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, Nov 1, 2012
CAR WONT START DUE TO PASSLOCK SYSTEM MALFUNCTION,I MUST LET CAR SIT FOR 10 MINUTES WITH IGNITION SWITCH IN ON POSITION THEN TURN KEY OFF FOR 20 SECONDS THEN RESTART,THIS HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY 4 TO 5 STARTS, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND GM WILL NOT RECALL AND FIX. PLEASE SEARCH INTERNET TO VERIFY PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 26, 2012
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 35MPH WHEN THE CAR JUST STARTED SMOKING. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 8, 2012
I WALKED OUT THE DOOR READY TO GO TO WORK GOT IN THE CAR TURNED THE KEY IT WOULD NOT START. SO FIRST I HAD TO WAKE SOMEONE UP WITH A PHONE CALL BECAUSE THIS IS OUR ONLY CAR. GOT A RIDE TO WORK LATE AND CALLED THE PLACE WHERE I AM BUYING THIS CAR FOR THEM TO TOW IT TWO MILES TO THERE SHOP AND CHARGE ME SEVENTY EIGHT DOLLARS. I GET THE CALL FROM THEM SAYING ITS THE FUEL PUMP(ANOTHER COMMON UNNECESSARY FIX THAT YOU HERE REPEAT OVER AND OVER. HE ALSO SAID THE ANTITHEFT LIGHT WAS ON AND THAT I SOMEHOW DEMAGNITIZED THE KEY(WASN'T POSSIBLE BECAUSE I WAS GIVEN A ALL SILVER KEY NO CHIP IN IT) SO THAT COST ALMOST A EXTRA HUNDRED FOR THE KEY.SO AFTER IM RIDING ALMOST FINE TORQUE COULD BE MORE V6ISH BUT I DIGRESS TUESDAY SEP 4 2012 NOT A MONTH LATER IT DOESN'T START AGAIN, AND AGAIN ON MY WAY TO WORK. THIS TIME I HAD IT TOWED AND BY THE TIME IT MADE IT TO THE MECHANIC ITS WAS STARTING FINE. I DON'T MAKE ENOUGH MONEY TO CONTINUOUSLY WORRY ABOUT THIS OBVIOUS WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH GM VEHICLES MADE FROM 99-05. IF WHOEVER READS THIS TYPES IN MY CAR WONT START 2002 CHEVY MALIBU, AND JUST READ THE DIFFERENT PEOPLES STORY'S AND SEE VIDEOS. IN CONCLUSION GM MUST RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THESE PROBLEMS. IM A LONG TIME GM SUPPORTER OF THERE AMERICAN MADE CARS AND TRUCKS. I'VE OWNED A 1989 CADILLAC BIARITZ, 1999 CHEVY SURBURBAN,AND NOW THIS 2002 CHEVEY MALIBU.IVE BEEN LUCKY I READ ABOUT A GUY WHOSE ANTITHEFT ACTED UP WHILE HE WAS DRIVING WITH HIS CHILD. RECALL AND SAVE LIVES AND HEADACHES. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSERTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, IT FAILED TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 100,000.
Electrical system, Aug 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY START AFTER BEING OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO HOURS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE ANTI THEFT DEVICE, THE TUMBLER AND THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. ALSO, THE HORN AND THE TURNING SIGNALS ALSO TURN ON INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2012
SOMETIMES THE CAR STARTS SOMETIMES IT DON'T IT GIVES YOU NO NOTICE THAT IT NOT GOING TO START. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 11, 2012
HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING. IT WILL CRANK, BUT WON'T START. THEN HOURS LATER IT STARTS. *TR UPDATED 7/18/12 *CN UPDATED 07/25/12
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, May 16, 2012
AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, I SIGNALED FOR A LEFT TURN. WHEN I SIGNALED THE TURN, THERE WAS A BUZZING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, RESULTING IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER TO STEERING AND BRAKES. LUCKILY, I WAS GOING ABOUT 10 MPH AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR, ALBEIT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. I NOTICED THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE ON. THE CAR RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY AND I DROVE IT 1/2 BLOCK TO A PARKING SPACE. I SUBSEQUENTLY TOOK THE CAR TO FH DAILEY, THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALER. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) THAT HAD CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WHILE THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN. THEY ARE REPLACING THE BCM. THEY DID NOT SEEM PARTICULARLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND MY IMPRESSION IS IT IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR THEM TO ENCOUNTER IT. I AM CONCERNED THAT, HAD I BEEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, ON THE HIGHWAY, OR ON A CURVING ROAD, THE ENGINE FAILURE COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SIGNIFICANT INJURY OR FATALITY TO MYSELF OR OTHERS.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 9, 2012
I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ALMOST SINCE BUYING THE CAR IN 2004. IN 2010 I EXPERIENCED A SCARY NEW TWIST: MY BLINKERS WON'T ALWAYS WORK. IT HAPPENED MAYBE THREE TIMES TOTAL OVER THE NEXT 12-18 MONTHS, BUT IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN, AND I AM NOW DOING MUCH MORE AROUND-TOWN DRIVING. I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS WHERE SOME OWNERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET THE BLINKERS WORKING AGAIN BY TOGGLING THE HAZARD LIGHTS, BUT THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH MY CAR. I TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND THE BLINKERS WILL WORK THE FIRST TIME I USE THEM, THEN NOT AGAIN FOR THE REST OF MY TRIP (OR IN SOME CASES, THE REST OF THE DAY). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT ANY ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING INDICATORS. THE ENGINE FAILED TO RESTART AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE RECURRED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Mar 18, 2012
BOUGHT MY MALIBU NEW, HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT UNTIL AFTER 100,000 MILES. WAS AT A YELLOW LIGHT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF TURNED KEY TO OFF POSITION AND RESTARTED THE CAR AND WENT ON. I SAY ABOUT 5 MONTHS LATER WE WENT OUT OF TOWN FOR 3 DAY CAME BACK WENT TO THE CAR TRIED TO START IT. IT WOULD START AND SHUT OFF IT WOULD KEEP DOING IT. TOOK TO THE SHOP THEY HAD FOR OVER A MONTH PULL BACK SEAT OUT THINKING THE WIRES UNDER THE SEAT WAS BAD. THEN CHECK A LOT OF OTHER STUFF THEN HE SAID IT WAS THE KEY SWITCH AND REPLACED IT GOT IT GOING. CALLED USE UP TO PICK THE CAR UP AND IT WOULDN'T START. HE REPLACE THAT ONE WITH ANOTHER SWITCH CALLED US UP TO PICK IT UP AND IT WOULD NOT START. THEN HE BY PASSED IT WITH A TOGGLE SWITCH IT WORKED FOR ONE DAY AND STARTED ALL OVER AGAIN. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. IT IS THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 6, 2012
I PURCHASED MY CHEVROLET MALIBU FROM A PRIVATE PART AND THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE BUT SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT WANT TO START. BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY AND REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND STILL HAVE THE STARTING PROBLEM. SEEMS THAT THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE HAS A HISTORY OF ANTI THEFT SYSTEM PROBLEMS I CALLED A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP TO ASK IF IT COULD BE REPAIRED AND WAS TOLD I NEED TO TAKE IT IN AT A COST OF 80.00 DOLLARS TO CHECK IT PLUS TOWING FEES. I DON'T FEEL IT IS RIGHT THAT THEY DO KNOW THE PROBLEM BUT STILL TRYING TO GET MORE MONEY OUT OF CUSTOMERS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 22, 2012
I BEEN RUNNING ERRANDS. I STOPPED THE CAR TO GO INTO THE STORE, GOT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OVER. I WAS STRANDED WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD, HAD TO GET A TOW TO REPAIR SHOP. I WAS TOLD THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS BAD, COST ME $347.00. ON 12/29/11 SAME ISSUE, CAR WOULD NOT START THIS TIME LUCKILY I WAS AT HOME. I HAD TO GET A TOW TO THE REPAIR ANOTHER $51.00 AND WAS TOLD THE IGNITION SWITCH MUST HAVE HAD A DEFAULT AND I RECEIVED A NEW IGNITION SWITCH, AT NO CHARGE. TWO DAYS AGO, ALMOST 2 WEEKS AFTER LAST REPAIR, IT HAPPENED AGAIN THIS TIME IN THE PARKING LOT 12 DEGREES OUTSIDE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER CALLED A TOW TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD ALL THIS TIME IT WAS THE AUTO THEFT SYSTEM WAS BAD AND CAUSED THE CAR TO NOT START AND ALSO WAS THE CAUSE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH TO NOT START THE CAR. I WAS CHARGED 388.00, PLUS A TOW FEE, FOR THE REPAIR OF A NEW IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER( THE PART USED A THE AUTO THEFT SYSTEM). BASICALLY , THIS AUTO THEFT SYSTEM HAS CAUSED ME OVER 700 IN A MONTH TIME AND LEFT ME IN DANGEROUS AREAS WITH NO WAY OF GETTING HOME. THIS NEEDS TO REIMBURSED BY GM BECAUSE IF THIS AUTO THEFT SYSTEM WAS PLACED ON THE CAR AS A BENEFIT AND PROTECTION TO THE OWNER OF THE CAR TO STOP THEFT IT IS NOT HELPING THE OWNER AT ALL ONLY PUTTING THE OWNER IN MORE HARM BECAUSE IT IS CAUSING THE OWNER TO NOT BE ABLE TO START THE CAR WITH THE KEY. HOW MUCH SINCE DOES THAT MAKE? THIS IS SOMETHING EXTRA ADDED TO THE CAR THAT IS NOT NEEDED; THAT IS WHY WE HAVE CAR ALARMS. I DON'T NEED THEM TO ADD AN AUTO THEFT SYSTEM TO MY CAR AND IT STOPS ME FROM BEING ABLE TO GET INTO THE CAR AND DRIVE. WHAT IF THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY I NEEDED TO DEAL WITH, I HAVE CHILDREN IN THE HOME. THE LAST TIME THE CAR WOULDN'T START IT WAS ONLY 12 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND FREEZING COLD. PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO GET A PETITION OF A RECALL FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. THIS IS UNSAFE! *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 18, 2011, crash
1. THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. JUST STOPPED WORKING FOR NO REASON. LIGHTS WERE NOT BURNED OUT. THEN THEY MYSTERIOUSLY STARTED WORKING JUST AS THEY HAD STOPPED. FOR NO REASON. INCIDENTS BECAME MORE FREQUENT WITH NO APPARENT CAUSE. NOT WEATHER RELATED. AFTER READING COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE, I FOUND THAT IF I TURNED ON MY HAZARD FLASHERS, THE BLINKERS WOULD WORK AGAIN. 2. I WAS REAR ENDED ON 11/4/11 THOUGH AND COULD NOT GET THE FLASHERS TO WORK. I DON'T KNOW IF MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE WORKING OR NOT WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. 3. THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER ONLY WORK ON THE HIGHEST LEVEL. 4. THE DOOR LOCKS WILL LOCK AND UNLOCK AT RANDOM WHILE DRIVING. 5. THE KEY FOB WILL WORK SOMETIMES, MOST TIMES NOT LATELY. 6. THE SECURITY SYSTEM WILL HONK THE HORN SOMETIMES WHEN THE KEY FOB DOES LOCK THE DOORS, MOST TIMES IT DOES NOT HONK THOUGH. 7. THE CAR OVERHEATS AS THE COOLANT CONTAINER IS LOOSE AND THE RADIATOR CAP DOES NOT FIT PROPERLY EVEN THOUGH I PURCHASED A NEW ONE. THE GAUGE FOR THE TEMPERATURE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ACCURATE. 8. SOMETIMES THE HEATER DOES NOT WORK, JUST AS THE A/C DIDN'T WORK MOST OF THE TIME IN THE SUMMER. 9. ANYTIME I TRY TO USE THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER, IT BLOWS THE FUSE, LEAVING THAT FEATURE TOTALLY USELESS. THIS CAR IS VERY UNPREDICTABLE AND FOR A SINGLE WOMAN, I FEEL IT CREATES POTENTIAL TO BE IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS CAR AND I REALLY THOUGHT I WAS BUYING A RELIABLE USED CAR SINCE IT IS A CHEVROLET MALIBU. WAS I EVER WRONG AND ALTHOUGH I HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT CHEVROLET, IT WILL NOT BE MY PREFERENCE IN THE FUTURE. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 17, 2011
THE CAR DIES WHEN YOU ARE ON THE ROAD . WHEN YOU SHUT IT OFF TO GET GAS OR ANYTHING IT WONT START THE GAUGES GO ALL OVER THE PLACE. THIS CAR IS VERY UNSAFE AND GM NEEDS TO RECALL THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SOME ONE IS GOING TO GET KILL FROM THE CAR WITH NO WARNING JUST SHUTS DOWN. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 13, 2011
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU SECURITY/ANTI THEFT SYSTEM ERRONEOUSLY DISABLES THE CAR - EVERY 20 OR STARTS, FOR NO REASON, REQUIRING A LENGTHY PROCESS TO RE-ENABLE THE IGNITION SYSTEM. CAR IS LOW MILEAGE AND HAS ORIGINAL KEYS & KEY FOB. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM WOULD ACTIVATE AND WOULD NOT ALLOW HER TO START THE VEHICLE FOR 10 MINUTES. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECOGNIZING THE KEY. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE KEY; HOWEVER, THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM WOULD STILL ACTIVATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Equipment, Jun 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT INTERMITTENTLY, THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER MOTOR WOULD ONLY FUNCTION WHEN SET ON HIGH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Jun 16, 2011
I OWN A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU AND THE THEFT SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND PREVENTS ME FROM STARTING THE CAR. THE "FIX" IS TO SIT WITH THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION UNTIL THE LIGHT STOPS FLASHING. I KNOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND APPARENTLY THE PERMANENT FIX IS TO REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER WHICH IS EXPENSIVE AND DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK. *TR
Electrical system, May 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED A COMPUTER FAILURE. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BY THAT TIME. THE CONTACT STATED SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WOULD NEED TO BE MADE AND THE KEY HAD TO BE MANEUVERED A CERTAIN WAY BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD START. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO USE OTHER COPIES OF THE KEY AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
Electrical system, Apr 21, 2011
CAR FAILS TO START AFTER SHUTTING OFF. THEFT SYSTEM HAS TO BE RESET BY LEAVING THE KEY ON FOR 9 MINUTES. GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS BUT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. CAR DOES THIS ABOUT TWICE A MONTH. CAR STARTED DOING THIS AT 52000 MILES IN 2005. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 5, 2011
THE 2000-2003 CHEVY MALIBU WILL TURN OVER BUT WON'T START, EVER!. AUTO REPAIR PLACE KEPT CARE FOR LAST 8 DAYS. PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY THE ANTITHEFT SYSTEM. DEALERS AND AUTO-REPAIR SHOPS CHARGE $1000 WITHOUT FIXING THE PROBLEM. I'VE SEEN OVER A HUNDRED COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE FROM PEOPLE WITH MALIBUS OF THIS ERA FROM THE 'CARCOMPLAINTS WEBSITE'. HTTP://CARCOMPLAINTS.ASTERPIX.COM/CY/2427771/?Q=2002+CHEVY+MALIBU+STARTING+PROBLEMS REQUEST: ASK GM TO COME UP WITH A SOLUTION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2011
DRIVING 2002 CHEVY MALIBU. VEHICLE RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF EVERYTHING. ENGINE, HEAD LIGHTS, TAILS LIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS, CAR JUST GOES DARK. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST 30 DAYS. SO FAR CAR RESETS AND RESTARTS BEFORE ROLLING TO A STOP, BUT THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS AND CONDITIONS. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 19, 2011
I BOUGHT THIS CAR AS A "STEAL" FROM A DEALERSHIP. IT WAS USED AS A TRADE IN AND THE CARFAX REPORT LOOKED GOOD. HOWEVER, NO ONE TOLD ME OF THE PASSLOCK PROBLEM. TODAY, I HAD TO CALL OFF WORK AFTER STOPPING FOR A CUP OF COFFEE AND HAVING TO SPEND 3.5+ HOURS RESETTING AND STARTING THE CAR, I HAVE OFTEN HAD DIFFICULTIES AND LEARNED OF THE 10 MINUTE TRICK, BUT IT DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK. GM SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS. FROM WHAT I'VE GATHERED THE REPAIR CAN COST AS HIGH AS $600 FOR A DESIGN FLAW THAT WILL LIKELY REPEAT ITSELF. NO WONDER THEY WENT BANKRUPT WITH SUCH SHODDY PRODUCTS. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 15, 2011
SURPRISED TO NOT SEE THIS GM RECALL IN THE DATABASE. GM RECALLED THOUSANDS OF CHEVY MALIBU'S MANUFACTURED FROM 1997 ' 2003 FOR A MALFUNCTIONING FLASHER SWITCH AND/OR SHORT IN THE WIRING. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS THE MALFUNCTIONING SWITCH CAUSES THE BLINKERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND IN MANY INSTANCES NOT FUNCTION AT ALL ADDITIONALLY THE HAZARD LIGHTS DO NOT FUNCTION. *TR