MYRModel Year Report

2003 Chevrolet Malibu

● Typical for this model
2003 Chevrolet Malibu
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Malibu Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1980: 5 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 1 complaints 1986: 1 complaints 1989: 3 complaints 1989 1997: 443 complaints 1998: 976 complaints 1999: 789 complaints 2000: 922 complaints 2001: 721 complaints 2001 2002: 567 complaints 2003: 569 complaints 2003 2004: 1147 complaints 2005: 975 complaints 2006: 1115 complaints 2006 2007: 977 complaints 2008: 987 complaints 2009: 1509 complaints 2010: 1359 complaints 2011: 977 complaints 2011 2012: 905 complaints 2013: 835 complaints 2014: 350 complaints 2015: 270 complaints 2016: 835 complaints 2016 2017: 701 complaints 2018: 694 complaints 2019: 188 complaints 2020: 195 complaints 2021: 86 complaints 2021 2022: 92 complaints 2023: 64 complaints 2024: 39 complaints 2025: 10 complaints 2025
2003: 569 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19805
19813
19822
19831
19861
19893
1997443
1998976
1999789
2000922
2001721
2002567
2003569
20041147
2005975
20061115
2007977
2008987
20091509
20101359
2011977
2012905
2013835
2014350
2015270
2016835
2017701
2018694
2019188
2020195
202186
202292
202364
202439
202510

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 53%

53% of complaints: electrical system — 301 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control module and switch.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230915

Also filed under ENGINE and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180326

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180222

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 15%

15% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 86 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
SERVICE BRAKES 14%

14% of complaints: service brakes — 82 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE 8%

8% of complaints: engine — 47 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20041220 — vehicle speed control

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 M

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 CH

Campaign 04V528000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20070427 — fuel system, other

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 UNI

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.

Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140908 — electrical system

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.

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.

Campaign 14V400000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (301 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (86 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (82 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V528000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V400000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2021

WORST YEARS

■ 2009 ◆ 2010 ◆ 2004

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.