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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for service, and the vehicle was returned in less than 30 minutes. The contact was suspicious about the work that was performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that soon after the recall repair, the key remained stuck in accessory mode while attempting to turn off the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to remove the key from the ignition while the engine was running and used pliers to unhook the battery to turn off the vehicle. Additionally, while driving 20 MPH over a bump in the road, the key was knocked out of the ignition, causing the vehicle to abruptly shut off. The contact lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle veered off into the grass before coming to a complete stop. Despite the failure, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence and parked the vehicle. The contact alerted the dealer of the failure and that the recall was not properly serviced. The contact was given an estimate for a diagnostic test, and the contact refused to pay for the diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that a representative would give a follow-up call. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
2003 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems
289 complaints (51% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,000. 6 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 289
- of this car's complaints
- 51%
- typical mileage
- 80,000
- crashes
- 6
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Ignition: anti-theft: control module55
- Ignition: switch15
- Ignition11
- Wiring2
- Wiring: interior/under dash1
- Horn1
- 12v/24v/48v battery1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition
- What is 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 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 14V400000 · Recall details
What 2003 Chevrolet Malibu owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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 ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Experiencing intermittent failure of passcode system, service engine soon light. Vehicle repeatedly will not start due to activation of passcode system. Warning light will come on while driving, but goes away upon restart. Experiencing loss of dash controls while driving, but return within a few minutes vehicle mileage is 205000
Car won't start key switch sets off anti theft always leaving us stranded
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. When the key was inserted in the ignition switch, the vehicle went into anti-theft mode and failed to start. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact called hoselton auto mall (909 fairport rd, east rochester, ny 14445, (585) 586-7373), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the anti-theft system erroneously activated and the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was unknown.
When driving down the street my malibu just shuts down ..I bought a battery and alternator and sensors to fix my car .put in shop to find out it was the ignition switch. I'm sacred to drive on the highway it might stop and cause an fatal accident . This is a real safety issue that need to be addressed..thank you
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed and the contact was unable to start the engine. The contact spoke with doug henry chevrolet tarboro (809 west wilson street, tarboro, nc 27886, (252) 823-3145). The dealer did not perform a diagnostic test, but advised the contact that the ignition switch needed to be replaced and the security system needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Tamara recall . Ignition gets stuck in the acc position when shutting car off after placing vehicle in park. Key can be removed in acc position and allows car to be started without the key and allows vehicle the be shifted out of park and into gear.
Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu electrical
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 289 complaints about the electrical of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 51% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 14V400000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have the most electrical problems?
The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most electrical complaints are 2013 (376 complaints), 2009 (368 complaints) and 2010 (295 complaints).
Other 2003 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Engine 88Acceleration 85Brakes 63Fuel system 42Lights 28Airbags 27Suspension 23Steering 21Transmission 13Body 9Locks 4Tires 4Visibility 4Driver assistance 3Seat belts 3Wheels 3Seats 2
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