1999 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,227 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Malibu year — the 1999 model ranks #14 of 42 Malibu years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 69 injuries in total across these filings.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 399 reports (33% of the total).

1,227

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Malibu years?

Malibu NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Malibu years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	399	33%	— flat
Electrical System	168	14%	— flat
Engine	151	12%	— flat
Suspension	90	7%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	83	7%	— flat
Lighting	71	6%	▼ down
Steering	41	3%	▼ down
Airbags	40	3%	— flat
Fuel System	39	3%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	31	3%	▼ down
Transmission	23	2%	▼ down
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	23	2%	— flat
Body & Structure	20	2%	— flat
Other	20	2%	▼ down
Seat Belts	13	1%	▼ down
Speed Control	7	1%	▼ down
Latches & Locks	4	0%	▲ up
Seats	3	0%	▼ down
Child Seat	1	0%	▼ down

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

07E021000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2007 · 742 units

Defect

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Consequence

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE BRAKES ONLY FAILED ONCE, HOWEVER I HAVE HAD IT IN ATLEAST 6 TIMES SINCE LEASE FOR COMPLAINTS ON THE BRAKES TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS. I WAS TOLD BY ONE THAT THE MALIBU'S ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE PADS, WHY HAS NO ONE BEEN TOLD THIS? MY ABS IS AGIN COMING ON AND NOW GETTING READY FOR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 15, 2000 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 15, 2011 · crash

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 2016 · crash

“RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE DAMAGING STRUT AND DAMAGING TIRE. BREAK WAS DUE TO RUST. VEHICLE WAS MAKING A TURN WHEN BREAK OCCURRED CAUSING WHEEL TO BE "STUCK" IN THE TURN POSITION DUE TO PARTS RUBBING ON TIRE. MECHANIC SAYS MANY OF GM PRODUCTS ARE AND HAVE EXPERIENCED SAID PROBLEM. *JB”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 18, 2007 · crash

“THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET FOR 70MPH WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE SUDDENLY BLEWOUT, CAUSING THE CRUISE CONTROL TO BECOME STUCK. BRAKES WERE OF NO HELP IN THE SITUATION, THEY MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · crash

1999 Chevrolet Malibu — common questions

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,227 complaints put the 1999 model at #14 of 42 Malibu years. It is one of the Malibu years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Malibu problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (399 complaints), electrical system (168 complaints), engine (151 complaints).

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Malibu years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Malibu years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2004, 2011, 2008, 1998, 2006, 2012, 2016, 2005, 2013, 2000, 2007, 1999, 2018, 2017, 2001, 2003, 2002, 2020. The cleanest record among Malibu years belongs to 1977.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1999 compare to other Malibu years?

What are the most common 1999 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1999 Chevrolet Malibu — common questions

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

What are the most common 1999 Malibu problems?

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu under NHTSA investigation?

Which Chevrolet Malibu years should you avoid?

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