Does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, the most recent reported on July 3, 2014 (Electrical system: ignition). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu?

Owners have filed 569 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (289 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (85).

How many 2003 Chevrolet Malibu complaints mention a crash or fire?

35 of 569 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 23 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and problems

2 recalls and 569 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.

recalls

569

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Chevrolet Malibu recalls

Electrical system: ignition

NHTSA campaign 14V400000 · reported July 3, 2014 · General Motors LLC · 5,877,718 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal

NHTSA campaign 04V528000 · reported November 1, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 92,863 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk: Failure to return to idle could result in a vehicle crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Electrical system289
Vehicle speed control85
Engine47
Service brakes, hydraulic45
Engine and engine cooling41
Exterior lighting28
Air bags27
Fuel system, gasoline24
Suspension23
Steering21

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 15, 2026 · Electrical system · 220,000 miles
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…

Oct 22, 2024 · Vehicle speed control
Unknown

Sep 15, 2023 · Electrical 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.

Aug 14, 2023 · Electrical system · 170,000 miles
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…

Apr 10, 2023 · Air bags
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

Malibu model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	3	919	45	6
2001	2	720	36	1
2002	2	567	18	1
2003	2	569	35	4
2004	6	1,147	47	7
2005	3	975	46	34
2006	6	1,117	42	6

Across all years, the 2009 Malibu has the most complaints (1,509). All Chevrolet Malibu years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, the most recent reported on July 3, 2014 (Electrical system: ignition). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu?: Owners have filed 569 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (289 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (85).
How many 2003 Chevrolet Malibu complaints mention a crash or fire?: 35 of 569 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 23 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 15, 2026.