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2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic electrical problems

11 complaints (69% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 143,000.

owner complaints
11
of this car's complaints
69%
typical mileage
143,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Ignition: switch
    2
  • Ignition: anti-theft: control module
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Malibu Classic electrical problems in other years

19971998199920002001200220032004200520072008

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 30, 2018 · Electrical · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that there was no failure with the two vehicle keys until the vehicle was repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) by autonation chevrolet laurel (500 washington blvd, suite a, laurel, md 20707, 301‑725‑2700). The dealer was informed numerous times that the replacement keys from the recall failed to remedy the defect. The vehicle failed to start and was unable to be restarted numerous times. For over four years, the contact stated that the original oem keys functioned properly. In addition, the anti-theft function failed to operate properly. The contact referenced the owner's manual to reprogram the function and turned the vehicle on and off. The contact stated that the anti-theft feature did not work for this year, make, and model vehicle, the anti-theft warning indicator illuminated, and the vehicle would not start when the key was inserted in the ignition. The dealer kept the two oem keys and stated that the plastic insert piece that was to be provided as a key insert failed as a remedy for the recall. The two keys did not work for the contact's model vehicle. The dealer reported to the manufacturer that the plastic cover and the key modification failed to function manually and electronically. The vehicle had to be towed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Nov 21, 2017 · Electrical · 136,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that the vehicle did not start and the anti-theft warning indicator illuminated for approximately two minutes. All of the indicators illuminated because the key was in the on position, but the engine did not start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (art moehn chevrolet in jackson, michigan) and had the ignition switch replaced in august of 2017. The vehicle was not repaired this time. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.

Filed Aug 4, 2017 · Electrical · 143,000 miles · GA

The drivers side brake light doesn't work.I have tried changing the bulb several times, but it will not work.a few yrs back I saw a recall on this but I didn't take advantage of it and now I cannot find it anymore I would like info on what I should do now as I got a warning ticket !! Thanks

Filed Jul 28, 2017 · Electrical · 130,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu classic. While the vehicle was stationary, the pad lock sensor became activated and the vehicle would not start. The contact stated that the anti-theft indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately 15 minutes. The contact stated that the failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was towed on one occasion. The wins chevrolet dealer in carson, california was made aware of the failure and stated that the contact would have to purchase a new ignition system. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed May 10, 2016 · Electrical · 144,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.

Filed Jun 24, 2015 · Electrical · 147,777 miles · LA

First time incident occurred was 6/18/15, twice on 6/23/2015 and once on 6/24/15. Theft system caused car not to start; performed trouble shooting method according to owner's manual (leaving key in ignition on position wait 10 minutes for the theft system to stop blinking, turn key in ignition to off then restart) which doesn't indicate further action to take if problem persists. Took it to ryan chevrolet dealer in monroe, la on 6/24/15 where service advisor travis stuart said 125.00 diagnostic charge has to be paid to find out the problem which I've already indicated what it was and was unable to fix the issue which is an urgent safety concern because according to him the dealership was behind and backup in repairs. He scheduled for me to come in for 6/26/15 at 8am which travis stated was the earliest appointment availability he had. Spoke to chevrolet.com live chat customer care representative alexandria on 6/24/15 shortly after 9pm and stated to her the problem along with what the dealership told me. Alexandria told me that there were no recalls for this type of issue regarding 2003 chevy malibu, owner's manual is just a stepping stone as a guideline, vehicle is over 10 yrs old so it is no longer under warranty and repairs have to made at my own expense with no type of reimbursement to the customer. I was not aware this vehicle was a recall until I went to the dmv to get it registered is where I was informed regarding this particular make/model of this vehicle. I shouldn't have to pay for something that is an manufacturer defect gm is knowingly aware of indicated in their owner's manual nor I should be held accountable for something through no fault of my own. I am fearful of driving this vehicle to work or school putting my life at risk everyday.

Filed Feb 9, 2015 · Electrical · OK

2003 chevrolet malibu classic. Consumer got car fixed due to recall of ignition problems. Requesting reimbursement. *ta the consumer was denied reimbursement, because the repair was not done by a gm dealer. The ignition lock cylinder was replaced. The consumer stated the nearest dealer was 40 miles away.

Filed Oct 2, 2014 · Electrical · 118,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that the ignition switch key would turn after numerous attempts. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000. Updated 11/20/14*lj the consumer was unable to remove the key from the ignition. Updated 01/08/15

Filed Sep 19, 2014 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu classic. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt. The contact waited ten minutes and the vehicle started normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the ignition switch was replaced. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) and stated that the ignition switch was not included in the remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Sep 19, 2014 · Electrical · 160,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu classic. After repeated attempts, the ignition key failed to turn in any position. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the ignition switch tumbler was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic electrical

Does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 11 complaints about the electrical of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, 69% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 143,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic electrical?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Malibu Classic have the most electrical problems?

The Chevrolet Malibu Classic model years with the most electrical complaints are 2004 (59 complaints), 2005 (41 complaints) and 2001 (12 complaints).

Other 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Classic problems

Acceleration 1Driver assistance 1Engine 1Steering 1Transmission 1

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