Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
For years, car stalls while driving and can not be re-started, or more frequently, just won't start. No warning except a fine, dim red anti-theft system light which is unlikely to be noticed at all, and certainly not immediately. Can happen several times per day, or can go two weeks without a problem. Short term remedy is reliable if inconvenient and in some situation, dangerous; with car in "park," turn off all system, turn on ignition switch but do not start, do not disturb for at least en minutes. System will then be reset. There is evidence that this problem had multiple causes. Got partial, temporary improvement (less frequent failure) by replacing defective ds lock switch, which is also used to program that locking system features. …
Car will not start. Solid "theft" light comes on dashboard and car will not turn over, or if it turns over, will cut out shortly after. This anti-theft issue causes the power steering and brakes to disable, and am not able to turn the steering wheel. Have also had car stall out in traffic and lose all power. Had to have car towed several times due to the issue. I have tried several fixes and mechanical repairs, but this issue continues to get worse. No matter what I try and do, at random times, my car will not start, while the "theft" light comes on and completely disables my vehicle. And sometimes while driving, the car just shuts off. I am the original owner of the vehicle, and am using an original key to start the car. I do not have any type of security system installed in my car. …
Took car to walmart one night and begins to overheat after napa told me it had no leaks. Car overheats I pull aside and turn it off for a bit I noticed the car would crank but hesitate to start. Once got it to start it would accelerate but at low rpms. Check engine light went on and I noticed car shaking and weird noise coming from the engine. Once started car squeaked and mad terrible noise. Car did not turn back on and did not make it home. Cranks and rare when starts, charged battery but drains, doesn't maintain charge. White smoke coming out of exhaust and when car would stall it would turn off, now theft system light is on. Now car wont even crank or turn on. Once I got it to turn on with trouble it would turn off once put into reverse or drive. Turned off while driving it one night and brakes did not work. …
On July 20, 2015 could not adjust the front driver seat. Also power windows in the back driver window would not roll down or up. July 23, 2015 when to get an oil change at sears which they didn't peform due to they needed drive time to approve. Checked the oil it was very low added 1 quart on August 10 I was on the freeway going speed limit car started reducing its speed heard a loud noise pulled over couldnot drive it so I had it towed home next day ain had to have it towed to the shop where drivetime told me to take it they had it from 8/11/2015-8/25/2015 on aug 26 they so called put a new engine it was only 1 day later the check engine light came on and it overheated took it back to the shop and they said it needed the cat converter replaced in which it was not covered at that time on the 28 it was approved by the time I was informed drive time had my car repo due to nonpayment I …
We had to have the intake manifold replaced, at 55,000 miles, which didn't occur until 2012, because I don't put a large amount of miles on my car annually. I could not get any money from the recall, because the class action suit payout ended in 2008, and I was never made aware. Both the front and rear struts are leaking fluid. I was told all four need, replacement, and the mounts as well. . The mechanics said normally these shouldn't need replacement until 75,000-80,000 miles minimum, and should have lasted until 100,000 which is normal. I'm a gentle driver who doesn't lend my car out. I drive over speed bumps very slowly in our town, because I didn't want suspension issues. Our town's speed limit is 15 MPH over the speed bumps, and I do 7mph over then. Others with a 1999-2003 Malibu, have told me their struts have worn out just as fast also.(at 50,000 miles or so).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle would fail to start in cold inclement weather. The contact stated that the vehicle would only start during temperatures higher than 40 degrees. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who replaced the battery, starter, alternator, neutral safety switch, crank shift sensor, and the exhaust system; however, the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air conditioning compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 85,600.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. In addition, after stopping the vehicle, it stalled. The vehicle was restarted. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V400000 (electrical system) and 04V528000 (vehicle speed control). The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that cylinder two was misfiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 214,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the accelerator pedal became stuck without warning. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the rpms failed to decrease. The failure occurred on several occasions. While the vehicle was parked with the engine running, the rpms increased without warning. The vehicle was turned off and restarted several times before the rpms returned to normal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact mentioned that the cruise control functioned intermittently as the instrument panel gauges and sensors flashed several times. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed 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 79,000.
Engine complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 88 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 15% of the model year's 569 complaints. The component named most often is engine (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.