1997 Chevrolet Malibu: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu: 4 recalls, 443 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #97V107000 · 1997 · 16,099 vehicles
What's wrong: The fasteners that secure the passenger air bag module to the instrument panel tie bar were omitted.
Why it matters: If the air bag deploys, the module could separate from the instrument panel striking and injuring an occupant.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the air bag module for the presence of the fasteners and, if necessary, install any fasteners that May have been omitted.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #01V068000 · 2001 · 129,427 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the "salt belt" states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, north dakota, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, utah, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and wyoming. If a buildup of snow…
Why it matters: Reduced visibility in inclement weather could lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger side windshield wiper pivot housing. Owner notification began August 14, 2001.
Steering Vehicle recall #03V527000 · 2003 · 750,283 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Why it matters: If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering.…
The fix: Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on February 5, 2004. Owners should contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; Oldsmobile at…
Electrical Vehicle recall #14V400000 · 2014 · 5,877,718 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: 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.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (100): the most common themes are noise or vibration (27), brake failure / soft pedal (12).
- Electrical (87): the most common themes are electrical failure (26), door / lock issues (15), stalls / loses power (13).
- Steering (80): the most common themes are steering problems (63), noise or vibration (12).
- Engine & cooling (60): the most common themes are leaks (14), stalls / loses power (8), electrical failure (8).
The 1997 Chevrolet Malibu has 443 owner complaints, ranking #20 of 29 Malibu model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 667). Complaints peaked in 1999 (63 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 85,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (976 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Owners have filed 443 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (100), electrical (87), steering (80).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.1 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.