Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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 …
Aluminum alloy tire rims: I own a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, and the problem is with the rims. I am on my third purchased replacement rim for the vehicle. The problem is that when the tire goes through a chuck or pot hole in the road they are cracking, causing deflation of the tire. I feel that this is a problem since the dealership where I purchased the vehicle tells me that they have been replacing alot of these rims.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the spare wheel that came with the vehicle does not fit onto the front axle. He notified the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls and no assistance could be provided. The exact purchase date was unknown; however, the year was 1999. The current mileage was 52,000 and failure mileage was 51,900. Updatatted 11/05/07.
Passenger side front coil spring broke, followed by driver's side front coil spring. Passenger side spring began rubbing into tire, melted side wall of tire. Tire destroyed. Replaced springs and tire.
Due to a flat tire a tow truck had to be called to try to get the wheel covers off. The lug nuts can not be loosened without first getting the wheel covers off. The tow truck was unsuccessfull in getting the wheel covers off and vehicle had to be brought to the dealership to get the wheel cover and tire off. The service department admitted that there is a defect in the plastic components of the wheelcover that fasten to the lug nuts. If this had happened on the highway it could have resulted in a very serious situation. Myself, 3 male co-workers and the tow truck driver could not get this wheel cover off to change the flat. Something needs to be done to rectify this situation. The dealer did give me a new wheel cover , but that doesn't solve future problems.
I have had the car back to the dealer 4 times for the same problem. The rotors. May 99, 9800 mi, feb 00, 18247 mi, May 00, 23,236 miles and now today 35,500 mi. The first 2 times they shaved the rotors and the third time they replaced them. However they never put on new pads. Now today they tell me I need new brakes. They car is doing the same thing it did other time. At a speed of over 50 MPH it shimmies. There should definetly be a recall on the brakes. The tires all had to be replaced as they split. Also I have water coming into the left tail light and puts out the bulb.( dot number: )
Pe-00-020- original equipment on a 1998 Chevrolet, Malibu. Tires are 14 inches. Two sets of tires have been replaced, at 10 thousands miles one of the four tires went flate other three tires had developed cracks between the tread, second set of tires was replaced due to bad vehicle control. The cracked tire was replaced with new affinity tires which prematurely failed and had to be replaced with cooper cobra. The customer paid for both new tires. The customer is wants Firestone to reimburse the cost since the tires were defective.
The steering rack & pinion and the engine intake gaskets in this 1998 model are faulty. The shoddy rack & pinion needs to be replaced and I have gone through numerous tires over the years. The intake gaskets are leaking fluids and an engine blow out is imminent. With the leakages, the car is unsafe to drive. I have maintained all required maintenance according to the manual and the car is still under 50,000 miles but I am looking at a huge mechanic's bill due to a shoddy rack & pinion and intake gasket leaks.
Complete tire # p215/60r15 93t mt5 , tpc spec1139m6, #027487. Tire seperated/peeled off from right rear rim as I was driving on freeway at app 65mph. I replaced this tire with the same brand & size & am concerned because of what occurred on my car as well as the problem that Firestone is presently experiencing. Quite frankly I am wondering if these tires are safe and am concerned about a potential safety hazard. I have the receipt for the replacement tire.( dot number: tire size: p215/60r15 )
Vehicle parked. Tire picked up tack. Noticed cracks just below the tread. Was jagged along 3/4 of left rear tire. Checked other tires & cracks on them, but not as bad. All four tires had numerous cracks. Took to Firestone retailer & was informed will be looking into the problem. Dealer will not mechanic touch tire. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. Firestone affinity touring t2. P215/60r15 with 30,000 miles. Dot # w2mwaaa397.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 7% of the model year's 976 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Malibu wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 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.