One problem related to emission control has been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Steering wheel made an irritating sound when turned. The dealership was notified. Upon inspection they indicated that the steering gear had an internal fault, and replaced it. Cause of the internal fault was not disclosed to the consumer. Recall campaign# 03v527000. The steering was repaired. A year later the entire steering assembly had to be replaced again. The check emissions light would come on intermittently. There were noises when the vehicle was turned left due to the steering gears internal fault and the gear was replaced, the left front tire had a steel belt showing on the inside.