Four problems related to front suspension control arm have been reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Bushings on both lower front control arms on front suspension wor out at 16k miles, causing thumping and banging noise that gets increasing worst with more miles put on the car--dealer says it is safe to drive the car.
While driving 45 mph the control arm broke, vehicle lost control, causing a spin-out and came to rest at a curb.
Small arms failed. Yh.
Bought as demo. Rotors warped at 8000mi, 17,000mi, starting again at 19,500. Just had front control arm assembly replaced, dealer says it was the wrong part! also coolant leak at 14,500mi.