Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
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.
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!
On August 30,2002 I was in a curve and applied the brakes and upon braking the car slid and was uncontrollable. This was the third time that this happened. The first two times I took the car to the dealership and was told that there was nothing wrong. After the accident on the third time a mechanic looked at the car and told me that the rotors and drums were out of round and should have been replaced. The car only had 41000 miles on it and had already had the rotors replaced twice.
Ignition switch has been getting loose and difficult to turn on for a long time. Received ntsb recall letter about unintentional key rotation for the 1999 Chevy Malibu. I followed the ntsb instructions and removed the key from the key ring. On April 21, 2015 the Chevy dealer glued a plastic housing to my keys. After receiving my keys back I could hardly get the key to rotate the ignition lock, I had to jiggle the key quite vigorously to get the ignition to operate. Four days later the key fell out of the ignition and the engine shut down while I was driving about 40 MPH. Although difficult to steer and brake I was able to safely bring the car to the side of the road, locate the key on the floor and after reinserting the key restarted he car. I had a roll of tape in the glove box and I used it to tape the key in position. No further difficulties. …
Ongoing problems since February 2004. Seems to get worse as time passes. ABS and emergency brakes lights warning comes up at the same time either during driving or 10-15 second after starting car. When this happen, power windows locked up. Also, air conditioning power light went out and don't work. Sometime restart cars several time to clear but doesn't always work. Problems can last a few minutes to hours or until restart cars. Only worry is when driving on highway on very hot days with windows close and ac on and problem locked windows and shut A/C down. Had to do this once. Had to pull over and restart car to open windows. Not sure if this is related to A/C switch problem. A/C turn off/on at will. Was fixed once before but problem reoccured. Also have problem with brakes, ac smell, rotors warped... Same reoccuring problems as many other 1999 Malibu owners had. …
Have to replace brake pads/rotors every 5,000 miles. I've spent more money on the brakes on this car than gas. I've also gone through 5 sets of tires. Replaced wheel hub bearings, and still, after replacing items, the vibration, shaking, instability comes back. Also, problem with ABS. Light comes on and stays on. I've had it looked at 6 times and dealer can't find problem. Each time after seeing dealer, it goes out. But then comes back on again in a few days. Have problems braking. I've had to stop quickly, and the brake pedal goes to the floor, and car won't slow down. It's as if I'm trying to slow down on a sheet of ice, and I live in florida!!! Back taillights constantly melt around bulbs. I've had to replace the tail light assemblies in both. Is Chevrolet going to do anything about these problems?? I've read that a lot of other people are having these same problems. …
For over a year now, my 1999 Malibu has had its check engine light on intermittently. It will stay on for months at a time and go off occasionaly. It was diagnosed by a Chevrolet dealer to be the air pump which I had replaced for approximately $400. The light is still on. I have had it diagnosed again, but the mechanic cannot seem to find the problem. I am now told that there is going to be a new law passed which will prevent me from getting an inspection with my check engine light on. If the dealer can't figure it out, I do not understand why I should be penalized and have to spend additional money for them not to figure it out. I also have my ABS light coming on constantly now for the past 6 months. The diagnosis showed it was the ABS sensor which was replaced and the light is still on. I took it back and it was diagnosed again. …
I had frequent loss of coolant, and drips on my driveway surface. Upon taking to dealer I was informed that intake gasket leaking. Also I was told brakes were almost gone. At 53,000 miles this seemed excessive on both counts. The replacement of the intake gasket was about $700.00. Replacing the pads and turning rotors cost $250.00. This makes the 3rd set of pads, and resurfacing of the second set of rotors since I bought the car new. Shortly after the repairs the ABS light started coming on whenever making a turn. Brought the car into the dealer in May and was told that the front wheel bearing assy needed to be replaced. I was also told that this occurance had nothing to do with the recent brake job, even though there were no problems until I had the brake job done at their recommendation. The dealer, while acknowleding no blame paid 50% of the repair leaving me with a $200.00 bill. …
36000 miles plus....ever since I purchased the car. Was searching the web and found this site so I decided to add my two cents worth about my Malibu. Replaced front brakes (drivers side 3 times - due to caliper) and rotor twice. Engine gasket problem - overheating. Still have problem with fan motor control settings 1 and 2. Engine misfiring - had injectors cleaned twice and replaced entire ignition system. Have a rattle in the front for the last 20000 miles. Car has failed to start around 8 times. Engine has died multiple times after starting and sometimes while in motion. ABS light and brake light problem. Theft system light occassionally lights up. Looking forward to a class action suit. Would rather settle for an admission by Chevrolet/GM and compensation for some replacement parts and labor. …
Brake complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 308 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu, 39% of the model year's 789 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (107 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Malibu brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 17 crashes, 0 fires and 15 injuries to brakes 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.