Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
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).
2003 Chevy Malibu accelerates on its own. Customer states that the car would drive on its own without putting her foot on the accelerator. ** 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.
I am currently experiencing loss of steering and suspension performance with my vehicle including significant loss of tire tread for my vehicle. The vehicle bounces and makes screeching sounds while steering a curve on the road. The vehicle was inspected in early March and no mechanical problem was observed or detected. A 4 wheel alignment was also done at a Chevrolet dealer a few months back and no problems were found or detected then. I have reason to believe that something is wrong with the mechanical operation of either the steering or suspension component of the vehicle. Kindly investigate and look into this problem. Thank you
When driving on the expressway, when ever I brake the front end shook really hard, took the car in, rotors where warped, so the dealership replaced them. Back on the road the car shook even hard in the front end took to dealership and they fixed the problem and replaced the pads and now I have really loud sound when I stop and when I am on the express way there is a vibration when I go over 70mph. I have had this car a year and it has been in the shop more than 7 times for front end work from the lower control arms being replaced to the struts being defective and the GM rep I consault with tries to be helpful but the car is unsafe.
2003 Chevrolet Malibu faulty ignition switch vehicle shut off in the middle of the road. The consumer stated she had to replace the ignition switch on two different occasions. The first time was September 28, 2006 and the second time was June 3, 3014. After the second switch was installed, the consumer experienced other problems. She was informed the vehicle needed a body control module and lock switches. The dealer installed a chip in the keys, which did not correct the ignition problem. The front struts were replaced and the fuel pump needed to be replaced.
I have had my 2003 mailbu for 1 year and I have had it to the dealer 4 times for the same issue.the front of the car wobbles and shakes at low speeds and high,theyhave replaced the tires 2 times and it has not corrected the issue.the brakes have been adjusted and are wearing and the car only has 9000 miles on it.I am returning tot he dealer again 9/23 and aftre that if no resolution will be seeking lemon law. I feel this is not just an inconvienence to me but a possable saftety hazard as well .
Brakes started to make a rubbing noise which progressed to a squeaking noise. Also, brake pedal would go down to the floor to stop the vehicle. Dealer has replaced brake pads/front rotors/ brake booster/calipers, and brake lines, but the problem still exists. The front driver window failed to roll up, the engine light illuminated, the A/C control was inoperative and cooling properly, the vehicle pulled to the right while driving down the road, the vehicle overheated.
Wheel hub bearings - since I bought the 2003 Malibu new in January 203 I had to replace the wheel hub bearing 4 times, once under warranty with GM parts at 27,918 on 4/20/04 right side), again right side with after market parts at 47,876, left side with after market parts at 48,769 on 5/3/05, and right side with after market parts at 83,197 on 4/17/07. With so many failures I believed therewas either an inherit design flaw or possible latent defect of the front end.
I tell dealer check engine light on "he says not to be concerned there is white smoke coming from tailpipe ignition can take up to 5 min to get on code says car needs EGR valve car needed brakes and rotors all the way around and tyrod dealer will not respond to calls car was recalled for ignition switch never repaired I need to know if I can take it in to Chevy dealer ony had 1 month vehicle is not safe and I am 76 there is a waranty on engine and transmission.
While traveling on interstate, relatively new Firestone affinity tire on the driver side rear developed a large bump and begin fraying. Recognized problem quickly and pulled over but could have caused a serious accident. Passenger side rear tire shows very little wear and no such issues, indicating that it was not worn out, just a bad quality tire.
Suspension complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 4% of the model year's 569 complaints. The component named most often is front › hub (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Malibu suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.