 miles on a 1994 grand am and 89,000 miles on a 1997 Malibu. I have had to fix the radio numerous times (cable comes unplugged quite often).
Intake manifold on my 1997 Chevy Malibu has started to go bad I know its the lower gasket I called Chevy after seeing so many other people with the same problem I was told Chevy would not replace it due to it being over ten years old well it seems like with was a problem waiting to happen as soon as they sealed the manifold at the factory I think GM should replace this item once free of charge per car also my rack and pinion seems to stick on my left side I've replaced the power steering pump and checked the rack and pinion seems the ball bearing wanting to come out or is gone I told GM I don't think they replaced it when they recalled it and they told me the first owner did but wont send me paperwork on the repair or the dealership that did the work.
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!
Steering wheel made an irritating sound when turned. The dealership was notified. Upon inspection they indicated that the steering gear had an internal fault, and replaced it. Cause of the internal fault was not disclosed to the consumer. Recall campaign# 03V527000. The steering was repaired. A year later the entire steering assembly had to be replaced again. The check emissions light would come on intermittently. There were noises when the vehicle was turned left due to the steering gears internal fault and the gear was replaced, the left front tire had a steel belt showing on the inside.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 55 MPH the contact smelled antifreeze and noticed some on the engine. The mechanic stated that the manifold gasket was defective. The failure was remedied at approximately 50,000 miles. Thirty days later the same failure occurred. Once again, the mechanic stated that the manifold gasket was defective and performed the repairs. The failure recurred. The manifold gasket was replaced on two more occasions. The current mileage is 80,000 , and failure mileage was 50,000.
Engine complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 64 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 14% of the model year's 443 complaints. The component named most often is engine (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.