Brake Disc Rotor problems of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu - part 2

76 problems related to brake disc rotor have been reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

36 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 01/16/1999

Whenever the brakes are applied steering wheel would shake. Took to dealer & mechanic either turned the rotors or replaced the rotors.

37 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 01/08/1999

Front disc brakes failed causing them to pulse on activation, indicating warped rotors, fixed twice under warranty and once by owner, problem keeps occuring. Nlm.

38 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 01/01/1999

Front brake rotors warped, causing extended stopping distance and a noise which may result in an accident. Been to dealer several times. Dealer replaced rotors once and turned the rotors twice.

39 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 12/15/1998

The front rotors (left and right) warp every 8-12 thousand miles causing sever vibration when braking at high speeds. This is a problem with all mailbus from 1997-2000 based on conversations with other Malibu owners and dealer service technicians. Nhtsa complain files show dozens and dozenns of the same complaint, yet no action by either NHTSA or chevy/gm. Do not understand why. Chevrolet should be forced to make amends to owners and replace trhe rotors with an improved design. My understanding is the 2000 model Malibus have an improved rotor and heat dissipating front disc brake pads. Nhtsa should have Chevrolet refit 97-99 models with these new parts.

40 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 12/01/1998

When applying brakes vehicle will vibrate. Rotors were replaced. Because rotors were wearing out, brakes had to be replaced eight times.

41 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 11/15/1998

Front brake rotors out of round at 12000 miles of wear. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that this problem was not under warranty and cost would go to consumer.

42 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 10/01/1998

Rotors have warped 5 times, this is a normal defect for Chevrolet, Malibus, its about time someone did something about it.

43 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 09/19/1998

Consumer was traveling about 44mph on the highway, applied brakes, and vehicle shook, and vibration came through wheels and steering wheel.

44 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 09/17/1998

The front brake rotors have become warped 2 separate times, the rotors have been turned and replaced, the faulty rotors cause the vehicle to pull and shake especially once the cruise control is disengaged.

45 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 09/03/1998

Front rotors experiencing pulsation upon braking. Nlm.

46 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 07/06/1998

When applying brakes front end shakes. Cause unknown. Dealer repaired and turned rotors. Rotors warped from overheating then cooled by rain, dealer stated rain was at fault.

47 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 06/17/1998

Upon making a stop consumer noticed pulsation in the brake pedal which made it difficult to stop. Also, excessive wear of front brake rotors. Consumer has contaced dealer.

48 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 06/01/1998

Vehicle is experiencing an ongoing problems with warped rotors, consumer states vehicle is hard to control when brakes go bad, the third time rotors were replaced, the consumer had to pay for labor, consumer states this is only a temporary fix to the ongoing problem.

49 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 06/01/1998

Brake rotors were bent and out of shape, causing the vehicle to pulse and bounce when applying brakes, making it difficult for vehicle to stop, and resulting in loss of control. Dealer claimed this was normal wear and tear. But brake rotors and pads have been replaced twice within 7,000 miles.

50 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 05/18/1998

Consumer has replaced 5 set of brake rotors due to warping which caused pedal pulsation, consumer believes there is a design defect or that the materials used by the manufacturer were defective. Nlm.

51 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 05/11/1998

Brakes were not operating properly, and vehicle pulsated when applying brakes. Took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced front rotors. Eight thousand miles later same problem occurred. Dealer replaced rotors again. Consumer indicated that just yesterday same problem started again. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer stated that wheels needed to be taken off the rear, and brakes needed cleaning and adjusting. Consumer felt this should had been done in the beginning. Currently there is a charge. Please provide any further information.

52 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 05/04/1998

Brake rotors are continually warping and causing vibration. Mjs.

53 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 03/19/1998

The front brake rotors warped which may result in extended stopping distance and crash. Been to dlr 4 times. Dealer replaced rotors once, and resurfaced rotor 3 times. Please provide further information.

54 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Failure Date: 02/01/1998

Left front rotor has been replaced 10 times since purchase of vehicle, rubbing on pad.

55 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Brake rotors warped causing vehicle to jerk whenever brakes were applied. Would be very hard to maintain control when it happened. Took to dealership and had rotors replaced under warranty 1st time. At 38,000 miles the same problem of warped rotors. Dealership will not replace. Claimed rotors were too thin to be turned. *akdealer turned rotors on follow-up visit, oem front brake pads were also replaced, both at customers expense.

56 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Rotors have warped 7 times, currenly awaiting gm decision on lemon law.

57 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Rotors needed to be replaced every 13000 to 15000 miles. There is a streaking noise, and the pedal goes all the way down to floor. Dealership is aware of problem.

58 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Consumer replaced the brake pads and rotors six times in 4 1/2 years.

59 Brake Disc Rotor problem

When applying brakes entire front end shakes excessively. Also, dealer has seen vehicle twice, and replaced rotors once and has turned them once. Problem still exists.

60 Brake Disc Rotor problem

About 4000 miles brake rotors are prematurely warping , 2 sets of rotors have been replaced, but defect keeps occurring.

61 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Consumer experiencing problem with brake rotors. Nlm.

62 Brake Disc Rotor problem

I have had the front brake rotors replaced on my '98 Malibu 4 times in 20,000 miles, yet the dealership denies that there is any problem whatsoever with the car or its parts. Gm should have to buy back all of the chevy Malibus that have defective brake rotors. It's a crime.

63 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Front brakes rotors are prematurely wearing, cause unknown. Please give any further details.

64 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Rotors keep failing prematurely. Consumer has replaced 5 sets of rotors. Cause unknown. Please provide further information.

65 Brake Disc Rotor problem

I have been to 2 Chevrolet dealers for service on my car. So far my rotors have been serviced 5 times. I would love to actually have my car fixed. I refuse to pay for this when my warranty runs out. I feel Chevrolet should have to do something with my vehicle . Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

66 Brake Disc Rotor problem

When applying brakes there is a pulsating feeling in the vehicle. It feels like the rotors are warped. Dealer has not seen vehicle.

67 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Severe vibration in front end when brakes are applied above 60 mph. I feel this problem is related to the eariler front end recall problem. Dealer will cut rotors and that is it. I know this is not going to fix the true problem but it will be a quick fix that may last through the warrenty period.

68 Brake Disc Rotor problem

7x's in 47000 miles have had rotors prematurely warped, 1x metallic clicking noise when stopping at lower speeds.

69 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Brake rotors warped every 8,000-10,000 miles, which caused extended stopping distance, and could result in a crash.

70 Brake Disc Rotor problem

Warped rotors causing vehicle to vibrate, steering to wobble, not to have complete control when braking.



Safety Ratings of Malibu Cars
Fuel Economy of Malibu Vehicles
Malibu Service Bulletins
Malibu Safety Recalls
Malibu Defect Investigations