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, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 16, 2015
I TRIED TO START MY CAR YESTERDAY MORNING AFTER HAVING IT ONLY SIT FOR AN HOUR WHEN THE CAR WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START. IT SEEMED AS IF THE CAR WAS NOT GETTING FUEL AND LESS THAN 3 WEEKS AGO HAD A NEW FUEL PUMP FIXED ON IT BECAUSE OF THIS SAME ISSUE. AS I STATED BEFORE, THE CAR WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND HAD IT STARTING AND RUNNING EVERY TIME THEY TRIED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ONLINE, IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CHEVY MALIBU'S AS IT DEALS WITH AN ERROR IN THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE FOR THE CAR AND DEALS WITH THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM. THIS IS AN INCONVENIENCE FOR OWNERS OF CHEVY MALIBU'S AND IS SUCH A COMMON PROBLEM IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BY THE MANUFACTURER OR THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Tires, Mar 22, 2015
ON 3/21/15, WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 60 MPH, MY RIGHT REAR TIRE SHREDDED COMPLETELY CAUSING ME TO SWERVE OFF OF THE ROAD ONTO THE SHOULDER. THE TIRE IS A REMINGTON EMERALD LX 215 / 60 R15, DOT PJMW 6PKR (GSWR30895). *TR
Electrical system, Mar 18, 2015
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER STATING THE IGNITION KEY WOULD BE MODIFIED, INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION SWITCH SHOULD BE REPLACED. *JB UPDATED 06/17/15.*JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 11, 2015
WON'T CRANK, INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICK ON AND OFF. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 11, 2015
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER HAD AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALER FOR NOVEMBER 7, 2014. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, TO KEEP THE IGNITION ON A RING BY ITSELF. ON NOVEMBER 28, 2014 WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED. IT WAS DETERMINED THE IGNITION KEY CAUSED THE STARTER TO JAM. THE STARTER WAS REPLACED. *JB
Electrical system, Mar 9, 2015
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN GOODLATTE ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2002 MALIBU RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. *JB THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 04/08/15, *JB
Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 5, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON THREE OCCASIONS, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AS THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) .THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical system, Mar 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,200.
Air bags, Feb 12, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, BACK AND ARM INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 12, 2015
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE JUST WOULD NOT START. *SMD THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 6, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Electrical system, Jan 19, 2015
CAR'S POWER TURN OFF WHILE KEY IS IN IGNITION SWITCH IF GOING OVER A BUMP. I LOSE POWER, NONE OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHT, POWER WINDOW, AIR BAG WORK. AND THIS IS AFTER A RECENT RECALL FIX....I KNOW GM HAS FIX SOME IGNITION PROBLEMS BUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT ON THAT RECALL. PLEASE HELP. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH SEIZED AND, AS A RESULT, THE KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000. UPDATED 02/24/15*LJ UPDATED 9/18/2017*CN
Electrical system, Jan 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING INTO PARK AND STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.
Electrical system, Dec 30, 2014
CHEVROLET MALIBU CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED, DUE TO THE VEHICLE STALLING. *JB CONSUMER FOLLOW-UP. UPDATED 01/28/15.*JB
Electrical system, Dec 29, 2014
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. SAFETY RECALL ON KEY RING. *MW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *JB
Electrical system, Dec 26, 2014
ON OR AROUND DECEMBER 19, 2014, I CONTACTED GM, BY TELEPHONE, CONCERNING RECALL 14350 FOR OUR 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THIS CALL WAS FOLLOWING A LETTER I HAD SENT, DATED DECEMBER 8, 2014. I FEEL THIS RECALL WAS RELATED TO AN IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM WE HAD BACK IN JUNE 2013. IN JUNE 2013 I TOOK THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF WILL DRIVING. I WAS TOLD THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS REPAIR COST $479.19. AFTER RECEIVING THIS RECALL NOTICE, I REQUESTED THAT THIS MONEY BE REFUNDED AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE UNRELATED AND I COULD NOT BE REIMBURSED. I FEEL STRONGLY THAT I AM OWED THE REFUND OF MY MONEY PAID TO THE DEALERSHIP. THANK YOU. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 22, 2014
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU THE VEHICLE CUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. *MW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER DID NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE, WHICH WAS THE IGNITION. ALL THEY DID, WAS PUT AN INSERT IN THE KEY SLOT AND SHORTENED THE RING LOOP. *JB
Electrical system, Dec 22, 2014
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. DRIVER RECEIVED CAR AS GIFT AND FRIEND HAS SAME CAR WITH A RECALL ISSUED. CONSUMER HAS YET TO RECEIVE ONE. *TA RECALL # 14V400000. *JB
Steering, Dec 19, 2014
UNABLE TO STEER TURN WHEEL RIGHT CAR KEPT GOING FOWARD. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 18, 2014
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. *CN
Electrical system, Dec 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE AUTO THEFT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 16, 2014
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED BECAUSE OF THE KEY RING IS CARRYING ADDED WEIGHT AND THE VEHICLE MAY GO OFF THE ROAD. *TA ALSO, THE POWER STEERING RACK AND LINES WERE REPLACED. *JB
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2014
I HAD IGNITION RECALL SERVICED ON 10/15/2014 AT CHEVROLET DEALER. TWO DAYS LATER, KEY WOULD NOT OPEN DRIVER'S DOOR (MANUAL LOCKS), ALSO STEREO AND HEAT WOULD NOT COME ON UNTIL CAR WAS TURNED OFF. PROBLEM HAS JUST GOTTEN WORSE, NOW DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I AM FORCED TO CRAWL ACROSS FRONT SEAT TO PASSENGER SIDE TO GET IN AND OUT. ALSO, NOW STEREO STAYS ON WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF, PARKED AND LOCKED UP. I CALLED THE CHEVROLET DEALER AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE, THEY SAID IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM SHAVING THE KEY DOWN AND THEY WOULD GLADLY CHECK MY CAR FOR $149.00. I CALLED GM AND THEY REFUSED TO HELP. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY PEOPLE ONLINE AND IN PERSON WHO ALSO OWN CHEVROLETS AND THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. THE CHEVY DEALER AND GM DROPPED THE BALL ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 9, 2014
WHILE VEHICLE IS ON SOME POWER IS LOST WHILE VEHICLE IS STILL RUNNING. MOTOR IS ON BUT A/C , DASHBOARD GAUGES, POWER WINDOWS, POWER LOCKS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT OPERATE. I RECENTLY HAD VEHICLE SERVICED FOR RECENT RECALL #14350. I HAVE NOTICED ON INSPECTING VEHICLE THAT IF KEY IS SLIGHTLY ADJAR OR MOVED THESE LOSES HAPPEN. WHEN CONTACTING GM DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IGNITION. *TR