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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2003 > Chevrolet > MALIBU

2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Sedan 4 DR
Front wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used CHEVROLET.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

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CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 4 of 5  
Passenger Rating 4 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Rating 3 of 5  
Rear Seat Rating 4 of 5  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Rating 4 of 5  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   A
Structure/Safety Cage   A
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   G
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   G
Leg/foot, right   A
Restraints/dummy kinematics   P
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The Chevrolet Malibu and the Oldsmobile Cutlass were introduced in the 1997 model year. The Cutlass was discontinued after 1999, and the Malibu was renamed the Classic in the 2004 model year. The Classic was discontinued after 2005. Note: 2004-05 Classics were sold as new cars only to fleets.</p> Dummy movement wasn't well controlled. During rebound, the dummy moved toward the driver door, which had bowed outward, and its head hit the inside of the door below the window sill. Then the head moved up and back and hit the B-pillar. Plus there was too much upward movement of the steering wheel. Measures taken from the head, neck, and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the right tibia indicate that injuries to the lower leg would be possible. Head accelerations from the door and B-pillar hits were low. 1999 Chevrolet Malibu 4-door 3058 none 107 190 69 3.1 L V6 20 29

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU . The crashworthiness data for this 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) does not provide injury, collision or theft information for this 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU .

Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index No data from HLDI No data from HLDI
Collision Index No data from HLDI No data from HLDI
Theft Index No data from HLDI No data from HLDI


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. Injury, collision, and theft indicators are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: 12-20-2004
Units potentially affected: 92,863
NHTSA campaign number: 04V528000
Defective part or component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Description: 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. Failure to return to idle could result in a vehicle crash. 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.


This 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 4.5 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 4 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 4.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 4.5 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 2 of 5
  Performance Rating 2 of 5
  Comfort Rating 2 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 2 of 5
  Style Rating 2 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 3.5 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 3.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 3.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 3.5 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Transmission & Driveline Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the connections at the Transmission Pass-Thru Connector. The transmission may shift harsh and trouble codes may set. Failure of the connections at the Transmission Pass-Thru Connector is identified in TSB # 02-07-30-022B. The cost to repair the Transmission Pass-Thru Connector is estimated at $10.00 for parts and $65.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. Moderate Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging An occasional problem on this vehicle is with the Ignition Lock Cylinder which causes a problem with the Theft Deterrent System. The cost to repair the Ignition Lock Cylinder is estimated at $156.63 for parts and $71.50 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and does not include diagnostic time or applicable taxes. Moderate Problems
Accessories Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2003 - 2007):
Category:    Malibu 4 Dr Sedan:
Depreciation $10,965
Financing $2,435
Insurance $6,075
State Fees $374
Fuel $3,953
Maintenance $2,439
Repairs $714
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $26,955

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Emissions No data from source  
Corrosion 6 years or 100,000 miles  
Transferable No data from source  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Roadside assistance 3/36,000. Alignment and wheel balancing are considered maintenance after 7,500 miles. Chevy Aveo and Chevy Cobalt 2005-2006 models 5/60,000 powertrain coverage. $0 deductible, transferable at no charge. Includes surface corrosion, batteries, adjustments, alternate transportation, roadside assistance, and tires. Includes courtesy transportation, roadside assistance, transferable, no deductible. Includes towing coverage.  

This 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


Awards
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The CHEVROLET MALIBU did receive a J.D. Power and Associates Award in 2003. View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.


J.D. Power and Associates Award - 2003 Best Entry Midsize Car in Initial Quality:

This award is based on the results of the Initial Quality Study , which is based on feedback collected from new vehicle owners regarding problems experienced within the first 90 days of ownership.
View other awardees.


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