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2002 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 310.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

391 reports with mileage · 176 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 259 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 143 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 63 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports1 fire reports13 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

18 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 18, 2015
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

MY MOM AND SISTER WAS RECENTLY INVOLVED IN A AUTO ACCIDENT WHICH CAUSED CRITICAL INJURIES. MY MOM REAR ENDED A SEMI TRUCK AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELTS LOCK CAUSING MY MOM TO CRUSH HER FACE. MY SISTER RECIEVED 2 VERTEBRA FRACTURES AND 3 RIB FRACTURES. THE CAUSE OF THIS ACCIDENT CAUSED MY MOM TO HAVE TO H…

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MY MOM AND SISTER WAS RECENTLY INVOLVED IN A AUTO ACCIDENT WHICH CAUSED CRITICAL INJURIES. MY MOM REAR ENDED A SEMI TRUCK AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELTS LOCK CAUSING MY MOM TO CRUSH HER FACE. MY SISTER RECIEVED 2 VERTEBRA FRACTURES AND 3 RIB FRACTURES. THE CAUSE OF THIS ACCIDENT CAUSED MY MOM TO HAVE TO HAVE SURGERY ON HER FACE AND IS STILL IN THE UT HOSPITAL. IF THE AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED THEN IT COULD HAVE SAVED HER FACE MORE THAN IT DID.

NHTSA ODI #10717225

109,000 miles · Feb 12, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury

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 DEST…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10682984

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2014
Air Bags

RAN OVER A MANHOLE THAT WAS COVERED ALL THE SUDDEN AIRBAGS WENT OFF DRIVER AND PASSENGER SMASHED WINDSHIELD .AND SENT DAUGHTER TO HOSPITAL 27 WEEKS PREGNANT THIS VEHICLE HAS LOTS OF PROBLEMS ITS DANGEROUS! WE HAVE DROVE OVER THAT SAME SECTION OF ROAD IN OTHER VEHICLES MANY OF TIMES NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE! THEY SHOULD RECALL T…

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RAN OVER A MANHOLE THAT WAS COVERED ALL THE SUDDEN AIRBAGS WENT OFF DRIVER AND PASSENGER SMASHED WINDSHIELD .AND SENT DAUGHTER TO HOSPITAL 27 WEEKS PREGNANT THIS VEHICLE HAS LOTS OF PROBLEMS ITS DANGEROUS! WE HAVE DROVE OVER THAT SAME SECTION OF ROAD IN OTHER VEHICLES MANY OF TIMES NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE! THEY SHOULD RECALL THESE AIRBAGS! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10649382

143,000 miles · Sep 25, 2014
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY AND TRAVELING LESS THAN 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO SCHEDULED AN INSPECTOR TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE INSPECTOR COULD NOT CONFIRM IF TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY AND TRAVELING LESS THAN 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO SCHEDULED AN INSPECTOR TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE INSPECTOR COULD NOT CONFIRM IF THERE WAS A DEFECT WITH THE AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.

NHTSA ODI #10638994

97,000 miles · Sep 15, 2014
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT TO THE LIP, BRUISING ON THE FOREHEAD, NECK INJURY, AND HER FRONT TEETH WERE LOOSENED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT TO THE LIP, BRUISING ON THE FOREHEAD, NECK INJURY, AND HER FRONT TEETH WERE LOOSENED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V1400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

NHTSA ODI #10633344

140,000 miles · Jul 22, 2014
Air BagsService BrakesCrash

IN A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, BRAKES FAILED TO WORK, AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TOTALED MY VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10615395

Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System

2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION RECALL AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN 3 TIMES. THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10578727

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2013
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT TIGHTEN. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED HIP AND A PASSENGER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT TIGHTEN. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED HIP AND A PASSENGER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10544946

50,000 miles · Jun 20, 2011
Air BagsEquipmentExterior Lighting

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 …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10407466

Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2010
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH HER DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE DRIVERS FRONT AND PASSENGER SIDE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. NOW THE CONTACTS DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT IS CRACKED AND THE AIR BAG…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH HER DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE DRIVERS FRONT AND PASSENGER SIDE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. NOW THE CONTACTS DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT IS CRACKED AND THE AIR BAG SEEMED AS IF IT WOULD DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP BUT THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE; THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 90,094. UPDATED 10/14/10*JB

NHTSA ODI #10325522

Official recalls

2

14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jul 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

02V107000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Apr 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE05055 · Turn Signal Failures

Opened Sep 27, 2005 · Closed Jan 13, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

IN DECEMBER 2004, GM ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327. THE POLICY COVERED TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURRED FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH. GM SENT LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.IN JANUARY 2006, GM WILL UPDATE THE SPECIAL POLICY TO INCLUDE MY 2002 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V-327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING LATE APRIL 2006.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

IN DECEMBER 2004, GM ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327. THE POLICY COVERED TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURRED FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH. GM SENT LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.IN JANUARY 2006, GM WILL UPDATE THE SPECIAL POLICY TO INCLUDE MY 2002 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V-327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING LATE APRIL 2006.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

IN DECEMBER 2004, GM ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327. THE POLICY COVERED TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURRED FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH. GM SENT LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.IN JANUARY 2006, GM WILL UPDATE THE SPECIAL POLICY TO INCLUDE MY 2002 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V-327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING LATE APRIL 2006.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.