Skip to content
Other or unknownPart report

2003 Chevrolet Malibu Other or unknown Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
3%of 569 total for the year
Median mileage
63,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the 569 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Airbag red warning light is flashing on dashboard when turning the ignition. This happens intermittently. I am afraid the airbag will deploy at any time even if there is no car crash. This has happened at least 2 times. Once when the car was sluggish and I had to turn it off at atop light because it would not accelerate over 40 miles and hour. The other time it happened just when I was starting the car. I”

NHTSA complaint #10863384, filed 2016-05, 65,000 miles

“I have had the thef system in my 2003 chevy Malibu repaied more times than I care to say. It stated in 11/7/2006 and it have been an ongoing thing. I am a widow and I am really afraid to take this car out at nights in fear that it might leave me stranded. The first time it cost me $351.74 to repair the theft system. Then it went again in 6/7/2008 the same thing happened. This cost me $483.37. It ran for a little while then the key wouldn't come out of the ignition and you couldn't turn the car off, back to the shop. Thank god they didn't charge me for this trip. …”

NHTSA complaint #10766207, filed 2015-09, 82,856 miles

“I have had several issues with my car over the years. The first was when the fuel pump failed and my car stalled in traffic in 2006 and repair was $600. The intake manifold gaskets failed about 10 months later that was repaired at the dealer for $1200. I have replaced the engine twice ($600 each time) because of the head gaskets and too much oil inside the engine. Now I have a strong odor of gasoline inside my car when I start it up that lasts for about 15-20 minutes each day. I've replaced the ignition switch twice now and the gear shift does not lock properly. …”

NHTSA complaint #10598136, filed 2014-06, 59,000 miles

“Started having problems starting my car, theft light would come on and I would have to sit and wait to get the car started, very annoying problem having to play a waiting came to start your car. Then one day I was driving and the car just shut off in the middle of the high way, I had no idea the car was even off until I tried to acclerate or turn because the radio remains on. Have to stop and put my hazzards on and start the car again, some days it does repeat stalls which causes me to almost get hit by cars behind me (very very dangerous), some days it drives fine. …”

NHTSA complaint #10537097, filed 2013-08, 98,000 miles

“I have own three chevy Malibu a 1998, 2002 and I just got a 2003. However, I noticed that GM has removed there cruise control light off of the dash board when you turn it on. The other two Malibu's I own had a dash light come on to let you know the cruise control is on. But the 2003 does not it only has a little light on the cruise button on the steering column and its hard to see during day light. I think this is a very dangerous as you may not know if your cruise is on which could cause a accident. Could you please look into this for me.”

NHTSA complaint #10070237, filed 2004-01, 111 miles

Related service bulletins

Other or unknown: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025542%
2024920%
20231419%
20222929%
20213134%
20204623%
20193719%
201815322%
201714821%
201617721%
20153513%
20145415%
20138911%
2012627%
2011758%
2010876%
2009755%
2008525%
2007182%
2006283%
2005354%
2004212%
2003163%
2002214%
2001203%
2000172%
1999182%
1998222%
1997133%

Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu

Electrical system
289 complaints
Vehicle speed control
85 complaints
Brakes
63 complaints
Engine
47 complaints
Fuel system
42 complaints
Engine cooling
41 complaints
Exterior lighting
28 complaints
Air bags
27 complaints
Suspension
23 complaints
Steering
21 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
13 complaints
Body 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 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