VehicleVerdict

1998 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system problems

The 1998 Chevrolet Malibu has 161 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 11% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

161

Electrical System complaints

11%

Share of year

3

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Related recalls

14V400000Electrical SystemJuly 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 units

Defect

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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

What owners report

WHILE PULLING INTO A GAS STATION VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONSUMER'S IN-LAW HOUSE. THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSE BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 31, 2005 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu have?

NHTSA has 161 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system — 11% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 14V400000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.