2003 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 611 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 37 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 26 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignitionJul 3, 2014
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 14V400000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, other, storage, tank assembly, pressure relief devicesMar 12, 2007
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.
FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
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.
Campaign 07E021000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalNov 1, 2004
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.
FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 04V528000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling
43 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED, THE INSPECTOR STATED THAT THE FUEL WAS NOT TRAVELING THROUGH THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Structure, Sep 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS ABLE TO TURN TO THE ON POSITION IN THE IGNITION, BUT WOULD NOT TURN COMPLETELY TO START THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT WAS LATER INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), BUT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE REMEDY WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. UPDATED 11/05/14*LJ *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 17, 2014
THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER OF 2012 IN WASHINGTON. ON THE DRIVE FROM WASHINGTON TO MISSOURI, THE CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER THE ENGINE WAS OFF. AFTER WAITING THREE DAYS FOR THE MECHANIC IN A SMALL SOUTH DAKOTA TOWN, HE "FIXED" IT IN TEN MINUTES. THE "SOLUTION" OF KEEPING THE ENGINE ON FOR TEN MINUTES, TURNING TO OFF, AND THEN STARTING IT AGAIN IS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX TO A VERY REAL PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM IS SO REAL AND OBVIOUS THAT THE TEN MINUTE SOLUTION IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL (WHY THAT INSTEAD OF FIXING IT, I'M NOT REALLY SURE...) THE PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED INTERMITTENTLY FOR THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF, ANYWHERE FROM TWO TO EIGHT TIMES A MONTH- UNTIL THIS LAST MONTH. I BEGAN KEEPING TRACK ON A CALENDAR THE NUMBER OF TIMES THE CAR WOULD FAIL TO WORK - 26 TIMES IN FIVE WEEKS. THIS IS BEYOND ANNOYING. THE PROBLEM WOULD BE EVEN WORSE IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE FACT THAT I AM A TEACHER AND THE LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL WAS THE FIRST WEEK IN THESE FIVE WEEKS. NOW THAT I AM OUT FOR THE SUMMER, MANY DAYS NOW I STAY AT HOME, THUS REDUCING THE CHANCE OF THE CAR FAILING TO WORK AS I AM NOT USING IT. THAT LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL, IT "STALLED" EVERY SINGLE DAY. TWO DAYS AGO, IT QUIT WORKING FOUR TIMES IN ONE DAY. I HAVE BEEN LATE FOR WORK, CHURCH, AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN DARK PARKING LOTS LATE AT NIGHT. ALONE. THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM ANYONE SHOULD HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT. I DRIVE AS INFREQUENTLY AS I POSSIBLY CAN NOW, AND WAS FERVENTLY PRAYING THAT MY CAR WOULD START AFTER FILLING IT UP WITH GAS THIS MORNING. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. I WAS HOPING THE MOST RECENT RECALLS WOULD AFFECT THIS CAR AND WHEN TYPING "2003 MALIBU RECALLS," INTO A SEARCH ENGINE, WHILE NO RECALLS WERE SHOWN, WEB SITE AND FORUMS APLENTY ALL CAME UP, WITH MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SINGULAR PROBLEM OF THIS SINGULAR CAR. IT IS A KNOWN SAFETY PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Feb 27, 2014
CAR FAILED TO START. A LOCAL MECHANIC WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM THAT GM WAS HAVING WITH THE MALIBU'S. HE SHOWED ME HOW TO TURN THE KEY TO ON FOR 10 MINUTES AND THEN THE THEFT LIGHT WOULD STOP BLINKING AND YOU COULD THEN START THE CAR. THIS PAST YEAR IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING ABOUT DAILY OR EVERY 5 TO 6 TIMES THAT YOU GO TO START THE CAR. MOSTLY ON SHORT TRIPS OF LESS THAN 2 MILES. I CONTACTED 2 LOCAL CHEVY DEALERS AND THEY CLAIM TO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM! I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO BRING IT IN AND THEY WOULD CHECK IT OUT - AT A CHARGE. WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED IN AN AREA THAT WAS NOT SAFE FOR MY FAMILY OR ME - WE COULD NOT START THE CAR AND WOULD HAVE TO JUST SIT THERE FOR 10 MINUTES!
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, THE ENGINE COOLANT WAS FOUND TO HAVE MIXED WITH THE ENGINE OIL WHEN THE DIP STICK WAS PULLED TO CHECK THE ENGINE OIL. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,126. UPDATED 01/28/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS DEFECTIVE. UPDATED 04/21/14 UPDATED 06/30/14
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT A MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S PERSONAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS112,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 24, 2011
PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR COMPLAINT: I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY MALIBU THAT HAS BEEN LEAKING COOLANT SINCE THE DAY I HAVE BOUGHT IT. I HAVE TAKEN IT NUMEROUS MANIACS AND THEY HAVE ALL TOLD ME THE SAME THING THAT MY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS WERE LEAKING COOLANT AND THAT THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM. THESE MECHANICS TOLD ME THAT THE GASKETS FOR THIS CAR AND THE MANIFOLD ITSELF WERE NOT ENGINEERED CORRECTLY AND THAT'S THE REASON IT IS LEAKING COOLANT. I WAS ALSO TOLD GM DID HOWEVER FIX THIS PROBLEM BY DESIGNING NEW GASKETS WHICH THEY ARE USING TO REPLACE THE OLD ONES WHEN THESE PEOPLE BRING THERE CAR IN FOR THIS PROBLEM. OKAY ONE PROBLEM RIGHT THERE WHERE WAS THE RECALL ON THAT? THAT A HEALTH AND SAFETY HAZARD RIGHT THERE BECAUSE OR GMS ENGINEERING. IM NOT SURE IF YOUR AWARE OF THIS BUT THE SMELL AND FUMES FROM THIS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE ARE DISGUSTING. ALSO I HAVE DONE ONLINE RESEARCH ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ALL YOU NEED TO TYPE IN IS PROBLEMS WITH CHEVY MALIBU INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET THOUSAND AND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS WHIT PEOPLE ALL OVER AMERICA HAVE THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE AND ITS NOT THAT THEY PAY THE $900.00 TO GET IT FIXED THE FIRST TIME THEN AGAIN ABOUT A YEAR TO A YEAR IN A HALF LATER THEY ALSO PAY THIS PRICE AGAIN BECAUSE THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED I AM ONE ANGRY AMERICAN AND I THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF MORE I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON MY CASE FOR AS WELL AS MY FELL AMERICAS IN THIS COUNTRY WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. PLEASE HELP US!! THIS IS NOT FAR THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ON GM AND I WILL DO WHAT EVER IT TAKE TO GET TO THAT POINT. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 18, 2010, crash
FOR YEARS, CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING AND CAN NOT BE RE-STARTED, OR MORE FREQUENTLY, JUST WON'T START. NO WARNING EXCEPT A FINE, DIM RED ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WHICH IS UNLIKELY TO BE NOTICED AT ALL, AND CERTAINLY NOT IMMEDIATELY. CAN HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES PER DAY, OR CAN GO TWO WEEKS WITHOUT A PROBLEM. SHORT TERM REMEDY IS RELIABLE IF INCONVENIENT AND IN SOME SITUATION, DANGEROUS; WITH CAR IN "PARK," TURN OFF ALL SYSTEM, TURN ON IGNITION SWITCH BUT DO NOT START, DO NOT DISTURB FOR AT LEAST EN MINUTES. SYSTEM WILL THEN BE RESET. THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT THIS PROBLEM HAD MULTIPLE CAUSES. GOT PARTIAL, TEMPORARY IMPROVEMENT (LESS FREQUENT FAILURE) BY REPLACING DEFECTIVE DS LOCK SWITCH, WHICH IS ALSO USED TO PROGRAM THAT LOCKING SYSTEM FEATURES. BECAUSE THE USERS IS SUPPOSED TO INITIATE LOCKING SYSTEM PROGRAMMING BY HOLDING THE SWITCH CLOSED, AND THE LOCK WAS STICKING CLOSED AND OPENING UNPREDICTABLY, IT WAS SURELY CREATING INPUTS NOT ANTICIPATED BY THE SYSTEM'S PROGRAMMERS. I BELIEVE THE IGNITION SWITCH SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE INTERFACE WITH THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR SYSTEM, IS STILL CAUSING THIS PROBLEM, AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE INCREASES. HAVE NOT FOUND SATISFACTORY SOLUTION. CAN'T AFFORD THE $400 DEALER SAYS IT WILL COST FOR (POSSIBLE) FIX, AMBIGUOUS EXPLANATIONS MAKE ME DOUBT THE DEALER REALLY UNDERSTANDS THE CAUSE. NO ACTUAL PROPERTY DAMAGE OR CRASH YET, BUT OBVIOUSLY RISK IS HIGH WHEN CAR SUDDENLY STALL IN TRAFFIC. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 28, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AT LEAST FIVE TO SIX TIMES A DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, FUEL MODULATOR AND COIL SPRINGS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 47,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 27, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TRAVELING AT 35 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. SECONDS LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 9,000
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY MALIBU AND I HAD TO GET A GASKET REPLACED DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF ANTI-FREEZE LEAKING INTO THE OIL. I'VE BEEN TOLD THE PROBLEM WILL HAPPEN AT ABOUT 77,000 MILES. ONE PERSON CREATED A WEBSITE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IF NOT FIXED IT WOULD CAUSE MASSIVE PROBLEMS FOR THE CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 21, 2009
MY WIFE HAS A 2003 CHEVY MALIBU. WE WENT TO TAKE MY CAR TO AN AUTO SHOP BECAUSE WE THOUGHT THERE WAS A LEAK SOMEWHERE UNDER MY CAR. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS A GASKET ON THE THERMOSTAT. HE REPLACED THAT AND STILL THE CAR LEAKED. THEN MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS ANTIFREEZE LEAKING FROM THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS TYPE OF ENGINE. IMAGINE HOW UPSET WE WAS TO KNOW THAT CARS THIS PROBLEM IS OCCURRING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE AND THAT IT WILL COST NEARLY $500.00 TO FIX. SINCE THIS IS HAPPENING TO ALOT OF CAR THERE MUST BE A MAJOR PROBLEM. I WAS LATER TOLD GM USES A GLUE ONTO A GASKET IN THIS AREA WHEN THEY BUILD THE CAR. GM MUST DO BETTER. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 12, 2009
WENT TO TAKE MY CAR TO AUTO SHOP BECAUSE I THOUGHT HAD A TRANSMISSION LEAK. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THE GOOD NEWS ,THE TRANNY WASN'T LEAKING, HOWEVER IT WAS ANTIFREEZE LEAKING FROM THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS TYPE OF ENGINE. IMAGINE HOW UPSET I WAS TO KNOW THAT CARS THIS PROBLEM IS OCCURRING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE AND THAT IT WILL COST $700 TO FIX IT. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR THIS DEFECT. CONSIDERING THE ECONOMIC PROBLEMS AND ALL THE HELP GM HAS RECEIVED FROM AMERICANS IT SEEMS LIKE THEY WOULD HELP THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS BY FIXING THIS FOR NOTHING. THIS MALIBU IS THE 4TH CHEVY THAT I HAVE OWNED SINCE DRIVING. IF AMERICAN COMPANIES WANT US TO BUY THEIR PRODUCT THEY SHOULD MAKE WITH QUALITY MATERIAL. I ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE FUEL PUMP ABOUT 3 MONTHS AFTER BUYING THE CAR IN 2007. THAT COST ME ALMOST $800. IF I HAD KNOWN THAT THESE CARS WERE GOING HAVE SUCH A LIST OF PROBLEMS I WOULD HAVE LISTENED TO MY BROTHER AND GOT A FOREIGN VEHICLE. GM CAN EARN SOME GOODWILL WITH ITS VEHICLES BY ADMITTING ITS MISTAKES AND HELPING THE LITTLE GUY OUT, LIKE THE LITTLE GUY HAS HELPED THEM OUT WITH THE BAILOUT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 13, 2009
ENGINE CUTSOFF WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE POWER AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 3, 2009
I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY MALIBU WITH APPROX 72,000 MILES THAT HAS BEEN LEAKING ANTIFREEZE (SMALL VISIBLE MARKS ON PAVEMENT) THAT REQUIRE REFILLING COOLANT EVERY 3 TO 4 WEEKS. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR A DIAGNOSIS, AND IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE A LEAK AROUND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE PRICE ESTIMATE IS $878 AND 7 HOURS TO REPAIR. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST DEXCOOL FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT WINDOW FOR CLAIMS ENDED ON OCT. 2008. I SPOKE WITH GM DEALERSHIP, AND THERE IS NO GM RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE MANY CARS WITH THIS PROBLEM (LEAKY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET). WILL HAVE WORK DONE, BUT UNHAPPY WITH THE COST INVOLVED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 19, 2009
I OWN A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU WITH 51,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS CHECKING MY OIL WHEN THE DIP STICK SHOWED IT A QUART LOW. I THEN CHECKED THE ENGINE COOLANT AND DISCOVERED THE OIL HAD GOTTEN INTO THE COOLANT. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE CONFIRMED THAT THE COOLANT HAD OIL IN IT. HE SAID THE MANIFOLD GASKETS HAD TO BE REPLACED WHICH INCLUDED FLUSHING THE COOLING SYSTEM. I KNOW GM DOESN'T CARE ABOUT OUR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR SORRY BUILT CAR. THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR WAS OVER $600. THIS IS THE FIRST CAR THAT I HAVE EVER OWNED THAT A MANIFOLD OR HEAD GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2009
AFTER ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT COMING ON AND RESERVOIR BEING ALMOST EMPTY SERVICE STATION ADDED COOLANT. SAME THING HAPPENED APPROX 2 MONTHS LATER SAME ACTION TAKEN. WENT TO GET OIL CHANGED AND PERSON SAID DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY BECAUSE YOU HAVE OIL MIXED WITH YOUR RADIATOR FLUID, YOU HAVE SOME MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEMS. TOOK CAR TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE SAID THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE 2003 MALIBU AND THAT THE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS THE PROBLEM AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE REPLACED IT AT GREAT EXPENSE TO MYSELF,AND HE DID MAKE THE COMMENT THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THIS PARTICULAR PART. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ANTI-FREEZE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE CONTACT PULLED BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. HE HAD TO REFILL THE VEHICLE WITH ANTI-FREEZE. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER, THE RESERVOIR WAS ALMOST EMPTY AGAIN AND HE HAD TO REFILL THE VEHICLE WITH ANTI-FREEZE. IN JANUARY OF 2009, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS SOME ANTI-FREEZE ON THE ENGINE DUE TO THE MANIFOLD GASKET BEING DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,500. UPDATED 2/5/09 *CN THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE GASKET WAS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC THAT WAS THE REASON FOR THE FAILURE. UPDATED 02/10/09. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 5, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SHUTTING OFF INTERMITTENTLY FOR THE PAST EIGHT MONTHS. THE DEALER KEEPS RESETTING THE COMPUTER, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAIL WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURS WHILE ACCELERATING OR CRUISING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000. UPDATED 2/5/09 *CN UPDATED 02/10/09. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2008
2003 CHEVY MALIBU WITH 88K. DURING ROUTINE OIL CHANGE WAS ADVISED OF OIL IN COOLANT. UPON TAKING TO MECHANIC WAS TOLD I HAD BAD HEAD/INTAKE GASKET AND NEEDED REPLACED , ESTIMATE COST $2400. UPON RESEARCHING FARTHER I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS COMMON ON SOME GM VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ENGINE AND THAT IN FACT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT HAD BEEN SETTLED IN CALIFORNIA EARLIER THIS YEAR. IN ANY CASE, I'M STUCK WITH THE BILL ON A REPAIR THAT WAS CAUSED BY THE COOLANT THAT THE GM USED AND REQUIRED AS APART OF THE WARRANTY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 19, 2008
THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ON MY 2003 CHEVY MALIBU HAD TO BE REPLACED SINCE IT WAS PLASTIC. HAS THEIR BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PART? IF SO, WHAT FORMS NEED TO BE FILLED OUT TO GET PROPER REFUNDING? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, Sep 6, 2008
I OWN A 2003 CHEVY MAILBU. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE ANITFREEZE DRAINING OUT. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP A COUPLE TIMES AND HAVE HAD THE MANIFOLD INTAKE GASKET REPLACED. THIS WAS VERY EXPENSIVE FOR A SINGLE MOM ON A BUDGET. THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. I HAVE ALSO STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT COMING ON AND PREVENTING THE CAR FROM STARTING. I CAN TURN IT TO "ON" AND GET IT STARTED AFTER 10 MINUTES, BUT THIS IS BOTHERSOME WHEN I AM IN A HURRY. I THINK THAT GM SHOULD HAVE THESE PROBLEMS UNDER RECALL AND PAY TO HAVE THEM FIXED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 17, 2008
2003 MAILBU 6 CY. I JUST HAD $1,300.00 CAR REPAIR THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF GMC WOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL CARS THAT HAVE THE ANTIFREEZE WITH ACID IN IT. THIS IS A REPAIR THAT THEY ARE FIGHTING IN A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT BLAMING THE DRIVERS WHEN OUR BOOKS STATE NO CHANGING ANTIFREEZE FOR 150,000 MILES. IN STEAD THEY ARE PUTTING PEOPLE WHO BOUGHT AMERICAN MADE CARS HAVE THIS UNNECESSARY EXPENSE. THIS IS MONEY THAT I HAD TO BORROW AND NOW FIND SOME WAY TO PAY BACK SO THAT I MAY CONTINUE TO WORK. THIS SHOULDN'T EVEN BE A LAW SUIT. THEY SHOULD OWN TO THEIR MISTAKE AND MAKE GOOD THE ERROR THAT THEY MADE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 11, 2008
YOU CAN ADD MY NAME TO THE LIST OF INDIVIDUALS SHELLING OUT AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO REPLACE WHAT APPEAR TO BE DEFECTIVE PARTS AND/OR MANUFACTURING DESIGNS IN THE 2003 CHEVY MALIBU. WE PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN FEB 2003 AND REPAIR COSTS TO DATE ARE IN EXCESS OF $2,000 AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 52,000 MILES ON IT. FIRST, THE BRAKES AND ROTORS NEEDED PLACED AFTER ABOUT 40,000 MILES (MOST OF WHICH WERE INTERSTATE DRIVING)...COST WAS OVER $300. NEXT, WE WERE GETTING THE CAR REPAIRED AFTER AN INCIDENT WITH A DEER AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED US THAT COOLANT WAS STARTING TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE BECAUSE OF A FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET...REPAIR COST ALMOST $1,000. FINALLY, MY WIFE WAS RECENTLY STRANDED BECAUSE THE FUEL PUMP FAILED...REPAIR COST $1,000. ALL OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED WITHIN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. BY FAR THE MOST FRUSTRATION THING IS THAT ALL THESE ITEMS APPEAR TO BE VERY COMMON FAILURES WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL MADE BY CHEVROLET AND THERE HAS YET TO BE ANY RECALLS...VERY DISAPPOINTING. MY ENTIRE EXPERIENCE HAS CONTINUED TO SNOWBALL EVER SINCE WE HAD ISSUES WITH GETTING THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX ITEMS THAT WERE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. GENERAL MOTORS SEEMS TO BE MORE FOCUSED ON EARNING PROFITS THAT COMPETE WITH THE FOREIGN PRODUCERS RATHER THAN TAKING CARE OF THEIR CURRENT CUSTOMERS. IF THINGS DON'T CHANGE, THE COMPANY WILL HAVE VERY LIMITED REPEAT CUSTOMERS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 1, 2008
I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT I NEED A NEW INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. I WAS TOLD THAT GM WENT TO A CHEAP CAM SHAFT AND INTAKE GASKET ON MOST OF THE 3.1 TO 3.8 LITRE V6 ENGINES ABOUT 7 YEARS AGO AND THAT OVER 90% OF THESE ENGINES HAVE A LEAKING INTAKE GASKET WHICH CAUSES THE CHEAP CAM SHAFT TO RUST AND THEN BREAK DESTROYING THE ENGINE. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS HAPPENS BETWEEN 50,000 AND 90,000 MILES ON THESE ENGINES, THAT THERE ARE NO REPLACEMENT ENGINES AVAILABLE IN THE SALVAGE YARDS AND THAT GM CONTINUES TO PRODUCE THIS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. NOW IM LOOKING AT APPROX. $600.00 TO REPLACE JUST THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. I DON'T THINK THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO FOOT THIS BILL TO REPLACE A PROBLEM THAT GM HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR A LONG TIME AND REFUSES TO CORRECT. *TR