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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 8, 2004
CAR COUGHS/HESITATES WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 65-75 MPH. BEGAN DOING WHEN I MOVED TO ARIZONA. DID NOT DO IT IN FL USING REGULAR GRADE GAS. DEALER SAID MY FUEL FILTER WAS ALL CLOGGED AND DIRTY AND THE FUEL WAS GETTING DARK COLORED. SAID I NEED TO USE CHEVRON OR ARCO GAS AS THEY PUT A DETERGENT IN THEIR GAS THAT GMC IS RECOMMENDING FOR ALL THEIR CARS. DEALER CHANGED FUEL FILTERS AND AIR FILTER. I TRIED REGULAR GRADE GAS FROM ARCO. NO DIFFERENCE. AM TAKING IT BACK TO SERVICE AT DEALER AGAIN.*AK
Exterior lighting, Oct 29, 2004
CONSUMER STATED TURN SIGNALS FAILED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE TURN SIGNALS IN THE 2001 MODEL YEAR, HOWEVER THE 2002 MODEL YEAR WAS WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK
Electrical system, Oct 6, 2004
WHILE PLACING THE KEY INSIDE THE IGNITION SWITCH VEHICLE WOULD START. UT WHEN CONSUMER TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE KEY IT WOULD NOT COME OUT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE KEY WAS CSTUCK IN THE IGNITION CONSUMER COULD SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKES. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC MAINTAINED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED WITH THE KEY'S FAILURE TO COME OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. BUT THE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE WAS DUPLICATED AND REPAIRED. *AK THE KEY WON'T COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. WHEN THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION THE CAR WILL COME OUT OF PARK WITHOUT THE CONSUMERS FOOT ON THE BRAKE. *TC
Exterior lighting, Sep 29, 2004
THE TURN SIGNALS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY.THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON A PREVIOUSLY OWNED VEHICLE, SAME MAKE AND MODEL, FOR THE EXISTING PROBLEM. *JB THE RECALL WAS FOR HEADLIGHTS. *TC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 28, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THAT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORSA NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Exterior lighting, Sep 15, 2004
THE SIGNAL INDICATORS AND HAZARD LIGHTS HAVE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2004
A TRASH BAG HAD WRAPPED AROUND THE AXLE OF A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU RESULTING IN THE BRAKE HOSE RIPPING. *MR *SC THE CV BOOT WAS ALSO CRUSHED DUE TO THE CONSUMER RUNNING OVER A LARGE TRASH BAG. *JB
Exterior lighting, Sep 1, 2004
TURN LIGHT DOES NOT FUNCTION SOMETIMES. THERE IS A RECALL FOR VEHICLES MAKE YEAR 2000 AND 2001. I HAVE 2002 MAKE CAR.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Aug 31, 2004
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSATED, WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE CALIPER FAILED. *AK THE RADIO WAS INOPERATIVE. *SC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 30, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S RADIO EQUIPMENT. *MR THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE THE TIME AND THE RADIO WOULD LOSE STATIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READ ABOVE NORMAL, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD CUT OFF AND WHEN THE ENGINE WAS COLD THERE WOULD BE A HESITATION. *SC
Exterior lighting, Aug 16, 2004
THE CONSUMER STATEED THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Suspension, Equipment, Aug 15, 2004
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY HAZARD, BUT THE BUSHINGS ON THE FRONT STRUTS OF THE 2002 CHEVY MALIBU RATTLE AND SQUEAK STARTING AROUND 30K MILES AND GET PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. ALSO THE AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL UNIT TENDS TO GO BAD. BOTH ARE RATHER COSTLY TO FIX PROBLEMS DIDN'T SURFACE TILL AFTER THE 3/36 WARRANTY WAS UP. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 13, 2004
UPON PUTTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND TURNING IT IGNITION SWITCH FAILED TO MOVE. THE REMEDY WAS TO HAVE THE ENTIRE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED. FIVE MONTHS LATER THE SAME THING RECURRED, AND AGAIN THE SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 20, 2004
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED HARD. THE VEHICLE IS NOW ON IT'S THIRD REPAIR FOR BRAKE ROTORS. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 13, 2004
BRAKES 2001 MALIBU CHEV. 35,000 MILES BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED 4 TIMES. *LA
Structure, Jul 6, 2004
WHEN DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE PRODUCES A LOUD WHISTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAL AROUND THE WINDSHIELD. *NM
Electrical system, Jun 23, 2004
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START VEHICLE IT FAILED TO START. CONSUMER TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE AND WAS ABLE TO DO SO. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE IGNITION LOCK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 10, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, (ABS) BRAKING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED ABS BRAKE MONITOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 3, 2004
PREMATURE BRAKE AND ROTOR WEAR ON 2002 MALIBU , FRONT BRAKES REPLACED TWICE IN 2 YEARS AT ABOUT 17,000 AND 34,000 MILES. *JB
Power train, Jun 1, 2004
WHILE DECREASING THE SPEED VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIME BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Air bags, Seat belts, May 24, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH A MOTORIST FAILED TO YIELD AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, AND THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT. DRIVER HIT HEAD ON THE ROOF, AND SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 5, 2004
VEHICLE STARTED PRODUCING A HIGH PITCHED SQEAK/SQUEAL WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT AFTER 26000 MI. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPOLACED AND THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE TURNED. DEALER ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE PADS WENT DUE TO MY DRIVING HABITS, HOWEVER NONE OF THE OTHER NEW VEHICLES I'VE OWNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE PADS REPLACED UNTIL AT LEAST 50000 MI. DEALER DISAGREED AND TOLD ME THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR THE ENTIRE JOB, I ARGUAED AGAIN AND FINALLY GOT THE DEALER TO AT LEAST PAY FOR THE TURNING OF THE ROTORS. WORK HAS NOT BEEN DONE YET DUE TO SCHEDULING PROBLEM.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, May 2, 2004
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. TURN SIGNAL SWITCH OPERATES INTERMITTENTLY -- SYMPTOMS ARE IDENTICAL TO 2000-2001 MY, WHICH WAS RECALLED AT 03V327000. HAS BEEN LIKE THIS FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS BUT HAS GOTTEN WORSE.*AK ABS LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME.
Exterior lighting, Apr 27, 2004
WHILE TURNING THE TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO COME ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TURN SIGNAL SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 14, 2004
WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE CONSUMER FELT THAT FUEL WAS NOT FLOWING TO THE ENGINE PROPERLY. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. EACH TIME DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, WHICH THEN MALFUNCTIONED SOON AFTER WARDS.*AK