The 1997 Chevrolet Malibu has 514 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic. Owners most often flag premature wear items: front wheel bearings failing before 100,000 miles; various oil leaks; hvac control failures. frequency: recurrent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 13 Malibu model years we track, complaint volume runs from 189 (2019) to 3,043 (2009). With 514 complaints, the 1997 Malibu sits belowthe model's median of 1,697.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
electrical system:ignition
Campaign 14V400000This 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 a…
exterior lighting
Campaign 09E012000SABERSPORT 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 REQUIREMEN…
fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:pressure relief devices
Campaign 07E021000CERTAIN 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 REGUL…
steering:rack and pinion
Campaign 03V527000CERTAIN 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.
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily dependent on model year. The 2013 model year is universally panned, described as so poorly received that it required an emergency refresh for 2014 and was replaced by a new…
Owner insights cover all generations of the Malibu. See the full Malibu owner picture and every model year.
Used Malibu listings typically run $10,900–$18,249 across 2013 to 2025 model years.
Compare every Malibu year side by side to see how 1997 ranks against the rest.