2003 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 7%of 569 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 7% of the 569 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car has cut off while I was driving on at least 10 occasions since 2012. Usually, if driving at normal speed it would happen as I slowed down to turn a corner, although it has also happened once or twice while I was driving on the highway. Each time, I was fortunate enough to either drift over onto the shoulder or complete the turn without getting hit. When the car cuts off I lose the ability to steer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10569446, filed 2014-03, 124,947 miles“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 miles“2003 chevy Malibu passlock passive security system failure. The passlock system engages on my car frequently. It costs over $245 to reset and $800 to fix. I did an internet search and thousands of other GM car owners with passlock systems are having the problem. My car will suddenly stop while driving and I've narrowly avoided serious accidents because of it. Other times it will simply not start.”
NHTSA complaint #10355189, filed 2010-09, 100,367 miles“My 2003 chevy Malibu wouldn't turn over noticed the anti theft light was blinking had to reset the system with the key because it wasn't getting gas. Before my vehicle would start read online about other people having the same problem this isn't safe GM needs to recall and fix this problem. With the passlock 2 system they have installed in these vehicles I have kids and am glad it didn't happen on the freeway with them in the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10458327, filed 2012-05, 131,086 miles“Took car to walmart one night and begins to overheat after napa told me it had no leaks. Car overheats I pull aside and turn it off for a bit I noticed the car would crank but hesitate to start. Once got it to start it would accelerate but at low rpms. Check engine light went on and I noticed car shaking and weird noise coming from the engine. Once started car squeaked and mad terrible noise. Car did not turn back on and did not make it home. Cranks and rare when starts, charged battery but drains, doesn't maintain charge. …”
NHTSA complaint #11030501, filed 2017-09, 132 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This 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…
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10199281May 25, 2021This 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…
- 10190437Mar 30, 2021This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This 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…
- 10176310May 8, 2020This Preliminary information communicates the use of Winter grade fuel during the warm months of 2020 and the potential rivability issues that it can cause. The ongoing…
- 10171878Jan 2, 2020This informational 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…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10137635May 10, 2017This informational bulletin advises of a new fuel injection kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves, and explains how toptier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build up.
- 10114831Nov 15, 2016This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block that have a possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% |
| 2021 | 10 | 11% |
| 2020 | 18 | 9% |
| 2019 | 18 | 9% |
| 2018 | 101 | 14% |
| 2017 | 60 | 9% |
| 2016 | 54 | 6% |
| 2015 | 19 | 7% |
| 2014 | 26 | 7% |
| 2013 | 34 | 4% |
| 2012 | 56 | 6% |
| 2011 | 37 | 4% |
| 2010 | 39 | 3% |
| 2009 | 34 | 2% |
| 2008 | 54 | 5% |
| 2007 | 87 | 9% |
| 2006 | 96 | 9% |
| 2005 | 70 | 7% |
| 2004 | 29 | 3% |
| 2003 | 42 | 7% |
| 2002 | 29 | 5% |
| 2001 | 40 | 6% |
| 2000 | 79 | 9% |
| 1999 | 38 | 5% |
| 1998 | 34 | 3% |
| 1997 | 15 | 3% |
| 1980 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
289 complaintsVehicle speed control
85 complaintsBrakes
63 complaintsEngine
47 complaintsEngine cooling
41 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 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