Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact lost control of the steering wheel. No matter which way he turned the steering wheel, the vehicle would head in the opposite direction. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop. The mechanic stated that the frame that holds the rack and pinion had completely rusted away. He further stated that it was very rare for that to occur to a vehicle. The contact has not notified general motors; however, the dealer stated that nothing could be done. The vehicle has not yet been repaired and is currently using a used frame. The current and failure mileages were 184,000.
While turning the steering wheel became hard to turn. The service dealer found a leak in the rack and pinion. The dealer stated that there was no leak and had given the vehicle back to the consumer. (the rack and pinion was replaced) the ac was found inoperative due to the suction and discharge hose leaked, the engine raced but didn't move due to low transmission fluid, and the left rear tail lamp seal had fallen apart.
While driving the car at 35 MPH., suddenly I was unable to steer it. It turns out that the sub frame of the car is cracked and needs totally replaced at approx. $1100. After extensive research, I understand that this is not a part of the car that should wear out and should not have cracked. (this could have resulted in a death or severe injury. I believe GM needs to make compensation for this repair.)
Car had been driven 1 hour earlier - noticed wisp of smoke in trunk and contacted roadside assistance. Upon checking mileage, noticed entire interior of car was filled with black smoke. Fire appeared to have begun in console and spread to passenger side seat. Fire had extinguished itself. Towing company sent a part-time fireman to tow car to dealer. Awaiting further investigation.
Consumer stated his daughter's vehicle hit something with the rear bumper at a low impact of 5 MPH or less, and both frontal air bags deployed for unknown reason. No injuries were reported. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified.
I bought this car from a private owner not a dealership. The only problem it had when we bought it was the fuel gauge did not work. Now almost a year later I have multiple problems. The worst is while driving down the road at 65 MPH my car just shuts off, no warning, the steering locks up and this happened with my 2 children in the car it was very scary. Then while sitting at a red light when I got ready to drive it died on me again. Each time I have had to pull over, sit for a few minutes, then try to restart and it usual does until dec. 2. It died and now it will not start. It will crank, the fuel pump is working and I have spark. …
The brakes have been resurfaced once. The pads have been replaced 3 times and the rotors replaced twice. I have had the car in for the final repair attempt on the brakes. They say there is nothing wrong with them. While the car was in the shop for this, the driver's power window went out. Three people in the service dept. Tried to get it to work. I had to leave the car another day. When I went to pick it up, I was told there was nothing wrong with the window and it is now working. The power locks lock and unlock themselves periodically. I hear air coming in the driver's door. The cd player face gets to hot to touch and I smell burning. I was told this was normal. The steering column wouldn't tilt down because of plastic debris on the assembly. The brake light circuit board melted. The air conditioner control head shorted out. The EVAP system vapor pressure sensor had to be replaced. …
The rotors warp every 10,000- 15,000 miles. Also, the stopping distance has increased. The dealer has repaired this problem 3 times already. The consumer states that there is early shifting in all the gears, the ride is rough, the electrical rear defogger doesn't clear well, sometime the passenger seat belt sticks, the brake pedal goes to the floor/too far, sounds like air is coming through the front door/and window-per bulletin, the passenger inside door handle had broken out of the support braket-r/r, the rotors are worn/out of adjustment/and make noises when stopping/pulsation from rear brakes-drums, and at low speeds the transmission jerks/slipping-diagnosed a leak from pan bolts.
Front wheel started to squeak. This was the fourth set of front wheel bearing contacted dealer ,and dealer stated just keep changing wheel bearings . *akglove box door does not close, headlight brigher than other, fog lamp fell off while driving, foglamp assembly was replaced, passenger rear door queeks when opened / closed, automatic transmission fluid leaks, brakes noisy / squeeking when braking, vehicle squeeks when sterring right, consumer also states failures with struts and strut caps. Consumer complains that all four tires worn out too fast, whirring noise from fl tires. No tire information given.
Consumer has replaced pads/calipers and rotors 3 times, and getting ready to replace them again. Vehicle was shaking/shuttering and grinding when brakes were applied. Chevrolet dealer didn't seem to think it was a problem. It was no reason for them to be replaced this close together. Manufacturer could only say there was no recall, and until then they have no obligation. The tail lamp failed. Right rear door sometimes won't open from inside and difficult to open from outside. Consumer demand a refund of the full purchase price of the vehicle or a comparable vehicle.
Body complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the body & structure of the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the model year's 789 complaints. The component named most often is body (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Malibu body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 1 recall 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 1999 Chevrolet Malibu body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to body & structure 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.