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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

What owners actually said

567 reports
160,000 miles · Jul 16, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSE THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSE THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

NHTSA ODI #10610916

107,500 miles · Jul 15, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING ANY KEY TO TURN THE CAR ON. IT SEEMS LIKE THE WHOLE WHERE THE KEY GOES INTO IS VERY LOOSE. I SOMETIMES HAVE TO TRY TO TURN IT UP TO TEN TIMES BEFORE THE CAR WILL START,I HAVE TRIED BOTH KEYS THAT CAME WITH THE CAR AND EVEN GOT NEW ONES AND NOTHING WORKS, IF I EVER HAVE TO START IN AN EMERGENCY I WON…

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I HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING ANY KEY TO TURN THE CAR ON. IT SEEMS LIKE THE WHOLE WHERE THE KEY GOES INTO IS VERY LOOSE. I SOMETIMES HAVE TO TRY TO TURN IT UP TO TEN TIMES BEFORE THE CAR WILL START,I HAVE TRIED BOTH KEYS THAT CAME WITH THE CAR AND EVEN GOT NEW ONES AND NOTHING WORKS, IF I EVER HAVE TO START IN AN EMERGENCY I WON'T BE ABLE TO DO IT. MY TURN SIGNALS ALSO CLICK WHEN NOT IN USE, I DID HAVE A RECALL ON THIS YEARS AGO, BUT IT DIDN'T WORK, I 'M AFRAID THAT ONE DAY THEY MAY NOT WORK AT ALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10610830

107,332 miles · Jul 15, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineFuel System, Gasoline

MAY 2013: CAR HARD TO START; MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS BEFORE ENGINE STARTED MAY 2013: HAD NEW KEY MADE AT LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER DECEMBER 2013: CONTINUED PROBLEMS STARTING CAR; REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH JULY 1, 2014: GM ANNOUNCES EXPANDED RECALL TO INCLUDE 2002 MALIBU; CALLED LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER; THEY SAID WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE …

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MAY 2013: CAR HARD TO START; MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS BEFORE ENGINE STARTED MAY 2013: HAD NEW KEY MADE AT LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER DECEMBER 2013: CONTINUED PROBLEMS STARTING CAR; REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH JULY 1, 2014: GM ANNOUNCES EXPANDED RECALL TO INCLUDE 2002 MALIBU; CALLED LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER; THEY SAID WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE LETTER FROM GM; DEALER DID NOT KNOW ABOUT EXPANDED RECALL JULY 14, 2014: CAR ENGINE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING JULY 15, 2014: CALLED LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER AGAIN; STILL KNEW NOTHING ABOUT EXPANDED RECALL; COULDN'T ADVISE AS TO WHETHER CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10610707

63,500 miles · Jul 3, 2014
Electrical System

I'M HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE IGNITION. SOMETIMES IT WILL START RIGHT AWAY, AND THEN OTHER TIMES IT WILL TAKE 3 - 9 TRIES!! ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S REALLY HOT OUTSIDE 90+ DEGREES. WHAT'S CAUSING THIS. I PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY SO THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10608105

69,000 miles · Jul 1, 2014
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension

VEHICLE FRONT END SHAKES/WOBBLES SEVERELY WHEN UNDER HARD BRAKING SITUATIONS DOWN HILL. LOUD LOW RUMBLE NOISE AND PEDAL VIBRATIONS ARE EVIDENT. SHAKING AND WOBBLING IS PRESENT THROUGH VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL REQUIRING MORE STRENGTH AND DIRECTIONAL CORRECTIONS TO STEER AND GUIDE THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. DOWN HILL BRAKING COULD BE SEV…

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VEHICLE FRONT END SHAKES/WOBBLES SEVERELY WHEN UNDER HARD BRAKING SITUATIONS DOWN HILL. LOUD LOW RUMBLE NOISE AND PEDAL VIBRATIONS ARE EVIDENT. SHAKING AND WOBBLING IS PRESENT THROUGH VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL REQUIRING MORE STRENGTH AND DIRECTIONAL CORRECTIONS TO STEER AND GUIDE THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. DOWN HILL BRAKING COULD BE SEVERELY IMPEDED IN NORMAL DRIVING OR WHILE TOWING A TRAILER. PANIC STOPS AND LIGHT BRAKING SITUATIONS ON LEVEL GROUND ARE NORMAL STRAIGHT AND TRUE. BRAKE FLUID LEVEL CHECK OKAY AND IS CLEAN. ABS SYSTEM OPERATING NORMALLY. PARKING BRAKE OPERATING NORMALLY. VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS CHECK OKAY. VEHICLE HAS 4 NEW TIRES MOUNTED AND BALANCED ON ORIGINAL FACTORY RIMS. TIRES ARE SIZED AND INFLATED TO VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS. COLD TIRE PRESSURE 29 PSI IN FRONT AND 26 PSI IN REAR. FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT ROTOR SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND WITHIN NORMAL SPECIFICATIONS. VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AS HAVING WARPED FRONT ROTORS. FRONT ROTORS APPEAR TO WARP PREMATURELY UNDER NORMAL LOAD. VEHICLE HAS HAD FRONT ROTORS REPAIRED AND OR REPLACED 3 TIMES. HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT FRONT ROTORS ARE NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE SIZE AND CAPACITY OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLES WITH THE SIX CYLINDER ENGINE OPTION DISPLACE MORE WEIGHT UPON THE FRONT AXLE CREATING EXCESSIVE HEAT AND WEAR ON UNDERSIZED DISC BRAKES. VEHICLE PRESENTED WITH 69,000 ORIGINAL MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10607548

16,152 miles · Jun 24, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION FAILED TO START AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IN A DIFFERENT OCCASION THE ENGINE STALLED TWICE AND RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REP…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION FAILED TO START AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IN A DIFFERENT OCCASION THE ENGINE STALLED TWICE AND RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED EACH TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,152. UPDATED 08/14/14*LJ UPDATED 08/23/2017*CT

NHTSA ODI #10605527

73,000 miles · Jun 18, 2014
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUF…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,801.

NHTSA ODI #10599103

100,000 miles · Jun 16, 2014
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL, BRAKELIGHTS, AND HAZARD LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE HAZARD SIGNALS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL, BRAKELIGHTS, AND HAZARD LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE HAZARD SIGNALS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #10598619

69,140 miles · Jun 9, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

MY 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS LEFT ME STRANDED AT A BUSY FUELING STATION. THE CAR REFUSED TO START DUE TO THE FAULTY PASSLOCK IGNITION SWITCH SYSTEM. THESE PARTS WERE REPLACED AT AN AUTHORIZED GM SERVICE CENTER AT APPROXIMATELY 47,000 MILES DUE TO THE SAME ISSUE OF REFUSING TO START. NOW AT AROUND 21,000 MILES LATER THE PARTS HAVE…

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MY 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS LEFT ME STRANDED AT A BUSY FUELING STATION. THE CAR REFUSED TO START DUE TO THE FAULTY PASSLOCK IGNITION SWITCH SYSTEM. THESE PARTS WERE REPLACED AT AN AUTHORIZED GM SERVICE CENTER AT APPROXIMATELY 47,000 MILES DUE TO THE SAME ISSUE OF REFUSING TO START. NOW AT AROUND 21,000 MILES LATER THE PARTS HAVE FAILED AGAIN. GM AND NHTSA NEED TO RESOLVE THESE SAFETY ISSUES. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR, AND I DON'T BELIEVE IT IS RELIABLE. WAKE UP THIS IS YET ANOTHER GM IGNITION PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR DECADES! ANYONE IN DOUBT JUST DO AN INTERNET SEARCH ON GM PASSLOCK OR CHEVROLET MALIBU IGNITION PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10597147

Mileage unknown · May 23, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V047000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) OR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND TO B…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V047000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) OR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10593664

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.