Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
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. …
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!
Brake lights went out at unknown time to driver resulting in rear end collison by another automobile. Instrument panel went black and emitted a black smoke resulting in unoperative use of any fan/heat/defrost..main instrument of power windows on driver side operated enough to roll down windows but not roll up drivers side resulting in ice/snow/rain buildup. Alternator went out 4 times resulting in power failure on highway resulting in crash into guard rail. Please provide us with any information to protect our family and prevent any future accidents..thank you very much. Nlm
The turn signals and hazard signals suddenly stopped flashing. Intermittently, they flash rapidly when activated, but they typically just stay on continuously. This appears to be the same problem which LED to a recall on the 2000 and 2001 models of this same car (NHTSA campaign id number 03V327000): "exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lights:switch". I think it would be appropriate to extend the recall to the 1997 Malibu models.
I was driving my car on the byway and took the interstate merge lane while increasing my speed to merge into traffic I felt a snap in my steering wheel and gas pedal, I then lost the dash and the car immediately overheated, I had no real power to turn the wheel and the gas pedal was a loose push. Being that I had merged onto the interstate when this occurred I had to drive an additional 5 miles to the next exit. Not everyone has a cell phone. When I got to the next exit I was almost unable to turn the wheel enough to get it into the nearest parking lot, it was harder to turn than my first truck a 1959 Ford twin I beam pickup. I fortunately didn't hit any one or anything. Upon raising my hood after parking the car I am appalled to see that the tensioner pulley and one of the idler pulleys are gone and my serpentine belt is shredded. …
After washing my 1997 Chevrolet Malibu I noticed that both front headlights were condensated covering 75% of both lenses. Vechicle was taken to the dealer, when I picked up the vechile I was told that was a normal condition and I was to drive the vechile for 2 to 6 hrs with the lights on to correct it. I primarily drive this car for vacations and I always have the car washed when I reach my destination. After driving many hours, it is ludicrous to think that I would want to drive for even one more hour. I feel that it is a defect, causing the headlights not to operate at 100% causing an unsafe condition, especially at night. I contacted general motors 1-800 number and was told the same thing that the dealer told me. I feel that the explanation is completely unacceptable and causes an unsafe condition. Both g m and the dealer refered to their bulletin number 638206a. …
We have had numerous things repaired or replaced on this car. Everything from the carpet to the radio to warped rotors. We are currently trying to "get out of" our lease due to the number of problems that we are experiencing. It's become quite a nuisance to have and we are dissappointed and even angry at the fact that these many problems have gone uninvestigated by the dealer that we take it to for repairs. Fortunately, there have been no serious malfunctions with the car causing accidents. We have an extensive list of repairs done to the car starting less than six months from the date of purchase. To date, we have had this car serviced for repairs on average, once every six weeks.
My first issue is with the lights on the Malibu. My light developed condensation in them which in the rear caused the light to glow dim, and caused e to get pulled over on a number of times. In the front it has caused the glass shield to fog causing me to fail vehicle inspection. There have are many other electrical malfunctions on my car such as the theft lock system, the power moon roof, the manufacturer's cd player, the headlight control switch. Then it has a problem with emissions. The headliner is falling off the ceiling.
Headlight lens' have constant moisture in both lens, they freeze at night and eventually the bulbs will melt the ice, but lighting is distorted. I've reported this 4 times to dealer. The 1st time, they replaced one lens and after further complaints, their comments were "Chevrolet won't authorize replacement any more replacements" so they take off the lens and wiping them dry. That lasts until the next rain. This is very frustrating especially when driving in freezing rain and fog. They never seem to dry out.
Consumer states intermittently the vehicle anti-theft light would come on while driving, within a few seconds it would start to flicker on/off, when this occurs the vehicle would cut off, dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. Also, consumer states dealer replaced fuse, multifunction switch, dome lamp wiring, ignition lock cylinder, power steering hose, fuel pump, engine mount, heater, left door window switch, right front seat belt, left front door handle cover, and left front door lock switch.
NHTSA investigations
Stop lamp assembly overheat
There is no summary currently available
Headlight complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the lights of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 9% of the model year's 443 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Malibu headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.