Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the frame separated from the vehicle causing it to flip and crash into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained head and neck injuries which required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Bought car new 4-14-1997----problem car 32750 mi now Chevrolet ran away from this car and so did dealers---kept customer in the dark----waiting for 3 yrs or 36000mi suspension noise on going---rattle---creaking---glunking water pump leak at 23000 miles--fix est.$835.00--29295 mi suspension noisy yet 32655 mi on car. Relaced ignition lock cylinder $532.42---32600 mi replace 4 tires $314.00---32525 mi took 3 years to get brakes up tp par. Suspension still a problem.over all this car has problems from day one. Battery---windshield---poorly built auto. That's why I have low miles don't use it much.
I have had to change the passenger caliper and rotors twice because the bolts for the caliper keeps popping out and the bolts for the bracket keeps popping out.. My windshield wiper on the passenger side went out last month..last night the car wouldn't start up anymore when I do turn the key the lights come on but when I try to start the car up I get a clicking noise, the radio kept going in and out also. Now my o2 sensors and tripping. I've had to change the EGR valve because it kept getting stuck in open position and I also changed the belt
Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. They checked the tires, and found that the tires were within specifications. Could not determine the problem or cause of it. While driving 40 miles per hour the vehicle pulled multiple times towards oncoming traffic. The consumer pulled towards the shoulder and the vehicle ended up in a ditch.
Brakes gone (again). Been replacing about every 10000 miles. This car has been one thing wrong after another. Already replaced lower control arms at 7500 miles, leaking antifreeze gasket, A/C control head (twice), and the brakes are ongoing.
Noticed a howling noise coming from front wheel. Noise grew louder at higher speeds. Determined it to be the wheel hub/bearing. The hub/bearing was replaced. This has now happened 4 times on this vehicle 3 on lf and 1 on rf wheel.
Brake system: I complained to the dealer on 7/13/98 that there was a rubbing/squeaking sound when depressing and releasing brake pedal. The dealer was unable to confirm sound. I reported the problem again on 9/16/98. The dealer stated that the rotors were grooved. The dealer resurfaced the rotors and applied stop squeal to the pads. Less than two months from this service, the problem has recurred. Returning to dealer for service on 11/11/98. Suspension: I complained to the dealer about clunking sound when hitting bumps or gaps in road surface and of low pitch whirring noise in front wheel area (audible at speeds of 20-25 MPH). First reported problem of clunking sound to dealer on 7/13/98. Dealer attributed noise to loose gear assembly and replacedit. This problem recurred and was again reported to dealer on 9/16/98. Dealer replaced lower front arm assembly. Problem has recurred. …
Consumer purchased vehicle 7-29-97/ 8-04-97, the steering rack was determined defective. Whenever turning a curve the rigt front tire rattles, otherwise any bump in the road causes the vehicle to make rattling noises. Dealer has replaced steering rack eight (8) times already, and says that until GM redesigns steering rack there is no need to replace again. Brakes vibrate, front rotors warped. Clicking noise comes from the motor of the driver side window express down feature. Consumer had vehicle in shop 8 different times, however the rattling noise has not been corrected, manufacturer has a newly designed steering rack, however consumer declined due to pursuing the lemon law. Lower control arms replaced, caused a thumping noise.
I have had three new front control arms put on. Now the rear suspension is bad. The brakes wear out fast because the rotors are junk, they need to be replaced every 15K to 20K miles. The car has 47K miles on it and I have owned it for 20K of those miles and have had the rotors replaced once and they need it again now. The brakes need replaced often as a result of the rotors wearing down so quickly. I don't know why this is but I urge Chevy/GM to offer a solution shortly or they will lose a lot of loyal customers. I have spoken to a number of Malibu owners with similar problems.
The front of my car vibrates still after being in the shop 5 times at three different dealers, at 21000 miles had to buy new tires due to the front of car being defective, steering went out along with some type of arms and a gear box , we bought this car for my daughter and its done nothing but cost us money along with the orignal payment ,the dealer says he dosent no why he cant stop the vibration I cant afford new tires every 21000 miles or a new car for my daughter I want my money back, and the dealer says they cannot do that, would you let your child drive this car ?:(
Suspension complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 12% of the model year's 443 complaints. The component named most often is front (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Malibu suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.