2003 Chevrolet Malibu Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 41about this part
- Share
- 7%of 569 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,824miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 41 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 7% of the 569 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,824 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2003 chevy Malibu had died on me 3 times while I was driving it and would not restart. Twice I had it towed to the dealership (jba in glen burnie, md) and they cannot find a problem with it. I can't drive it, because I have a 45 minute commute to work and cannot afford to keep having it towed.”
NHTSA complaint #10212306, filed 2007-12, 107,000 miles“Please briefly describe your complaint: I have a 2003 chevy Malibu that has been leaking coolant since the day I have bought it. I have taken it numerous maniacs and they have all told me the same thing that my intake manifold gaskets were leaking coolant and that this isn't the first time they have seen this problem. These mechanics told me that the gaskets for this car and the manifold itself were not engineered correctly and that's the reason it is leaking coolant. …”
NHTSA complaint #10378487, filed 2011-01, 66,000 miles“Car failed to start. A local mechanic was aware of the problem that GM was having with the Malibu's. He showed me how to turn the key to on for 10 minutes and then the theft light would stop blinking and you could then start the car. This past year it has been happening about daily or every 5 to 6 times that you go to start the car. Mostly on short trips of less than 2 miles. I contacted 2 local chevy dealers and they claim to know nothing about the problem! I have been told to bring it in and they would check it out - at a charge. …”
NHTSA complaint #10567235, filed 2014-02, 75,000 miles“2003 mailbu 6 cy. I just had $1,300.00 car repair that could have been avoided if gmc would have recalled all cars that have the antifreeze with acid in it. This is a repair that they are fighting in a class action law suit blaming the drivers when our books state no changing antifreeze for 150,000 miles. In stead they are putting people who bought american made cars have this unnecessary expense. This is money that I had to borrow and now find some way to pay back so that I may continue to work. This shouldn't even be a law suit. …”
NHTSA complaint #10231404, filed 2008-06, 91,000 miles“I have a 2003 chevy Malibu, the coolant started to slowly leak out, then proceeded to leak faster within a few weeks, we couldn't see where the coolant was going. …”
NHTSA complaint #10200060, filed 2007-08, 78,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical 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…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10228888Dec 14, 2022This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 6% |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 11 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 0% |
| 2011 | 12 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 1% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 12 | 1% |
| 2007 | 7 | 1% |
| 2006 | 25 | 2% |
| 2005 | 17 | 2% |
| 2004 | 20 | 2% |
| 2003 | 41 | 7% |
| 2002 | 63 | 11% |
| 2001 | 149 | 21% |
| 2000 | 174 | 19% |
| 1999 | 138 | 17% |
| 1998 | 144 | 15% |
| 1997 | 60 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
289 complaintsVehicle speed control
85 complaintsBrakes
63 complaintsEngine
47 complaintsFuel system
42 complaintsExterior lighting
28 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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