1998 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems
74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu — 8% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While backing out of my drive way to the right I heard loud clunking and then finally a pop as I turned the steering to the left. Immediately following, while driving in residential area left turns became extremely difficult to make, and I noticed the steering wheel seemed to be off center. I…”
filed Jan 6, 2016
“I purchased new tires today and the technicians noticed there was excessive play in the steering link via the rack and pinion. Upon further investigation it was discovered that the welds (which are both factory and most likely robotic) holding the nut through the rack and pinion have failed. These…”
filed Oct 6, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION…Campaign 03V527000 · Dec 11, 2003
Steering problems in other Malibu years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Malibu | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 Malibu | 3 | 5% |
| 2022 Malibu | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 Malibu | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 Malibu | 15 | 8% |
| 2019 Malibu | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 Malibu | 40 | 6% |
| 2017 Malibu | 46 | 7% |
| 2016 Malibu | 42 | 5% |
| 2015 Malibu | 9 | 3% |
| 2014 Malibu | 25 | 7% |
| 2013 Malibu | 181 | 22% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1998 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.