2003 Chevrolet Malibu
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.
- Complaints
- 569
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
53% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 569 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 5 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1997 | 443 |
| 1998 | 976 |
| 1999 | 789 |
| 2000 | 922 |
| 2001 | 721 |
| 2002 | 567 |
| 2003 | 569 |
| 2004 | 1,147 |
| 2005 | 975 |
| 2006 | 1,116 |
| 2007 | 977 |
| 2008 | 987 |
| 2009 | 1,509 |
| 2010 | 1,360 |
| 2011 | 978 |
| 2012 | 907 |
| 2013 | 836 |
| 2014 | 351 |
| 2015 | 270 |
| 2016 | 836 |
| 2017 | 703 |
| 2018 | 697 |
| 2019 | 190 |
| 2020 | 196 |
| 2021 | 88 |
| 2022 | 97 |
| 2023 | 66 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 10 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
53% · 301 reportsMost commonly citing control module and switch.
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, 2023-09-15
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, 2018-03-26
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, 2018-02-22
Vehicle speed control
15% · 86 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
Service brakes
14% · 82 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Engine
8% · 47 reportsEngine and engine cooling
8% · 44 reportsMost commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2004-12-20Vehicle speed control04V528000 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…
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…
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R
2007-04-27Fuel system, other07E021000 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…
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.
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2014-09-08Electrical system14V400000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 301 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 86 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 82 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V528000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 07E021000 · Fuel system, other
- Recall 14V400000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.