2003 Chevrolet Malibu
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Malibu › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
569 complaints35 involved a crash4 involved a fire23 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact discovered that while driving at various speeds, the key could be removed from the ignition while the engine was still running. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was…
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact discovered that while driving at various speeds, the key could be removed from the ignition while the engine was still running. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for service, and the vehicle was returned in less than 30 minutes. The contact was suspicious about the work that was performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that soon after the recall repair, the key remained stuck in accessory mode while attempting to turn off the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to remove the key from the ignition while the engine was running and used pliers to unhook the battery to turn off the vehicle. Additionally, while driving 20 MPH over a bump in the road, the key was knocked out of the ignition, causing the vehicle to abruptly shut off. The contact lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle veered off into the grass before coming to a complete stop. Despite the failure, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence and parked the vehicle. The contact alerted the dealer of the failure and that the recall was not properly serviced. The contact was given an estimate for a diagnostic test, and the contact refused to pay for the diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that a representative would give a follow-up call. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
Unknown
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Multiple times, the vehicle, while driving, electrically shuts down. security light comes on, sometimes, many attempts to restart will work. These shutdowns cause me to revet to manual bakes and steering.
- Electrical system › Ignition
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…
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.
- Air bags · Fuel/propulsion system · Steering
Car shuts off while driving.Will start up when fuel gauge gets power also windows ,radio,lightening work airbag light&service engine soon light on
- Vehicle speed control
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while stopped at a red light, the vehicle occasionally accelerated independently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be…
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while stopped at a red light, the vehicle occasionally accelerated independently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 04V528000 (Vehicle speed control). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
- Electrical system
Experiencing intermittent failure of passcode system, service engine soon light. Vehicle repeatedly will not start due to activation of passcode system. Warning light will come on while driving, but goes away upon restart. Experiencing loss of dash controls while driving, but return within a few minutes vehicle mileage IS 205000
- Vehicle speed control
Chevy malibu 2003, 24000 miles on the car. while driving on any street or highway, the car accelerates on it own, revs anywhere from 3000 rpm to 6000rpm, then need to shift car on neutral, kick the accelerator to unstick and proceed. Had car at gm dealer at 2 intervals, 2 weeks at a time. Cannot…
Chevy malibu 2003, 24000 miles on the car. while driving on any street or highway, the car accelerates on it own, revs anywhere from 3000 rpm to 6000rpm, then need to shift car on neutral, kick the accelerator to unstick and proceed. Had car at gm dealer at 2 intervals, 2 weeks at a time. Cannot reproduce problem when I recieve car driving out of dealer, trouble IS very apparent. Opened case fie with gm but no one seems to care for my safety. Don' know what else to do....btw, my car IS still at dealer.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 25 mph and approaching a red traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle continued to accelerate. The vehicle went through the intersection. The contact's wife placed the vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 25 mph and approaching a red traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle continued to accelerate. The vehicle went through the intersection. The contact's wife placed the vehicle in neutral, allowing the vehicle to slow down and eventually stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,481.
- Electrical system
Car won't start key switch sets off anti theft always leaving us stranded
- Air bags
My daughter got a safety recall notice for her 2003 chevy malibu. She took the car to maguire chevrolet 2073 route 96 in trumansburg, ny 14886 (607)-387-6111 (this dealer was printed on the recall card) in august to have the recall repaired. Someone at that dealership told her that there IS no such…
My daughter got a safety recall notice for her 2003 chevy malibu. She took the car to maguire chevrolet 2073 route 96 in trumansburg, ny 14886 (607)-387-6111 (this dealer was printed on the recall card) in august to have the recall repaired. Someone at that dealership told her that there IS no such recall. I found it fishy at the time. We have received another recall notice exactly the same as the other one. So, I have researched it online. There IS indeed a recall, and it can be serious. It clearly states that there could be a possibility of the air bags not deploying. What if something happens to my daughter or my grandson, in the meantime, because maguire chevrolet were too lazy to make the repairs? I don't understand how this IS acceptable behavior by a dealership? Thank you for your attention to this matter.
- Vehicle speed control
While driving the car on local streets car self accelerated once I reached around 40mph. Was unable to stop safely at lights trying to get the car back home. When pressing the brake the vehicle would not stop. Thankful was only about 5 miles from home and traffic wasn't heavy. Putting in neutral…
While driving the car on local streets car self accelerated once I reached around 40mph. Was unable to stop safely at lights trying to get the car back home. When pressing the brake the vehicle would not stop. Thankful was only about 5 miles from home and traffic wasn't heavy. Putting in neutral did not seem to help. Once arriving home had to put the car in park which could have ruined the engine the way I had to do it to keep from hitting my garage. Very dangerous and could have easily resulted in an accident. Have not had fixed yet, as read so much on message boards about this issue and all over the board. No clear fix. Have not driven the car since as afraid to. Only 89,000 miles on car.
- Air bags
My daughter was in a car accident she was going 25 to 30 mph on a surface street and rear ended a car in traffic the airbag failed to deploy. she hit her head on the steering wheel.
- Vehicle speed control
Car accelerates on its own while driving on the road
- Power train
First time, wouldn't shift into park and couldn't turn key to off and take out of ignition. Second time, shift IS stuck in park and will not budge. Just sitting in my driveway.
- Vehicle speed control
I was driving my car in town, I went to slow down my 2003 malibu the car kept speeding up, the throttle would not disengage until I physically lifted up on the underside of the gas pedal. I immediately took it over to have it checked by a certified mechanic and they also experienced the same exact…
I was driving my car in town, I went to slow down my 2003 malibu the car kept speeding up, the throttle would not disengage until I physically lifted up on the underside of the gas pedal. I immediately took it over to have it checked by a certified mechanic and they also experienced the same exact issues only when the car IS moving. They put it on their service computer and I was told that no codes came up and the the only way they were able to get the automatic acceleration to stop was to disconnect the cruise control module. The mechanics shop disconnected the cruise control and it has not happened again since that was disconnected however, this was a extremely scary situation because braking doesn't help the car still continues to accelerate & peel out, putting the car in neutral doesn't help either the rpm just shoot up & keeps going forward.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. When the key was inserted in the ignition switch, the vehicle went into anti-theft mode and failed to start. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact called hoselton auto mall (909 fairport rd, east rochester, ny 14445, (585) 586-7373)…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. When the key was inserted in the ignition switch, the vehicle went into anti-theft mode and failed to start. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact called hoselton auto mall (909 fairport rd, east rochester, ny 14445, (585) 586-7373), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The contact was referred to nhtsa. The failure mileage was 75,000.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal traveled to the floorboard and failed to retract. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal traveled to the floorboard and failed to retract. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v528000 (vehicle speed control). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. When the engine warmed up and the rpms reached their maximum level, the accelerator pedal automatically dropped to the floorboard. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the throttle body failed. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not notified.…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. When the engine warmed up and the rpms reached their maximum level, the accelerator pedal automatically dropped to the floorboard. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the throttle body failed. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 9-5413563462. The manufacturer also provided a $100 voucher. The failure mileage was 65,000.
- Unknown or other
Battery keeps dying due to ignition switch not totally off
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the anti-theft system erroneously activated and the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. The vin was unknown.
- Electrical system
When driving down the street my malibu just shuts down ..i bought a battery and alternator and sensors to fix my car .put in shop to find out it was the ignition switch. I'm sacred to drive on the highway it might stop and cause an fatal accident . this IS a real safety issue that need to be addressed..thank you
- Unknown or other
Been having same ongoing problem for just over 9 months. Car stalled out while driving and wouldn't restart. Cranked over though. Had it towed and $700 later, a new fuel pump and fuel filter. Few days later tried to start, cranked over and nothing but noticed theft system light was on. Back to the…
Been having same ongoing problem for just over 9 months. Car stalled out while driving and wouldn't restart. Cranked over though. Had it towed and $700 later, a new fuel pump and fuel filter. Few days later tried to start, cranked over and nothing but noticed theft system light was on. Back to the shop. They replaced a fuel injector fuse. Ran great for a few months then started happening again. Researched the issue and came across the 10 minute process: when she don't start shut it off turn the key to accessory and wait 10 minutes. 100% starts every time. Called gm to see if there was a recall. Nothing to that description so they recommended I take it to a gm service center. Did that. Explained what was happening. They made me a new key and said try to see if that fixed the issue, that the repair would run around 200-300. Worked fine for a few weeks. Back to the 10 minute deal. Took it back and now they tell me it's a passlock sensor in the steering column that doesn't acknowledge the key. For a cool $800 they can fix it.....seems to me with what I've read and researched, it IS definitely a recall issue
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed and the contact was unable to start the engine. The contact spoke with doug henry chevrolet tarboro (809 west wilson street, tarboro, nc 27886, (252) 823-3145). The dealer did not perform a diagnostic…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed and the contact was unable to start the engine. The contact spoke with doug henry chevrolet tarboro (809 west wilson street, tarboro, nc 27886, (252) 823-3145). The dealer did not perform a diagnostic test, but advised the contact that the ignition switch needed to be replaced and the security system needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 145,000.
- Vehicle speed control
I was at a red light and the car felt like it wanted to go then when I let go of the break, the car started to drive itself 45mph. When I try to stop I could not had to put the car in natural and two feet on the break to hold it. When I let the break go it did it again and then when I found a place to pull over and turn the car off it reved to a high rate I then shut the car off. nhtsa ID number 04v52000
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248778Unintended Ignition Key Rotation
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245891Unintended Ignition Key Rotation
- 10245890Unintended Ignition Key Rotation
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
Every Chevrolet Malibu model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.