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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.

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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

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

63 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2015
Engine And Engine Cooling

2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE JUST WOULD NOT START. *SMD THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10667989

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling

2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING.* LD THE CONSUMER STATED GM USED DEX-COOL ENGINE COOLANT WHICH CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. THE REPAIR SHOP FLUSHED OUT THE DEX-COOL AND REPLACED THE COOLANT, WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE OF COOLANT. ALSO, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED AT A COST…

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2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING.* LD THE CONSUMER STATED GM USED DEX-COOL ENGINE COOLANT WHICH CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. THE REPAIR SHOP FLUSHED OUT THE DEX-COOL AND REPLACED THE COOLANT, WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE OF COOLANT. ALSO, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $477.31. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10648091

91,800 miles · Sep 26, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 35MPH WHEN THE CAR JUST STARTED SMOKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10477099

77,000 miles · Apr 4, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

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 BEE…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10454074

160,000 miles · Jan 22, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

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.…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10444794

82,414 miles · Mar 28, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

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

NHTSA ODI #10393095

76,000 miles · Feb 12, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

HAVING COOLANT LEAK, DID NOT SEE ANY COOLANT LEAKING ON THE GROUND. CHANGED WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, AND RADIATOR; STILL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. FOUND OUT INTAKE GASKET WAS CRACKED AND HAD IT FIXED. COOLANT STILL LEAKING, HAVING TO ADD COOLANT EVERY DAY TO EVERY OTHER DAY. WAS TOLD RESERVOIR CAP DID NOT FIT WELL. REPLACED R…

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HAVING COOLANT LEAK, DID NOT SEE ANY COOLANT LEAKING ON THE GROUND. CHANGED WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, AND RADIATOR; STILL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. FOUND OUT INTAKE GASKET WAS CRACKED AND HAD IT FIXED. COOLANT STILL LEAKING, HAVING TO ADD COOLANT EVERY DAY TO EVERY OTHER DAY. WAS TOLD RESERVOIR CAP DID NOT FIT WELL. REPLACED RESERVOIR AND CAP AND HAD VEHICLE BLED. RAN FINE FOR 3 DAYS, THEN COOLANT STARTING LEAKING OUT AGAIN. CANT SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM OF WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. FOR A 2002 THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE BAD MILEAGE, ONLY 84,000 MILES. THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW. I HAVE READ SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE ON THE INTERNET. SOMEONE SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. CHEVROLET NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. CHEVROLET SOLD LEMONS WHEN THEY SOLD THESE CARS, THAT'S FOR SURE!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10381664

110,000 miles · Aug 16, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE ECM WAS REPAIRED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN ONE YEAR. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PASS LOCK SECURITY SYSTEM. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSIS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE ECM WAS REPAIRED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN ONE YEAR. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PASS LOCK SECURITY SYSTEM. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10349602

55,000 miles · Aug 2, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OVER BUT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY SIX TIMES WHERE THREE CRANKSHAFT SENSORS ALONG WITH TWO OTHER UNKNOWN SENSORS WERE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER YET THE DEALER WAS UNABLE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OVER BUT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY SIX TIMES WHERE THREE CRANKSHAFT SENSORS ALONG WITH TWO OTHER UNKNOWN SENSORS WERE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER YET THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

NHTSA ODI #10346828

63,500 miles · Jun 18, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

CHEVY MALIBU 2002 V6 - COOLANT LEAK PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10336922

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.