2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 69%of 16 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 139,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, 69% of the 16 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 139,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The drivers side brake light doesn't work.I have tried changing the bulb several times, but it will not work.a few yrs back I saw a recall on this but I didn't take advantage of it and now I cannot find it anymore I would like info on what I should do now as I got a warning ticket !! Thanks”
NHTSA complaint #11012732, filed 2017-08, 143,000 miles“First time incident occurred was 6/18/15, twice on 6/23/2015 and once on 6/24/15. Theft system caused car not to start; performed trouble shooting method according to owner's manual (leaving key in ignition on position wait 10 minutes for the theft system to stop blinking, turn key in ignition to off then restart) which doesn't indicate further action to take if problem persists. …”
NHTSA complaint #10730257, filed 2015-06, 147,777 miles“While driving on the freeway, my car just shut off. I managed to put in neutral and restart the car after a long attempt to do so. I ended up repeating the process again within a few minutes, but since we were so far from an exit we continued to drive slowly in the right lane until we reached an exit while leaving our hazard lights on. The car has now continued to seemingly randomly repeat the process at odd times with significant intervals between each episode. I have also had a tremendous amount of trouble with the vehicles anti theft system prohibiting the car from starting. …”
NHTSA complaint #10614842, filed 2014-07“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10864200, filed 2016-05, 144,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The contact stated that the ignition switch key would turn after numerous attempts. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000. Updated 11/20/14 the consumer was unable to remove the key from the ignition. Updated 01/08/15”
NHTSA complaint #10640768, filed 2014-10, 118,000 milesRelated service bulletins
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 11 | 52% |
| 2007 | 1 | 7% |
| 2005 | 41 | 45% |
| 2004 | 59 | 51% |
| 2003 | 11 | 69% |
| 2002 | 11 | 69% |
| 2001 | 12 | 92% |
| 2000 | 9 | 82% |
| 1998 | 4 | 80% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology