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3.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
43,698 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 suspension problems

suspension problem

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2003 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments

problem #14

Sep 282006

Malibu 6-cyl

  • miles

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

2003 Chevrolet Malibu faulty ignition switch vehicle shut off in the middle of the road. The consumer stated she had to replace the ignition switch on two different occasions. The first time was September 28, 2006 and the second time was June 3, 3014. After the second switch was installed, the consumer experienced other problems. She was informed the vehicle needed a body control module and lock switches. The dealer installed a chip in the keys, which did not correct the ignition problem. The front struts were replaced and the fuel pump needed to be replaced.

- Conway, SC, USA

problem #13

Sep 022014

Malibu

  • 57,500 miles
We had to have the intake manifold replaced, at 55,000 miles, which didn't occur until 2012, because I don't put a large amount of miles on my car annually. I could not get any money from the recall, because the class action suit payout ended in 2008, and I was never made aware. Both the front and rear struts are leaking fluid. I was told all four need, replacement, and the mounts as well.. the mechanics said normally these shouldn't need replacement until 75,000-80,000 miles minimum, and should have lasted until 100,000 which is normal. I'm a gentle driver who doesn't lend my car out. I drive over speed bumps very slowly in our town, because I didn't want suspension issues. Our town's speed limit is 15 mph over the speed bumps, and I do 7mph over then. Others with a 1999-2003 Malibu, have told me their struts have worn out just as fast also.(at 50,000 miles or so).

- Stratford, NJ, USA

problem #12

Dec 172014

Malibu

  • miles
Contanct dealer company will not return calls ask for assistance in resolving issues car needs brake all the way around rotors damageded needs tyrod end has white smoke coming from exaust dealer will not check car they have their own mechanic tell you to contact and you get no response vehicle sold to 76 year old lady and is unsafe I aske if they would trade up it is half paid for I was told no it has to be completely paid off.

- Lawrence, IN, USA

problem #11

Nov 042014

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 264,000 miles

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

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.

- Lawrence, IN, USA

problem #10

Apr 012014

Malibu 6-cyl

  • miles
2003 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer states vehicle stalls. The consumer stated the fuel pump, battery and remote control were all replaced. However, the stalling continued. The ignition switch was eventually replaced. Also, T he brakes and struts needed to be replaced.

- Flint, MI, USA

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problem #9

Jul 112013

Malibu

  • 70,000 miles
While traveling on interstate, relatively new Firestone affinity tire on the driver side rear developed a large bump and begin fraying. Recognized problem quickly and pulled over but could have caused a serious accident. Passenger side rear tire shows very little wear and no such issues, indicating that it was not worn out, just a bad quality tire.

- Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

problem #8

Mar 052012

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 44,370 miles

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

I am currently experiencing loss of steering and suspension performance with my vehicle including significant loss of tire tread for my vehicle. The vehicle bounces and makes screeching sounds while steering a curve on the road. The vehicle was inspected in early March and no mechanical problem was observed or detected. A 4 wheel alignment was also done at a Chevrolet dealer a few months back and no problems were found or detected then. I have reason to believe that something is wrong with the mechanical operation of either the steering or suspension component of the vehicle. Kindly investigate and look into this problem. Thank you

- Bensalem, PA, USA

problem #7

Oct 012007

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 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.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #6

Sep 012007

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 60,923 miles
2003 Chevy Malibu accelerates on its own. Customer states that the car would drive on its own without putting her foot on the accelerator. ** the consumer received a recall notice in the mail which stated the accelerator pedal would be inspected only. After having continual problems with the vehicle accelerating on it S own, the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer where it was determined that the accelerator pedal had an internal malfunction. The consumer is seeking reimbursement. The consumer also complained of a rattle noise coming from the vehicle when going over bumps. The dealer inspected the vehicle and found the left front strut and mount were worn. The left side lower control arm was noisy.

- Huntington Station, NY, USA

problem #5

Sep 212004

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles
I have had my 2003 mailbu for 1 year and I have had it to the dealer 4 times for the same issue.the front of the car wobbles and shakes at low speeds and high, theyhave replaced the tires 2 times and it has not corrected the issue.the brakes have been adjusted and are wearing and the car only has 9000 miles on it.I am returning tot he dealer again 9/23 and aftre that if no resolution will be seeking lemon law. I feel this is not just an inconvienence to me but a possable saftety hazard as well.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #4

Apr 112004

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,515 miles

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

While driving consumer heard noises coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that suspension malfunctioned.

- Downers Grove, IL, USA

problem #3

Aug 152003

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles
Car has stalled numorus times in traffic. At city speeds and highway speeds, even in the fast lane at rush hour.have you ever seen a semi that is tailgating try to stop at sixty-five in your rearview mirror because your engine just stalled" I fear for my life every time the dealer calls and say's come pick it up I think we got it fixed? how can they send me out with a vehicle that they dont even know if its fixed? when they can't even find out what is causing it to happen" it's been in the shop eight times for stalling. They replace a part and send me out on the road like a test rat hoping the brand new car I bought keeps running so I don't die or worse cause someone else to. They have checked the wiring, computers, engine, even duplicated the problem.how do I ever feel like I can drive this car safley. I have no choice because the big car company dont care for me. It's sales they care about. It's been at the dealership for six days now, no problem I'll send my payment in even though it's been in the shop for about thirty days the last four months.

- East Dubuque, IL, USA

problem #2

Nov 052003

(reported on)

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,368 miles
Brakes started to make a rubbing noise which progressed to a squeaking noise. Also, brake pedal would go down to the floor to stop the vehicle. Dealer has replaced brake pads/front rotors/ brake booster/calipers, and brake lines, but the problem still exists. The front driver window failed to roll up, the engine light illuminated, the A/C control was inoperative and cooling properly, the vehicle pulled to the right while driving down the road, the vehicle overheated.

- Selma, AL, USA

problem #1

Apr 222003

(reported on)

Malibu

  • miles
While driving the vehicle pulled to the left and the right when turning. The consumer had the tires rotated but the problem continued.

- Aliceville, AL, USA

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