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2003 Chevrolet Malibu electrical complaints

Page 5 of 11: complaints 101 to 130 of 289, newest first, as owners wrote them.

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

Filed Oct 3, 2014 · Electrical · 75,453 miles · NY

On 9/04/14 took car into sawyer gm dealer to be serviced and inspected all went well and all passed everything, went to grocery store went to start car and key would not turn in the ignition to turn car on, tried everything possible. Sawyer came and tried but could not turn the key it was like frozen. They towed the car and said I needed a new ignition. Thy never told me about the recall on the two key rings and an insert in the key slot or cover over the key head on all ignition keys. They put in a new cylinder & switch# 25832354 & a new key assembly# 2852058 for the total of $523.80. I recvd a recall letter after that because I called gm corp. Went to sawyers they told me they could not help me. [xxx], manager supervisor of parts dept. Was very sarcastic. My question is: 1. Why didn't they tell me about recall# 14350 ? 2. If this is a defect than why did I have to pay for a brand new ignition, switch & key assembly? Now my ABS light won't go off and when you want to turn the car off it won't go to the off position without jiggling the shifting lever when it is in park , when you put the car in park and you try to turn it to off it doesn't go to off all the way and then you have to jiggle the shift and then the key will go to off all the way. This should not be happening. I do not feel very safe with all these issues taking place and am very leery about driving this vehicle. Am I still supposed to get this recall # 14350 done or what? I would appreciate it if some one knowledgeable would & could give me answers. Expecting to hear from you as soon as possible. This is very frustrating to say the least. If you would like copies of the bill and the inspection & service I will mail them to you . Thank you information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 3, 2014 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the key failed to turn in the ignition switch and prevented the vehicle from starting. The failure occurred several times. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system); however, the parts needed to repair the vehicle were not available. The dealer was unable to provide a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Oct 2, 2014 · Electrical · 153,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the anti-theft sensor illuminated on several occasions and the vehicle was unable to start. The vehicle went into anti-theft mode and was unable to be driven on numerous occasions. While driving various speeds, the key could be removed or fall out of the ignition. The failure became progressively worse. The contact used the owners manual to reset the system. In addition, the air bag sensor illuminated and the radio shorted out. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000. Updated 11/20/14*lj the consumer stated the manufacturer advised the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer declined to assist with repairs. Updated 8/12/2015

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Electrical · 45,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that it took several attempts to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition switch housing assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000. Updated 11/24/14*lj the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The consumer would like to be reimbursed the cost of the repairs due to being made aware of a recall for the failure. Updated 05/6/2015

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Electrical · MI

In latejune/early july 2014, we bought the malibu from a private party. We don't know what kind of key chain the girl we got the car from used, however after the cobalt recall, I know that my daughter only uses the ignition key with no weight on the chain. Now there is a recall on the keys for this car, gm recall 14350, and this cars ignition is messed up. Is it possible that this ignition needs to be replaced too? I will be researching this further. Even though I've sent an e-mail, I don't have access to a computer. The best way to reach me is on my home phone.

Filed Sep 30, 2014 · Electrical · 116,000 miles · IN

We started having different problems with the fan not wanting to work for the air conditioning, lights not wanting to work and failure to start. We had it fixed by a local mechanic on 5/21/2014. I feel like this ignition switch recall from gm needs to be extended to older vehicles and that the key fob is a cover up for the bigger issue.

Filed Sep 26, 2014 · Electrical · CA

Ignition switch. I would like to know why gm, while knowing since 2001 that the ignitions switches they were using in their vehicles since 1997 were defective but were allowed to continue to use these defective parts putting the lives of the drivers, their passengers and the every person on the road at the same time someone was driving one of these defective vehicles in danger?

Filed Sep 26, 2014 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the engine failed to shut off when the ignition was turned off. In addition, when the key was removed from the ignition, the lights and radio remained activated, which caused the battery to drain. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Sep 25, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 135,895 miles · GA

I turned my left turn signal on, and it wouldn't work. Since this the turn signals work when they want to.I took it to have it tested and they said it was the control board and I replaced that. But still the signals work when they want to. I was told about another malibu that was a year older that done the same thing. But I have a young son and a baby on the way, I don't want to be rear-ended because I have no turn signals.

Filed Sep 23, 2014 · Electrical · 86,000 miles · MS

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. While the vehicle was parked, the engine remained on when the ignition was turned off. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.

Filed Sep 22, 2014 · Electrical · 46,942 miles · CO

On 9/4/2012 brought my car into king chevrolet, in longmont, colorado, because my 'check engine light' kept coming on. Also I lost my electrical system, nothing electrical worked!! I was told that there was an internal short in the bcm, and was charged $639.99 after my senior discount of $71.28. Fine! Two days later the same thing happened, check engine light came on!!! King chevrolet told me they could not find anything wrong. Finally, on may 16, 2013 my vehicle was scanned with a tech tool scanner and the stored bcm codes indicated the ignition switch was bad. This was done by a king mechanic!!! It was misdiagnosed causing this outrageous charge of $639.99!! The ignition switch was fixed (not by king), for $100.00, and I have not had a problem since. I repeatedly emailed king about this, with no response. I don't think I should have been charged $639.99 foe a misdiagnosed.error by king chevrolet. I always liked chevys, but I will not ever go to king chevrolet again. It may not seem like a lot of money to you, but I am on a fixed income and had to put this on a credit card and pay interest. Not very good customer service. I put my complaint on facebook so all my friends and family would know what happened. I still would like my charge of $639.99 returned to me. Is there anything you can do for me???

Filed Sep 18, 2014 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the key could be removed from the ignition switch when the shift lever was positioned in any gear. The failure occurred while the vehicle was parked and in motion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2014 · Electrical · 167,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the anti-theft sensor illuminated. When the anti-theft sensor flashed, the contact had to wait before making several attempts to restart the vehicle. Also, the contact was waiting for parts and was informed of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing and repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2014 · Electrical · 88,000 miles · OH

The antitheft light keeps coming on and vehicle will not start(which is a problem gm is aware of because it has been reported for years and is all over the internet). It came on while driving and after a few miles shut the car down. No brakes, no steering. Almost had a major accident.

Filed Sep 15, 2014 · Body, Electrical · 56,586 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the key was able to turn to the on position in the ignition, but would not turn completely to start the vehicle. The failure occurred on several occasions. An independent mechanic replaced the ignition switch, but the failure recurred. The vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The contact was later informed that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system), but the part needed for the repair was unavailable. The dealer did not provide a specific date for when the remedy would become available. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000. Updated 11/05/14*lj

Filed Sep 11, 2014 · Electrical · 100,100 miles · TX

Safety issue. The car went dead several instances at stop sign, when making a turn, and while driving. On july 2, 2014, I did contacted gm at 800‑222‑1020 about the ignition switch recall for malibu 2003 and they told me that I would receive a letter to take to a gm dealer but I never received it. I did call then again and now I was told that the VIN was not being recalled. Yesterday, I did replace the ignition switch as I can not risk a major accident or loss of life. If you send to my address a self-stamped envelope I will send you the ignition switch that was replaced so you can make your own opinion. I am very upset of this game with the life of the consumers, I read the federal safety agency recall number 14v400, but I suggest that you google: theft system chevy malibu 2003 and see the truth, so how can this happen after the ford explorer? Who regulates this mess with the ignition switch?

Filed Sep 2, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · MI

Driving car on highway when it powered down, turned off, lost power steering, etc. Had to pull over, stop car, and restart it. Prior to this, had been driving it in town on side street and the same thing happened.

Filed Aug 24, 2014 · Electrical · 71,542 miles · CA

Car wouldn't start at shopping center, had it towed 50.00. Mechanic said it stared right up, nothing wrong. 6 months later, after work, car wouldn't start again 50.00 tow. Mechanic said car computer issue 1,000 fix! 2 months later same issue when leaving for work, towed again 50.00! 500.00 later I figure maybe more people are having the same problem so I got online and found out it's an anti theft/not recognizing key issue. We shouldn't have to pay that much money to try to fix an issue that is known about and not recalled because not enough people have died!

Filed Aug 23, 2014 · Electrical, Fuel system · 120,000 miles · IL

I have had three incidents related to the ignition system. The first time ,the anti-theft light came on and after driving and then parking the car, I could not start it. The mechanic told me the ignition may have been worn. He replaced the key cylinder and of course the keys. The car was fine for almost a year when the same thing happened. I tried a different mechanic and was told he could reset the computer so as to change the anti-theft alert. I was told that it could happen again but he felt if I replaced the ignition system($300) that it would solve this. I decided to wait. Now the light came on again and within a day or two the car would not start.I had him reset the computer again. I have been told by someone with gm that this is not related to the recall. Both myself and the mechanic believe it is related. I would like gm to cover this repair and all the towing and other fees for having my car back on the road.

Filed Aug 11, 2014 · Electrical, Fuel system · 90,000 miles · FL

2003 malibu owners manual states that the ignition switch may shift the car off for no reason. It shuts the car down by shutting off the fuel pump.this resulted in the fuel pump breaking on my car. Since chevrolet knew about the faulty ignition switch, this is why they put the info in their owners manual. Chevrolet must take responsibility for costs incurred by owners who must repair fuel pumps and ignition switches.

Filed Jul 24, 2014 · Electrical · 40,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start when the key was inserted into the ignition. The contact mentioned that several attempts had to be made before the vehicle started and the theft system warning light illuminated intermittently. The problem recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch malfunctioned causing the electronic chip in key lost communication with the electronic module control. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacture informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in any recalls regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Jul 18, 2014 · Electrical · 240,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact own a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the repair failed to remedy the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the ignition switch was replaced on three occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system). The approximate failure and current mileage was 240,000.

Filed Jul 17, 2014 · Electrical, Fuel system · 140,000 miles · VA

This anti theft lamp is on in my car and I cannot drive. Have a husband who had a stroke and I need to be at the hospital this is horrible. Driving during the first week of the month in a 40mph zone the car turned off and that anti theft lamp was on, I was able to put the car in neutral and avoid an accident very scary situation. Last night I could not get home and was stranded after stopping the vehicle and it would not start. Car towed home today and this lamp is still on. I am being told that it is probably the keys, there are 3 keys all of which are no longer working. I have been able to drive utilizing putting the key to the on position waiting 10 minutes and the car will start well this time it is not working. Realized a few weeks ago after locking the doors on the car you would hear a beep like I had a keyless entry which I do not have. Help this is extremly serious I cannot drive my vehicle and I need to when are they going to issue remedies for these horrible problems we are having with these vehicles.

Filed Jul 11, 2014 · Electrical · 40,054 miles · NV

Loud noise. Replaced starter assembly.

Filed Jul 9, 2014 · Electrical · 63,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the anti-theft warning light illuminated intermittently. In addition, when the air conditioner activated the air flow did not properly circulate through the vents. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 66,237 miles · AZ

My check engine light has been coming on and giving me problems. Just took it in to my car repair they said now its shows air bag error also. They want to change out the ignition switch. This car has had nothing but trouble with only 66 thousand miles! Now the air bags probably wont work when needed. I want this fixed on the ignition recall. Every time I pull up to my home after driving this car I am just waiting for it to start on fire as nothing seems to work like it should.

Filed Jun 28, 2014 · Electrical · 95,000 miles · PA

When trying to start car, often the theft kill engages. I have to wait 10 minutes with the key in the ignition start position before it will start. Can this be associated with the cars that turn off while driving?

Filed Jun 24, 2014 · Electrical · 58,800 miles · NY

There are multiple electrical issues associated with this vehicle. So much so that the fact that gm has not instituted a recall is beyond my belief. It must be because there are so many issues to rectify, it is not cost effective for them to do so. So put everyday lives at risk instead.these issues have been intermittently ongoing just before the car hit 50,000 miles or so. It started with the anti theft system. I can't tell you how many times I've had to reset the car alarm in order for it to start, during the warm summer weather it's an abomination. Sometimes I must reset it 2-3 times a day. Next is the hazard light it intermittently clicks incessantly. During this time it's a crapshoot if your turn signals work. I've had to remove the hazard light from its housing in order to manipulate it to get turn signals to work when it's clicking. Also the vehicle chimes at times when I'm driving. It's the type of chime you hear when you leave the key in the ignition and have the door open.this is less frequent then the hazard light clicking but an annoyance just the same. I've also have had a situation on way to employment and the car lost power. Luckily no accident resulted. Whether this was due to similar issues associated with recent the gm recalls presently or associated with my current issues, I do not know. I do not let anyone else use car and minimize my use of it as well. Luckily my job is local but I do wonder if my safety's compromised every time I get into this vehicle.

Filed Jun 23, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 78,000 miles · IL

6-10-14 no crank start ,had to reset security systems code b2960 and p1626c firestone 312‑787‑8828 store#026514 chicago,il 60610 6-19-14 was diving on lake shore dr got on off ramp and the car just cut off no power it did start back up but lucky it didn't happen went I was going fast.

Filed Jun 19, 2014 · Electrical · 105,000 miles · IN

Subject vehicle hit a large pothole on us interstate; theft deterrent warning light illuminated. Stopped vehicle, turned off car. Restarted car, theft light off, resumed course/speed to final destination. Approximately 5 days later, after only local city driving during these 5 days, car would not start while parked in home garage. After attempt at jump start, had car towed to local garage where technician diagnosed issue as "car went into theft mode." technician reset and cautioned that subject vehicle may need new ignition control. This is third or fourth time theft deterrent warning light has engaged over the past 3 years, but only time car has shut down and not started. Still using original key, although I have subsequently removed it from key chain to avoid recurrence.

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