Problems with 1999 Chevrolet Malibu ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 1999 chevrolet malibu, like many others, does not start half the time, because of its passlock system that is horribly unreliable and doesn't recognize the key. it makes this car almost worthless, as i never know when it's going to start or not, and it's caused me to be late to tests and even miss class numerous times. something needs to be done about this passlock anti-theft system, it's a burden on so many of us chevy drivers. it happens to me once a week. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that there was a random progressing failure in which the key moved out of position without warning. the vehicle was also able to start without the key in the ignition. the fuel gauge also failed to provide a proper reading for an extended period of time and the bulbs constantly shorted out, which caused the contact to have to replace the low beam head lamps several times. the contact later received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) years after experiencing the failures. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, but there was no permanent repair for the condition. the failures continued, including various warning lights flashed on the instrument cluster. the manufacturer was notified of the failures. the approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

Theft system on my 99 chevy malibu has been a constant source of trouble for the last 5 years. have replaced ignition cylinder 3 times but still causing problems. this does not work and causes major problems for the drivers especially when it disables the car several times in a row. it appears the system malfunctions in many models and gm is probably aware it was a bad product and should be recalled.*cw

I bought a 99 chevy malibu for my daughter. only 55,000 miles on it. the vehicle all of a sudden started acting up, lights flashing, power locks going crazy locking and unlocking, all the gauges on the dash are going crazy, vehicle ended dying and wont start. bought a brand new battery $80.00, then purchased a alternator $150.00 vehicle still not running correctly , vehicle ended up not running at all , had the vehicle towed to a gm dealer and they put the veh on diagnostics (charged $95.00) and was told that cannot run diagnostic because there is an electrical problem....fixed that problem ($300) and the vehicle still wont run because of the anti- theft lockout system failure (which i mentioned to the dealer, because of doing research on the internet) i have read online that there are several (more than several people) that all have the same issue with this vehicle, but are being taken for a financial ride with the repair facility not being able to figure out the problem and replacing part after part and the vehicles still don't run. gm obviously has been aware of this problem and the consumer is stuck to foot the bill with a obvious defect that they included in this vehicle. i really would like to know what it takes for a recall on a part that the manufacturer is fully aware and has done nothing to fix the problem, other than charge the consumer $$$$$$$ to fix their mistake. i have read over and over how people are stranded with this vehicle all because of a defective part : anti- theft lockout system failure. *tr

1999 chevrolet malibu. no start problem due to a defective ignition switch and or anti-theft system. ongoing problem. no set time or conditions. have key separate from others. not a weight of key ring problem. if a stall occurs or in an emergency occurs, vehicle is disabled for 10 minutes.i have tried to garner any and all information i can, including the non-help from chevrolet to by-pass or correct this problem. this problem started approx. 4 years ago and is very random. *tr

I have found that car can be shifted out of park without the key even being in ignition. *tr

The anti theft light comes on and we have to wait about 15 minutes before the car starts up. sometimes even longer. this has caused dangerous situation from my wife and daughter where they have both been stranded at night not being able to get the car started. there are many people that have the same problem with this anti theft issue. please make this manyfacturer recall and fix this issue.

Passlock sensor theft system, i believe this was a huge mistake for the gm company. as a owner of the 1999 chevy malibu, and exper. the problem many times. i have reviewed many complaints on the internet about this part as it keeps the vehicle from starting and is a very expensive part to replace. it is dangerous as well as a inconvenience to many....it can take up to ten minutes for the passlock sensor to reset in which case parents may have to leave there children in the cold or reverse in the heat which could be dangerous to infants or toddlers.. many people replace the part for hundreds of dollars and in return it defects again. it causes people to be late for very important appointments such as doctors visits or even the case of (work). i believe the gm company should evaluate the part and try to come up with a solution. many people are talking about this part in which it should be recalled. as a owner of this vehicle i foresee a very big lawsuit coming about in result of injury due to the sensor not working properly. it causes more problems with the owner than it does with thieves that is supposed to be working against. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the fuel indicator on the fuel gauge sporadically fails and displays inaccurate readings. the vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the failure. the failure mileage was 90,000 and current mileage was 106,000.

The theft system light kept coming on. it won't start i have to wait about 20mins before the light goes off . i have had my car for 2 -3 years. the problem started about a year ago. how can one light give me so much grief. my car is not worth stealing. is this problem included under safety standard 102 (09v-073) chevy malibu recall ? please advise. *tr

My 99 chevy malibu, anti-theft light comes when i try to start and i have to wait 10 minutes before it goes out to start the car. is always having trouble starting - it chews through brakes & rotors. very poor manufacturing by gm. *tr

My car kept stalling and one day it didn't start at all. the dealers first sure thought it was the fuel pump and the lines, so i got that replaced. about a month later my car would stall while driving. so, i brought it the dealer again and they replaced the alternator. car ran fine again for a couple of weeks, and once again, it started stalling on me while driving. sometimes it wouldn't start, or it would start and then die on me. i brought to the dealer again and they said i needed new spark plugs. got that all done, and it didn't help one bit. now, i drove my car all the way from minnesota to new york with no problem, but the day i got here, i started having problems again. my car won't start or it will and it stalls on the through-way, which is very scary, unsafe and inconvenient! i called the dealership here, and i told them what was going on and before i even told him what kind of car it was, he asked if it was a chevy malibu and i said yes. he told me chevy knows about all this happening to almost every malibu they have and they aren't doing anything about it! he said it has something to do with the anti-theft passlock making it so the security comes on in the car and locks the car up because it's faulty. i can't afford anymore repairs and i've been in 2 accidents because of my car randomly stalling! i am glad my 6-month old wasn't in the backseat at any of those times! what am i suppose to do if i have an emergency and can't get my car started because chevy knows about this problem, yet they aren't doing any recalls?! *tr

I bought the car in 2003, 3 months later the anti-theft light began coming on keeping the car from starting for at least 10 minutes. april 24, 2007 the car would not start at all. i contacted chevrolet several times, and no definite answer for the problem could be given. i could not afford to let them try to figure the problem out. i work in a not so safe part of town and the car stalled in an empty parking lot at night and i could have been robbed or worse. this was very unsafe for people. if a person needing medical attention was driving one of these defective malibus it could have resulted in very serious problems if not even death to the owner. *ak

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the anti-thief warning light illuminated. the vehicle started after a ten minute wait. the failure occurred ten times over a period of one year. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 77,500. updated 6/2/14*cn the consumer stated he experienced the problem for years. he asked the dealer to disconnect the anti-theft device, but they said no. updated 06/24/14

I purchased a 1999 chevy malibu in november 2003. i have replaced the brake pads at least 10 times ($20 each time), the rotors have been replaced 3 times ($70 each time). the brakes give you no warning they just quit suddenly which has almost caused several accidents. the abs light always comes on and when this happens you can guarantee the ignition switch is about to lock up on you. the rear windows quit working, i hear a weird popping noise coming from the rear of the vehicle while driving down the highway. the anti theft system has came on 6 or 7 times and will not allow me to crank the car(once it happened while my child was having an asthma attack and i was attempting to take him to the er). if you hit a bump in the road sometimes it sounds like a small explosion in the front end and causes the steering wheel to jerk uncontrollably for several miles. i have taken this vehicle to several mechanics who absolutely refuse to work on it because of the general fact that it is a 1999 malibu, now my ignition has completely quit, actually it hung in the start position and was making my starter grind and almost catch fire, this has happened several about 15 times, but usually after jiggling the key a few times it comes undone, but not this time. my dad had to take my battery off in order to make the engine die. so now my employer got so fed up with me being late or calling in because of my car problems that i was terminated. i am a single mom with 2 children, both have chronic asthma and have to be rushed to the er with severe asthma attacks all the time, and now i have no way to take them should the need arise. the parts are going to cost me $200 and the cost of labor and now i have no job. if you call chevrolet all they tell you is to take it to a dealer and let the mechanic look at it for a fee, and then they want to charge you more than i make in 2 months, and they never even ask you any personal info so there are no documented claims on your calls. *nm

My 99 chevy malibu, is always having trouble starting - i must wait for the anti-theft lights to go out. it chews through brakes & rotors. very poor manufacturing by gm. *tr

1999 chev malibu gm pass lock ii security system activates and prevents use of car. people with medical problems can not depend on car. *nm

Vehicle has just reached 62000 miles. most recent incident - all dashboard warning lights came on-car died and had to be towed to dealer. replaced alternator - supposedly "common" at this mileage. six weeks prior - coolant indicator keeps coming on. dealer replaced lower intake manifold gasket and water pump. also told common in this car at this mileage. brakes done also - rotors needed replacement - again supposedly common in the malibu. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet malibu. the contact was informed by another motorist that her brake lights were not functioning. the contact replaced the brake lights herself. the failure occurred at least five times a year. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that a mechanism within the brake lights needed to be replaced; the vehicle was repaired but the failure continued. additionally, the contact stated that she experienced difficulty starting the vehicle. when she turned the key in the ignition, it took approximately 15 minutes for the vehicle to start. the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired for the problem. the contact also noticed that fuel would spill out of the tank when the vehicle was being fueled. the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 40,000 and the current mileage was approximately 114,000.

Car will not start, replaced starter, relays. dash lights come on but it won't turn over. repair shop said it is ignition switch @$254.00l. i can't afford to repair. tried to start it few days later, perfectly ok and starts everytime for about a week or two, then no warning and it doesn't start again. engine cuts off while driving even. air coditioner blower doesn't work on 1-4, only if fan on 5. fuses have started to blow. cig 4x, radio 2x. dash light "theft system" stays on at times after start and while operating. could this be any part of why car doesn't start????? my mechanic is bewildered to say the least. *jb

Dt: the igition switch shorted out and left consumer stranded.the heater switchers burned out, can be replaced but it will burn out again. took vehicle to the dealer, and had an igintion switch put in this week. dealer didn't say what caused the problem.*ak

Car fails to start more than frequently. was told to replace ignition switch, a cost of $254.00. don't think car should already need ignition replaced. car has died completely while driving on the interstate numerous times. also has something to do with if dash lights come on or just theft deterrent lights. day running lights are equal to reg headlights, all system lights turn on when car is started, no need to even turn switch on, could this be normal? mechanic installed a switch under hood that connets directlyto my starter so when car fails to start i push switch and she starts right up, he said something in column but he not able to pinpoint. steering column doesnot lock, ever! *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the headlights shut off and the lights on the instrument panel illuminated intermittently. also, the electric window panels and the air conditioning system seized. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician stated that there was a faulty ignition switch that needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 14v4000 (electrical system) however, the remedy failed to repair the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 32,035. the consumer stated she began experiencing problems as early as may 2005. the electric windows, air conditioner, dashboard lights and headlights would intermittently work. however, the mechanic, could not duplicate the problem. the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer where she was informed, it was possible the problem was the ignition switch. the consumer stated after all these years, the problem was solved. the consumer stated she continued to some experience an issue where the key would get stuck in the ignition. updated 07/08/15

Brakes and rotors have been replaced 3 times since 2002- a/c goes off and on- ignition switch replaced due to electrical failure- driver's side window don't roll down- alternator and battery replaced- intake manifold gasket and radiator replaced. *nm

On several occasions my car has failed to start for no apparent reason. the alternator and ignition system have all been checked out with no problems and i had my battery replace because i thought that was the cause of the problem. the very next day after having my battery replaced, it happend again. each of these times, i attempted to start my car and it would sound like it was trying to start but fail to turn over. each of these times, my theft system light was blinking. if i wait several minutes, eventually the car will start. this has happened in cold and warm weather and has stranded me and my 2 young children many times. also, now my the fuel gauge in my car has begun to fall to empty even when it is full with gas. my gauge suddenly went from 1/4 of a tank to empty a few minutes into my trip. i stopped to fill up my gas tank and was only able to put 7 gallons of gas in it when i know my gas tank hold 13 gallons of gas. this is a new problem just starting yesterday (3/16/05) but has happened every time i start my car since then.*ak

It took several attempts before it would start. the vehicle stalled in traffic and had taken several attempts to start again. the mechanic suggested that the problem was with the starter switch. *ak *sc

Consumer stated alternator bracket broke. *ak

Intake valve. seal leaked , lost anti freeze almost over heated engine. *ak

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the anti-theft warning light would illuminate sporadically and when doing so, the vehicle would not start. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that they were unable to duplicate the failure to determine repairs. the vehicle was taken to the dealer numerous times yet the dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 33,000 and the mileage was 62,000. updated 02/07/11 *bf updated 02/11/11

I have a theft systme light that comes on in my car and it won't let me start my car,,i have had it in the shop numorous times and they can't find anything wrong,,and all they told me was when this happened to switch keys,,dumb but it works sometimes but why should i have to do this..it is a 1999 chevy malibu 4 dr. with only 53000 miles on it.*ak

Multiple tail lamp failures on my 1999 chevrolet malibu. i have replaced more tail lamps than i can remember. while replacing them the last time i noticed that the place where you plug in the lamp was starting to melt. i think this is a hazard. the lamps are not burned out when i have to replace them. they just don't make contact with the contacts after a while. i have to put new ones in to get them to work again. this last time i almost couldn't get one to work. *ak

Tried to start 1999 chevy malibu on 4/26/04-ignition module had gone out of vehicle-now to replace it i have to apy for it completely because the warranty has expired- i only have 53,500 miles on my car and i feel the manufacturer should be responsible for some of the cost

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. the failure recurred several times. the vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition switch was defective and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was unknown. updated 7/9/14*cn the consumer stated on a regular basis it was extremely difficult to switch the vehicle off and remove the key from the ignition causing the battery to drain. for this reason the consumer opted to "junk" the vehicle instead of trading it in. updated 07/14/2014 *js

The vehicle's anti theft system would engage intermittently. as a result the consumer was unable to start the vehicle. the dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *nm

This 1999 chevrolet malibu was purchased in july 2001 in had a water leaking problem took 3 tries before they found it needed thermostat gasket didn't even have one in it they sold it to me .this way with a promise it had been fixed. within the first year i had the car they had to replace both front wheel bearings & strut bushings. then the alternator went out & it cause my battery to go bad overcharged it they replaced alternator but refused to re-emburse me for the battery. then ignition switch caused problem with anti-theft system would not start. had that replaced in march 2002. then anti-lock brake system went out had to have it replaced window switch very slow had to be cleaned another one not working at all now, not covered under warranty, at this time also had to have anti theft system fixed again light on all the time another bad ignition switch. also had blower motor & relay switch for heater to go out over the summer most of the interior lights have long ago burnt out & had to be replaced lock out for trunk lid also broke not covered on warranty. hub caps have lug nuts made in them that screw onto your lug bolts stripped out when took for repairs by dealer refused to replace them because they cost $500.00 for a new set. so i purchased the lug nut part & repalced it myself at a dealership for $10.00 set of 5. november of 2002 brakes & rotors were replaced in jan. 2003 brake pads replaced again in march 2003 pads replaced again in july 2003 pads replaced once again then in sept. 2003 master cylinder replaced in oct. 2003 master cylinder replaced again now it's nov 2003 & master cylinder being replaced again tomorrow.these cars have a real brake problem that needs to be fixed it's costing a fortune.*ak

Vehicle had catalytic converter and alternator go out completely within 10k of each other. once the cat had gone bad, it caused the valve seals on the engine to need to be replaced along with the intake manifold gasket, a $1300 job not covered by extended warranty. also have had break pad problems with them wearing unevenly. the vehicle was at a chevrolet dealer for almost a week before they guessed the problem-no one actually looked at my engine to verify that the seals needed to be replaced, i was so annoyed with waiting for a diagnosis, i had another mechanic complete the work and replace the cat. these problems also resulted in a midnight tow two hours away from home since my car would not start, taking more time and money out of my hectic schedule. *ak

Within the past year we have had multiple system failures with our 1999 chevrolet malibu with 47,000 miles. the intake manifold gasket has leaked, the brake pads, rotors, and wheel cylinders were repaired, the theft deterrent system and abs warning lights come on repeatedly, and the alternator and water pump have failed. the passlock sensor and body control module have been replaced to address the theft system warning light and the harness and individual wheel speed sensors have been suggested for the abs warning light. chevrolet should be requred to recall the vehicle to address some or all of these problems.*ak

At about 27000mi (3000mi. service) i notified dealer of squeaking in front & rear suspension bushings. dealer sprayed lube on rear (about $100)and notified me that they would have to lower complete front end to lube front, approx $200 more. extended warranty didn't cover. at 30000 mi service dealer notified me i needed complete brake job. i inspected brakes while on lift. mechanic said he made mistake! he said that he hadn't pulled wheels of yet. said there was 80% left, repair invoice said 50% left. a little over a week later there was a puddle of trans fluid on garage floor & air conditioning smelled like urine when on, also switching itself from recirculation to fresh. took car to dealer, they replaced switch, deductible $se on extended warranty, sprayed something in outside vent (mold they said?), and tightened trans cooling line, their fault! three days later cooling leak, dealer replaced water pump, deductible $'s on extended warranty. two weeks later the rear power window actuator (motor & cable assembly) quit! i might have used this window 12 times since i bought 99 malibu ls from champion chevrolet, reno,nv. new in 12/99! all things considered, i feels like they are sabotaging my vehicle to get back at me for discovering they lied about brake job! also after reading your complaint list, i realize that i am not alone thinking that brakes, steering vibration, and reliability in general is poor on this vehicle. *ph

The rubber molding around the back light encasing is loose, so water is constantly seeping in causing the back lights to stop working. this is an ongoing problem. i have to constantly change out the bulbs. my brake light in my window is the only one working at this time.*ak

Have had many problems with this car! bought car 2/17/2001.....-8/15/2001 had to replace alternator....2/24/2002 had intake manifold gasket replaced because of coolant leakage, cost was 600.00.....06/20/03 had to replace battery due to leakage and corrosion around positive cable.......7/24/03 had to replace brake pads and have rotors turned for the second time....i think that there should be a recall for some of these things!!!!! car now has 70,000 miles on it... thought i was buying a good car!! :)*ak

Alternator failure.*ak

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the anti-theft warning light illuminated. the contact also mentioned that the vehicle failed to start after numerous attempts. in addition, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would experience a sudden loss of engine power. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 54,000 and the current mileage was 170,000. the vin was not available.

Altenator replaced at 44500 miles, thought that was the problem but when started up vehicle slams into gear and has no reading on the engine temp, engine warning light continued to stay on odbii testing reads 2 codes both are cooling system input sensor failure, car is now sitting in the garage as repairs are too expensive right now, gm should take responsibility for this failure, as this car is well maintained, i can tell you this i wil never buy another malibu again in my life. *ak

Consumer stated that while driving at any speed, the anti lock brake light illuminated and remained on the entire time the vehicle was in motion. *ak the consumer stated the alternator failed. *jb

Electrical system went out while driving on the interstate due to alternator failure. *ak

Defective intake manifold gasket and then the head gaskets blew on me requiring expensive repairs. *ak

All malibu's seem to have the same problems, low miles high miles, ect brakes are replaced at least three to four times a year with minimal miles each time, head gasket leaks, alternator replaced twice, battery twice, electrical shorts twice, ignition switch handles terrible, not safe, car was suppose to have high ratings, lying to get people to buy junk. *nlm

Two repairs in one week, alternator had to be replaced,dash lights started coming on & guages going crazy! car wouldn't start after being parked for 1 hr, then when jump started it, died again in few minutes, replaced alternator, battery, then next day ignition failed, key wouldn't turn in ignition, had to be towed to my mechanic (this was the third (3rd) time the ignition switch locked up like this and the key wouldn't turn & the car would not start & entire ignition assembly had to be replaced, 2x earlier it was under warranty...this time it cost me over $400.00 (the part alone cost $289.) i am so frustrated w/ this problem, as dealership repaired it the first 2 times & they didn't seem to understand it. this is the second battery i've had to purchase since i bought the car brand new in january 2000. *ak

Anti theft controller shut engine down due to faulty ignition switch/module. *nlm

#1 on the stock radio, which came with the malibu, the lights illuminating the radio buttons and knobs burnt out. first along the bass, treble, fade & balance turn knobs and now all the preset buttons #'s 1-6. you can't see anything on the radio in the dark now. #2 i have terrible reception of fm (some times) and am (all the time) radio stations. this has gotton worse since i owned in 6/13/02.