2002 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 596 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 20 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 20 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignitionJul 3, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Campaign 14V400000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, other, storage, tank assembly, pressure relief devicesMar 12, 2007
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Campaign 07E021000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsApr 10, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A LEFT LOW-BEAM HEADLAMP THAT DOES NOT MEET THE PHOTOMETRIC PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
LIGHT INTENSITIES BELOW THE MINIMUM INTENSITY REQUIREMENTS CAUSE REDUCTION IN VISIBILITY DOWN THE ROAD FOR THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE AND INTENSITIES ABOVE THE MAXIMUM INTENSITY REQUIREMENTS CAUSE INCREASE IN GLARE FOR DRIVERS AHEAD OF, OR APPROACHING, THE VEHICLE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LEFT LOW-BEAM HEADLAMP AND REPLACE IT IF IT DOES NOT MEET REQUIREMENTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020.
Campaign 02V107000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
596 reports, newest first.
Structure, Oct 12, 2008
BUBBLING AND RUST ON THE BACK PANEL OF THE CAR WHERE THE GAS COVER AND TANK IS. IT HAS RUST AND ALL KINDS OF BUBBLES ONLY ON THAT PANEL. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 9, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND A RECALL FOR HER VEHICLE. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING, WHICH WAS THE SAME FAILURE THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 23,000.
Electrical system, Sep 25, 2008
THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM ON THE 2002 CHEVY MALIBU DOES NOT ALLOW THE OWNER TO START CAR AND HAVE TO SIT IN A PARKING LOT FOR 10 MINUTES FOR IT TO RECOGNIZE THE KEY, NOT SAFE FOR A FEMALE AND TEEN GIRL DRIVERS. THIS OCCURS EVERY 10 STARTS AND CHEVY WILL FIX FOR 500 DOLLARS, WITH NO GUARANTEE. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 22, 2008
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON, WHEN I SHUT THE CAR OFF IT REFUSED TO START AGAIN. I HAD HEARD THAT IF YOU TURN THE KEY FORWARD FOR TEN MINUTES THAT IT WOULD RESET AND THE CAR WOULD THEN START AGAIN. IN MY CASE THE CAR WOULDN'T START. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE GM DEALERSHIP AND HAVE IT PUT ON A TESTER. THEY THEN INFORMED ME THAT THE CARS BCM HAD GONE OUT THE WHOLE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM. THEREFORE IT COST ME 1,250.00 DOLLARS. I FIND THAT TO BE CRAZY. GM NEEDS TO RECALL THESE PARTS ON THIS CAR I COULD HAVE BOUGHT ANOTHER CAR FOR THAT AMOUNT!!! *TR
Electrical system, Sep 21, 2008
I OWN A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU AND FOR ABOUT A MONTH THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND GOING OFF. SEPT. 18 I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND IT WOULD NOT START BACK UP. I RESET THE SYSTEM AND IT IS STARTING BUT THE LIGHT STAYS ON NOW. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THE TURN SIGNALS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO AND I SMELL COOLANT WHEN I AM DRIVING. *TR
Visibility, Sep 18, 2008
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 ON STATE ROUTE 2 WESTBOUND DURING A RAINSTORM AT APPROXIMATELY 5 PM. SUDDENLY, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING WHEN A SEMI-TRUCK PASSED. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. SHE WAS VERY SCARED AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. SHE THEN TURNED THE WIPER CONTROL LEVER TO EVERY SPEED SETTING UNTIL THE HIGH SPEED SETTING BEGAN TO WORK. WIPER MOTOR WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 18, 2008
MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU HAS BAD SIGNAL LIGHTS. SOMETIMES THEY WORK SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. I SEE THERE IS A BULLETIN POSTED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SO I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IT AND I HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THEM FIX IT. CAN YOU LOOK INTO THIS FOR ME? THE LAST 8 DIGITS OF THE VIN. THAT'S WHAT THEY ASKED FOR TO CHECK. THANKS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 15, 2008
2002 MALIBU TURN SIGNAL WORK WHEN THEY WANT. HAVE TO HIT DASH BY HAZARD LIGHTS TO MAKE THEM WORK. HAVEN;T HAD A ACCIDENT YET ,BUT AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR. BOUGHT THE CAR NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP. HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTICES. HORN ALSO HAS A MIND OF IT'S OWN. ONLY HAVE 45,000 MILES ON MY CAR. I USED TO LOVE IT BUT NOW I AM AFRAID OF HAVING A WRECK AND EITHER DYING OR KILLING SOMEONE ELSE. CHEVY NEEDS TO RECALL ALL THE PROBLEM CARS AND NOT JUST A FEW. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 11, 2008
MY ABS SYSTEM OR BRAKES WHATEVER IT MIGHT OF BEEN MADE THE CAR EASILY HYDROPLAN. THE TIRES MADE A VIBRATING SOUND ALONG WITH VIBRATION THROUGH THE CAR. DUE TO THE FACT THAT IM A DECENT DRIVER I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN THE CAR VERY WELL AT TIMES MOST WOULDN'T. FURTHERMORE MY CAR STARTED OVERHEATING AT TIMES, MAKING IT VERY UNSAFE WITH WHOLE SYSTEM FAILURE LEADING UP TO THE LASTS DAY I DROVE IT. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 31, 2008
PASSLOCK SYSTEM IS AWFUL. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 10, 2008
THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM KEEPS LOCKING UP. I AM USING THE PROPER KEY BUT STILL, I AM STUCK AT THE STORE, WORK, HOME, ECT. BECAUSE THE CAR REFUSES TO START, I HAVE HEARD NUMEROUS OTHER REPORTS OF THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM CAUSING PROBLEMS, NOT FOR THOSE TRYING TO STEAL SOMEONE ELSE'S CAR BUT FOR THE BUSY VEHICLE OWNERS SIMPLY TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH DAILY TASKS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 6, 2008
I OWN A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU AND I AM EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM SOMEWHERE IN THE DASH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEIR DIAGNOSIS WAS "SMALL INTERMITTENT VOLTAGE BLEED FROM THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. NEEDS THE SWITCH REPLACED." ALTHOUGH I REFERRED THE TO THE DEFECT FOUND BY THE ODI, GM REFUSED TO REPLACE THE SWITCH AT NO COST BECAUSE THEIR INTERNAL POLICY IS THAT THEY WILL ONLY REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH. WHEN I SHOWED THAT THE REPORT LISTED THE COMPONENTS AS THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. THEY STILL DECLINED. THEY STATED THAT ALTHOUGH THE TWO EXHIBIT THE SAME SYMPTOMS, THEIR POLICY STATES THEY ONLY COVER THE HAZARD SWITCH ALONE. THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH AT MY COST. THEN "IF THE PROBLEM PERSISTS, WHICH IT MAY, THEN REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH." WHICH AT THAT POINT, I WOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH AT NO COST. *TR
Structure, Aug 2, 2008
HEARD NOISE IN FRONT END WHEN TURNING. WAS TOLD THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS ALMOST RUSTED ON R SIDE AND 2 STABILIZER LINKS WERE NO LONGER CONNECTED. 2002 CHEVY MALIBU - INQUIRED ABOUT WARRANTY FROM DEALER AND DEALER CLAIMED THESE ITEMS ARE NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 24, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DIAGNOSTIC INDICATED THAT THE HAZARD SWITCH WIRE SHORTED OUT, WHICH CAUSED THE HAZARD LIGHTS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V327000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: HAZARD: FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS: SWITCH RECALL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,400 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,100. UPDATED 09/10/08 *BF UPDATED 09/10/08. *JB
Structure, Jul 18, 2008
I OWN A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU, THE LEFT REAR LIGHT ASSEMBLY LEAKS WATER, CONSEQUENTLY LEADING TO THE EROSION OF THE ASSEMBLY AND CAUSING IT TO NEED REPLACING. THIS WAS A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $200, AND NO GUARANTEE THAT IT WOULD NOT CONTINUE TO LEAK SINCE THE SEAL AROUND THE ASSEMBLY IS WORN. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 14, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU AND THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM HAS SHUT OFF THE GAS LINE 5 TIMES IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. THE CAR WILL NOT START I HAD IT TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS. AFTER PUTTING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION AND WAITING 10 MINUTES IT STARTS. IS THERE A RECALL ON A DEFECTIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM? *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 6, 2008
WHILE DRIVING IN WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON AT 55 MPH, THE CRUISE QUIT WITH NO WARNING AND THE TURN SIGNALS STOPPED WORKING. ALTHOUGH THE CRUISE HAS HAD NO PROBLEMS TO DATE, HAVE TO TAP (SOMETIMES BEAT) ON THE TOP OF THE DASH TO GET THE TURN SIGNALS WORKING AGAIN. HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF CLOSE CALLS WHERE I HAD SOMEONE BEHIND ME - THE SIGNALS WOULD JUST STOP. SAW NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 03V327 BUT THAT RECALL WAS FOR 2000-2001 MALIBU. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 3, 2008
HAD TO REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ON 2002 CHEVY MALIBU. WAS INFORMED BY SEVERAL MECHANICS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Equipment, Jun 26, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND FINALLY THE ENGINE TURNED OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO HIS RESIDENCE AND TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE AIR CONDITION COMPRESSOR. PREVIOUSLY, THE ENGINE GASKET WAS REPLACED. RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN RIDING ROUGHLY AND WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FUEL INJECTOR, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Exterior lighting, Jun 20, 2008
TURN INDICATORS INTERMITTENTLY QUIT WORKING. *TR
Equipment, Jun 16, 2008
COMPONENT: AIR CONDITIONER DETAILS: I AM BASICALLY HAVING THE SAME TROUBLE WITH MY AIR CONDITIONING. IT WILL KICK OFF. THE AIR RECIRCULATION WILL ALSO KICK OFF AND CHANGE TO FRESH AIR. IT IS DRIVING ME UP A WALL. I LIVE IN GEORGIA AND NOT HAVING AN AIR CONDITIONER IS AWFUL, BUT TO HAVE ONE THAT WILL WORK SOMETIMES, IS AWFUL. I HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM IN 2005. MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE DEALER WROTE: C/S AC WILL SWITCH FROM RECIRCULATION TO FRESH AIR BY ITSELF. ALSO SAID AT TIME IT FEELS LIKE THE A/C IS ON WHEN IT'S NOT. HEATER CONTROL HEAD HAS INTERNAL SHORT CAUSING IT TO SWITCH BY ITSELF. INSPECT AND REPLACE HEATER/AC CONTROL HEAD. PARTS $157.48, LABOR $142.50, TAX $11.02. TOTAL $311.80. THIS TIME I ONLY HAD TO PAY $100 DEDUCTIBLE. THIS WAS DONE ON 7/28/05, INVOICE CVCS51146 AT CARTERSVILLE CHEVROLET IN CARTERSVILLE, GA. IS THIS SOMETHING THAT FAILS EVERY 3 YEARS!! IT IS A 2002 AND FAILED THE FIRST TIME IN 2005 AND AGAIN NOW IN 2008!!! WILL CHEVROLET PAY FOR THIS??? THEY SHOULD. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 16, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU THAT LOCKS ON ME BECAUSE OF THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. WHEN I AM DRIVING THE CAR SHUTS OFF AND THE SECURITY LIGHT STAYS ON. SOMETIMES THE CAR WON'T START AT ALL. I USED TO WAIT FOR THE 10 MINUTES TO RESTART THE SYSTEM BUT NOW THE LIGHT JUST STAYS ON. I HAVE TO TAKE A BABY BACK AND FORTH EVERYDAY AND CAN NOT HAVE MY CAR CUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET LIKE THAT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 9, 2008
THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS WORK INTERNITTANTLY ON THIS AND SOMETIMES NOT AT ALL. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 3, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TURN SIGNAL MECHANISM FAILED. THE TURN SIGNAL HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT PLANS TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68,961.
Electrical system, May 16, 2008
RAN SEVERAL ERRANDS AND THE CAR STARTED FINE THREE TIMES THAT MORNING. THE FOURTH TIME IT WOULD CRANK BUT NOT TURN OVER. LET IT SIT FOR 30 MINUTES AND TRIED AGAIN. SAME PROBLEM. LET IT SIT FOR 4 HOURS. SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, CAR MAKING RANDOM TURN SIGNAL NOISES FOR THE PAST MONTH. MECHANICS ARE NOW REPLACING IGNITION CYLINDER AND SWITCH TO THE TUNE OF $600. WISH I WOULD'VE READ ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ONLINE TO TRY OTHER SOLUTIONS FIRST. *TR