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.
Electrical system, Visibility, May 11, 2006
MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU LS WOULD NOT START AND NEEDED TOWED HOME. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND SEEMS TO HAPPEN REGULARLY TO OTHER MALIBU OWNERS WITH NO RECALL FROM GM YET. I HAVE A YOUNG CHILD AND WIFE THAT DRIVE USE THE CAR MOSTLY AND AM WORRIED OF THEIR SAFETY IF THIS WOULD HAPPEN ON A HIGHWAY. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUITTING DURING A RAINSTORM. I CONTACTED GM AND I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL AND ALL REPAIRS WOULD BE OUT OF POCKET EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 50,000 MILES ON IT. *NM
Electrical system, May 3, 2006
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH CAR STARTING DUE TO FAILURE OF THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM. THIS CONDITION LEFT MY WIFE STRANDED A NUMBER OF TIMES UNTIL THE CAR STARTED AFTER 10 MINUTES. *JB
Electrical system, May 1, 2006
I OWN A USED 2002 CHEVY MALIBU, PURCHASED IN JUNE 2005. FOR THE LAST THREE WEEKS, ONCE A WEEK THE ANTI THEFT DEVICE SYSTEM HAS ENGAGED NOT ALLOWING ME TO START THE CAR. THE 1ST TIME IT HAPPENED I HAD IT TOWED TO THE GARAGE AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THE SECOND TWO TIMES THIS OCCURRED I HAD TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION FOR THIRTY MINUTES THEN HAVE SOME ONE JUMP START THE CAR. THUS MAKING ME LATE TO WORK ON BOTH OCCASIONS. I WENT ON LINE TO YAHOO TYPE IN ANTI THEFT SYSTEM CHEVY AND FOUND FIVE PAGES OF THE SAME COMPLAINT FROM OTHER MALIBU OWNERS ONE WOMAN WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED AND THE CAR JUST STOPPED IN TRAFFIC SHE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. WHAT WE ALL WANT TO KNOW IS WHY THIS MATTER HAS NOT BEEN BROUGHT TO THE PUBLICS ATTENTION AND RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURED. WOULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND REPLY TO EITHER MY E-MAIL OR MY HOME ADDRESS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WENDIE PRICE *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 29, 2006
I BOUGHT A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU IN SEPT OF 2005 AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT REPAIR BILLS SINCE. I UNDERSTAND SOME OF THE STUFF WAS MAINTENANCE BUT I DON'T THINK ALL OF IT IS. THE LIST OF MY COMPLAINTS IS TO LONG SO I AM HOPING SOMEBODY WILL CALL ME. THANK YOU. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2006
THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IN THE CONSUMER'S 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU WAS DEFECTIVE. *NM THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER TO SEE ABOUT GETTING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WOULD NOT BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED SINCE THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD BECAUSE A BULLETIN WAS ISSUED OCT 24, 2003. *NM
Exterior lighting, Apr 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD FLASHING LIGHT WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THERE IS AN NHTSA RECALL, #03V327000, REGARDING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING: HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS: SWITCH. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 10, 2006
I BOUGHT MY 2002 MALIBU IN 2003 AND SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET TWICE. THE FIRST TIME IT WENT THE MILEAGE WAS 74000 NOW IT IS AT 109000 KL AND IT HAS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 8, 2006
3 WEEKS AGO MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU STARTED TO RUN LIKE #@$% (HESITATION BETWEEN 0- 35 MPH AND GOING UP HILL, LOSS IN POWER, AND SLOW AT CATCHING UP TO FREEWAY SPEED). I HAVE REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, COILS, AND THE EGR VALVE AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. WELL, AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION ONLINE, I FOUND OTHER PEOPLE TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT TURNS OUT THAT IT'S WITH THEIR CAT CONVERTER. I CAN'T EVEN ORDER THE PART ONLINE BECAUSE OF STRICT EMISSION CONTROL IN CALIFORNIA, I NEED A MECHANIC TO DO IT,GET IT STRAIGHT FROM THE DEALER, OR HAVE AUTO ZONE DO A SPECIAL ORDER FOR ME (I FOUND A MECHANIC THAT WILL DO IT FOR $800). NEXT IS MY HEAD GASKET, WHICH LOOKS LIKE IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. ON 4-8-06 I GOT AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS OIL IN MY COOLANT RESERVOIR TANK, WHICH MEANS I HAVE AN OIL LEAK. SO NOW I HAVE TO TAKE MY CAR IN AND HAVE THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED WHICH WON'T BE CHEAP EITHER. I LOOKED ONLINE FOR RECALLS AND I CAME UPON THIS WEBSITE WWW.NHTSA.DOT.GOV , I REALIZED THAT OTHER CONSUMERS ALSO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. SO WITH SO MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SIMILAR PROBLEMS WHY DOESN'T GM DO RECALLS. NOW I MAY NEED TO FORK OUT A COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS IF NOT A THOUSAND OR MORE TO FIX (CORRECT) A FAULTY CAT CONVERTER AND HEAD GASKET. *NM
Air bags, Apr 7, 2006, crash
AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2006
1. VEHICLE IS LOW MILEAGE GARAGE KEPT AND WELL MAINTAINED. AN ODOR WAS NOTICEABLE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. DROVE CAR A FEW MILES AND PARKED, WHEN CAME OUT A HALF AN HOUR LATER. 2. STARTED CAR, TRIED TO TURN ON TO DRIVEWAY TO LEAVE AND HAD NO POWER STEERING. SMELLED BAD. 3. THE KEEFERS AUTO SERVICE RELATED THE AC COMPRESSOR CLUTCH HAD FROZEN UP. THEY REPLACED THIS PART AND RECHARGED THE AC SYSTEM ETC. I BELIEVE THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING IN THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY WITH ONLY 11000 MILES, IS VERY SERIOUS AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS REPAIR WAS JUST COMPLETED TODAY 4/3/6 SO IF YOU INTERESTED IN THE OLD PARTS OR ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE SERVICE PLEASE CONTACT TOM KEEFER AT KEEFER'S AUTO SALES AND SERVICE (717) 334 2923. HE IS VERY NICE AND REPUTABLE. *NM
Exterior lighting, Mar 29, 2006
THE SAME PROBLEM THAT IS OCCURRING/OCCURRED IN THE 2000 AND 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU'S (OF WHICH THERE IS A RECALL) IS OCCURRING IN MY 2002 MALIBU. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 23, 2006
FIRST NOTICED PROBLEM WHEN DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LANE CHANGE VEHICLE DID NOT SPEED AS USUAL AND HAD TO RETURN TO LANE TO AVOID ACCIDENT. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE FROM A COMPLETE STOP, VEHICLE STRUGGLED FROM 0 TO 25 MPH. WHEN GOING UP BRIDGE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO FASTER THAN 20 MPH. VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE MUCH POWER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MECHANIC AND REPLACED SENSORS BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF PROBLEM MECHANIC REALIZED THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE REPAIRS HAVE NOT BEEN MADE. I ENTERED THE WEBSITE TO FIND OUT IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM (RECOMMENDATION FROM MECHANIC).*JB
Electrical system, Mar 21, 2006
ATTEMPTING TO START CAR, THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON AND DISABLES CAR. HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALER TO GET FIXED. NON-DEALER MECHANIC CANNOT FIX. ONLY GM OR CHEVY DEALER. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAD A 98 SAME MODEL THAT DID THE SAME THING AT LEAST 4 TIMES. *JB
Exterior lighting, Mar 10, 2006
MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU HAS INTERMITTENT FAILURES OF THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD FLASHERS. THE PROBLEM TENDS TO EXHIBIT ITSELF MORE OFTEN IN WARM AND/OR HUMID CONDITIONS. *NM
Seat belts, Jan 30, 2006
SEAT BELT BUCKLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT LATCH. NO MATTER HOW OFTEN THE BELT TAB IS INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE IT WILL NOT LATCH. THE RELEASE BUTTON IS NOT STUCK IN. ATTEMPTED TO LUBRICATE BUCKLE WITH WD-40, BUT NO LUCK. *AK
Exterior lighting, Jan 29, 2006
INTERMITTENT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE. AFTER BRIEFLY TURNING ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS, THE TURN SIGNALS WILL SOMETIMES WORK FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, BUT INEVITABLY THEY FAIL AGAIN SOON AFTERWARD.
Exterior lighting, Jan 25, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATES THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS AND WARNING LIGHTS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, AND IT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THERE IS A RECALL, #03V327000 CONCERNING THE HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE RECALL, HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE YEAR OF THE VEHICLE.
Exterior lighting, Jan 19, 2006
HAZARD SWITCH HAS STOPPED WORKING OR WORKS ONLY SOMETIMES. CAUSES THE BLINKERS AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS NOT TO WORK, CAUSING A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. *NM
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Jan 13, 2006
I PURCHASED 2002 MALIBU NEW NOV 2001. TURN SIGNALS QUIT WORKING ONCE IN 2002. REOCCURRED 3-4 TIMES IN 2003. 2004 OCCURRED 6-8 TIMES. 2005 OCCURRED AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH UNTIL OCT-DEC WHEN SIGNALS MALFUNCTION WEEKLY. JAN 2006, SIGNALS MALFUNCTION 1-3 TIME A DAY SOMETIMES. VEHICLE HAS APPROX 32,000 MILES. CYCLING THE HAZARD SWITCH USUALLY ONCE OR TWICE CURES THE PROBLEM. CALLED DEALER NOV 2005, BUT NO RECALL ON 2002 MALIBU FOR THIS PROBLEM. *NM
Exterior lighting, Jan 6, 2006
DT*:THE CONTACT STATED BOTH TURN SIGNALS INTERMITTENTLY TURN ON WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. IF THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF FOR AN EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME THE LIGHTS SOMETIMES TURN ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY ALERTED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Equipment, Jan 1, 2006
I FIRST PURCHASED THIS MALIBU 2002 IN FEB 2002. NOV 02 ( 9 MOS LATER) I HAD TO HAVE MY IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED WHICH WAS UNDER WARRANTY. AROUND THE SAME TIME MY TURN/HAZARD SIGNAL WENT OUT AND I HAVEN'T HAD IT REPLACED YET AFTER 4YRS OF HAVING THIS CAR. IF I WANT TO USE IT I HAVE TO KEEP PRESSING THE HAZARD BUTTON TO MAKE IT COME ON. NOV 2005 I TRIED TO START MY CAR, BUT IT KEPT CUTTING OFF. MY DAD STATED IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. I HAD THE FUEL PUMP,CRANK SENSOR AND MODULE REPLACED. MY CAR STILL DIDN'T START. FINALLY MY DAD WENT UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AND PRESSED THIS BLACK BUTTON (CUT OFF SWITCH) AND THAT WAS THE ONLY WAY IT WOULD START. I HAVE TO TRAVEL 25 MILES TO WORK SO I WAS TIRED OF WORRYING ABOUT THE CAR. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE THEFT SYSTEM. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER 11/29/2005 THEY HAD THE CAR UNTIL 12/15/2005. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS MY IGNITION SWITCH, CRANK SENSOR AND MY ALARM/AUTOMATIC STARTER. I WAS OUT OF $366.73 TO THE DEALER AND TAKING A CAB TO WORK AT 5:30AM FOR X7DY COASTED$210.00. I WAS ALSO OUT OF MONEY FOR A RENTAL CAR FOR THE LAST 7YS THEY HAD MY CAR PLUS GAS ON BOTH BECAUSE THEY USED ALL GAS IN MY CAR. I HAVE HAD X2 IGNITION SWITCHES PUT ON MY CAR, I HAVE TO CHANGE MY TAIL/PARK/BRAKE BULB SEEMINGLY EVERY 6MOS. I AM ONLY GETTING MY HAZARD/TURN SIGNAL REPLACED WHEN NHTSA REVIEWS IT AS BEING AN DEFECT. I AM HAVING A HARD TIME WITH THE SPEED OF MY CAR ALSO ON THE E WAY. I HAVE TO PUT MY FOOT TO THE FLOOR IN ORDER TO MAKE IT TAKE OFF AT 60MPH. I HAVE TO PUT GAS IN MY CAR EVERY 3DYS. I LAST CHANGED MY FUEL FILTER 1YR AGO AND AGAIN HAVING IT REPLACED 1/1/06. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 1WK AFTER I GOT MY CAR OUT OF THE SHOP ON 12/22 AND IT HAS BEEN ON SINCE. MY COOLANT LIGHT COMES AND GOES OFF EVERY NOW AND THEN. I HAVE HAD MY COOLANT/FUEL FLUSHED. I HAD IT WINTERIZED WHAT'S THE PROBLEM. IF WE HAVE 47-50 PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME THING WHY CANT IT GET DONE. PLEASE RESPOND AND HELP US CHEVY OWNERS ASAP/WF. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 23, 2005
LOW COOLANT LIGHT ON MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU HAS BEEN COMING ON. THE CHEVY DEALER CHECKED THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMING ON, CHECKED FOR LOW COOLANT. FOUND INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING INTERNALLY. COOLANT MIXING WITH OIL. *NM
Exterior lighting, Dec 22, 2005
ON MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU LS THE TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD BUTTON HAS BECOME INOPERATIVE AT RANDOM DRIVING TIMES. BASICALLY IT MIMMICKS THE EXACT RECALL OF THE 2001 MALIBUS. I HAD SOMEONE WHO PREVIOUSLY OWNED A MALIBU STATE THAT THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. MORE TIMES THAN NOT, THE SIGNALS DO NOT WORK. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2005
THE LATEST INCIDENT IS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CAR BEGAN TO HESITATE AT 50-60 MPH AND STARTED LOSING POWER. I TOOK IT IN AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE. PICKUP BECAME NON EXISTENT AND THE DEALER FINALLY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AFTER CHANGING THE FUEL FILTER AND OTHER REGULAR MAINTENANCE ITEMS. I LIMPED INTO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST $1600. I TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND IT COST $150. THE AGGRAVATION WITH THIS CAR IS FRUSTRATING TO SAY THE LEAST. WARNING MALIBU OWNERS...THE CONVERTER IS A KNOWN FAILURE ITEM THEY DON'T WANT US TO KNOW ABOUT!! *JB
Exterior lighting, Dec 4, 2005
TURN SIGNALS STOPPED WORKING, HAZDARDS WORK ALL OTHER LIGHTS WORK AND ALL FUSES ARE GOOD. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS YEARS MALIBU. *NM