VehicleVerdict

2003 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system problems

The 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has 306 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 40% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

306

Electrical System complaints

40%

Share of year

6

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu have?

NHTSA has 306 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system — 40% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 14V400000.

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.