2003 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and problems
The 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has 2 safety recalls and 569 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Recall 14V-400: Electrical System
Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 04V-528: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: 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: Failure to return to idle could result in a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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.
2003 Chevrolet Malibu problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 301 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 86 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 64 | |
| Engine | 47 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 44 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 30 | |
| Air Bags | 27 | |
| Suspension | 25 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 24 | |
| Steering | 21 | |
| Unknown or Other | 16 | |
| Service Brakes | 14 |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module — 55
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 25
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 21
- Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 15
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 12
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 12
- Electrical System › Ignition — 11
- Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 8
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,167 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Chevrolet Malibu complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Chevrolet Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu: 14V-400 (electrical system), 04V-528 (vehicle speed control). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (301 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (86). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,167 miles.
Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.