Four problems related to coolant leaking have been reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Intake gasket failed in my 1998 chevy Malibu, causing coolant to leak. I know this a huge problem with the plastic intake gaskets, should have a recall on this. Obviously a known problem on this car. Chevrolet should recall it.
We have two Malibus and both have had problems with leaking coolant from the engine. Service replaced gasket, which took overnight. I have read on Malibu websites on the net that this is another common problem.
Four different mechanics gave estimates on intake gasket replacement. All stated that this was a very common problem with the 3. 1 litre gm engines and they were surprised that gm has not issued a recall on these engines. One mechanic suspects it may be the dextron anti-freeze that GMC requires in there vehicles that is eating away at the gaskets and causing the coolant leakage. He had a Chevrolet lumina in the garage with the same problem when I got the estimate. Gm would not cover any of the repair cost unless we paid a gm dealer to evaluate the problem which other garages provided free of charge. I have a Ford and have received excellant customer service from Ford and their dealerships. I will not buy another gm product.
Found coolant leaking from car checked out and the head gasket was leaking coolant. Dealer to pay for repair.