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2.1

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
77,364 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems

electrical problem

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2003 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments

problem #11

Aug 102023

Malibu

  • 170,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the ignition switch was inoperable and had been replaced three times by the dealer; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with ignition switch failure. The contact was informed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

- Litchfield Park, AZ, USA

problem #10

Jun 182007

Malibu

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the accelerator pedal became stuck, as the pedal was depressed and released within a few seconds. The failure recurred numerous times. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V528000 (vehicle speed control). In addition, the contact stated that it took several attempts for the ignition key to turn in the ignition switch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

- Cahokia, IL, USA

problem #9

Mar 102014

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
I. was having trouble with the ignition couldn't get the key to work. It wouldn't turn and couldn't get the key out. I had the ignition replaced at my cost. Then I heard there was a recall for the ignition. I called GM they said they wont cover the cost of my repairs.

- Niles, IL, USA

problem #8

Sep 142014

Malibu

  • 106,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. After parking the vehicle, the key became lodged in the ignition without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.

- Worthington, PA, USA

problem #7

Sep 262014

Malibu 6-cyl

  • miles
Ignition switch. I would like to know why GM, while knowing since 2001 that the ignitions switches they were using in their vehicles since 1997 were defective but were allowed to continue to use these defective parts putting the lives of the drivers, their passengers and the every person on the road at the same time someone was driving one of these defective vehicles in danger?

- National City, CA, USA

problem #6

Sep 132011

Malibu

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the engine failed to shut off when the ignition was turned off. In addition, when the key was removed from the ignition, the lights and radio remained activated, which caused the battery to drain. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- Framington, CT, USA

problem #5

Jun 112007

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 59,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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. Now anti theft security light comes on often and I have to wait approximately 11 minutes to reset it before I can leave my location. The hood latch recently broke and now the wire must be replaced from the inside to the exterior of the car.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #4

May 192014

Malibu

  • 63,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the key became difficult to remove from the ignition. The key was only able to release from the ignition switch when turning. The contact mentioned that at times the key failed to release from the ignition switch and remained in the vehicle overnight. The failure occurred on five different occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,000 and the current mileage was 63,020.

- Oroorion, MI, USA

problem #3

Jul 052010

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 14,000 miles
There are paoblem with the Chevy Malibu having faulty ignition switches also. Why have these not been recall yet.mine is a 2003.

- Halethorpe, MD, USA

problem #2

May 092010

Malibu

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start intermittently. In order to start the vehicle, the contact would have to turn the key to the on position and allow it to sit in the ignition for approximately 10 minutes while the vehicle would reset itself. In addition, the rear tail lights would become filled with water whenever it would rain, causing the bulbs to blow. The manufacturer would not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Waynesboro , NC, USA

problem #1

Sep 092005

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,000 miles
2003 Chevy Malibu has defective ignition lock cylinder. My car has 49000 miles on it and this is the second time the ignition lock cylinder has kept me stranded. This time I was in a somewhat dangerous area, and had no phone or way to get to one. When car was under warranty the dealer replaced the cylinder and now they want a couple of hundred bucks to do it again.

- Wetumpka, AL, USA

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