Three problems related to starter 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.
Car tries to start, stalls and will not start. Security system light flashes. Have to leave key in run position for 15 minutes until security system light quits flashing, turn key off and then start the engine. Happens multiple times per week and is happening more frequently now. Was told the problem was caused by an after market remote starter, had it removed and am still having the same problem.
Loud noise. Replaced starter assembly.
Passlock system is defective due to nickel plating on starter tumbler causing oxidation. Dealers are able to make a killing on this defective connector because they have to troubleshoot a full fuel pump system and wiring harness before they will replace the passlock system. Occurs once every few months intermittently and becomes more serious as the oxidation worsens. Potentially dangerous situations occur when vehicle would stall in an unsafe location (railroad tracks or highway) and vehicle will not restart. Coupled with the recall these vehicles had with the accelerator sticking (which mine did on a highway) this could be a very dangerous problem. I have researched the problem online (all you have to do is google "passlock problem" and you will get thousands of results and consumer fixes complaining about how gm ignores every service request for a solution that doesn't gouge customers. There is practically an underground club designed to handle this problem. ) according to the shop foreman at colonial Chevrolet in norfolk, va, after his 14 years of experience with service this is a problem he is intimately acquainted with and recommends replacing the key tumbler (passlock chip integrated inside) and the connector that leads to the body control module.