1998 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Belts Problems
15 owner-reported seat belts complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (15)
Your front seat belts may come unbuckled while driving even though they feel securely fastened. The release button can get stuck partially down due to debris like hair or lint, allowing the belt to latch with a click but not actually lock into place — it will slip out if pulled with moderate force. This design flaw means you could be unbelted during a crash without realizing it. A replacement seat belt assembly with an improved buckle mechanism should resolve the issue.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS AN EVENFLO DISCOVERY CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE CONTACT SAW A REPORT ON CBS TODAY RE: SAFETY RECALL ON THE EVENFLO DISCOVERY. ALSO, THE CONTACT RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE EVENFLO CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER DATE FOR THE EVENFLO CHILD SAFETY SEAT WASJULY 8, 2003. THE CONTACT STATED THE THAT RECOMMENDATION FOR THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT WAS THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED SINCE THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT LOOSENED AND DIDN'T SECURE THE CHILD IN THE SAFETY SEAT. THIS INCIDENT OCCURREDS IN BOTH OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OWNS 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 EXTENDED CAB, AND A 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU. *AK
PLASTIC LOCKING MECHANISM ON SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE SPLIT. *AK
THE SEAT BELT HOLDERS ON BOTH SIDES IN THE BACK SEAT BROKE OFF FIRST TIME THEY WERE USED. *YH
PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT IS JAMMED WITHIN RETRACTING MECHANISM AND WILL NOT RELEASE, CAUSING SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERABLE. *AK THE SEAT BELT BECAME INOPERABLE AT LOW MILAGE AND THE CONSUMER WANTS REIMBURSMENT OF COST OF REPAIR. *YH
LEFT SEAT BUCKLE INOPERABLE. *SLC
THE MILEAGE PROVIDED IS ONLY ESTIMATES, REPORTED ONLY THE SEAT BELT LIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP. *AK
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT IS CRACKING. PLASTIC PART CRACKED IN 2 PARTS WHERE THE BELTS IS PULLED & LOCKED. CONUSMER IS AFRAID THAT IT WILL EVENTUALLY AFFECT THE SEATBELT. WILL BE CONTACTING THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. *AK
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTS TOO SLOWLY, CAUSING SEAT BELT TO HANG ON TO FLOOR OR GET CAUGHT IN THE DOOR. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT COVER WAS LOOSE. NLM
THE REAR SEAT BELTS FAILS TO RETRACT. THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE IN JUNE, DUE TO BEING WORN OUT. THE FRONT LEFT TIRE NEEDS REPLACMENT DUE TO THE THREADS COMING OFF. *YC
FEMALE SEATBELT PART BROKEN.
DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED. *YC
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKED UP, REPLACEMENT LOCKED UP ALSO.
BUTTON ON LEFT FRONT SEAT BELT MISSING.