Model year guide

2003 Chevrolet Malibu

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 95 on record.

2003 Chevrolet Malibu — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Chevrolet Malibu at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints611
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$1,525

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Chevrolet Malibu recalls 3

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V400000 · 03/07/2014

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…

Fix: 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.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal NHTSA Campaign #04V528000 · 01/11/2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, 'ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS.' IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM MAY STICK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE BRACKET AND NOT RETURN TO THE ENGINE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE OPERATOR LIFTS HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM AND REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices NHTSA Campaign #07E021000 · 12/03/2007

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Chevrolet Malibu common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 611 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2003 Chevrolet Malibu MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,950

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,525
High
$2,500

From 83 comparable 2003 Chevrolet Malibu listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$650
Total$15,400
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,525) with the same model 5 model-years older ($875), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Chevrolet Malibu trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · LS
Engines
3.1L 6-cyl

2003 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles on record

2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J73M555675 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J73M647420 2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J13M610568 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J13M539570 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J53M596500 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J13M735718 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J33M633480 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J23M556927 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J83M720145 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J03M681339 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J63M640636 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J33M533401 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J93M616184 2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J33M637366 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J13M501904 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J43M664852 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J13M694023 2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J13M564224 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J93M516442 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J03M609589 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J83M676148 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52JX3M596642 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J33M616680 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J23M712514

Other Chevrolet Malibu model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997

2003 Chevrolet Malibu — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu?

Based on 611 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, vehicle speed control, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu at about 21 mpg combined (18 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu worth?

Comparable 2003 Chevrolet Malibu listings run roughly $600–$2,500, typically around $1,525 (from 83 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.