Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
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).
I received my chev recall letter ref recall 14350 today. This is not a complaint, just info that May be important in reference to this safety recall. Problems I have had with my 1998 chev Malibu is : engine shuts off while traveling at highway speeds-sometimes engine won't start ( ignition key will not go all way to start position)-sometimes engine want shutoff (ignition key want turn back to off position). As a retired truck mechanic I know that the problem is in the ignition switch lock cylinder (tumblers are worn excessively causing the lock cylinder to jam and/or be come loose allowing ignition key to rotate off) . I have attempted to make repair myself but all parts outlets tell me that the lock cylinder is not available (must purchase $350.00 ignition switch assembly) if this recall does not include replacing the lock cylinder,the problem will not be corrected. …
Defects in 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. I have spent over $1000 trying to repair the ABS system (including replacing the wiring harness for what GM call an "updated wiring harness," replacing left and right wheel barons, and replacing the ABS relay). The brakes consistently have trouble and pulse when trying to stop the vehicle. I am also experiencing considerable trouble with the computer system in the car. The anti theft light and air bag lights come on and stay on, creating codes in the computer, with no visible reasons for the codes. The gas pedal has also been repaired twice as it has a tendency to stick. The left rear strut mounts have also broken and have had to be repaired (quite costly). I am becoming increasingly concerned for safety while driving this car.
My wife had just pulled out of a driveway on to a highway when a truck pulled in front of her. She hit headon into the side of him. After he cleared the area she was able to drive across 4 lanes of road and into a parking lot across the street, as she entered the lot both air bagrs deployed very slowly never touching her. The speed control has been repaired several times and still continues to deacative while driving, some times many times in a row other trips not at all.
Dt: the contact stated every time she used the cruise control it deactivated on its own. This started approximately one month after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle has been to the dealership multiple times for cruise control problems, but they were unable to duplicate the problem. There have been no repairs to the vehicle at this time. Updated 2/7/2006 - the bralkes failed at less than 2800 miles. The dealer replaced the brakes and rotors.
1998 Chevrolet Malibu engine started racing at high speeds and the consumer was not able to stop the vehicle. The engine was still running on high speed until the consumer was able to turn off the vehicle. Tps sensor had to be replaced.
Upon setting up cruise control it failed to set, and the air bag warning light came on. Dealership indicated that this was due to a failure in the air bag warning harness connection. These parts were currently on back order. Wrong part sent.
I lightly pressed the gas pedal, lifted my foot off, then pressed again - the pedal fell to the floor. After having the car towed, the mechanic said the throttle cable snapped and needed to be replaced - 2nd failure.
I lightly pressed the gas pedal, lifted my foot off, then pressed again - the pedal fell to the floor. After having the car towed, the mechanic said the throttle cable had snapped and needed to be replaced.
A totally unexpected malfunction of cruise control while set at 60mph, traveling up and down hilly stretch of us route #301 northbound nearing va route #3 the transmission down-shifted, engine accelerated to maintain set speed (as usual) when highway leveled the vehicle suddenly continued to speedup rapidly..65+70+75. Driver instantly applied brakes w/ normal pressure then even harder until she was standing on the brake pedal w/ both feet. Several times she pressed the cancel control selector, still no real slowing down. As both front and rear brake overheated rapidly smoke and sparks were seen by other motorist, two of whom tried to overtake them and hand signaled to pull off the road which she was soon able to accomplish on a wide grass shoulder where she turned off the ignition+++stop!! At long last. All three (3) adult women were greatly stressed but relieved to be safe. …
At 60 MPH the cruise control was on at the steering wheel, but not set. It set itself as indicated by the "cruise" light on the dash and would not turn off, but kept accelerating as indicated by the gas pedal being depressed. I applied brakes and it still would not turn off. After reaching 80 MPH, I was able to start slowing down, even though I could feel the car continue to try to accelerate and the cruise control indicator on the dash was still on. After traveling 1/4 mile, I finally got the car stopped on the side of the road, I put the car in park. The RPM's were pulsing between 2500-3500 and continuing to climb. I turned off the key. Smoke was boiling from the front brakes. It took a full 15 seconds for the accelerator pedal to release from its engaged position. I could hear a "pop" and feel the accelerator pedal spring back to its normal position. …
Acceleration complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 2% of the model year's 976 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Malibu acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration 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 acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to speed control & acceleration 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.