2003 Chevrolet Malibu Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 5%of 569 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 5% of the 569 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I turned my left turn signal on, and it wouldn't work. Since this the turn signals work when they want to.I took it to have it tested and they said it was the control board and I replaced that. But still the signals work when they want to. I was told about another Malibu that was a year older that done the same thing. But I have a young son and a baby on the way, I don't want to be rear-ended because I have no turn signals.”
NHTSA complaint #10638912, filed 2014-09, 135,895 miles“This car was a gift to my wife and I after my grandmother died.it has very low miles and the brake lights stay on without the pressure being applied to the brake pedal.”
NHTSA complaint #10511191, filed 2013-05, 34,457 miles“I had a problem with my turn signals. They would work when they wanted to. I took my car to a chevy dealer to find out what it was and how much it was going to cost to fix the problem. The service attendant was very knowledgeable about this particular problem. I was told that they had recall up to 2002 malibus for this same problem but of course mine is a2003 so I had to pay for it to be repaired. The cost was $110.00 which wasn't bad but the 2002 and 2003 parts interchange. So why wouldn't they have same recall?”
NHTSA complaint #10264283, filed 2009-04, 88,075 miles“Car would not start so had it towed to the shop they said computer said nothing was wrong and it started for them. They said maybe a weak fuel pump. Drove it for a week and same thing happened. Had it towed to the shop again and they replaced the fuel pump. Drove it for 2 days and same thing. Now they said it was the antitheft the whole time. Out of pocket total expense was $1300.00. There should be recalls on this stupid thing I went to start my car and it would not turn over so I had to have it towed to the dealership and they told me it would be $650 to fix the ignition switch. …”
NHTSA complaint #10202933, filed 2007-09, 80,000 miles“A few months ago my 2003 Chevrolet Malibu turn signals stopped working for no reason. Some days they work and some they don't. This is very dangerous if you have to make a turn and another vehicle is behind you. Also the front right side of the vehicle makes a creaking rubbing noise and a clunking noise. It's very irritating.”
NHTSA complaint #10222603, filed 2008-03, 95,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 | 21 | 3% |
| 2016 | 19 | 2% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 28 | 3% |
| 2012 | 202 | 22% |
| 2011 | 130 | 13% |
| 2010 | 194 | 14% |
| 2009 | 172 | 11% |
| 2008 | 106 | 11% |
| 2007 | 29 | 3% |
| 2006 | 63 | 6% |
| 2005 | 153 | 16% |
| 2004 | 84 | 7% |
| 2003 | 28 | 5% |
| 2002 | 143 | 25% |
| 2001 | 108 | 15% |
| 2000 | 241 | 26% |
| 1999 | 58 | 7% |
| 1998 | 79 | 8% |
| 1997 | 40 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
289 complaintsVehicle speed control
85 complaintsBrakes
63 complaintsEngine
47 complaintsFuel system
42 complaintsEngine cooling
41 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 31, 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