Two problems related to engine clicking and tapping noises have been reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Vehicle experienced several transmission related problems, consumer stated while pushing accelerator from a complete stop, engine would rev up but vehicle would not move, after a couple of seconds, the transmission would engage, this would also happen while driving, transmission experienced slipping, dealer rebuilt transmission, also, left front axle boot was torn, dealer replaced the left inner tripod joint boot. Gas cap tether broke, dealer replaced gas cap. Vehicle would vibrate while braking, dealer replaced warped rotors and front brakes, the right front caliper was later replaced due to a torn piston boot. Oil was leaking from the front crankshaft seal, dealer replaced seal. Steering column tilt housing bowl assembly machined improperly from factory causing tilt wobble, also caused a popping noise. Consumer heard a clunk noise from rear when going over bumps, dealer replaced both lower control arms.
Brakes have been faulty since new. Have taken to dealer to be fixed at least three times . Still having problems. My abs light comes on at least twice a week. The engine has a clicking noise when first started( cold start) . This is also been occuring since it was new.