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
611 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Structure, Jan 2, 2014, crash
I WAS TRAVELING ON A SNOWY/ICY ROAD WHEN I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AT ABOUT 50 MPH. MY VEHICLE WENT SIDEWAYS UNTIL TRAVELING INTO A DITCH AT WHICH POINT THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE FRONT END WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND PUSHED THE MOTOR BACK A GOOD 2 FEET. MY HEAD SLAMMED INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED. THE IMPACT OF THE FRONT END WAS JUST A LITTLE OFF CENTER TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR
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
Vehicle speed control, Sep 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND FAILED TO STOP DOWN DESPITE CONSTANT FORCE BEING APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL BUT THE ENGINE RPMS BEGAN TO INCREASE RAPIDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT THEN SHIFTED INTO PARK TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING ANY FARTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED ONE HOUR LATER, AS IT RESUMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,500.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 24, 2013
STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING MY CAR, THEFT LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND I WOULD HAVE TO SIT AND WAIT TO GET THE CAR STARTED, VERY ANNOYING PROBLEM HAVING TO PLAY A WAITING CAME TO START YOUR CAR. THEN ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGH WAY, I HAD NO IDEA THE CAR WAS EVEN OFF UNTIL I TRIED TO ACCLERATE OR TURN BECAUSE THE RADIO REMAINS ON. HAVE TO STOP AND PUT MY HAZZARDS ON AND START THE CAR AGAIN, SOME DAYS IT DOES REPEAT STALLS WHICH CAUSES ME TO ALMOST GET HIT BY CARS BEHIND ME (VERY VERY DANGEROUS), SOME DAYS IT DRIVES FINE. THEN ONE DAY WHILE SHUTTING MY CAR OFF AND RETURNING HOME THE HORN STARTED HONKING AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF FOR ABOUT A 1/2 HOUR, AND AFTER THAT IT HASNT WORKED AGAIN. TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE SHOP BECAUSE IM FED UP AND THEY SAID IT IS ALL LINKED TO A FAULTY PASS KEY/ANTI THEFT SYSTEM THAT CAUSES THESE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. DID SOME RESEARCH AND NOTICED THIS IS AND HAS BEEN A REACCURING PROBLEM IN THE MALIBU'S. *TR
Engine, Aug 16, 2013
OVER THE LAST YEAR, 2003 CHEVY MALIBU HAS NOT STARTED ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. IT WAS STARTED AND DRIVEN TO ANOTHER LOCATION (IE WORK, SHOPPING, CLASS, ETC) AND THEN UPON RETURNING TO THE CAR, IT WOULD NOT START. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND ESPECIALLY SO IF ONE OF THE CHILDREN IS USING THE CAR. AS I HAVE READ, OTHERS ARE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES - THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WARRANTS ATTENTION BY THE MANUFACTURER! *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 30, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A MAIN HIGHWAY IN OUR TOWN WHEN MY CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFORE GETTING HIT, IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE CAR ACTED LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING ANY FUEL, IT WOULD TURN OVER, BUT NOT START. MY HUSBAND THOUGHT IT WAS THE FUEL FILTER, SO WE CHANGED IT IN THE PARKING LOT. IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. WE ENDED UP TOWING THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED. COME TO FIND OUT, THE DEALER THEFT SYSTEM HAD TURNED ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. IT HAPPENED AGAIN THIS MORNING. AFTER SITTING FOR 10 MINUTES WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD IN THE CAR, I TRIED TO START THE CAR, TO FIND OUT MY BATTERY WAS NOW DEAD FROM SITTING WITH THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION TO RESET THE THEFT SYSTEM. THIS IS BECOMING A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE AND LIABILITY WHILE DRIVING DOWN BUSY HIGHWAYS WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR. IF THIS HAPPENED ON A MAJOR FREEWAY IT COULD BE FATAL. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO FIX IT. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jul 26, 2013
WHEN IT RAINS THE TAIL LIGHTS FILL UP WITH WATER AND THE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY. AND SOMETIMES THEY DO NOT WORK AT ALL. IT HOLDS WATER AND THE LIGHTS FLASH IN A CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHT MANNER. ALSO WHEN THE BREAKS ARE STEPPED ON THE BLINKERS DO NOT WORK. ALSO WHEN YOU STEP ON THE BREAK THE BLINKER INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL REMAIN LIT UP GREEN. I HAVE REPLACE BULBS AS WELL AS THE WHOLE LIGHT HOUSING. EVEN DRILLED WHOLES IN THE BOTTOM OF THE LIGHT HOUSING UNITS SO THE WATER CAN DRAINED. NOTHING CAN REMEDY THIS PROBLEM IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 25, 2013
CAR FAILED TO START, ONLY CRANKED. HAD SPARK PLUGS,WIRES,IGNITION SWITCH,FUEL PUMP, FUEL FILTER,RELAYS,COIL PACKS,ETC... REPLACED. GOT IT RUNNING DROVE ABOUT 40 MILES, NOW IT JUST DIES WHILE DRIVING... NO WARNING JUST CUTS OFF. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO VARIOUS MECHANICS AND HAVE SPENT ALOT OF $$. I EVEN HAD NEW GM MOTOR INSTALLED. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AS SEVERAL TIME I WAS ON HIGHWAY. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE DEATH. DEALERSHIP HAS GIVEN NO HELP. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 21, 2013
AFTER MY 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE SUN FOR A WHILE, ON A SHORT TRIP OF 4 MILES, THE CAR STARTED REVVING UP AND TAKING OFF ON IT'S ON. IT ALSO CAUSED MY A/C HOSE TO BURST (I AM CONVINCED IT IS RELATED). I TOOK IT TO DEALER FOR REPAIR AND THEY CLEANED THE THROTTLE AND REPLACED THE A/C HOSE. THERE IS STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH IT HAPPENS WHEN IT IS VERY HOT WEATHER AND I AM MAKING SHORT TRIPS RUNNING ERRANDS WHICH CALLS FOR TURNING ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING. I DROVE BACK HOME WITH MY FOOT ENTIRELY ON THE BRAKES WHILE TRYING TO KEEP THE CAR FROM RUNNING OUT OF CONTROL. I AM VERY RELUCTANT TO DRIVE IT NOW, UNTIL I CAN FIND SOMEONE TO "REALLY" FIX THE PROBLEM (AS I WAS STUCK WITH A $487 REPAIR BILL). *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Jul 12, 2013
WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE, RELATIVELY NEW FIRESTONE AFFINITY TIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DEVELOPED A LARGE BUMP AND BEGIN FRAYING. RECOGNIZED PROBLEM QUICKLY AND PULLED OVER BUT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE SHOWS VERY LITTLE WEAR AND NO SUCH ISSUES, INDICATING THAT IT WAS NOT WORN OUT, JUST A BAD QUALITY TIRE. *TR
Engine, Jun 26, 2013
MY 2003 MALIBU(65000 MILES) STARTED TO IDLE HIGH (2000-2500RPM). WE TOOK IT TO OUR REGULAR MECHANIC SHOP, THEY DECIDED IT WAS THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE, REPLACED IT AND IT WORKED FINE UNTIL EARLY JUNE WHEN IT STARTED IDLING HIGH, INTERMITTENTLY. THE RISING IDLE WOULD START WITH A ROUGH ACCELERATION, THEN THE RPM'S WOULD START TO RISE AND NOT COME BACK DOWN. WE TOOK IT BACK AND THEY COULD NOT GET THE PROBLEM TO RECUR, SO THEY TOLD US TO BRING IT IN WHEN IT WAS ACTING UP, SINCE IT WAS NOT CONSTANT. THEY ASSUME AT THIS POINT IT WAS A FAULTY IAC THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED. 2 WEEKS LATER, IT DID AND WE TOOK IT IN. THE RPM'S WERE CLOSE TO 4000 AND IT WAS STARTING TO OVERHEAT WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS CHECKING IT. THAT WAS ON MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2013. THE MECHANIC REACHED INTO THE ENGINE AND DID SOMETHING TO STOP THE RPMS FROM CONTINUING TO INCREASE. TODAY IS WEDNESDAY AND THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFORMATION ON IF THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANK YOU. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND THE VEHICLE HAD HIGH REVS WHILE IDLING. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR LOCAL MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Electrical system, May 23, 2013
TWO WEEKS AGO, MY CAR WOULDN'T START, BUT EVERYTHING INSIDE WAS WORKING. WE THOUGHT IT WAS A FUEL PUMP ISSUE, BUT LATER FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON, AND MY CAR WON'T START. THANK GOODNESS I HAVE A SMART MECHANIC WHO REALIZED THE ISSUE BEFORE REPLACING ANY UNNECESSARY PARTS! HE WAS ABLE TO RESET THE SYSTEM, BUT IT HAPPENED AGAIN THIS WEEKEND. I READ UP ON HOW TO RESET THE SYSTEM, BUT IT KILLS MY BATTERY BEFORE I CAN EVEN WAIT FOR THE 10 MINUTES. MY BATTERY IS BRAND NEW AND IT SUCKS IT DRY! THIS IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE FIX FOR ME, AS I DON'T TYPICALLY HAVE THE SPARE TIME TO KEEP RESETTING/RECHARGING MY CAR. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND NEED A RELIABLE VEHICLE, AND THIS IS TURNING OUT TO BE THE OPPOSITE! THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND A RECALL NEEDS TO HAPPEN. IT MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL, WHEN I HAVE JUST READ SO MANY OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS! SHAME ON CHEVROLET! *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, May 19, 2013
I HAVE A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON ALL THE TIME. THEN I WAS COMING OUT OF WORK FROM WORKING A LONG NIGHT SHIFT AND WENT TO TURN MY CAR ON BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN ON. I HAVE READ UP ON THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT AND ACCORDING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE THIS PROBLEM IS QUITE FREQUENT AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 3 KIDS AND I NEED MY VEHICLE TO WORK. I READ THAT IT WILL HAPPEN A LOT AND THE GM PEOPLE KNOW OF THIS AND THEY DON'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THEY SAY THERE'S NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS. I WANT THIS PROBLEM FIXED BUT I DON'T HAVE THE EXTRA MONEY TO DO IT SO IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF THIS PROBLEM WAS RECALLED SO MY CAR CAN BE FIXED FROM THIS ANNOYING ISSUE. I AM AFRAID THAT IF I GET IT TO START I'M GOING TO END UP SOMEWHERE STRANDED WITH MY KIDS. PLEASE I HOPE SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE BECAUSE I HAVE READ IT HAPPENS TO A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO OWN CHEVY MALIBUS FROM THE YEAR 1997-2005. I HOPE THIS HELPS TO GET THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED FOR ME AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO OWNS THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 8, 2013
THIS CAR WAS A GIFT TO MY WIFE AND I AFTER MY GRANDMOTHER DIED.IT HAS VERY LOW MILES AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON WITHOUT THE PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. *TR
Engine, Apr 24, 2013
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AT LESS THEN 55,000 MILES DUE TO PLASTIC GASKETS.. AFTER NUMEROUS MECHANICS SAY A CHEAP UNRELIABLE PART THAT WILL COST ANYONE FROM 600$ OR MORE DEPENDING ON HOW SERVER IT COULD BE. I AM SURPRISE THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS... THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO PLUS REIMBURSEMENT TO THOSE WHOM HAVE RECEIPTS FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROCEDURE. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 21, 2013
THE CAR IS A 2003 CHEVY MALIBU. OCCASIONALLY, THE "THEFT SYSTEM" LIGHT WILL TURN ON FOR NO REASON, AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. THE MANUAL RESET IS TO WAIT 10 MINUTES AND TRY TO RESTART THE CAR. THIS WAS DISCOVERED AFTER SEVERAL EXPENSIVE REPAIRS, INCLUDING FUEL PUMP AND IGNITION, WERE DONE. IT HAS BEEN INCONVENIENT AND SOMETIMES DANGEROUS TO WAIT AROUND FOR 10-30 MINUTES TO RESTART THE CAR. THE THEFT SYSTEM IS FLAWED AND THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL TO HELP OWNERS FIX THIS WITHOUT HAVING TO PUT HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO FIXING THINGS THAT WILL NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 14, 2013
I HAVE HIGH RPMS SOMETIMES EVEN WHEN MY FOOT IS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, HIGH IDLE AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR
Electrical system, Seats, Mar 2, 2013
HEATING ELEMENT OF THE HEATED SEAT FEATURE BURNED A HOLE COMPLETELY THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Jan 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A FAULTY TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM, IN WHICH THE TECHNICIAN RESET. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR MOST RECENT MALFUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. .. UPDATED 02-07-13 *BF UPDATED 2/13/13 *CN UPDATED 02/14/2013 *JS
Electrical system, Jan 13, 2013
I'M VERY UNHAPPY AS A CHEVROLET CLIENT. MY CAR HAS COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND WILL NOT START DUE TO THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM. UPON A DIAGNOSIS, THE CHEVY MECHANIC TOLD ME IT ITS MY DUTY TO GET IT TOWED TO A SHOP ONLY TO HAVE IT HOOKED TO A MACHINE FOR $110 AN HOUR ONLY TO GET THE CAR TURNED BACK ON. I HAVE SEEN THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF CAR AND I'M VERY MAD THAT IT COSTS ME AND NOT CHEVY FOR THIS AVOIDABLE, TEDIOUS PROBLEM. I THOUGHT THEIR CARS WERE SUPPOSE TO BE RELIABLE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY AGAIN! -VERY DISAPPOINTED CHEVY OWNER *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD BECOME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V528000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Air bags, Structure, Nov 24, 2012, crash
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY I WAS REAR ENDED AND PUSHED INTO THE CENTER DIVIDER AND BOUNCED OFF ONLY TO BE STRUCK AGAIN FROM THE REAR. THE FRONT AND REAR QUARTER PANELS WERE DAMAGED THE FRAME WAS COMPROMISED. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. I SUFFERED BACK, ARM, LEG & KNEE INJURIES IN THE COLLISION. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY BUT I AM STILL CURIOUS AS TO WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SAFETY AIR BAGS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR OFF THE ROAD WHEN SHE HEARD THE ENGINE ROARING ABNORMALLY LOUD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND A SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE EXACT SENSOR THAT WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V528000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED HER THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.
Electrical system, Sep 26, 2012
THE IGNITION/PASSLOCK SYSTEM PROBLEM OF INTERMITTENT NO START THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE WITH THE 2003 MALIBU LEFT ME STALLED IN TRAFFIC. LUCKY FOR ME THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT (NOT YET ANYWAY). I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS BY DOING THE 10 MINUTE RESET AS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED CONTROL & CABLE BINDING. REPLACED FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL. REPLACED SHIFTER CABLE & IGNITION SWITCH CABLE. THE PROBLEM REMAINS. I BASICALLY GAVE UP COMPLAINING TO THE DEALER AND WENT BACK TO THE 10 MINUTE RESET PROCEDURE. A COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS DOWN THE DRAIN. MY SON ASKED WHY THE CAR WAS NEVER FIXED. HE FOUND THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN DESCRIBING THE EXACT PROBLEM AS I AND MANY OTHERS HAVE WITH THE 2003 MALIBU: IT STATES THAT "ENGINEERING WOULD LIKE TO INSPECT ANY VEHICLE BEFORE THE ACTUAL REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED WHERE THE REPAIR DIAGNOSIS LEADS TO REPLACING THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FOR AN INTERMITTENT OR HARD NO START TYPE OF CONDITION OR CUSTOMER COMPLAINT." (NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10002562) (SERVICE BULLETIN #022003). MY SON COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY FIXED THE STALLING PROBLEM. THEY SAID I DIDN'T MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. MY STATEMENT IN THE SERVICE ORDER READS AS FOLLOWS: OWNER STATES CAN'T TURN IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AT TIMES. FROM WHAT I HAVE LEARNED, THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THE IGNITION/PASSLOCK SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN INSTALLED IN THE 2003 MALIBU. GM KNEW THIS BUT INSTALLED IT ANYWAYS. THEY EVEN HAVE A REMEDY IN THEIR OWNERS MANUAL DESCRIBING THE 10 MINUTE RESET SOLUTION. GM CREATES THE PROBLEM AND THEN HAVE UNSUSPECTING CUSTOMERS PAY $$$$$ TO FIX SOMETHING ELSE INSTEAD OF FIXING THE REAL PROBLEM. THIS DEFECT IS AN UNSAFE AND AN UNETHICAL SCAM!!!!!!!!!! *TR