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2003 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 310.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

429 reports with mileage · 140 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 289 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

35 crash reports4 fire reports17 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

289 reports
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77,000 miles · Jul 17, 2011
Electrical SystemEquipment

I HAD TROUBLE WITH THE CAR STARTING/STOPPING IN TRAFFIC. REPLACED THE KEY SWITCH WHICH SOLVED THE PROBLEM. ALSO HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE HEATING/AIR-CONDITIONING FAN SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM WILL LOSE THE ABILITY TO RUN EXCEPT ON SETTING 4 OR 5. ALSO THE SWITCH THAT PUTS THE SYSTEM ON RECYCLED AIR HAS STOPPED WORKING. THIS IS THE S…

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I HAD TROUBLE WITH THE CAR STARTING/STOPPING IN TRAFFIC. REPLACED THE KEY SWITCH WHICH SOLVED THE PROBLEM. ALSO HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE HEATING/AIR-CONDITIONING FAN SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM WILL LOSE THE ABILITY TO RUN EXCEPT ON SETTING 4 OR 5. ALSO THE SWITCH THAT PUTS THE SYSTEM ON RECYCLED AIR HAS STOPPED WORKING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN 5 YEARS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10413229

55,000 miles · Jul 15, 2011
Electrical System

PASSLOCK SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. OCCASIONALLY THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON AND OCCASIONALLY THE FUEL SYSTEM GETS SHUT OFF SO THAT THE VEHICLE DOESN'T START. I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH ALL GM MODELS THAT HAVE THIS PASSLOCK SYSTEM.

NHTSA ODI #10413049

157,000 miles · Jul 7, 2011
Electrical System

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CUT OFF; IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO RESET THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000…

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TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CUT OFF; IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO RESET THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000. NW

NHTSA ODI #10410845

90,000 miles · May 19, 2011
Electrical System

MY 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENS TWO OR THREE TIMES EACH DAY. INITIALLY I ONLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE NOT STARTING AND HAVING TO WAIT 10 MINUTES BEFORE STARTING. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WENT TO A REPAIR SHOP ND THEY SAID IT WAS MY IGNITION. THIS IS A SCARY AND DANGEROUS SITUAT…

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MY 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENS TWO OR THREE TIMES EACH DAY. INITIALLY I ONLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE NOT STARTING AND HAVING TO WAIT 10 MINUTES BEFORE STARTING. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WENT TO A REPAIR SHOP ND THEY SAID IT WAS MY IGNITION. THIS IS A SCARY AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10402011

Mileage unknown · May 6, 2011
Electrical System

I OWN A 2003 CHEVY MALIBU WITH THE PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. OVER THE PAST 2 1/2 YEARS I HAVE BEEN STRANDED 6 TIMES AND HAVE PAID HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS DUE TO MY CAR FAILING TO START AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT. THE SCARIEST INCIDENT OF ALL HAPPENED AS I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILDREN AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING AS IT STARTED TO STALL OUT…

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I OWN A 2003 CHEVY MALIBU WITH THE PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. OVER THE PAST 2 1/2 YEARS I HAVE BEEN STRANDED 6 TIMES AND HAVE PAID HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS DUE TO MY CAR FAILING TO START AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT. THE SCARIEST INCIDENT OF ALL HAPPENED AS I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILDREN AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING AS IT STARTED TO STALL OUT. AS OF NOW, MAY 6, 2011, IT IS AGAIN SITTING AT THE SHOP UNABLE TO START. THE TURN THE KEY TO ON, WAIT 10 MINUTES TRICK, DOESN'T EVEN WORK ANY LONGER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10399395

68,000 miles · May 5, 2011
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WOULD ENGAGE SPORADICALLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN INDEPENDENTLY WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. IN ADDITION, THE DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WOULD ENGAGE SPORADICALLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN INDEPENDENTLY WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. IN ADDITION, THE DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT ON HOW TO RESET THE ALARM WHEN THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

NHTSA ODI #10399219

40,000 miles · Apr 9, 2011
Electrical System

I HAVE BEEN HAVING REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH MY CARS THEFT SYSTEM DEFAULTING AND NOT ALLOWING MY CAR TO START RANDOMLY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REOCCURRING FOR ABOUT THE PAST 4-5 YEARS.THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE, IT JUST HAPPEND. IT OCCURS ALMOST DAILY AND IS A HUGE INCONVENIENCE. I HAVE TAKE…

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I HAVE BEEN HAVING REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH MY CARS THEFT SYSTEM DEFAULTING AND NOT ALLOWING MY CAR TO START RANDOMLY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REOCCURRING FOR ABOUT THE PAST 4-5 YEARS.THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE, IT JUST HAPPEND. IT OCCURS ALMOST DAILY AND IS A HUGE INCONVENIENCE. I HAVE TAKEN THE VECHILE TO SEVERAL GM DEALERSHIPS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD ITS THE PASSLOCK, BCM, CAR NOT READING THE KEY, AND SEVERAL OTHER ISSUES. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLM AS WELL BUT WANTED TO CHARGE ME OVER 900 DOLLARS FOR FIX SOMETHING THEY THINK IT COULD BE AS WELL. I CAN PLACE THE KEY IN THE ON SETTING IN THE IGNITION FOR ANYWHERE FROM 15-30 MINUTES PLUS SOMETIMES AND THIS EVENTUALLY WORKS, BUT IT A HUGE INCONVENIENCE. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THIS SAME ISSUE AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10395330

68,142 miles · Mar 8, 2011
Electrical System

GM CHEVY MALIBU PASSLOCK SYSTEM. ORIGINALLY I HAD A 1998 MALIBU AND THOUGHT THAT IT WAS UNREPAIRABLE SO I SOLD IT FOR SCRAPS AND BOUGHT A 2003 MALIBU AND ABOUT EVERY MONTH (2 TIMES PER MONTH FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS) I GO TO WORK OR STORE JUST FINE AND WHEN I COME OUT IT DOESN'T START. I'VE BEEN TAKEN THROUGH SEVERAL DIFFERENT SCE…

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GM CHEVY MALIBU PASSLOCK SYSTEM. ORIGINALLY I HAD A 1998 MALIBU AND THOUGHT THAT IT WAS UNREPAIRABLE SO I SOLD IT FOR SCRAPS AND BOUGHT A 2003 MALIBU AND ABOUT EVERY MONTH (2 TIMES PER MONTH FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS) I GO TO WORK OR STORE JUST FINE AND WHEN I COME OUT IT DOESN'T START. I'VE BEEN TAKEN THROUGH SEVERAL DIFFERENT SCENARIOS BY THE MECHANIC AT THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE 2003 MALIBU FROM, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL ISSUES WITH IT AND THEY HAVE FIXED IT COSTING ME ABOUT $500 EVERY TIME IT OCCURS. IT WASN'T UNTIL IT HAPPENED LAST MONTH WHILE LEAVING WORK AND A CO-WORKER CALLED A MECHANIC FRIEND OF HERS WHO INFORMED ME OF THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM FAILURE AND TOLD ME TO WAIT 10 MINUTES THEN START IT UP. SINCE THEN IT'S HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES, ONCE WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING (LUCKILY I WAS WITH HER TO KNOW HOW TO HANDLE IT). I'VE CALLED THE GM TO NO AVAIL; THEY SEEM TO KNOW NOTHING OF THIS ISSUE AND THEIR MECHANICS DON'T ACKNOWLEDGE IT BEING A PROBLEM EITHER SO BECAUSE THEY'VE "REPLACED" OR "FIXED" SEVERAL ISSUES (NOT THE ISSUE PLAGUING THE VEHICLE) WHICH THEY PROBABLY MADE UP; I'M OUT OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS! THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT HAS APPARENTLY BEEN GOING ON WITH THIS MODEL FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND THEY (GM) REFUSES TO RECALL THE ISSUE OR MAKE ANY EFFORT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THANK GOD I PUT AWAY MONEY FOR RAINY DAYS BUT I AM LIVID THINKING ABOUT HOW MUCH I WOULD HAVE SAVED IF IT WEREN'T FOR GM OR CHEVY! THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO RECALL THIS PIECE OF EQUIPMENT IMMEDIATELY; BEFORE GM SWINDLES ANYMORE UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS OUT OF THEIR MONEY! FYI CHECK THIS WEBSITE HTTP://WWW.CAR-FORUMS.COM/TALK/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?S=AF8AE0D52C5E7E7E95D95A891B99FBCF&T=1545&PAGE=2 OR JUST GOOGLE (OR WHAT EVER SEARCH ENGINE YOU USE) "ISSUES WITH CHEVY MALIBU" AND SEE WHAT COMES UP! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10386936

95,000 miles · Feb 28, 2011
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT HAD TO HOLD THE KEY IN PLACE FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT HAD TO HOLD THE KEY IN PLACE FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

NHTSA ODI #10384758

82,315 miles · Jan 28, 2011
Electrical System

I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY MALIBU WITH A PASSLOCK SYSTEM. THE "THEFT SYSTEM" LIGHT COMES ON EVEN WHILE I'M DRIVING! OR THE CAR SIMPLY WON'T START, EVEN THOUGH IT'S IN MY OWN DRIVEWAY AND NO ONE HAS MESSED WITH IT. THE ONLY 'SOLUTION' IS TO WAIT 10 MINUTES (SOMETIMES LONGER) UNTIL THE CAR WILL START AGAIN. THIS IS RIDICULOUS! I'VE …

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I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY MALIBU WITH A PASSLOCK SYSTEM. THE "THEFT SYSTEM" LIGHT COMES ON EVEN WHILE I'M DRIVING! OR THE CAR SIMPLY WON'T START, EVEN THOUGH IT'S IN MY OWN DRIVEWAY AND NO ONE HAS MESSED WITH IT. THE ONLY 'SOLUTION' IS TO WAIT 10 MINUTES (SOMETIMES LONGER) UNTIL THE CAR WILL START AGAIN. THIS IS RIDICULOUS! I'VE CHECKED ONLINE AND THERE'S COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM EVERYWHERE. WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN RECALLED YET? I'M A SINGLE MOTHER AND I CAN'T AFFORD -- LITERALLY OR FIGURATIVELY -- TO PAY FOR UNNECESSARY CAR REPAIRS....ESPECIALLY WHEN THE PASSLOCK IS A *KNOWN* PROBLEM AND CHEVY REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I ALSO CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER CAR AND NOW I'M WORRIED EVERY TIME I SHUT OFF THE CAR, WILL IT LET ME START IT BACK UP AGAIN? HELP! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10379502

Official recalls

2

14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jul 3, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

04V528000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Nov 1, 2004

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.