One problem related to transmission gear slipping has been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Purchased this car from centennial Chevrolet, the transmission was slipping at times. Took it back several times to dealership and they said they could not find nothing wrong. Even after a mechanic had it personally after a few days. To this date it is slipping dramatically, and since the car is now out of warranty it has to come out of my pocket twice! know a few other people that have had the same issues and they had to replace the transmission for $2400. Doesn't seem quite right to me.