Five problems related to brake disc caliper have been reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu based on all problems reported for the 2003 Malibu.
Front brake pads and rotors keep needing to be replaced. Car was purchased new in sept of 2003, need new pads/resurfaced rotors at 13,000 miles and again at 28,000 miles.
Brake problems resulted in minor accident. 2 weeks following accident brake noise began. Inspection revealed that only the inside brake pads on each front wheel had failed, indicating faulty brake design. Numerous service bulletins are noted for brake related issues for this vehicle are posted on the NHTSA site. Gm refused to assist claiming normal wear.
In the past year I have replaced the front brake calipers 2 times and the pads a total of 6 times due to the calipers hanging up and not releaseing fully.
I have had serious brake wearing issue, in one years time a total of 40,000 mi I used 3 sets of brakes pads for this car. I had have brake calipers changes, in front (loaded) and rear wheel cylinders, (2), and new drums for rear brakes. Brake continued to be a problem and have had completely bleed the system at Chevrolet dealer. Now I have turn signal problems. They work when they want to. Due to my busy work schedule I have been unable to have repair done. Chevrolet repair hours are limited. My commute is long over 60 miles one way. It is often very difficult due to turn signal failure at critical moments.
Front brake/rotor/caliper failure. I have had my rotors, front pads and calipers replaced numerous times rotors 4 times, calipers 4 times and front pads 16 times due to faulty design, the calipers hang up and do not release all the way causing the inner pads to wear abnormally.