Most common 1999 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Share of the 789 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Malibu complaints by model year
Best Malibu years: 2025, 2021, 2019. Years to avoid: 2010. Compare all years →
1999 Chevrolet Malibu recalls (1)
Electrical system › Ignition
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 5 possible defects involving the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu:
Turn signal failures
GM conducted a recall (NHTSA recall number 03V327) on model year (my) 2000-2001 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles to replace defective hazard switches that cause the turn signals and hazard lights to fail.the recall covered vehicles built from February 2000 through May 2001 (depending on model).odi opened this investigation based on 64 reports alleging turn signal failure on my 1999-2000 alero, grand am and malibu…
Front suspension coil spring fracture
The subject vehicles are equipped with a coil spring-over-strut front suspension with the spring itself resting in compression between two polymer isolators.pe03-031 was opened to investigate reports of fracture of this spring.the fractures occur in the first active coil above the lower isolator and apparently originate in corrosion pits found beneath regions of damaged epoxy coating.consumer complaints and warranty…
Front suspension coil spring fracture
The failure rate of the subject vehicles is low relative to past odi investigations.the engineering analysis is therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if…
Stop lamp assembly overheat
There is no summary currently available
Engine coolant boils over
There is no summary currently available
What 1999 Chevrolet Malibu owners say
Brakes all 308 →
In July of 2005 I was involved in a accident due to the fact I was unable to stop this vehicle. I did not realize at the time that I had the ability to file a complaint to a federal safety organization. This vehicle has now had 5 brake jobs, the last being today. The front rotors had to be repaired because the vehicle was difficult to stop and had severe vibration during braking. The mileage on this vehicle is 101000 miles. At the last brake overhaul it was noted that the rear brakes were not working, ( the vehicle was delivered to me this way new) this problem was reported as repaired. I purchased this vehicle new from gamblin motors in apr 1999 and as I have stated 5 brake repairs in 101000 miles. In July 2005 the reason I rear ended a vehicle was I was unable to stop due to poor braking action. …
Started my drive to work in the took a left turn, then applied brakes and the pedal went to the floor. Thankfully I was still going slow and didn't panic, put the car in neutral and slowly applied the parking brake. Parked the car and opened door and looked under car. Could see brake fluid near rear left tire. Applied brake again and could see brake fluid streaming from the metal brake line. Clearly a failure of the brake line. Corrosion caused the unsafe condition. Do not have pictures but I will be taking some as soon as I can get the car on a lift.
Electrical system all 144 →
My 1999 Chevy Malibu 3.1 V6 engine won,t turn on the engine whend i try to turn the ignition switch and key lock cylinder on and the fuel pressure regulator won,t work whend i try to turn the ignition switch and key lock cylinder on and the airbag srs system comes on in the spring time and in the hot summer time heat and in the winner time.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the headlights shut off and the lights on the instrument panel illuminated intermittently. Also, the electric window panels and the air conditioning system seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that there was a faulty ignition switch that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14v4000 (electrical system) however, the remedy failed to repair the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,035. The consumer stated she began experiencing problems as early as May 2005. The electric windows, air conditioner, dashboard lights and headlights would intermittently work. However, the mechanic, could not duplicate the problem. …
Engine & cooling all 143 →
Tl contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu. While the contact was attempting to lift open the hood of the vehicle the engine coolant suddenly splashed on top of the engine and the pavement below the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact had the coolant tank replaced. Two weeks after the repair while traveling at 20 MPH the contact noticed that coolant had begun leaking and that smoke was coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Takata recall: my sons antitheft constantly turns on causing the car not to start or shut off and disables his keyless remotes which than need to be reprogrammed. After searching online I was able to find a way to get it started due to many people having the same issue had some tricks. My son is in college and has been stranded many times due to this malfunction. He's had 2 accidents where the car won't fully stop causing him to hit a car. His ac light constantly shuts off making the ac not work proper. This is the worse car!
1999 Chevrolet Malibu engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 23 |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?
Based on 789 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Malibu rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Malibu at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu?
The brakes — 308 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › rotor. Next are the electrical system (144) and engine & cooling (143).
How many recalls does the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu have?
There is 1 recall for the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu, the most recent from July 3, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Malibu?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025, 2021 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2010. See the full Chevrolet Malibu years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Chevrolet Malibu problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 66,000 miles; 31% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.