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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2012
2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A TSB FOR VEHICLE *TGW
Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 19, 2012
CHEVY MALIBU 03 HAS ISSUE WITH ANTI THEFT SYSTEM. MANY MANY COMPLAINS ONLINE CONCERNING THIS. YOU GET INTO THE CAR; CAR WILL NOT START, YOU HAVE TO TURN KEY TO ON POSITION AND LEAVE IT THERE; THEN TURN CAR OFF AND THEN START IT THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWO TIMES IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS. I AM HOPING THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN WHILE MY WIFE IS DRIVING. A RECALL SHOULD BE MADE ON THIS DEFECT IN ALL CHEVY MALIBU'S 2003 BEFORE A HORRENDOUS TRAFFIC ACCIDENT OCCURS FROM THIS DEFECT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 14, 2012
ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS WHEN DRIVING. HAVE TO PUT CAR INTO NEUTRAL TO TRY AND SLOW OR STOP CAR ,THE PEDAL HAS STUCK AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AND EVEN WHEN THE CAR STARTS UP, IT REVS HIGH. ALMOST WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS SITUATION. *TR
Engine, Jul 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN EARLY MAY 2012 SHE WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPROGRAMMED THE KEY. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED NO FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER WHICH WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER AGAIN DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Air bags, Jul 11, 2012
MY 2008 SATURN OUTLOOK'S PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS 'OFF' EVEN WHEN AN ADULT IS SITTING IN THE SEAT WITH THE SEATBELT ON. I SAW THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 2007 MODEL BUT NOT ONE ISSUED FOR THE 2008 MODEL. I WANTED TO REPORT THIS PROBLEM DUE TO THE SERIOUSNESS IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT AND THE BAG IS NOT FUNCTIONAL. *TR
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 18, 2012
THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATED ABOUT 4 TIMES FOR NO REASON IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS. EACH TIME I FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNERS MANUAL AND RE BOOTED THE SYSTEM. THEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR SPUTTERED AND STALLED. THE CAR WON'T START. THE FUEL PUMP IS BROKEN. WHY YOU ASK DID THE FUEL PUMP BREAK. BECAUSE EACH TIME THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATED ITSELF FOR NO REASON IT SHUT OFF THE FUEL PUMP. THIS REPEATEDLY SHUTTING OFF THE FUEL PUMP CAUSES THE PUMP TO BREAK. THIS RESULTS IN A $500+ REPAIR BILL PLUS THE COST TO TOW THE CAR PLUS SALES TAX MAKING THE REPAIR $600. CHEVY IS AWARE THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MALIBU'S. THE DEFECTIVE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM IN EFFECT CAUSES OTHER PARTS SUCH AS THE FUEL PUMP TO BREAK. CHEVY PROFITS BY SELLING FUEL PUMP MODULES EACH TIME THERE IS BREAKAGE AND THIS IS WHY CHEVY IS COVERING UP THE PROBLEM! THE CHEVY MALIBU'S SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY AND REPAIRS MADE TO FUEL PUMPS AND ANTI THEFT SYSTEMS BECAUSE CARS STALLING ON ROADWAYS ARE A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 14, 2012
THE ANTI- THEFT DEVICE IN THE 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU HAS LEFT ME STRANDED 12 DIFFERENT TIMES BEGINNING NOVEMBER OF LAST YEAR. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED FOR THIS REASON. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. GENERAL MOTORS IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND DOES NOTHING. GENERAL MOTORS IS PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST JOBS. GENERAL MOTORS IS PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE, INFANTS, CHILDREN, DISABLED MEN AND WOMEN IN THE U.S. BEING STRANDED IN THEIR AUTOMOBILES EVERY DAY. WE BAILED GENERAL MOTORS OUT, THEY NEED TO RECALL THIS MODEL. THANK YOU.*JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Jun 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES IN WHICH THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS WOULD NOT FUNCTION, THE HEADLIGHTS STOPPED ILLUMINATING, AND THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED A SECOND TIME BUT THE FAILURE AGAIN RECURRED A YEAR LATER. THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED FOR THE FOURTH TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE RECURRING FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,073. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED FOUR TIMES. UPDATED 07/19/12
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, May 14, 2012
MY 2003 CHEVY MALIBU WOULDN'T TURN OVER NOTICED THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT WAS BLINKING HAD TO RESET THE SYSTEM WITH THE KEY BECAUSE IT WASN'T GETTING GAS. BEFORE MY VEHICLE WOULD START READ ONLINE ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THIS ISN'T SAFE GM NEEDS TO RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. WITH THE PASSLOCK 2 SYSTEM THEY HAVE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES I HAVE KIDS AND AM GLAD IT DIDN'T HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY WITH THEM IN THE CAR. *JS
Electrical system, May 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND AS A RESULT, IT PREVENTED HIM FROM TURNING ON THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
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.
Electrical system, May 7, 2012
MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER HAS A 2003 CHEVY MALIBU AND SHE WAS STRANDED THE OTHER DAY BECAUSE HER CAR SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP....MY HUSBAND CHANGED THE FUEL FILTER THINKING THAT MIGHT BE WHAT IT WAS WITH NO SUCCESS. I FOUND ON THE INTERNET TODAY ABOUT THE WAY TO RESET THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM AND IT WORKED, BUT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SAYING THAT ONCE THIS PROBLEM STARTS IT DOESN'T STOP HAPPENING. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR A YOUNG LADY TO BE OUT SOMEWHERE AND THE CAR NOT START. I READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AND I FEEL THAT IT IS A SHAME THAT CHEVROLET WON'T RECALL THE PROBLEM....IF IT IS NOT RECALLED I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY!!! *TR
Steering, Suspension, Mar 16, 2012
I AM CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING LOSS OF STEERING AND SUSPENSION PERFORMANCE WITH MY VEHICLE INCLUDING SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF TIRE TREAD FOR MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BOUNCES AND MAKES SCREECHING SOUNDS WHILE STEERING A CURVE ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED IN EARLY MARCH AND NO MECHANICAL PROBLEM WAS OBSERVED OR DETECTED. A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS ALSO DONE AT A CHEVROLET DEALER A FEW MONTHS BACK AND NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND OR DETECTED THEN. I HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE MECHANICAL OPERATION OF EITHER THE STEERING OR SUSPENSION COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE. KINDLY INVESTIGATE AND LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Mar 16, 2012
THE HEATING/COOLING BLOWER DOES NOT OPERATE AT LOW SPEED SETTING (1-3). WORKS ONLY AT HIGH (4) SPEED SETTING. AT TIMES SOME SMOKE IS OBSERVED COMING OUT OF AIR VENTS. I HAD SPOKEN TO A MECHANIC DURING ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AT A DEALERSHIP AND HE TOLD ME THAT THIS IS CORROSION PROBLEM CAUSING DUE TO CONDENSATION AND ERODING THE CONTACTS RESULTING IN NON OPERATION OF BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SETTING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 25, 2012
THE BRAKES DEVELOPED POOR BRAKING AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH THE FRONT END WOULD SHIMMY WHEN APPLIED. TWICE REPLACING THE BRAKE PADS AND RESURFACING OF THE ROTORS FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT DISK ROTORS THAT WOULD NOT WRAP WITH USE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM GM FAILED TO COVER THE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE. THE CONTACT EXCESSIVELY APPLIED THE BRAKES AND WAS ABLE TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE THROTTLE POSITION INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Electrical system, Feb 15, 2012
THE CAR FAILS TO START DUE TO THE PASSLOCK II SYSTEM FAILURE. IT WILL NOT ENGAGE THE FUEL PUMP AND/OR IGNITION SYSTEM. THE THEFT LOCKOUT SYSTEM LIGHT STAYS ON OR FLASHES ALL OTHER DASH WARNING LIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT UP. THE CAR WILL START RANDOMLY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE CAR. THE PASSLOCK II RELEARNING METHOD HAS TO BE USED TO START THE CAR AS INSTRUCTED BY GM IN THE OWNERS MANUAL SECTION 2 PAGE 17 WHEN THE THEFT SYSTEM FAILS. THIS METHOD WILL WORK RANDOMLY. NO KNOW REPAIR. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 15, 2012
HVAC SYSTEM HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS FROM THE FAN NOT WORKING IN SELECTED SPEEDS TO THE AIR RECIRCULATE FUNCTION FAILING TO ENGAGE OR TO REMAIN ENGAGED. THE AC WOULD CUT ON AND OFF DURING USE THE RECIRCULATE FUNCTION WOULD STOP WORKING THE AC SYSTEM WOULD NOT TURN ON THE SYSTEM CONTROL UNIT, EVAPORATOR CORE AND COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM. THE SYSTEM STILL FAILS TO WORK. MULTIPLE REPAIRS DONE WITHOUT RESOLUTION. *TR
Power train, Feb 15, 2012
ACCELERATOR WILL STICK AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO IDLE POSITION WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CONTINUING TO SPEED AT 50 MPH. DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE CABLE TOLD ME IT WAS DAMAGED SOMEHOW. ON 6/25/09 ACCELERATOR BEGAN STICKING AGAIN. DEALER REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WHICH THEY HAD FAILED TO DO THE FIRST REPAIR. ALL REPAIRS DONE AT MY EXPENSE AT A TOTAL COST OF $283.82 NOT INCLUDING RENTAL CAR COST. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 31, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT PLACED THE GEAR IN REVERSE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CRASHED INTO SEVERAL PARKED VEHICLES, BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE CONTACTS SHOULDER WAS BRUISED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 15, 2012
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I AM HAVING THIS PROBLEM...THE SAME PROBLEM EVERYONE ELSE IS HAVING....CAR WONT START DUE TO ANTI THEFT ISSUE....LUCKILY MY CAR WAS IN A PARKING LOT AT A GROCERY STORE. THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY GM BECAUSE EVERYONE I KNOW IS AWARE AND IF I AM INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THIS FAILS WHILE DRIVING - I WILL FIND A VERY GOOD LAWYER AND COLLECT ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINERS ONLINE FOR THIS SAME ISSUE AND FILE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT - THERE ARE PLENTY ENOUGH TO DO SO....THIS IS GETTING REDICULOUS. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE GM STEPS UP AND ACTUALLY FIXES THE PROBLEM? THEY RECALLED FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL ACCELERATOR AND WHILE I DID RESPOND AND TAKE MY CAR IN THEY TOLD ME MINE WAS NOT AN ISSUE...ONLY TO DISCOVER A YEAR LATER IT IS AN ISSUE...I JUST DEAL WITH IT LIKE I WILL THIS ONE I GUESS....UNBELIEVABLE THAT NO ONE CARES EXCEPT THE FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE PEOPLE DRIVING THESE 23K DOLLAR VEHICLES....I CANT SELL THE CAR BECAUSE EVERYONE OUT THERE KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND I WOULD BE SELLING A LEMON....NOW WHAT?
Electrical system, Dec 20, 2011
I BOUGHT A CHEVY MALIBU NEW IN 2003. I NEVER KNEW IT HAD ANY ANTI THEFT DEVICE. THREE WEEKS AGO THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT CAME ON. I IGNORED IT. AFTER A FEW DAYS THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE ENGINE STARTED TO RUN BUT SPUTTERED OUT. I LOOKED IN THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL THAT CAME WITH THE CAR. IT SAYS IF THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT COMES ON (FOR NO REASON) TURN IGNITION TO ON POSITION WAIT TEN MINUTES TURN CAR OFF AND THE CAR WILL START. I FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS AND CAR STARTED. SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY. I FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS AND CAR RUNS AGAIN. PROBLEM I HAVE IS WHY WOULD THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM BE ACTIVATED FOR NO REASON? CHEVY KNEW THIS HAPPENS AND THIS IS WHY THEY HAVE IT WRITTEN UP IN THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL. IF THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM IS FAULTY IE COMES ON FOR NO REASON AND PROHIBITS THE CAR FROM STARTING, CHEVY SHOULD NOT HAVE INSTALLED IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. *TR
Steering, Dec 8, 2011
THE POWER STEERING HAS FAILED 5 TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. EACH TIME,MY DAUGHTER HAS PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE, AND THE POWER STEERING OPERATED CORRECTLY AGAIN. I HAVE HAD THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM CHECKED BY CERTIFIED GM MECHANICS AT THE LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP; THEY WERE AWARE OF THIS COMMON PROBLEM BUT THEY DID KNOW OF A REMEDY. THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED THE STEERING SYSTEM EACH TIME, AND DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. I AM SELLING THIS VEHICLE...IT IS NOT SAFE ENOUGH FOR MY DAUGHTER TO DRIVE. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE IGNITION BUT THE ENGINE FAILED TO OPERATE WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR. THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AFTER TEN TO FIFTEEN MINUTES. IN ADDITION, THE SAME FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHILE DRIVING AND RESULT IN THE VEHICLE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE IGNITION SYSTEM AND COMPUTER MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. UPDATED 01/03/12*LJ UPDATED 01/04/12
Electrical system, Nov 14, 2011
AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR I AM UNABLE TO START IT BECAUSE THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WILL BLOCK THE CAR FROM STARTING. I WILL PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE SENSOR LIGHT WILL FLASH. I HAVE TO WAIT EXACTLY 10 MINUTES WITH THE KEY TURNED TO "ON" BEFORE THE LIGHT STOPS FLASHING AND I CAN TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN. ON A FEW OCCASIONS THIS HAS OCCURRED BACK TO BACK RESULTING IN HAVING TO WAIT AT LEAST 20 MINUTES TO START MY CAR. I HAVE SEEN THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS CAR, WHICH SEEMS TO DEFEAT THE PURPOSE OF A SAFETY FEATURE IF YOU HAVE TO WAIT IN A DARK PARKING LOT ALONE FOR 10 MINUTES BECAUSE OF FAULTY CONSTRUCTION. *TR