2003 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
- Complaints
- 569filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 70,084miles, 428 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.1L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems, above all an anti-theft (Passlock) system that engages without warning and leaves the car unable to start, or occasionally cuts the engine while driving. A second recurring theme is the accelerator pedal or throttle sticking so that the car keeps moving after the driver lifts off, along with premature brake wear and warped rotors reported at low mileage. Many complaints come in between roughly 40,000 and 130,000 miles.
- Electrical system
Anti-theft (Passlock) system blocks starting
- 146 complaints (26%)
- median 76,869 mi at 7.8 yrs old (120 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $650 (median of 27 quotes)
- filed 2004–2021
The theft-deterrent light comes on and the car will not crank, sometimes at random in parking lots or the owner's own driveway; some owners wait about ten minutes and the system resets. Several complaints describe the engine shutting off while driving and the theft light illuminating. Owners report the dealer or a mechanic resets or reprograms the system, and some are told the ignition switch or body control module needs replacing, often at a few hundred dollars or more. Reported from about 40,000 to 185,000 miles, with many complaints in the 50,000 to 90,000 mile range.
What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch or Passlock sensor has been replaced or reprogrammed, and try several cold starts; a theft light that stays on or a car that needs a long key-on pause to start is a sign of this problem.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I went to the doctor today. My car was fine. On returning to my car, it would not start. I called aaa. They showed me the passlock anti-theft system was engaged -- with no identifiable cause. The gentleman who helped me, told me he has seen this often. I am using the original key, and I am sure the car was not tampered with. Reading online, I get a sense that this will probably start happening more. Although this is the first failure, I read that the car can switch off while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10233086, filed 2008-07, 82,000 miles“I have a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu and the theft deterrent system keeps activating for no reason. The vehicle use to have a problem starting and now has started dying on me in the middle of driving. This is very dangerous and nearly caused an accident. There are many people having this same problem but Chevrolet refuses to do a recall. It is going to cause someone to crash. It costs anywhere from $700.00 - $1,300.00 to do the repairs and most people can't afford it. Chevrolet is aware of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10228900, filed 2008-05, 55,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Accelerator pedal sticks or engine holds speed
- 107 complaints (19%)
- median 66,267 mi at 9.9 yrs old (80 state mileage)
- 13 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $900 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2003–2026
Owners describe lifting off the gas and the car continuing at speed, high idle or revving on its own, and needing to lift the pedal from underneath, shift to neutral or shut the engine off to regain control. Complaints mention the dealer replacing the accelerator cable or the pedal assembly, and in one case disconnecting the cruise control module stopped the behavior; several owners say the dealer could not reproduce the fault. Reported from roughly 23,000 to 156,000 miles, several complaints note hot weather or coming to a stop.
Recall 04V5280001 related service bulletin
What to check: Recall 04V528000 covers a sticking accelerator pedal in hot conditions, so confirm whether it was performed; also test that the pedal returns freely from partial throttle when the engine is warm.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Accelerator will stick and would not return to idle position when I took my foot off the accelerator pedal continuing to speed at 50 MPH. Dealer replaced the throttle cable told me it was damaged somehow. On 6/25/09 accelerator began sticking again. Dealer replaced the accelerator and brake pedal assembly which they had failed to do the first repair. All repairs done at my expense at a total cost of $283.82 not including rental car cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10448081, filed 2012-02, 40,719 miles“Driving car at about 30mph, took my foot off the accelerator pedal and the car continued to accelerate. Brought to Chevrolet service,, and they replaced accelerator cable. I researched the issue, and there was a campaign id 04v528000. To replace sensing and diagnostic module. Service manager said that was done 1-10-05 on this car. If this is not that issue, then this is a new safety issue with a different part failing that could result in a vehicle crash.”
NHTSA complaint #10760355, filed 2015-08, 61,450 miles - Brakes
Premature brake wear, warped rotors and vibration
- 79 complaints (14%)
- median 38,859 mi at 3.8 yrs old (60 state mileage)
- 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $487 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2003–2021
Owners describe grinding and metal-on-metal noise on braking, a pulsating pedal or shaking front end, and repeated pad and rotor replacement at low mileage. Some complaints describe calipers that hang up and do not release, and a few mention brake lines rupturing so the pedal goes to the floor. Dealers are reported to have replaced rotors and pads, sometimes more than once. Frequently under 60,000 miles, several complaints within the first 12,000 miles.
What to check: Inspect rotor surfaces and pad thickness, check for a pulsating pedal during a test drive, and ask about brake line condition and any recent caliper work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When driving on the expressway, when ever I brake the front end shook really hard, took the car in, rotors where warped, so the dealership replaced them. Back on the road the car shook even hard in the front end took to dealership and they fixed the problem and replaced the pads and now I have really loud sound when I stop and when I am on the express way there is a vibration when I go over 70mph. …”
NHTSA complaint #10079203, filed 2004-07, 11,434 miles“On 5/24/05 I purchased a 2003 chevy Malibu from suburban chevy. From the moment I test drove it there were issues with brake noise from the car's front tires. I also noticed that the pedal was very soft when the brakes were applied. On my first visit I was informed by the technician that it was brake rust from sitting in the lot and that it would burn off in a couple of days. A week later, I returned with the same noise and a pulsating steering wheel when the brakes were applied. …”
NHTSA complaint #10126420, filed 2005-06, 34,000 miles - Engine
Engine stalls or will not restart (fuel pump suspected)
- 163 complaints (29%)
- median 78,000 mi at 9.6 yrs old (131 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 25 quotes)
- filed 2004–2026
Complaints describe the engine quitting at speed or at a stop, sometimes repeatedly in a day, and then failing to restart until it is towed or sits for a while. Owners and mechanics have replaced the fuel pump, fuel modulator and ignition-related parts; in several cases the dealer could not duplicate the stall. Some owners link the shutdown to the ignition switch cutting power to the fuel pump. Mostly between 47,000 and 130,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for fuel pump and ignition switch service history, and note whether the car has ever stalled or needed a tow for a no-start; a service bulletin describes a fuel injection cleaner for rough idle and extended crank symptoms.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“As I was turning on a street the car shut off and would not crank back up. When it shut off it locked up and I was unable to turn the wheel. I was going about 30mph the next time it happened I was going over a bridge and the car shut off. It would not crank back up immediately and I had to engage the emergency brake so that the car did not drift backward. The next time that it happened I was on a main highway and the car shut off it would not crank back up immediately. …”
NHTSA complaint #10630784, filed 2014-09, 100,000 miles“2003 Malibu owners manual states that the ignition switch may shift the car off for no reason. It shuts the car down by shutting off the fuel pump.this resulted in the fuel pump breaking on my car. Since Chevrolet knew about the faulty ignition switch, this is why they put the info in their owners manual. Chevrolet must take responsibility for costs incurred by owners who must repair fuel pumps and ignition switches.”
NHTSA complaint #10621319, filed 2014-08, 90,000 miles - Electrical system
Ignition switch problems (key stuck, car will not shut off)
- 107 complaints (19%)
- median 81,000 mi at 11.2 yrs old (88 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $515 (median of 15 quotes)
- filed 2006–2026
Owners report the key becoming hard to remove, the key coming out while the engine is still running, or the ignition not turning to the off position so the battery must be disconnected. Some had the ignition switch replaced, sometimes more than once, and one complaint notes the key stayed stuck in accessory after a recall repair. Complaints also mention lights and radio staying on and draining the battery. Reported from about 63,000 to 220,000 miles.
What to check: Confirm whether recall 14V400000 was completed and bring only the ignition key on the ring; check that the key turns freely to off and releases, and that accessories shut off with the key out.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10413229, filed 2011-07, 77,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11744126, filed 2026-06, 220,000 miles
Buying note. Check that both the ignition switch recall and the accelerator pedal recall were performed, and budget for ignition or anti-theft repairs, since those account for most of the complaints here. A pre-purchase inspection covering brakes, fuel pump history and cold starting is worthwhile on a car of this age.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 569 consumer complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. 428 of the complaints include a mileage, and 30% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 70,084 miles. Of all complaints, 35 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 23 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 353 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system289 51%
- Vehicle speed control85 15%
- Brakes63 11%
- Engine47 8.3%
- Fuel system42 7.4%
- Engine cooling41 7.2%
- Exterior lighting28 4.9%
- Air bags27 4.8%
- Suspension23 4.0%
- Steering21 3.7%
Also reported: Other or unknown (16), Transmission and drivetrain (13), Body and structure (9), Equipment (7), Latches, locks and linkages (4), Tires (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Electronic stability control (3), Seat belts (3), Wheels (3), Seats (2).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “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”
NHTSA complaint #11190598, filed 2019-03, 179,456 milesVehicle speed control: “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”
NHTSA complaint #11128225, filed 2018-09, 85,000 milesBrakes: “I tell dealer check engine light on he says not to be concerned there is white smoke coming from tailpipe ignition can take up to 5 min to get on code says car needs EGR valve car needed brakes and rotors all the way around and tyrod dealer will not respond to calls car was recalled for ignition switch never repaired I need to know if I can take it in to chevy dealer ony had 1 month vehicle is not safe and I am 76 there is a waranty on engine and transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10664000, filed 2014-12, 264,000 milesEngine: “My Malibu will start on its own and run without the key. I have found it running several times or attempting to start when the doors are locked and the keys are no where near the vehicle. This is happening when the vehicle is parked. And the horn goes off randomly and now is burned out.”
NHTSA complaint #10823965, filed 2016-02, 130,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
30% of the 428 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 44,900 and 104,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2003 Chevrolet Malibu version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu FWD | 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V400000Jul 3, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand AM 1999–2005, Oldsmobile Alero 1999–2004 +5 more
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…
- 04V528000Nov 1, 2004Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedalCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2003, Oldsmobile Alero 2003, Pontiac Grand AM 2003
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…
Recall details for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 353 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11009156Oct 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…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
- 11006621Aug 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…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Fuel system, Engine. This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Malibu
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 21,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 44 | 45,000 | 2 | 5 | 31 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 72 | 66,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 99 | 66,253 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 90 | 54,000 | 2 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 199 | 68,000 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 193 | 41,875 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 700 | 45,390 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 85 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 705 | 48,000 | 4 | 5 | 30 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 841 | 50,000 | 9 | 5 | 27 | 82 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 270 | 50,000 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 351 | 60,000 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 837 | 69,000 | 10 | 5 | 26 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 907 | 86,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 978 | 80,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 1,363 | 82,000 | 3 | — | 25 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 1,509 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 23 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 989 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 25 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 977 | 100,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,118 | 85,000 | 6 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 975 | 88,000 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,147 | 78,500 | 6 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 569 | 70,084 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 567 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 721 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 922 | 69,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 789 | 66,249 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 976 | 80,461 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 443 | 85,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1980 | 5 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Malibu model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems, above all an anti-theft (Passlock) system that engages without warning and leaves the car unable to start, or occasionally cuts the engine while driving. The issues reported most often: Anti-theft (Passlock) system blocks starting; Accelerator pedal sticks or engine holds speed; Premature brake wear, warped rotors and vibration.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA recorded 569 consumer complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 289 complaints (51% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 85.
Has the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (Malibu, 3.1L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu reported?
Among the 428 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 70,084 miles and the middle half falls between 44,900 and 104,000 miles; 30% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.