2003 Chevrolet Malibu: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu: 2 recalls, 569 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #04V528000 · 2004 · 92,863 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #14V400000 · 2014 · 5,877,718 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 23 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (289): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (78), electrical failure (66), won't start (61).
- Speed control / throttle (85): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (18).
- Engine (47): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (20), electrical failure (12), warning light on (10).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (45): the most common themes are noise or vibration (14), brake failure / soft pedal (10).
The 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has 569 owner complaints, ranking #18 of 29 Malibu model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 667). Complaints peaked in 2014 (113 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 70,083 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (567 complaints, 2 recalls), 2004 (1147 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Owners have filed 569 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (289), speed control / throttle (85), engine (47).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.1 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.