Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
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.
My car kept stalling and one day it didn't start at all. The dealers first sure thought it was the fuel pump and the lines, so I got that replaced. About a month later my car would stall while driving. So, I brought it the dealer again and they replaced the alternator. Car ran fine again for a couple of weeks, and once again, it started stalling on me while driving. Sometimes it wouldn't start, or it would start and then die on me. I brought to the dealer again and they said I needed new spark plugs. Got that all done, and it didn't help one bit. Now, I drove my car all the way from minnesota to new york with no problem, but the day I got here, I started having problems again. My car won't start or it will and it stalls on the through-way, which is very scary, unsafe and inconvenient! …
I have a 1999 chevorlet Malibu with 73,000 miles. I have performed all preventive maintaince on the car. On 12/31/02, I noticed a small puddle of engine coolant under the car. I took it to my regular mechanic. I was advised after a diagnostic test I had a leak at the intake gasket. The total cost to repair was $596.00. After researching on the internet, I have learned of many owners of a general moters (GM) vechicle having similiar problems. I feel it is time for the government to step in and investigate GM. GM admits no wrong doing though there is sufficient proof to show a faulty design in the intake manifold gasket. I have done most of my own preventative maintenance as well as repair. I am familiar with automobile engines enough to know if an engine is properly designed and has the correct gaskets, sealant, and proper assembly leaks such as the one I described should be rare. …
Tl contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact was informed by another motorist that her brake lights were not functioning. The contact replaced the brake lights herself. The failure occurred at least five times a year. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that a mechanism within the brake lights needed to be replaced; the vehicle was repaired but the failure continued. Additionally, the contact stated that she experienced difficulty starting the vehicle. When she turned the key in the ignition, it took approximately 15 minutes for the vehicle to start. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired for the problem. The contact also noticed that fuel would spill out of the tank when the vehicle was being fueled. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. …
The consumer smelled fuel while driving. She then observed fuel dripping onto the ground while parked, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. It was determined that the fuel line was leaking at the fuel filter connector due to corrosion. The consumer feels the manufacturer should be 100% responsible for replacing the fuel line. The consumer has had other components fail on the vehicle. All four tires were replaced due to center tread wear. The front brake pads were replaced at 20000 miles and again at 41313. The driver's side sunvisor broke. Both front wheel hub assemblies were replaced due to bearing failure at 41313 miles. Both front brake rotors were replaced at 41313 miles.
1 - brake failure at 15,000 miles; replaced brakes 4 times after dealer and manufacturer (Chevrolet) failed to repair; I purchased 3 calipers, 4 rotors and many brake pads at costs of $1,000. 2 - gas guage sending unit failed after 60,000 miles; could not determine proper fuel level; purchased and replaced unit at cost of $325. 3 - intake manifold failed at 45,000 miles; vehicle experienced severe overheating; dealer charged $700 to perform valve job after charging $700 to replace intake manifold; 4 - battery failed after 25,000 miles; positive post fell out of battery; purchased replacement and did not have vehicle towed to dealer because I was in california from texas on a trip - costs $70 .
1999 Chevrolet Malibu. No start problem due to a defective ignition switch and or anti-theft system. Ongoing problem. No set time or conditions. Have key separate from others. Not a weight of key ring problem. If a stall occurs or in an emergency occurs, vehicle is disabled for 10 minutes.I have tried to garner any and all information I can, including the non-help from Chevrolet to by-pass or correct this problem. This problem started approx. 4 years ago and is very random.
The theft system, passlock, fails causing the car to not start for 10 minutes. This can and has happened consecutively, sometimes causing a wait of 30 minutes, before the car can be started. Apparently the theft deterrent system is defective, known issue with GM, and does not read the key properly when inserted in the ignition system. So, it will shut off the fuel pump to the engine, disabling the engine.
Consuemr states after filling up the vehicle there is a strong gas smell. Took to dealer and dealer stated fuel injectors were leaking. Dealer replaced problem still occurred. Took back to dealer and they replaced the fuel pressure regulator and the smell went away. Please provide any further information.
Malfunctioning theft system in 1999 Chevy Malibu, proper key is being used to start the vehicle, however, theft system light will come several times a week, disabling the fuel. The light blinks for 10 minutes before you can attempt to restart the vehicle.
Fuel System complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu, 5% of the model year's 789 complaints. The component named most often is fuel injection system (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Malibu fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.