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.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2005
DT: THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONSUMER HEARD NOISES AND THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WAS NOT GOING TO STOP. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE. THE DEALER WAS SHUT DOWN BY THE GENERAL STATE INSPECTORS OFFICE. *AK THE NOISE REMAINED THE SAME. THE VEHICLE FELT UNSAFE DURING EXTREME WET WEATHER. *SC *JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 27, 2005
DT: IN AUGUST 2004 CONSUMER HAD RIGHT AND LEFT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLIES REPLACED. NOW THE ABS ACTIVATES AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. NOW CONSUMER IS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE RIGHT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND THEY SAID THE PART THEY PUT IN LAST AUGUST WAS UNDER A 12 MONTH OR 12000 MILE WARRANTY AND CONSUMER HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. *TT
Electrical system, May 26, 2005
STOP AT POSTOFFICE CAR WOULD NOT START, SECOND TIME AT HOME AND THE SAME THING HAPPEN, THIRD TIME WHILE DRIVING HOME THE CAR STOPPED AND WOULD NOT START, THE FIRST TWO TIME I TOOK IT TO DEALER AN WAS TOLD IT WAS THE IGINATION PROLBLEM AND IT WAS FIXED AND THEN IT HAPPEN AGAIN, HAD THE CAR IN THE DEALER SERVICES CENTER FOR 10 DAYS AN WAS TOLD IT WAS FUEL PUMP AND CHARGED 300.00 TO FIX, CAR STALLED WHEN THE SERVICE MANAGE WAS BRING IT OUT TO ME AND WOULD NOT START FOR THEM, KEEP THE THE FOR ANOTHER 8 DAYS AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND WAS FIXED
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 24, 2005, fire
DT: CONSUMER STATED: HAD A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, FUEL EVAPORATION HOSE WHICH MELTED CAUSED THE FIRE. CHEVROLET STATED HOSES BROKE. NO FOR WARNING, FOUND OUT WHEN CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT BAD, AND SENSORS BURNT. ANY THING IN THE STREAM OF THAT WAS BURNT OR MELTED.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 6, 2005
DC: HIS BRAKES DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY. WHEN YOU STOP THE ABS SYSTEM KICKS IN, THE PEDAL JERKS BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT WANT TO STOP CORRECTLY. *AK
Exterior lighting, May 2, 2005
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HER TURN SIGNALS DO NOT FUNCTION. THE CONSUMER WAS AWARE OF A RECALL FOR THE 2001 MODEL FOR THE SAME ISSUE, HOWEVER SHE OWNS A 2002 MODEL.
Steering, Service brakes, Air, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Interior lighting, Apr 26, 2005
WE BOUGHT OUR ASTRO VAN IN 2001, IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP ABOUT 22 OR 23 TIMES. MOST OF THEM MAJOR THINGS NEEDING TO BE FIXED OR REPLACED.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2005
IN JANUARY 2004, THE ?LOW COOLANT? LIGHT WENT ON. IT REQUIRED MORE COOLANT TO BE ADDED. THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL LEAKING OF THE ENGINE COOLANT. THE LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER. I TOOK IT TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE CAP WAS REPLACED. THE LEAK STOPPED. IN FEB. 2005, THE ?LOW COOLANT? LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN AND AGAIN I ADDED COOLANT. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE ?LOW COOLANT? LIGHT WENT ON. THIS TIME I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A CHEVROLET DEALER. I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE DEPT. OF THIS DEALER THAT MY CAR REQUIRED A NEW INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. ALSO, ENGINE COOLANT MIGHT HAVE LEAKED INTO MY ENGINE, SO THE OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUID REQUIRED FLUSHING AND FILTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED ME THAT IT NEEDED TO BE DONE IMMEDIATELY OTHERWISE SERIOUS DAMAGE COULD BE DONE TO MY ENGINE. I HAD THE SERVICE DONE AS I THOUGHT CONTINUING TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE POSED A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. SO THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND MY COST WAS $1,700.00. I PHONED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THIS REPAIR IS CONSIDERED ?NORMAL MAINTENANCE? AND I NEEDED TO COVER THE ENTIRE PRICE OF THE REPAIR. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE, NEGLECTING TO HAVE THE NECESSARY SERVICE COMPLETED MAY HAVE RESULTED IN PERMANENT DAMAGE LIKE THE ENGINE CEASING TO WORK. I THINK THE ENGINE CEASING WHILE IN OPERATION MIGHT CAUSE A SLIGHT SAFETY HAZARD TO MYSELF, PASSENGERS IN THE CABIN AS WELL AS OTHER VEHICLES IN THE VICINITY OF MINE.*AK
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 25, 2005
THE RADIO SOMETIMES WORKED AND SOMETIMES DIDN'T. AFTER 7 TRIPS, IT WAS DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS THE AMPLIFIER. THE RADIO WORKED FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND NOW IS DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. ALSO, THE TURN SIGNALS WORK WHEN THEY FEEL LIKE IT. I HAD THE DEALER CHECK AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW SWITCH. I DID NOT GET ONE AS YET, BUT SEE WHERE OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL, NOR DID THE DEALER INFORM ME OF THE ISSUE. I INITIALLY HAD TROUBLE WITH THE OUTSIDE MIRRORS BUT THEY DID REMEDY THAT. I GET SHOCKED (ELECTRICALLY) MANY TIMES WHEN I EXIT THE CAR AS DO SOME OF MY PASSENGERS.*AK
Exterior lighting, Apr 8, 2005
MY SIGNAL LIGHT ALL OF A SUDDEN ONE DAY JUST STOPPED WORKING. NOW I HAVE FOUND THAT IF I TURN THE SIGNAL OFF BEFORE I ACTUALLY MAKE THE TURN AND IT TURNS OFF ITSELF THAT IT WILL CONTINUE WORKING. BUT IT IS VERY ANNOYING AND DANGEROUS.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 8, 2005
I JUST BOUGHT A USED MALIBU LS 2002. THREE DAYS LATER MY ABS BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AFTER I HEAR SOME VIBRATING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND HE SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM. NOW EVERYTIME I START UP MY CAR AFTER 5 MINUTES THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON.*AK
Visibility, Mar 30, 2005
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK THIS MORNING (AT 6:40AM 3/30/05), THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW TOTALLY (100%) SHATTERED. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65MPH. ALL THE WINDOWS WERE ROLLED UP AND THE HEATER WAS ON. I WAS ALONE IN THE CAR AND WAS NOT INJURED IN ANY WAY. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE 40'S AND THE SUN WAS SHINING ON THE WINDOW (A CLEAR MORNING). TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THE WINDOW WAS NOT IMPACTED BY ANY OBJECT. NO CARS OR PERSONS WERE ON MY LEFT SIDE. MOST OF THE WINDOW ENDED UP ON THE CAR'S FLOOR AND IN MY LAP. SOME PIECES REMAINED STUCK IN THE FRAME.*AK
Exterior lighting, Mar 29, 2005
THE SIGNAL LIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY OR SOMETIMES DID NOT WORK AT ALL. RECALL 03V327000 CONCERNING HAZARD WARNING SWITCH WAS ISSUED. CONSUMER STATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SHE CAME CLOSE TO HAVING AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2005
HELLO, ON CHEVY MALABU CARS, THEY HAVE DEFECITVE INPUT MANUFOLD VALVES. ONLINE THOUSANS OF PEOPLE ARE IN FORMS THAT SHOW IT IS IN ALOT OF PEOPLE CARS AND GM IS NOT HELPING
Structure, Mar 22, 2005
MY CHEVROLET, MALIBU IS A 2002 AND IN THE BACK PANELS NEAR THE REAR DOORS THE PAINT IS STARTING TO PEAL OFF.*AK
Tires, Mar 7, 2005
CHEVROLET MALIBU 2002, TIRES WORN AT 9,000 MILES. *BF THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIRES WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED. AT 29000 MILE THE TIRES WERE BADLY WORN AGAIN. THIS TIME THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE TIRES INDICATING THAT THE WEAR WAS THE CONSUMER'S FAULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE TIRES WERE IMPERFECT. *NM
Exterior lighting, Mar 2, 2005, crash
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU TURN SIGNAL WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR AND WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR ACCIDENT IN DECEMBER 2004. SHE WAS TRYING TO MERGE LEFT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN A CAR JUST BEHIND HER ,AND TWO LANES TO THE LEFT, WENT FOR THE SAME SPOT. BECAUSE THE TURN SIGNAL FAILED, THE DRIVER IN THE OTHER LANE DID NOT KNOW SHE WAS TRYING TO MERGE AND PROCEEDED INTO THE SPOT. MY DAUGHTER HAD TO SWERVE BACK INTO HER LANE TO AVOID THE OTHER CAR , AND COULD NOT AVOID REAR-ENDING THE VEHICLE AHEAD WHERE TRAFFIC HAD SUDDENLY STOPPED. I RECENTLY TOOK THIS CAR TO THE DEALER, WHO COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND IN FACT THE PREVIOUS TWO MODEL YEARS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM, WHICH IS RELATED TO A BAD HAZARD SWITCH. I FIDDLED WITH THE SWITCH AND FOUND THAT TAPPING THE SWITCH CAUSES THE SIGNALS TO MALFUNCTION. ALTHOUGH WE DIDN'T GET THIS CHECKED OUT UNTIL AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I BELIEVE THE ACCICENT WOULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THE SIGNALS HAD BEEN WORKING, AND I AM REALLY ANNOYED THAT THE DEALERSHIP SEEMED SO IGNORANT OF THIS WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED, BUT THEY EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN. *AK
Exterior lighting, Jan 27, 2005
THE HAZARD SWITCH IS CUTTING OFF THE BLINCKER WHEN I TURRN THEM ON. IF I TOUCH OR MOVE THE HAZARD SWTCH THEN THE BLINKER WILL START WORKING AGAIN. 2002 CHEVY MALIBU. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BAND NEW WITH 11 MILES ON IT. THIS STARTED HAPPENING LAST YEAR. I ALSO SEE THAT A RECALL WAS DONE FOR THIS ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR MODEL, LOOKS LIKE THEY DIDN'T FIX IT ON ALL MALIBU'S.I*AK
Suspension, Jan 11, 2005
THE LOWER CONTROL ARM PRODUCES A POPPING SOUND WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION. A RECALL WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 22, 2004
MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU (3 YRS OLD, JUST OUR OF FACTORY WARRANTY) WITH 33,000 MILES HAD THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE SEIZE UP. I LIMPED IT TO THE DEALER, HALF A MILE AWAY FROM MY HOUSE. BY THE TIME I GOT THERE, THE FRONT LEFT BRAKES WERE SMOKING. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CALIPER SEIZED UP BECAUSE THE PADS WERE TOO WORN. ALSO THAT THE PADS ON THE LEFT WERE WORN ALSO. THE CHEVY DEALER SAID I NEEDED TO HAVE ROTORS TURNED ON BOTH WHEELS, CALIPERS REPLACED ON BOTH WHEELS, AND NEW PADS & CALIPER BOLTS. TOTAL COST $784 NOT COVERED BY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I PAID $1250 FOR WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE WEAR INDICATORS GAVE VERY LITTLE WARNING THAT THE BRAKES WERE WARN. I HAD THE BRAKES INSPECTED A YEAR AGO (9000 MILES AGO) AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE FINE. I CAN UNDERSTAND TURNING THE ROTORS. I EXPECT TO PAY FOR PADS. BUT REPLACING THE CALIPERS ON BOTH WHEELS? DID I JUST GET TAKEN FOR A RIDE BY MY CHEVY DEALER? I HAVE SEEN LOTS OF REPORTS ABOUT PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR ON MALIBU. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? I HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR THE REPAIR. *JB
Exterior lighting, Dec 2, 2004
TURN SIGNALS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. REPLACED OEM SWITCH. PROBLEM CONTINUES.*AK
Exterior lighting, Nov 30, 2004
HAZARD WARNING/TURN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 23, 2004
MY TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMITTENTLY MY ,FUEL PUMP FAILED AT 38,000 MILES,COOLENTENT SYSTEM ACTS UP OFF AND ON IT OVERHEATS AND THEN IT MIGHT WORK JUST FINE,HEAD GASKET STARTING LEAKING AT 39,000 MILES,MOTOR IS VERY LOUD AND NOISY WHEN IT FIRST STARTS, IT MISSES OUT WHILE RUNNING BUT PARKED, GAS GAGE DOESN'T READ PROPERLY IT BOUNCES ALL OVER THE PLACE. *AK
Exterior lighting, Nov 12, 2004
TURN SIGNAL INTERMITTENTLY FAILED, AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO WARN OTHER DRIVERS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Exterior lighting, Nov 8, 2004
THE TURN SIGNALS AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER STATED IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.*AK