Brake Disc Rotor problems of the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

The consumer stated four months after purchasing the vehicle with 7,000 miles on it the brakes failed. When stopping the vehicle felt as though the brakes were hitting on one side. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and they replaced the rotors. Approximately nine months later the problem recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and the rotors were replaced a second time. (12/08/05) the brakes would pulsate when applied. Updated 12/07/05. Updated 11/20/2005.

I have to do a front brake job on my 99 Malibu about twice per year because of excessive vibration when brakes are applied. This started after the original brakes started doing this and has continued. This is caused by the brake rotors not wearing evenly.

Continual brake problems. Three complete front brake services including rotors and pads each time at 20,000 , 36,000 , and 55,000 miles. All service was performed by Chevrolet dealers. After each service I have noticed a "grinding" noise, faint, at first but worsens gradually until replacement. Last dealer (simms Chevrolet ortonville michigan) strongly suggested I call gm (which I have on the last two occasions) but they claim it is normal. I leased the vehicle for my wife to drive to work, but she will no longer drive it as she is afraid of a total failure.

While driving 55mph rotors cause car to shake .

On August 30,2002 I was in a curve and applied the brakes and upon braking the car slid and was uncontrollable. This was the third time that this happened. The first two times I took the car to the dealership and was told that there was nothing wrong. After the accident on the third time a mechanic looked at the car and told me that the rotors and drums were out of round and should have been replaced. The car only had 41000 miles on it and had already had the rotors replaced twice.

Chevrolet, Malibu 1999, vehicle had brake problem. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer four times over the life of the car. Dealer told the consumer that the vehicle had warped rotors. Dealer fixed the brakes four times at the consumer's expense, gm denied the problem. The first time the brakes only lasted until 43, 000 miles. The second until 71000 miles, the third time until 79000 miles, and the forth time until 91500 miles. There have been numerous reports of this same defect.

There is vibration when applying brake at any speed, front rotors have been replaced twice.

The rotors on my 1999 Chevrolet Malibu have to be replaced at least once every 6 months. I have spoke with many Malibu owners and they have the same problem as I do. So why is there no recall on this problem?.

Front rotors warped at 23,000 miles so badly they could not be machined and had to be replaced. Dealer acknowledged this is a common problem on 1999 Malibus, and that GMC changed rotor design in 2000, but indicated gm would not cover under warrenty (stated rotors subject to 12 mo/12k mile warrenty limit).

When applying brakes vehicle vibrates and shakes without prior warning. Dealership is aware of problem.

Front end was making a grinding noise and it wouldn't stop right away. Dealer both rotors would need to be replaced although one side seemed to be affected. Dealers had no reseasonable explanation for problem. One of the rotors ( the left side) was determind to be bad. Also, the wiper blades scrub the windshield all the time and became worse when new ones were replaced.

Consumer had to have front rotors replaced twice since purchase of vehicle 13 months ago, mechanic said rotors were made so thin they were not able to turn them. Rotors were lasting 3 to 4 months, 3000-5000 miles. Vehicle would vibrate and shake when apllying brakes.

While driving and when brakes are applied vehicle will vibrate due to bad brake rotors. Replaced parts, problem reoccurred. Dealer contacted. The consumer believed the rotor problem was due to manufacturing defect.

Brakes pulsating due to warped rotor, the warped rotor caused the brakes to wear down and the dealer replaced the brakes and the rotor, consumer request reimbursement.

At 7000mls steering wheel would shudder and rotors were recut and pads resurfaced. At 17000mls rotors were replaced. At 27000mls car is being taken in for front brakes squeeking and grind of front rotors.

Premature wear of rotors causing vehicle to vibrate. Dealer has replaced rotors at owner's expense. The vehicle vibrated when brakes were applied. This problem repeated a number of times and the customer feels it was due to defective rotors.

Consumer was going 50mph & steering wheel started moving from left to right. Dealer said that brakes were warped; brake pads & rotors needed replacement.

Brake rotors needed replacement due to shuddering upon braking from warped brakes.

When brake pedal is depressed to make a gradual stop, vehicle shakes. Dealer has replaced brake rotors three times.

Entire vehicle shakes when brakes are pressed gently. Dealer has advised that both front and back rotors are to be replaced for remedy. Defect can probe consumer into an automobile accident for not being able to stop the vehicle in a timely manner.

Holes were too big around the rotors & lugs: nuts came through. Upon applying brakes front end will shimmy. Also, conusmer had to grip steering wheel tightly to keep control of vehicle. When traveling 55mph or higher vehicle moved right to left. Dealer didn't seem to think it was a major concern.

Brake rotors have been replaced by the dealership approximately five times due to vibration caused from normal braking. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Very erratic steering when braking supposed "silent" recall; as rotors were not annealed properly Chevrolet replaced rotors (I hope) and front pads condition occurred again six months later,had private garage re-cut rotors, replace pads condition occurred again three months later believe defective rotors but can't afford it, fixed income, this condition could cause severe accident if driver panics as it feels like control is totally gone. Feel there should be a real recall and new type of rotors installed, I was all set to do my brakes the first time but a friend told me about the "silent" recall. I don't feel that brake problems should be "silent".

Brake rotors prematurely warp. Consumer has replaced rotors 3 times, rotors only last about 5000-8000 miles . The manufacturer is aware of the problem but did not issue recall notice. The customer drives a lot of highway miles and is concerned about the safety.

Had to have rotors replaced 7 times every 3000 -4000 miles) due to warping, front end of car shakes when brakes applied took it to dealer was told this was a manufactors defect and there was nothing they could due for me.

While driving vehicle experienced a flutter with the rotors. Took to dealer and they said front rotors were warped.

When applying the brakes, the steering wheel shakes and vibrates, dealer informed consumer that there was a problem with the rotor.

Front end of vehicle vibrates when brakes are applied. Have now had 3rd set of brakes and rotors replaced, also had calipers replaced. After last repairs vehicle was taken to another dealership for repairs. I was told this could be expected to happen again in another 5000 to 7000 miles.

Keep having problems with rotors. Vehicle shakes when applying brakes. I have seen many complaints on this issue, but Chevrolet wont seem to realize it is a problem.

When applying brakes there was pulsation and vibration, dealer has turned or replaced front rotors 5 times. Consumer adds that the vehicle began to lose control when applying brakes and is noisy.

Front brake rotors warped and resufaced at 7,491 miles. Rotors warped and replaced at 12,864 miles. Rotors warped and replaced again at 21,000 miles. As warping develops braking distance increases with more pedal pressure required for stopping.

Rotors have required replacement due to warpage 5 times in less than 40,000 miles. Cell phone number 407-341-4314. Consumer states the faulty brakes cause vibration.

Car shakes when brakes applied at normal driving speeds. Was told by love Chevrolet's service man that they were having problems with the brakes on these cars. It seems that will have to repair rotors every 8,000 miles or live with the problem.

The consumer was driving at 70 mph and applied the brakes, pedal was soft, and the vehicle kept going at 70 mph and then slowed down. Vehicle had no steering and the brake pedal was shaking. In low speed when applying the brakes, they wore out and the rotors have been replaced five times. Dealer can't determine the cause of the problem.

Premature rotor warpage. Had them turned, problem is back after just 4000 miles.