2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1

Summary:

I am generally happy with the car considering the price

Faults:

I have had 4 wheel bearing failures, requiring the replacement of the complete hub, at a cost of approximately $275.00 each.

The fuel pump malfunctioned and was replaced at a cost of approximately $875.00.

The engine is somewhat noisy, sounds like a piston slap, which is disappointing. The engine has not been abused.

Original tires were replaced at 85,000 km. Brakes were replaced/repaired as required... more often than I would have anticipated.

General Comments:

The car is comfortable on the highway, seats are adequate. The 3.1 engine has sufficient power for highway travel, including passing. It is nimble enough for in-town driving as well.

It has been a reasonably satisfactory vehicle for all around driving. I am in my 60's and not a "hot rodder", but I do spend a great deal of time in my vehicle and do expect a level of performance. Having driven mostly bigger cars, I find the Malibu has enough of a "big car feel" to satisfy my requirements.

Although not unusual in the industry, I find it appalling that one should have to pay $600.00 for a fuel pump, and $150.00 for a wheel bearing. I can recall the days when we paid $25-$35 for either one of those parts, plus the same amount for installation.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th June, 2006

2003 Chevrolet Malibu

Summary:

I will never buy another Malibu.

Faults:

I'll try to explain this the best I can. When I turn on the air conditioner and push the recirculation button, it continues to switch back to the vent side where the air comes from the outside. So I basically have to keep pushing the recirculation button in order for my air to stay cool. Sometimes it will stay on the recirculation side, but the majority of the time, it keeps switching. I was told that it seems to be an electrical problem with the relay switch. After speaking with 2 other Malibu owners, they are having the same problems and know others who are having the same problems.

General Comments:

The front tires wear down really fast even though they are balanced, etc.

The brakes wear down really fast, too, and we've replaced pads, etc.

It's a fairly decent car for the money.

For some reason, I just do not feel safe in the car and I worry whether or not it is going to start every morning.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th August, 2005

4th Aug 2005, 23:24

Problem with your air conditioning is the heater/air con. control head (the part that contains the dials and buttons.) Easy to replace and costs about $120 CDN.

24th Aug 2005, 16:39

I had the EXACT same problem. I thought I was going to push the button through the dashboard from all my frustrations. The dealership told me the air conditioning (HDCD Unit.. or something like that) unit was bad. It was covered under the warranty. Sucks that I had to shell out the $50 deductible, but now it's fixed. Oh and I've had to replace my rotors 3 times now and have 50,000 miles on the car. I love my car, but the brakes are horrible!

26th Mar 2006, 15:05

I bought my 2002 Chevy Malibu in March of 2003. The tires had to be replaced after 5 months, I have an oil leak, the shocks needed to replaced after only 2 years after purchasing it. Other small things had to be replaced only after two years of purchasing it as well. I will never buy another Chevy in my life either.

3rd Jul 2006, 20:43

Thanks for the info about the AC. I have the same problem and you gave me the answer. Last week, I top the AC gas to make sure it was not just lack of gas, but it did not solve the problem. Thanks again.

2003 Chevrolet Malibu

Summary:

It would be a good car if it didn't have so many problems!

Faults:

A wheel bearing went bad at 7,000 miles. Replaced under warranty.

Gas pedal began sticking at 14,000 miles. Problem was repaired under warranty.

CD player also went bad at 14,000 miles. Replaced under warranty.

Horn stops working yesterday at 18,000 miles.

The brakes have been fading rapidly and the rotors also seem to be warped. Brakes feel unsafe.

The paint is starting to show tiny, nearly invisible spots of rust all over. Salt is not used on the roads in my area so this is not the cause.

Odd vibrating at high speeds.

Tires are wearing badly despite proper alignment, balance and inflation.

General Comments:

It's had a bunch of little things going wrong with it in only 18,000 miles of driving. This worries me because I suspect the problems are only going to become bigger and the warranty will eventually expire.

I just don't feel like the car is going to be reliable in the future. I don't trust it.

It does, however, have good acceleration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th June, 2005

8th Jun 2005, 21:42

Your brake problems might be caused by bad brake pads.

30th Aug 2005, 11:04

It would be a good car if it didn't have so many problems? What does that mean?

13th Sep 2006, 11:43

I had very similar problems with my 03 Malibu...

>>A wheel bearing went bad at 7,000 miles. Replaced under warranty.

Mine went bad at 30 K miles. Haven't replaced since I am returning (it's a lease) the car in one month.

>>Gas pedal began sticking at 14,000 miles. Problem was repaired under warranty.

Haven't had this problem.

>> CD player also went bad at 14,000 miles. Replaced under warranty.

Again this went bad at about 32 K miles. Won't take it in as I only have another month left.

>>Horn stops working yesterday at 18,000 miles.

Mine went bad at about the same time. Never really used it so I didn't care. Plus my remote keyless entry no longer works (just the unlock button) So having the alarm means that I have to lock the doors... don't like that idea much since the key fob is out of commission.

>>The brakes have been fading rapidly and the rotors also seem to be warped. Brakes feel unsafe.

Same here. They faded a lot quicker than any other lease I have had including Taurus, Prism, and F150.

>>The paint is starting to show tiny, nearly invisible spots of rust all over. Salt is not used on the roads in my area so this is not the cause.

Same problem here.

>>Odd vibrating at high speeds.

Haven't had this problem happen.

>>Tires are wearing badly despite proper alignment, balance and inflation.

Mine wore out at 25 K miles.

I also have other problems such as the drivers seat breaking off its underneath support beams. The trunk also doesn't open unless I have the switch about fifty times and press up against it.

All my problems started happening at about 25K miles. Other than the problems, I loved the car. Very roomy and zippy. Attractive looker as well.