2003 Chevrolet Malibu

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 569 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,167 milesMedian miles at failure

428 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Chevrolet Malibu problems

263 of the 569 complaints (46%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System188
613
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration54
803
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module53
000
Engine30
100
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · throttle and acceleration24
310
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine19
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes12
202
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes11
000
Air Bags · airbags11
503
Unknown or Other10
000

2003 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system problems

46% of all complaints

263 of the 569 complaints are about the electrical system. This is what owners describe:

  • will not start26% · 68
  • sets off warning lights on the dash17% · 44
  • stalls13% · 35
  • turns on the check engine light4% · 11

Share of the 263 electrical system complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
82,611 mi
median of 199 reports
Peak year of filing
2014
78 electrical system complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
6 · 1 · 3
in these complaints
Recalls on the electrical system
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. When the key was inserted in the ignition switch, the vehicle went into anti-theft mode and failed to start. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact called hoselton auto mall (909 fairport rd, east rochester, ny 14445, (585) 586-7373), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 27, 2019 at 75,000 miles
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without any warnings. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the theft system needed to be replaced. The manufacturer not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 59,476.”
Owner complaint, filed May 19, 2016 at 59,476 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2003: 24 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'032004: 46 complaints, 3 about the electrical system2005: 29 complaints, 6 about the electrical system'052006: 16 complaints, 6 about the electrical system2007: 29 complaints, 15 about the electrical system'072008: 42 complaints, 16 about the electrical system2009: 26 complaints, 13 about the electrical system'092010: 41 complaints, 24 about the electrical system2011: 36 complaints, 20 about the electrical system'112012: 24 complaints, 9 about the electrical system2013: 21 complaints, 6 about the electrical system'132014: 113 complaints, 78 about the electrical system2015: 56 complaints, 35 about the electrical system'152016: 24 complaints, 15 about the electrical system2017: 12 complaints, 6 about the electrical system'172018: 7 complaints, 3 about the electrical system2019: 9 complaints, 3 about the electrical system'192020: 4 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2021: 5 complaints, 2 about the electrical system'212022: 0 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2023: 3 complaints, 2 about the electrical system'232024: 1 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2025: 0 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'252026: 1 complaints, 1 about the electrical systemRecall 04V528000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 07E021000 (fuel system)Recall 14V400000 (electrical system)
All complaintsAbout the electrical systemRecall (red: the electrical system)

Complaints about the 2003 Malibu peaked in 2014, with 113 filed that year. Owners had filed 145 complaints about the electrical system before the first recall that covers it, 14V400000 in July 2014; 118 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition14V400000
Filed Jul 3, 20145,877,718 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi

Defect. CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Risk. FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal04V528000
Filed Nov 1, 200492,863 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, 'ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS.' IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM MAY STICK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE BRACKET AND NOT RETURN TO THE ENGINE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE OPERATOR LIFTS HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Risk. FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM AND REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

Technical service bulletins

409 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2003 Malibu. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 149engine 70electrical system 54transmission 21brakes 17equipment adaptive/mobility 15wheels 11fuel system 11
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

PIP4723JService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 25, 2024electrical system

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

24-NA-098Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 6, 2024electrical system

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

10-08-45-001HService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 28, 2024electrical system

This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

07-08-49-020RService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 21, 2023electrical system

This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.

22-NA-205Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 19, 2022electrical system

This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.

Showing the newest 6 of 54 bulletins about the electrical system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jun 15, 2026220,000 milesKY

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact discovered that while driving at various speeds, the key could be removed from the ignition while the engine was still running. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for service, and the vehicle was returned in less than 30 minutes. The contact was suspicious about the work that was performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that soon after the recall repair, the key remained stuck in accessory mode while attempting to turn off the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to remove the key from the ignition while the engine was running and used pliers to unhook the battery to turn off the vehicle. Additionally, while driving 20 MPH over a bump in the road, the key was knocked out of the ignition, causing the vehicle to abruptly shut off. The contact lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle veered off into the grass before coming to a complete stop. Despite the failure, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence and parked the vehicle. The contact alerted the dealer of the failure and that the recall was not properly serviced. The contact was given an estimate for a diagnostic test, and the contact refused to pay for the diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that a representative would give a follow-up call. The vehicle was not repai

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 22, 2024TX

Unknown

Electrical System
Filed Sep 15, 2023KS

Multiple times, the vehicle, while driving, electrically shuts down. security light comes on, sometimes, many attempts to restart will work. These shutdowns cause me to revet to manual bakes and steering.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Aug 14, 2023170,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the ignition switch was inoperable and had been replaced three times by the dealer; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with ignition switch failure. The contact was informed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 10, 2023PA

Car shuts off while driving.Will start up when fuel gauge gets power also windows ,radio,lightening work airbag light&service engine soon light on

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 8, 202158,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while stopped at a red light, the vehicle occasionally accelerated independently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 04V528000 (Vehicle speed control). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 10, 2021198,000 milesIN

EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF PASSCODE SYSTEM, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT. VEHICLE REPEATEDLY WILL NOT START DUE TO ACTIVATION OF PASSCODE SYSTEM. WARNING LIGHT WILL COME ON WHILE DRIVING, BUT GOES AWAY UPON RESTART. EXPERIENCING LOSS OF DASH CONTROLS WHILE DRIVING, BUT RETURN WITHIN A FEW MINUTES VEHICLE MILEAGE IS 205000

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 1, 202123,000 milesFL

CHEVY MALIBU 2003, 24000 MILES ON THE CAR. WHILE DRIVING ON ANY STREET OR HIGHWAY, THE CAR ACCELERATES ON IT OWN, REVS ANYWHERE FROM 3000 RPM TO 6000RPM, THEN NEED TO SHIFT CAR ON NEUTRAL, KICK THE ACCELERATOR TO UNSTICK AND PROCEED. HAD CAR AT GM DEALER AT 2 INTERVALS, 2 WEEKS AT A TIME. CANNOT REPRODUCE PROBLEM WHEN I RECIEVE CAR DRIVING OUT OF DEALER, TROUBLE IS VERY APPARENT. OPENED CASE FIE WITH GM BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE FOR MY SAFETY. DON' KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO....BTW, MY CAR IS STILL AT DEALER.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 11, 202152,481 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING 25 MPH AND APPROACHING A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THE CONTACT'S WIFE PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN AND EVENTUALLY STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,481.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 16, 2021241,000 milesWV

CAR WON'T START KEY SWITCH SETS OFF ANTI THEFT ALWAYS LEAVING US STRANDED

Air Bags
Filed Nov 15, 2020NY

MY DAUGHTER GOT A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR HER 2003 CHEVY MALIBU. SHE TOOK THE CAR TO MAGUIRE CHEVROLET 2073 ROUTE 96 IN TRUMANSBURG, NY 14886 (607)-387-6111 (THIS DEALER WAS PRINTED ON THE RECALL CARD) IN AUGUST TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRED. SOMEONE AT THAT DEALERSHIP TOLD HER THAT THERE IS NO SUCH RECALL. I FOUND IT FISHY AT THE TIME. WE HAVE RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE OTHER ONE. SO, I HAVE RESEARCHED IT ONLINE. THERE IS INDEED A RECALL, AND IT CAN BE SERIOUS. IT CLEARLY STATES THAT THERE COULD BE A POSSIBILITY OF THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING. WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO MY DAUGHTER OR MY GRANDSON, IN THE MEANTIME, BECAUSE MAGUIRE CHEVROLET WERE TOO LAZY TO MAKE THE REPAIRS? I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS IS ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR BY A DEALERSHIP? THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 8, 202089,000 milesGA

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON LOCAL STREETS CAR SELF ACCELERATED ONCE I REACHED AROUND 40MPH. WAS UNABLE TO STOP SAFELY AT LIGHTS TRYING TO GET THE CAR BACK HOME. WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THANKFUL WAS ONLY ABOUT 5 MILES FROM HOME AND TRAFFIC WASN'T HEAVY. PUTTING IN NEUTRAL DID NOT SEEM TO HELP. ONCE ARRIVING HOME HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK WHICH COULD HAVE RUINED THE ENGINE THE WAY I HAD TO DO IT TO KEEP FROM HITTING MY GARAGE. VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. HAVE NOT HAD FIXED YET, AS READ SO MUCH ON MESSAGE BOARDS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND ALL OVER THE BOARD. NO CLEAR FIX. HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE AS AFRAID TO. ONLY 89,000 MILES ON CAR.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Aug 12, 202095,000 milesMI

MY DAUGHTER WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT SHE WAS GOING 25 TO 30 MPH ON A SURFACE STREET AND REAR ENDED A CAR IN TRAFFIC THE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. SHE HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 7, 2020230,000 milesOH

CAR ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD

Power Train
Filed Nov 19, 201949,750 milesFL

FIRST TIME, WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO PARK AND COULDN'T TURN KEY TO OFF AND TAKE OUT OF IGNITION. SECOND TIME, SHIFT IS STUCK IN PARK AND WILL NOT BUDGE. JUST SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 11, 201942,178 milesMO

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR IN TOWN, I WENT TO SLOW DOWN MY 2003 MALIBU THE CAR KEPT SPEEDING UP, THE THROTTLE WOULD NOT DISENGAGE UNTIL I PHYSICALLY LIFTED UP ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE GAS PEDAL. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT OVER TO HAVE IT CHECKED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND THEY ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT ISSUES ONLY WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING. THEY PUT IT ON THEIR SERVICE COMPUTER AND I WAS TOLD THAT NO CODES CAME UP AND THE THE ONLY WAY THEY WERE ABLE TO GET THE AUTOMATIC ACCELERATION TO STOP WAS TO DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE. THE MECHANICS SHOP DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND IT HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN SINCE THAT WAS DISCONNECTED HOWEVER, THIS WAS A EXTREMELY SCARY SITUATION BECAUSE BRAKING DOESN'T HELP THE CAR STILL CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE & PEEL OUT, PUTTING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL DOESN'T HELP EITHER THE RPM JUST SHOOT UP & KEEPS GOING FORWARD.

Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Aug 27, 201975,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO ANTI-THEFT MODE AND FAILED TO START. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED HOSELTON AUTO MALL (909 FAIRPORT RD, EAST ROCHESTER, NY 14445, (585) 586-7373), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 13, 2019138,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V528000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 8, 201965,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN THE ENGINE WARMED UP AND THE RPMS REACHED THEIR MAXIMUM LEVEL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AUTOMATICALLY DROPPED TO THE FLOORBOARD. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-5413563462. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO PROVIDED A $100 VOUCHER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 17, 2019NJ

BATTERY KEEPS DYING DUE TO IGNITION SWITCH NOT TOTALLY OFF

Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Apr 12, 201945,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 21, 2019179,456 milesOH

WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE STREET MY MALIBU JUST SHUTS DOWN ..I BOUGHT A BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR AND SENSORS TO FIX MY CAR .PUT IN SHOP TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. I'M SACRED TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY IT MIGHT STOP AND CAUSE AN FATAL ACCIDENT . THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED..THANK YOU

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 25, 2019107,767 milesAZ

BEEN HAVING SAME ONGOING PROBLEM FOR JUST OVER 9 MONTHS. CAR STALLED OUT WHILE DRIVING AND WOULDN'T RESTART. CRANKED OVER THOUGH. HAD IT TOWED AND $700 LATER, A NEW FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FILTER. FEW DAYS LATER TRIED TO START, CRANKED OVER AND NOTHING BUT NOTICED THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WAS ON. BACK TO THE SHOP. THEY REPLACED A FUEL INJECTOR FUSE. RAN GREAT FOR A FEW MONTHS THEN STARTED HAPPENING AGAIN. RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND CAME ACROSS THE 10 MINUTE PROCESS: WHEN SHE DON'T START SHUT IT OFF TURN THE KEY TO ACCESSORY AND WAIT 10 MINUTES. 100% STARTS EVERY TIME. CALLED GM TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. NOTHING TO THAT DESCRIPTION SO THEY RECOMMENDED I TAKE IT TO A GM SERVICE CENTER. DID THAT. EXPLAINED WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THEY MADE ME A NEW KEY AND SAID TRY TO SEE IF THAT FIXED THE ISSUE, THAT THE REPAIR WOULD RUN AROUND 200-300. WORKED FINE FOR A FEW WEEKS. BACK TO THE 10 MINUTE DEAL. TOOK IT BACK AND NOW THEY TELL ME IT'S A PASSLOCK SENSOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT DOESN'T ACKNOWLEDGE THE KEY. FOR A COOL $800 THEY CAN FIX IT.....SEEMS TO ME WITH WHAT I'VE READ AND RESEARCHED, IT IS DEFINITELY A RECALL ISSUE

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Nov 8, 2018145,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH DOUG HENRY CHEVROLET TARBORO (809 WEST WILSON STREET, TARBORO, NC 27886, (252) 823-3145). THE DEALER DID NOT PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, BUT ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 8, 201885,000 milesFL

I WAS AT A RED LIGHT AND THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WANTED TO GO THEN WHEN I LET GO OF THE BREAK, THE CAR STARTED TO DRIVE ITSELF 45MPH. WHEN I TRY TO STOP I COULD NOT HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN NATURAL AND TWO FEET ON THE BREAK TO HOLD IT. WHEN I LET THE BREAK GO IT DID IT AGAIN AND THEN WHEN I FOUND A PLACE TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF IT REVED TO A HIGH RATE I THEN SHUT THE CAR OFF. NHTSA ID NUMBER 04V52000

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Jun 22, 201870,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO REV VERY HIGH. AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL REMAINED STUCK AND CAUSED THE ENGINE RPMS TO INCREASE AND REV VERY HIGH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V528000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 21, 201855,800 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS INDICATED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V528000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 8-4174247716. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,800.

Service Brakes
Filed May 14, 201895,000 milesNE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 25-30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP AFTER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT, THE CONTACT NOTICED EXCESSIVE BRAKE FLUID LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 26, 2018185,400 milesMO

TAMARA RECALL . IGNITION GETS STUCK IN THE ACC POSITION WHEN SHUTTING CAR OFF AFTER PLACING VEHICLE IN PARK. KEY CAN BE REMOVED IN ACC POSITION AND ALLOWS CAR TO BE STARTED WITHOUT THE KEY AND ALLOWS VEHICLE THE BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND INTO GEAR.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 22, 2018169,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN TO THE OFF POSITION. THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED IN ORDER TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 20, 201768,904 milesFL

ODI NUMBER 10593580 WAS FILED IN MAY 2014. THIS HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED AS THIS DATE 10/20/17. THE CAR WILL NOT SHUT OFF AND THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT AS STATED IN THE COMPLAINT OF MAY 2014. I KEEP SPENDING $$ ON THIS AND NO ACTION. SURLY ALL THESE CARS DO THE SAME THING.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 29, 2017132 milesAZ

TOOK CAR TO WALMART ONE NIGHT AND BEGINS TO OVERHEAT AFTER NAPA TOLD ME IT HAD NO LEAKS. CAR OVERHEATS I PULL ASIDE AND TURN IT OFF FOR A BIT I NOTICED THE CAR WOULD CRANK BUT HESITATE TO START. ONCE GOT IT TO START IT WOULD ACCELERATE BUT AT LOW RPMS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND I NOTICED CAR SHAKING AND WEIRD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. ONCE STARTED CAR SQUEAKED AND MAD TERRIBLE NOISE. CAR DID NOT TURN BACK ON AND DID NOT MAKE IT HOME. CRANKS AND RARE WHEN STARTS, CHARGED BATTERY BUT DRAINS, DOESN'T MAINTAIN CHARGE. WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF EXHAUST AND WHEN CAR WOULD STALL IT WOULD TURN OFF, NOW THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT IS ON. NOW CAR WONT EVEN CRANK OR TURN ON. ONCE I GOT IT TO TURN ON WITH TROUBLE IT WOULD TURN OFF ONCE PUT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE. TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING IT ONE NIGHT AND BRAKES DID NOT WORK. ALMOST CRASHED INTO HOME, MY CAR WAS IN MOTION AND WOULD TURN OFF AMD STEERING WHEEL GOT HARD AND BRAKES DIDN'T WORK, SCARED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ENGINE MAKES WIERD BOGGING SOUND AMD SQUEAKING SOUND, SMELL OF GAS. EXHAUST HAS WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF IT. HAS TROUBLE IDLING AT TIMES AND LOW RPMS.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 24, 201737,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE KEY HAD TO BE RELEASED FROM THE IGNITION WITH FORCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal
Filed Jul 27, 2017136,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 14, 2017150,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT FUNCTION AFTER THE KEY WAS SHIFTED INTO THE ON POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN CHEVROLET DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 23, 201796,517 milesFL

PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED COMPLAINT ON 5-23-2017 NHTSA #10991171. TOOK CAR IN FOR RECALL REPAIR ON MAY 11, 2017. RANDOM SHUT DOWN ON THE ROAD CONTINUED. TOOK CAR BACK IN FOR "DIAGNOSTIC" ON JUNE 15, 2017. DAVID MAUS CHEVY HAD CAR FOR OVER 4 HOURS AND COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. I RECEIVED NEW KEYS ON THE OFF-CHANCE THAT THE 14-YEAR-OLD ORIGINAL KEYS COULD BE THE ISSUE. TODAY, 6-23-2017, THE CAR AGAIN TURNED OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. PHOTO ATTACHED - CLEARLY THE KEY IS STILL IN THE "ON" POSITION. WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP ON JUNE 15TH, ANOTHER MAN WITH THE SAME MODEL CAR WAS THERE FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. HIS NAME IS [XXX], ALSO FROM DELTONA, AND I ENCOURAGED HIM TO FILE AN INCIDENT REPORT WITH NHTSA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 31, 2017PA

YESTERDAY I WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD WITH A FEW TURNS IN A RURAL COMMUNITY. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT STARTS FLASHING, MY SPEED DROPS BY FORCE, MY STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENS, AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. THANKFULLY THE DRIVER BEHIND ME WAS NOT UP TO SPEED AS HE HAD JUST TURNED ONTO THE STREET AFTER ME. OTHERWISE, HE WOULD HAVE SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF MY CAR. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND STARTED MY ROUTINE OF TRYING TO GET THE IGNITION TO TURN OVER. THIS PROCESS CALLS FOR ME TO PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNTION, TURN IT TO THE RIGHT, AND WAIT FOR THE BOARD TO LIGHT UP. ONCE IT IS LIT, THE CAR USUALLY STARTS AGAIN. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN WHEN THE THEFT LIGHT STARTS TO BLINK. IN THE PAST I HAVE HAD TROUBLE GETTING THE CAR TO START WHEN THE LIGHT COMES ON. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL IGNITION SWITCHES REPLACED AT THE SUGGESTION OF THEIR CHEVY TECHNICIANS BUT EACH SPRING/SUMMER I CONTINUE TO HAVE THIS COSTLY PROBLEM. THE MANAGERS AND TECHNICIANS SEEM TO THINK THAT THIS IS NOT A BIG ISSUE AND THAT I WILL NEED TO CONTINUE TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCHES BECAUSE THE CAR THINKS THAT I AM STEALING MY OWN CAR. THE ONLY WAY FOR ME TO GET THE CAR TO START UP AGAIN IS TO PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND TURN IT TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT ACTUALLY STARTING THE CAR. AFTER 5-10 MINUTES THE ELECTRICAL BOARD LIGHTS UP AND THEN I AM ABLE TO START THE CAR. WHILE THIS CAR IS A 2003 MODEL, I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW BUT GM REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE ONLY THI

Electrical System
Filed May 23, 201794,652 milesFL

VIN: [XXX] I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE INVOLVING "POSSIBLE UNINTENDED KEY ROTATION" AND ON MAY 11, 2017 I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CHEVY DEALER IN SANFORD, FL. BOTH OF THE KEYS WERE FITTED WITH A "PLUG" AND TWO RINGS WERE ADDED,. ON MY WAY HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP, ON I-4 AT ALMOST 70 MPH, I HAD TO BRAKE WHEN DEBRIS BEGAN FLYING UP AHEAD. THE BATTERY AND OIL LIGHTS CAME ON AND I FELT THE CAR LOSE POWER AND THE STEERING BEGAN TO LOCK. THE OTHER CARS BRAKED & I COASTED TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND STARTED IT UP AGAIN. APPROXIMATELY 4 MILES LATER, AS I EXITED THE RAMP IN DELTONA, THE CAR DID EXACTLY THE SAME THING. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP FROM THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ASKED WHY THE CAR HAD NEVER DONE THIS UNTIL THE RECALL FOR THE KEY ISSUE HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND I WAS TOLD TO COME BACK AND THEY WOULD DO A DIAGNOSTIC. I DROVE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC & BASED ON THE SYMPTOMS DETERMINED IT WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THEY ALSO PURGED THE SOLENOID, COSTING $366. TODAY, MAY 23, 2017, I WAS TRAVELING ON I-4 AT ABOUT 65MPH WHEN IT BECAME NECESSARY TO BRAKE. THE STRETCH OF ROAD IS ROUGH, AND WHILE BRAKING I SAW THE TWO LIGHTS COME ON AND FELT THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. I WAS IN THE PASSING LANE WITH EASY ACCESS TO THE EMERGENCY LANE, AND ONCE AGAIN THE CAR STARTED UP AND I CONTINUED ON MY WAY AND BACK HOME. I DROVE IN THE RIGHT LANE THE REMAINDER OF THE TRIP DOWN AND BACK SO I COULD BAIL OUT IF NEEDED. ON THE DAY OF THE ORIGINAL REPAIR, AFTER THE CAR SHUT DOWN TWICE ON THE WAY HOME

Electrical System
Filed Apr 27, 201727,000 milesFL

MALIBU ANTI-THEFT? DEVICE KEEPS STALLING MY CAR AND SHUTTING IT OFF WHILE IT IS IN MOTION. I AM GOING TO THE NEWS ON THIS AS THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE THAT IS AFFECTING MILLIONS OF CUSTOMERS AND IS VERY DANGEROUS.

Engine
Filed Mar 21, 201788,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITH NO WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000. UPDATED 05/31/17*LJ *AS

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Mar 21, 2017143,000 milesMI

THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT STAYS ON AND AFFECTED DRIVING MY VEHICLE. I WOULD GO TO LEAVE FOR WORK OR GO TO THE STORE OR GET GAS, ETC AND WHEN I WOULD GO TO START MY CAR WITH THE NEW REPAIRED KEY BY MAKING THE HOLE SMALLER IN THE PLASTIC TOP OF THE KEY THAT WAS DONE WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE IGNITION SYSTEM RECALL THE THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK WHO SHOWED ME HOW TO "RESET" THE THEFT SYSTEM. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES AND I HAD TO TAKE MY CAR IN AND HAVE THE IGNITION REPLACED WHICH COSTS ME APPROX $200!!! OBVIOUSLY THE IGNITION RECALL DID NOT FIX MY CAR PROPERLY. I WANT REIMBURSEMENT FOR HAVING TO REPLACE THE IGNITION

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 2, 2017100,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED NUMEROUS TIMES. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SUDDENLY STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE SPEED INCREASED TO 65 MPH. THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO LOCATED A FAILURE CODE AT THE THROTTLE BODY. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V528000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 30, 2016TX

WENT TO DEALER WHO MENTIONED THE ONLY REMEDY FOR MY CAR IS A SMALL PIECE ON THE CAR KEY (NOTHING DONE TO THE CAR) AND SINCE I HAD A COPIED KEY, THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO HELP UNLESS I HAD A GM KEY AVAILABLE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 29, 2016WA

THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT, LEAVES ME STRANDED, CAR WON'T START UNLESS OPEN DOOR WITH KEY IN IGNITION FOR EXACTLY 10 MINUTES THEN CAR WILL START. I AM A WOMAN THAT IS LEFT STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK, AT NIGHT AND ONLY WAY CAR WILL START IS TO HAVE DRIVERS DOOR WIDE OPEN WITH KEY IN IGNITION AND OTHER DOORS WILL NOT LOCK, LEAVES ME IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. BEGAN A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, APPROX. 50,000 MILES, JUST GETTING WORSE AND MORE FREQUENT.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 29, 201670,000 milesWA

BOTH HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY WON'T WORK, BULBS FINE, CHECKED RELAYS TOO, FUSES FINE.

Engine
Filed Oct 6, 2016110,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMSHAFT FAILED AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 6, 201644,500 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AND REQUIRED THE CONTACT TO EXERT EXTRA BRAKE FORCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE ENGAGEMENT OF THE ABS. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V528000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,500.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 1, 201675,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER THE KEY WAS ENTERED INTO THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO OPERATE. IN ADDITION, THE ANTI THEFT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASS LOCK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED AND THE IGNITION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 19, 201659,476 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE THEFT SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,476.

Air Bags
Filed May 5, 201665,000 milesNY

AIRBAG RED WARNING LIGHT IS FLASHING ON DASHBOARD WHEN TURNING THE IGNITION. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. I AM AFRAID THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY AT ANY TIME EVEN IF THERE IS NO CAR CRASH. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 2 TIMES. ONCE WHEN THE CAR WAS SLUGGISH AND I HAD TO TURN IT OFF AT ATOP LIGHT BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 40 MILES AND HOUR. THE OTHER TIME IT HAPPENED JUST WHEN I WAS STARTING THE CAR. I

Complaints 1-50 of 569, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202512100Routine
202444200Routine
202372210Routine
202299100Routine
202190210Routine
2020200101Fatalities reported
2019193110Routine
2018700640Above average
2017705440Above average
2016841921Fatalities reported
2015270391Fatalities reported
2014351681Fatalities reported
201383710100Above average
20129073130High concern
20119784170Above average
20101,3634140Above average
20091,511693Fatalities reported
2008989552Fatalities reported
2007977620Above average
20061,118960Above average
20059756343Fatalities reported
20041,148970Above average
2003 — this page569341Fatalities reported
2002567410Above average
2001721412Fatalities reported
2000922563Fatalities reported
1999789320Above average
1998976553Fatalities reported
1997443602Fatalities reported

Compare every Malibu year →

2003 Chevrolet Malibu: questions buyers ask

Is the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

It is not among the Malibu years to avoid. Owners filed 569 complaints, against about 755 for a typical Malibu year. The most common complaint is about the electrical system (46%).

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu?

The electrical system: 263 of the 569 complaints (46%) are about it. Owners most often say it will not start (26%), sets off warning lights on the dash (17%) and stalls (13%). The typical report comes at 82,611 miles.

How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu have?

3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jul 3, 2014. The largest, 14V400000, covered 5,877,718 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Malibu problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 70,167 miles. For the electrical system the midpoint is 82,611 miles.

Are there service bulletins for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu?

The manufacturer filed 409 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (70), the electrical system (54) and the transmission (21). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 3, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.