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2003 Chevrolet Malibu acceleration complaints

Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 85, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Chevrolet Malibu acceleration problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 21, 2012 · Acceleration · 70,000 miles · VA

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.

Filed Jan 31, 2012 · Acceleration · 104,000 miles · NC · crash · 1 injury

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.

Filed Aug 29, 2011 · Acceleration · 110,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact was driving at various speeds and the accelerator pedal became stuck while depressed. After several attempts, the accelerator pedal released and functioned normally. The failure occurred on an intermittent basis. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where they informed the contact of the recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v528000 (vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal). The VIN was not included in the recall; however the contact experienced a similar failure as mentioned in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 09/27/11 *bf updated 10/11/11

Filed Aug 3, 2011 · Acceleration · 118,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. While driving 65, with the air conditioning system activated, the contact stated that the rpms would raise and the engine would increase. In 2006, the vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired for recall number: 04v528000 (vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal); however, the failure recurred. No further inspection or repairs were performed. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

Filed Apr 22, 2011 · Acceleration · 90,000 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns an 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that as the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal increase in engine rpms to 4,000. The vehicle was shut off and restarted several times until the rpms were idle. The check engine light would illuminate intermittently when the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where they changed the exhaust gas recirculation valves but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a second mechanic shop where they performed a diagnostic but was unable to generate a failure code. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 108,000.

Filed Jan 3, 2011 · Acceleration, Electrical · 50,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact was driving 45 MPH when the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact able to maneuver the vehicle as the engine exhibited an abnormally high increase in rpms. The manufacturer was contacted who informed him that his vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v528000 (vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 02/23/11*lj the consumer also stated there were times when the vehicle would not start, unless he turned the key and let the vehicle sit for 15 minutes. The theft system light would stay on all the time. Updated 06/02/11

Filed Jan 1, 2011 · Acceleration, Transmission · 50,000 miles · MD

The car is a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The car was purchased used and therefore the events leading up the failure are not known. The problem that the car has is that the rpms increase dramatically while driving. This makes the car difficult to stop and extreme pressure must be applied to the brakes to stop and keep the car stopped. When the vehicle is stopped and the problem is occurring, the engine can be heard making louder than usual noises. When the rpms increase, the speed of the car increases without the gas pedal being pressed. It is very difficult to keep the car moving at a reasonable speed because of this. At the present time, the check engine light is on, but the activation of the check engine light does not usually occur at the same time as the problem described above. The problem occurs at an of four times a week and occurs more often when the car is driven on back roads instead of highways.

Filed Aug 11, 2010 · Acceleration · 20,234 miles · IL

The gas pedal is stick. It accelerates the car by itself. I have to use my foot to get it out to avoid acceleration. I called gm and they told me there is no recall for this. I don't understand why toyota's sticky pedal is a big deal, while gm does nothing for it. I saw postings of the same problem for a long time. I hope gm take action before it is too late.

Filed Jul 12, 2010 · Acceleration · 45,581 miles · TX

In feb 2009 I was pulling into a parking space and my car accelerated but I was able to stop before hitting the car next to me. The same thing happened a few days later. Then again, on february 17, 2009, pulling into a parking space the car accelerated and I could not get the car to stop. I jumped a curb and went into a grassy area and finally got the car stopped. I had it towed to the dealer. The mechanics could not find anything wrong. They told me it was probably the floor mat under the accelerator pedal. However, on july 7, 2010, pulling into a parking space the car accelerated and I jumped a curb. After jumping the curb, I narrowly missed an electrical box and utility pole. I had the car towed to the dealer again. I was told it was a worn cable which they told me needed to be replaced. I am concerned that this will not fix the problem since other malibu owners have experienced the same problem yet there is no recall for our particular model number regarding the vehicle speed control accelerator pedal. I called the chevrolet consumer number, but was told that until there are enough complaints to warrant a recall for my model "they" are not responsible for any repairs.

Filed Jul 9, 2010 · Acceleration · 101,000 miles · MO · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 10 MPH, she noticed that the vehicle became difficult to stop. The rpms increased excessively to 2000 when she depressed the brake pedal. Within a few minutes, as she drove the vehicle to the dealer, she noticed an odor in the brakes which was heat accumulated after she tried to stop the vehicle. She also inspected the vehicle and noticed that the floor mat was not under the accelerator pedal and was not the cause of the sudden acceleration. The dealer stated that the accelerator assembly system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired when the complaint was filed. When the contact called the manufacturer who stated that the vehicle was not included in recall 04v528000 (vehicle speed control accelerator pedal) and offered no assistance. The current and failure mileages were approximately 101,000.

Filed Jul 7, 2010 · Acceleration · 43,627 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. While the contact was driving approximately 25 MPH and approaching a traffic light, , the accelerator pedal became stuck without warning. The contact manually released the accelerator pedal with his foot and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The failure occurred during extremely hot weather temperatures and when the contact comes to a complete stop. The contact reviewed the federal safety agency recall campaign id number 04v528000 (vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal). An authorized dealer was notified and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall on january 14, 2005. The contact stated the vehicle had no prior recall remedy repair performed. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 43,627.

Filed Jun 21, 2010 · Acceleration · 68,300 miles · OH

Accelerator does not respond when you remove your foot from the gas pedal. This situation occurs after the car has been setting in the sun. It has happened three times during the past week. The car was repaired for this condition in 2005 as part of the recall program. It evidently didn't fix the problem.

Filed Jun 16, 2010 · Acceleration · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. She stated she depressed the brakes and when she removed her foot from the pedal, the vehicle began to abnormally accelerate. She put the vehicle into neutral and depressed the accelerator. The vehicle stopped revving and she used extreme force to depress the brakes until the vehicle began to decrease in speed. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. There were no repairs made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 71,739.

Filed May 7, 2010 · Acceleration · 121,405 miles · MA

My 2003 chevy malibu began idling very high while driving, causing it to be difficult to control. It was a hot day when it happened and I almost was in an accident. I found a recall on line the federal safety agency campaign # 04v528000 which was exactly the problem I was having with my vehicle. My VIN number was not on the recall list according to gm. My mechanic performed the test on the accelerator and brake assembly and it failed. The accelerator would not return to the engine idle position when my foot was off the accelerator pedal- it would go 35 miles per hour without my foot on the accelerator- very dangerous. My mechanic replace the accelerator and brake assembly, and gave me the part. They suggested I pursue through gm. I did so, case #71-827370783. I received a call today from gm stating they would not pay for the repair since it wasn't part of the recall, regardless of the fact that it was a defective item, not a wear and tear item, and further, very dangerous. I think there should be a new recall for the rest of the 2003 chevy malibus that were not on the original list- they obviously missed some vehicles that were affected. This happened very suddenly and I was lucky I didn't kill someone or get killed myself.

Filed Apr 30, 2010 · Acceleration, Visibility · NJ

2003 chevrolet malibu. Consumer states unintended acceleration. *tgw the consumer stated his primarily drove the vehicle. In june 2007, the consumers wife experienced sudden acceleration and continued until the vehicle was repaired in july 2008 via a recall over a one year later. The consumer stated he was charged $189.05 in june 2007 for what turned out to be a recall issue. Again in august 2008 the consumer reported the problem and was charged again. So, for over a year, the vehicle would race and safety was a hazard. Also, the power windows would not operate properly. The consumer stated the power windows have failed twice. Even though the consumer was charged twice for different part replacements, he continues to experience problems with the power windows at times.

Filed Apr 13, 2010 · Acceleration · 101,000 miles · FL

2003 chevrolet malibu accelerates without assistance about 1 month ago (march 2010). Taken to mechanic and when tested there weren't any codes. Also the engine light didn't come on. So a road test was done and the iac sensor was diagnosed as the problem. The iac sensor was replaced but the problem hasn't stopped. So the tps (throttle position sensor) tested over 2 volts and when tested going the other way it tested at .63 volts. So the mechanic also replaced the tps but the car is still idling high without assistance. Unable to fix so I took my car to a local chevrolet dealer and they too were unable diagnose the problem. They said they checked the vacuum hoses, the parts put in by my mechanic, and other diagnostic test (not sure what) and still no resolution. Now the car speeds down the street, when stopped in park, neutral, & drive idles at 3000 and hard for the brakes to hold, and when the gas is pushed the car acts as if it wants to cut off. Not sure if the old part are available can contact mechanic to verify. This problem happens every time the car is driven but is worse when the car is hot. I don't know what to do especially since the chevrolet dealership was unable to locate the problem.

Filed Jun 25, 2009 · Acceleration · 62,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal became stuck and the vehicle continued to accelerate. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v528000 (vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal). She was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing to determine if they will assist with the repair. The speed was unknown. The failure mileage was 62,000 and current mileage was 64,000. Updated 07/28/09. *lj updated 07/30/09.

Filed Jun 4, 2009 · Acceleration · 62,000 miles · VA

2003 malibu accelerator stuck to floor when car was in heavy traffic. The car was checked for this problem during a recall in 2005 and it was determined by the dealer that my car did not have this particular problem. It has happened twice since then, as recently as last week. I took the car to a gm dealer to have the problem repaired and they said it was no longer under the recall because I had already had it checked. They now tell me it is a result of wear and tear.

Filed Aug 25, 2008 · Acceleration · 00

My malibu 2003 also has an accelerator pedal that sticks in the hot weather. It started happening intermittently about 2 years ago. If I can get my foot under the pedal to slow it up that works. Of course it never happens at the dealership.

Filed Aug 18, 2008 · Acceleration · 28,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. During warm weather or when the vehicle has been parked outside in the heat, the accelerator would stick. The contact must use her other foot to release the pedal. The vehicle was previously repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v528000 (vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal). The current mileage was 36,000 and failure mileage was 28,000.

Filed Jul 20, 2008 · Acceleration · 13,000 miles · OH · crash

Took the car to the service station for maintenance. When I pull into the drive way of the service station the car accelerated by itself. I ran into the door and the building. I turned the ignition off and inspected the damage to the car and the building. The car had some scratches and damage to the front bumper. The building damage was superficial. The service station did the maintenance and repaired the faulty acceleration cable. I remembered later that there was a recall service that was done in 2005 on this vehicle. This also happen again, I had it repaired again. I am concerned that the car is unsafe.

Filed Jun 12, 2008 · Acceleration, Airbags · 24,000 miles · NY · crash

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. On may 25, 2008, while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began accelerating faster than normal. The contact had to merge out of traffic. She could not feel the brakes working and sped through a stop sign. She drove into a parking lot to avoid crashing into other vehicles. The vehicle finally stopped when it crashed into an embankment. The front driver's side air bag failed to deploy. The vehicle was taken to the body shop to replace the driver's side door and headlamp. The manufacturer stated that an investigator would investigate the failure. They are currently stating that due to the body work that was performed on the vehicle, they will not investigate the acceleration failure, only the air bag failure. The contact has a back injury that was aggravated due to the crash. A police report was filed. The failure and current mileages were 24,000.

Filed Jun 10, 2008 · Acceleration · 130,000 miles · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the accelerator pedal became stuck and would not release. The contact was forced to shift into neutral and turn off the vehicle. He coasted safely to the side of the road until the vehicle came to a complete stop. Once the vehicle was off, he applied pressure to the accelerator pedal and it released. After researching recalls on the vehicle, the contact realized that his failure was identical to that described in the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v528000 (vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal). The manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included in the recall and, since the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty, the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. As of june 10, 2008, the vehicle has not been diagnosed. The failure and current mileages were 130,000. Updated 07/08/08. *bf updated

Filed Jun 4, 2008 · Acceleration · IA

About two years ago when it started getting humid, I would be driving at a constant speed, and all of a sudden I would begin to speed up. I would let off the accelerator, and the car would continue to gain speed. When I tried to come to a stop, the car still wanted to go forward, and the RPM was stuck at 1.5. I need to stick my foot under the accelerator pedal to lift it up, as if it gets stuck. It typically doesn't do it in the winter months, but does it all summer long, especially on hot, humid days. I've also had problems with blinker noise: I will be driving down the road, and for no particular reason, I will hear the noise it makes when signaling. My turning lights don't come on, but it does make the noise and has continued to do it excessively for periods of 10 minutes or longer. My car has also started to make a dinging noise, as if a door were open, as I'm driving along....extremely annoying!!

Filed May 5, 2008 · Acceleration · 47,500 miles · NY

Stuck accelerator: on 4/22/08, took foot off gas pedal -- car did not decelerate and maintained 47 miles per hour for 0.86 miles. Made sure cruise control was turned off. Rpm's still stuck at 1.5. Proceeded through a green light and car continued at 1.5 RPM's for the next 2 miles. Approaching a 2nd intersection, I decided to pull off to the side of the road to be able to turn off the engine, but there wasn't a shoulder; so applied brakes to turn on to quieter side road. Barely made turn. Had brakes down hard and car still traveled at 20 miles per hour. Hit emergency brake and car slowed to 5 MPH. I then put it in neutral and turned off the engine. Took it to spur chevy for repair. They found the prior owner had work done per recall campaign # 04v528000. Nothing came up on their scan test, no fault codes. Cruise control checked out ok. They diagnosed it as the top of the throttle body needing cleaning. This is the 4th time the throttle has been cleaned in the 1 1/2 years I've owned this vehicle. Prior 3 services performed by the seller (barry dodge) on 8/7/07, 6/5/07 and 4/5/07 were requested as the engine routinely idled at 1500 rpms. The 4/22/08 incident was the first time the brakes weren't able to stop the car. The engine was acting sluggish in the weeks prior to 4/22. The oil change wasn't due for another 1000 miles (barry dodge or valvoline). I don't use synthetic oil. I always add fuel injector cleaner after an oil change. I prefer sunoco gas and use their least expensive grade.

Filed Feb 7, 2008 · Acceleration · CA · crash

Was driving on the freeway at about 30mph changed lanes and sped up to about 45mpm when a car switched lanes at the same time in front of me jus as traffic came to a stop. Went to press on the brake but my car wasn't really slowing down like I was still pressing on the gas. Ended up crashing into the back of the car that changed lanes in front of me. At the time I thought it was jus an average accident where I wasn't given enough time to come to a full start so all the original parts are still on the car. There was no injury jus major damage to the front end of my car and airbags .

Filed Sep 13, 2007 · Acceleration, Suspension · 60,923 miles · NY

2003 chevy malibu accelerates on its own. Customer states that the car would drive on its own without putting her foot on the accelerator. **nar**kb the consumer received a recall notice in the mail which stated the accelerator pedal would be inspected only. After having continual problems with the vehicle accelerating on it s own, the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer where it was determined that the accelerator pedal had an internal malfunction. The consumer is seeking reimbursement. The consumer also complained of a rattle noise coming from the vehicle when going over bumps. The dealer inspected the vehicle and found the left front strut and mount were worn. The left side lower control arm was noisy.

Filed Jun 4, 2007 · Acceleration · 71,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. While driving between 30-50 MPH, the accelerator pedal sticks. The contact must apply the brakes and attempt to reach down and pull the accelerator pedal up manually. The contact stated that the failure began on may 30, 2005 and there is safety recall # 04v528000 (vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal) on the vehicle. She called a dealer that sold gm cars but was not actually a gm dealer and informed her that the recall was closed. The consumer heard so many negative things about that specific dealer that repairs were done at another location. The contact stated that her accelerator pedal had been inspected months earlier. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 65,000 and failure mileage was 52,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was taken to a chevrolet dealer who fixed the vehicle via the recall immediately at no charge. Updated 07/24/07

Filed Apr 16, 2007 · Acceleration · IN

When weather is warm the vehicle will rev up to 3000 -3500 rpms and will not return to idle speed. The brakes have to be applied strongly to keep vehicle from taking off, this also happens while in drive and the brakes have to be applied in order to maintain a safe legal speed. Checked for possible recall and found one that matches the actions of this vehicle exactly however this one is not included (VIN). This is happening with increasing frequency and starts sometimes as soon as the vehicle is turned on. Very dissatisfied with gm being the first gm car I have owned I am not at all impressed with the response received when we contacted them about the recall.

Filed Jan 9, 2007 · Acceleration · 30,100 miles · NV

Accelerator pedal sticks causing engine to idle at 1500 to 2000 RPM. Engine will not idle back down to normal RPM's until trans is shifted into neutral. Causes additional braking in order to slow and stop vehicle.

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