Print this page

6.7

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,220
Average Mileage:
65,150 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. ignore it or pay the $40.00 (2 reports)
  3. replace transmission (1 reports)
2003 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2003 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments

problem #6

Jan 012002

Malibu 3.1L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Never went off ...never came back for anything other than the EGR valve, which was replaced 3 times ....

- Sarah C., Pearcy, AR, US

problem #5

Mar 012012

Malibu 3.1L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

This car has given me soooo many problems, from brakes to rotors, calipers, to exhaust, intake manifold leak, turn signal, anti-theft light, power train, oil pan gasket, transmission pan gasket, compressor died, alternator died, starter died, reservoir ruptured, egr valve, oxygen sensor, throttle position sensor, catalytic converter, entire string of lights on back of vehicle went out, water seeping into back lights, change fuel pump twice in less then 2 years, ignition switch failed, there's just toooo much. They definitely should recall this vehicle. Please let me know if GM does.

- Tomeeka R., Jackson, MS, US

problem #4

Nov 292008

Malibu 3.1L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

My car started misfiring -- figuring it must be the spark plugs, I checked them; they look fine. So, I checked the spark plug wires and there are 2 bad ones which I am replacing. But, before I could get them replaced, the check engine light came on after driving the car an additional 10 miles today. I'm not sure if there is a connection between the 2 problems (the plug wires and the check engine ight), but I'm thinking there is. Before, investing in a costly, unnecessary diagnostic on the car, I am asking you.

- Martin W., Fort Wayne, IN, US

problem #3

Jul 192007

(reported on)

Malibu LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,614 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Purchased this car used with 42,650 miles. While 400 miles away from the dealership, the check engine light went on. Took the car to the local Chevy dealership - they told me VERBALLY that the "censor that tells the car to go into overdrive" had to be replaced. $205. The check engine light went on again - the mechanic replaced the radiator. It went on again and I had someone check the trouble code - P1887 (transmission), so I checked the receipt from the first repair and discovered that the dealership's WRITTEN description was "P0724 - TCC Brake Switch replaced." Have now taken the vehicle to a mechanic I know and trust many miles away... the Torque Converter Clutch release switch circuit is not working and the tranny has to be replaced or rebuilt to fix the problem. I'm very upset because at the time of the first incident, I was at 2,900 miles of the 3,000 mile warranty - and 400 away from the dealership where it was purchased. Driving the car home would have put me at 300 over the warranty. The dealership that "fixed" the problem lied on their paperwork and who knows what they really fixed - if the dealership had written this up correctly, I could have still taken this car back to the dealership where it was purchased and pitched a fit.

- bishop nina, Santa Paula, CA, US

problem #2

Sep 202007

(reported on)

Malibu LS 3.1L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

I just recently bought a 2003 Malibu because my other Chevy which I still own has a lot of miles on it and I plan on doing a lot of commuting soon. Just before the warranty ran out on the car the stupid check engine light came on, there are only almost 32,000 miles on the car. So I took it back to the dealership, they claim they fixed it. Got my car back and drove it for one day and the light came back on with the same error code p1815 and so now once again I am without my Malibu because it's in the shop. I own a 1998 Chevy Prizm with 246,000 miles on it and the light stays on, but it's nothing major and plus with that many miles I expect for the light to be on. Right now I am a little upset, I just want to be able to enjoy the car I purchased 1 month ago.

- lilcia_99nc, Hillsborough, NC, US

problem #1

Mar 072007

(reported on)

Malibu V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,000 miles

This has happened to me 3x, every time I took it to the dealership they tell me it's the fuel cap sensor which is BULLSH*T b/c the light will come on a week after I pump gas or will just come on whenever and I think I know how to tighten a fuel cap. It has been on for a year now I don't even bother taking it back cuz I refuse to pay $40.00 every 3 months to have it reset.. It's scary though cuz what if something is really wrong with my engine?

I know if the light blinks it means something serious but we're talking about Chevrolet here where nothing works right.

- k-boogie, Glen Burnie, MD, US

Not what you are looking for?