VehicleVerdict

2003 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 773 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Malibu year — the 2003 model ranks #18 of 42 Malibu years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 32 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 306 reports (40% of the total).

773

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

52

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

32

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Malibu years?

Malibu NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted2,356 complaints1964: 1 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 1 complaints1975: 2 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 2 complaints1979: 4 complaints1980: 6 complaints1981: 3 complaints1982: 3 complaints1983: 1 complaints1986: 1 complaints1989: 3 complaints1997: 693 complaints1998: 1,480 complaints1999: 1,227 complaints2000: 1,379 complaints2001: 1,005 complaints2002: 754 complaints2003: 773 complaints2004: 1,639 complaints2005: 1,386 complaints2006: 1,475 complaints2007: 1,253 complaints2008: 1,489 complaints2009: 2,356 complaints2010: 2,200 complaints2011: 1,526 complaints2012: 1,471 complaints2013: 1,382 complaints2014: 561 complaints2015: 395 complaints2016: 1,439 complaints2017: 1,165 complaints2018: 1,199 complaints2019: 306 complaints2020: 320 complaints2021: 114 complaints2022: 138 complaints2023: 80 complaints2024: 37 complaints2025: 7 complaints
Malibu NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Malibu years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System30640%
Engine9112%
Speed Control8611%
Brakes8211%
Fuel System425%
Lighting304%
Airbags273%
Suspension253%
Steering213%
Other182%
Transmission132%
Body & Structure91%
Tires & Wheels71%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Latches & Locks41%
Seat Belts30%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)30%
Seats20%

Does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V400000Electrical SystemJuly 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 units

Defect

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

07E021000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2007 · 742 units

Defect

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Consequence

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

04V528000Speed ControlNovember 1, 2004 · 92,863 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, 'ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS.' IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM MAY STICK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE BRACKET AND NOT RETURN TO THE ENGINE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE OPERATOR LIFTS HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Consequence

FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM AND REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“PREVIOUS WEEKS BEFORE CAR WAS INDICATING ANTI THEFT AFTER RESETTING THE DAYS TO FOLLOW CAR SHUT OF WHILE DRIVING. ON MAY 25TH 2014 WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD CAR SUDDENLY PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JUMP THE CURB AND STRIKE A FIRE HYDRANT. SOME CONCERN ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 25, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE RPMS SUDDENLY INCREASED AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKES. THE DRIVER HAD TO CRASH INTO A CURB IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 19, 2014 · crash

“WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKES VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. VEHICLE'S FRONT END COLLIDED WITH A CEMENT POLE, DIVIDING THE PARKING LOT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES INVOLVED NOR DID THE POLICE ARRIVE. THE NEXT DAY THE SAME THING OCCURRED, BUT APPLYING THE BRAKES PREVENTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 12, 2004 · crash

“BRAKE PROBLEMS RESULTED IN MINOR ACCIDENT. 2 WEEKS FOLLOWING ACCIDENT BRAKE NOISE BEGAN. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT ONLY THE INSIDE BRAKE PADS ON EACH FRONT WHEEL HAD FAILED, INDICATING FAULTY BRAKE DESIGN. NUMEROUS SERVICE BULLETINS ARE NOTED FOR BRAKE RELATED ISSUES FOR THIS VEHICLE ARE POSTED ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 24, 2005 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING, FAILED TO RESTART, AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT SUSPECTED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THERE IS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION (PE07033) REGARDING THE FUEL PUMP. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 18, 2008

2003 Chevrolet Malibu — common questions

Is the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 773 complaints put the 2003 model at #18 of 42 Malibu years. It is one of the Malibu years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Malibu problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (306 complaints), engine (91 complaints), speed control (86 complaints).

Does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Malibu years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Malibu years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2004, 2011, 2008, 1998, 2006, 2012, 2016, 2005, 2013, 2000, 2007, 1999, 2018, 2017, 2001, 2003, 2002, 2020. The cleanest record among Malibu years belongs to 1977.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.