1997 Chevrolet Malibu air bags problems
25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the air bags on the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I was driving on a residential street and realized I was going the wrong way. I turned left to make a u-turn and drove onto the easement (dirt). When I turned the steering wheel to the left all the way, both airbags deployed. I was burned by the chemicals over the left side of my neck and chest…”
filed Dec 17, 2019
“Swerved to avoid a deer and struck a guard rail, head on. Air bags didn't deploy and seat belt didn't lock up. Police, fire, ambulance and tow truck driver couldn't believe the bags and seat belt failed. Daughter was driving and receive a concussion, a v shape cut in scalp requiring 17 stitches to…”
filed Mar 2, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Air Bags problems in other Malibu years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Malibu | 6 | 11% |
| 2022 Malibu | 4 | 4% |
| 2021 Malibu | 5 | 6% |
| 2020 Malibu | 4 | 2% |
| 2019 Malibu | 6 | 3% |
| 2018 Malibu | 14 | 2% |
| 2017 Malibu | 14 | 2% |
| 2016 Malibu | 17 | 2% |
| 2015 Malibu | 49 | 18% |
| 2014 Malibu | 16 | 5% |
| 2013 Malibu | 59 | 7% |
| 2012 Malibu | 101 | 11% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.