Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving, the vehicle lost its rack and pinion steering and all power of the steering wheel. Dealer notified. The power window control panel on the driver side arm rest popped out, the vehicle pulled severely to the right (dealer couldn't find the problem). The dealer finally replaced the lower control arms, brake rotors, 2 sets of tires/almost completely bald at the time only 13K miles. The rims had to be forced off, the front rotors had become rusted at 20K miles, the ignition wire harness had come apart, the power steering hoses had come loose, lost fluid and power steering while in motion, the trunk leaked, the ABS light had come on twice a week, the front end squeaked and rattled, the antenna wire was loose, the right head lamp had permanent moisture with no crack, the A/C would shut on/off intermittently, the alternator failed at 60K miles and the waning light had come on for …
Anti theft activates alot , just wish I could start the car when I need it .heater control doesn't want to work right, it would also be nice to have heat in the winter , been to shop a number of times but GM can't seem to find the problem. Chevrolets are junk, I wont buy another one. I fixed my brake problem by using ceramic pads, cost a little but well wort it ( had the same brake problems that were reported here every 5000 or so mile in for repairs. ) when I put ceramic pads on they lasted 40,000 miles and still going strong.
Rack and pinion steering gear failed at 65,000 miles, causing a loss of power steering and a near accident. This is the second time this has happened (last time was at 40,000). This vehicle has also had front brakes and rotors 6 times and has experienced all other Malibu problems such as air conditioner control failure, tail light melting, etc.
While applying brakes, the car pulsates and jumps when coming to a stop. The car was taken in several times to have the rotars turned, then later replaced, then replaced again with 99 model rotars, the brakes are still pulsating to current date. The alternator went out while driving, lost all power to brakes, ABS system, and air bags. The alternator was replaced. Later had to have battery replaced due to alternator killing it. The A/C light would blink on and off, the compressor would cut on and off. Had to eventually replace the panel on the inside of the car after having a new compressor put on. The A/C panel seemed to have done the trick, though is has some new problems from the beginning. The bushings squeak and sqwauk while driving over bumps, they have now started in the rear of the car.
1998 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer writes to express discontent with local dealership. The consumer stated the brake was spongy, the ABS light illuminated and the ac worked erratically, depending on the blower speed and would sometimes quit blowing cold air and would start to blow warm air. The consumer stated the brake fluid was very low. The dealer was unable to find any brake fluid leaks. However, two months later while driving, the brake pedal went to the floor, because the fluid had leaked out again. The brake lines were replaced. In addition, to the brake line issue, the sway bar was broken, a fuel line was leaking and the left rear strut had failed.
I own a 1998 Chevy Malibu. This vehicle will cut off while driving. I bought this vehicle brand new in June 1998 and had to take it to the shop for repair the next month. The service department at shaver motors has never been able to fix it. There is something wrong with this car's electrical system. I was driving in chicago on 80 90 toll road and this vehicle stopped for no reason while I was doing 55 miles per hour. I listed one incident date but have had numerous other problems. Also, when I first purchased the vehicle I had to replace the tires after less than 3000 miles, they were also bad.
Air conditoin panel has gone out twice and has been replaced now it is going out a third time. @ had replace brakes twice in one year and also replace the roters, rear suspension makes a noise a craking souns like the shocks are bad. Transmission problems ,car will not shift out or change gear. It has been put on the computer 2 times and no code is showing up in the transmission. Please help I have had problems with this car since day one. And I have no extended warrenty.
At 11K mi when brakes applied at 50+ MPH front tires severely shimmied, dealer machined and reinstalled front disc, as of 8/8/99 symptoms have returned. At 14K mi a thumping noise began in the right front tire, dealer replaced both lower control arms. At 3K mi heater blower motor started making a loud noise, dealer replaced blower motor. At 9K mi heater blower motor started to again make a loud noise, dealer removed and reinstalled blower fan, motor still makes a loud noise.
3 times to dealer for trunk leaks, paint repair on new car. Brakes are pulsating again after second rotor set replacement. Chevy had best get going with a fix or its going to lose many customers for life. The brake problem seems endemic to Malibu owners! Blower motor replaced, door handles leak cold air, rattles and squeaks like you wouldn't believe. I've never had a worse new car purchase than this piece of crap. Chevy has really screwed us on this one!
Factory alarm system module fails constantly causes fuel injectors to quit for about 10-20 min. "theft system" light blinks, once it's done blinking it might start the car, or it might fail again causing another 10-20 min. Lag period. A/C also blows cold air when off, and hot air when on at times. A/C also turns it's self off and on from time to time. Brakes seem to give out in the middle of braking. Almost had an accident because of it.
AC & Heater complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the model year's 976 complaints. The component named most often is appliance › air conditioner (25 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Malibu ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 3 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 1998 Chevrolet Malibu ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 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.