Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
380–25K
8225–50K
10250–75K
7175–100K
73100–150K
25150K+
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
33,359 miles · Mar 9, 2010
Electrical System
WITHOUT WARNING, CAR SUDDENLY WILL NOT START. ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WILL ACTIVATE WHEN TRYING TO START CAR. IT APPEARS THAT THE IGNITION DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE CAR KEY. SEEMS IT THINKS SOMEONE IS TRYING TO STILL THE CAR. THIS FIRST HAPPENED IN THE SUMMER OF 2009. IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN ON 3/7/2010. IN BOTH CASES THE CAR HAD TO BE TO…
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WITHOUT WARNING, CAR SUDDENLY WILL NOT START. ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WILL ACTIVATE WHEN TRYING TO START CAR. IT APPEARS THAT THE IGNITION DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE CAR KEY. SEEMS IT THINKS SOMEONE IS TRYING TO STILL THE CAR. THIS FIRST HAPPENED IN THE SUMMER OF 2009. IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN ON 3/7/2010. IN BOTH CASES THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE FIRST SHOP WAS AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY. THEY RESET THE COMPUTER THAT CONTROLS THE IGNITION SYSTEM. THE SECOND SHOP WAS THE DEALER. THEY RESET THE COMPUTER THAT CONTROLS THE IGNITION SYSTEM. THEN, THEY REPLACED THE BCM UNIT AND THE IGNITION KEY CYLINDER. I'VE DONE SOME BACKGROUND CHECKING ON THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. MANY, MANY OWNERS OF THIS MAKE & MODEL (CHEVY MALIBU) HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10318059
31,000 miles · Feb 15, 2010
Exterior Lighting
2002 CHEVY MALIBU. TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE GOT UNTIL YOU TRY THEM. OF COURSE IF A MECHANIC HAS THE CAR ALL DAY THE SIGNALS WORK FINE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS MANUFACTURE DEFECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10310460
109,000 miles · Jan 19, 2010
Electrical System
PASSLOCK SYSTEM FAILS PREVENTING THE CAR FROM STARTING. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST EVERYTIME I ATTEMPT TO START THE CAR. THE CAR CRANKS BUT DOESN'T START AND THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT IS THE ONLY THING THAT LIGHTS UP ON THE DASH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10300298
102,000 miles · Jan 8, 2010
Electrical System
2002 CHEVY MALIBU HAS A FAULTY PASSLOCK SYSTEM THAT DISABLES THE VEHICLE ABOUT 25% OF THE TIME WHEN A VALID KEY IS INSERTED INTO IGNITION. SAFETY ISSUE IF PERSON NEEDS MEDICAL ATTENTION, IF IN DANGEROUS AREA, OR IF CAR NEEDS TO BE STARTED AND REFUSES TO DO SO BECAUSE OF FAULTY PART. I HAVE FOUND A WORKAROUND THAT HAS SEEMED TO…
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2002 CHEVY MALIBU HAS A FAULTY PASSLOCK SYSTEM THAT DISABLES THE VEHICLE ABOUT 25% OF THE TIME WHEN A VALID KEY IS INSERTED INTO IGNITION. SAFETY ISSUE IF PERSON NEEDS MEDICAL ATTENTION, IF IN DANGEROUS AREA, OR IF CAR NEEDS TO BE STARTED AND REFUSES TO DO SO BECAUSE OF FAULTY PART. I HAVE FOUND A WORKAROUND THAT HAS SEEMED TO WORK FOR ME. PLACE KEY IN IGNITION, TURN TO "ON" POSITION. OPEN DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND WAIT UNTIL WARNING CHIME COMES ON. THEN TURN CAR ON AS NORMALLY. SEEMS LIKE THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM HAS A HARD TIME REGISTERING IF THERE IS A KEY. ANYWAY, THIS IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE ON GM'S PART AND I SINCERELY BELIEVE A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10298696
78,000 miles · Dec 23, 2009
Electrical System
I HAVE A 2002 MALIBU/CHEVY THAT HAS THEFT SYSTEM AND GIVES ME PROBLEM ALL THE TIME AND I HAVE TO WAIT FOR 10 MINUTES THEN ONE MINUTE TO START THE CAR. I AM REALLY SICK AND TIRED OF IT. THIS IS VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR ALL CHEVY, MALIBU THEFT SYSTEM. THE GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD RECALL THE SITUATION AND FIX IT IN FREE OF CHARGE. THAN…
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I HAVE A 2002 MALIBU/CHEVY THAT HAS THEFT SYSTEM AND GIVES ME PROBLEM ALL THE TIME AND I HAVE TO WAIT FOR 10 MINUTES THEN ONE MINUTE TO START THE CAR. I AM REALLY SICK AND TIRED OF IT. THIS IS VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR ALL CHEVY, MALIBU THEFT SYSTEM. THE GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD RECALL THE SITUATION AND FIX IT IN FREE OF CHARGE. THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10296768
136,516 miles · Dec 6, 2009
Electrical System
THE THEFT SYSTEM OF MY 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU PERIODICALLY IS TRIGGERED FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. IT HAPPENS FAIRLY OFTEN UP TO SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH - MOST RECENTLY TWICE TODAY, 6 DECEMBER 2009. TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE I HAVE TO SET MY CAR IN THE "ON" POSITION FOR TEN MINUTES WHILE THE SYSTEM RESETS. THIS IS VERY INCONVENIENT (IF I W…
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THE THEFT SYSTEM OF MY 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU PERIODICALLY IS TRIGGERED FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. IT HAPPENS FAIRLY OFTEN UP TO SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH - MOST RECENTLY TWICE TODAY, 6 DECEMBER 2009. TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE I HAVE TO SET MY CAR IN THE "ON" POSITION FOR TEN MINUTES WHILE THE SYSTEM RESETS. THIS IS VERY INCONVENIENT (IF I WAS ON MY WAY TO AN APPOINTMENT OR JOB) OR COULD BE QUITE DANGEROUS &/OR LIFE THREATENING (TRYING TO GET FAMILY MEMBER TO THE ER OR TRYING TO ESCAPE AN ATTACK OF SOME KIND). CHEVROLET NEEDS TO DO AN INVESTIGATION & RECALL WHATEVER IS CAUSING THIS FAULT IN THEIR CARS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10294676
72,182 miles · Nov 21, 2009
Electrical System
INTERMITTENT FAULT IN TURN SIGNALS ON MY 2002 CHEVY. MALIBU. NOTHING HAPPENED TO CREATE THIS PROBLEM, THEY JUST STOPPED WORKING. NOW I HAVE TO USE MY HANDS AS TURN SIGNALS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10293101
40,000 miles · Nov 20, 2009
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
2002 CHEVY MALIBU, 80,000 MILES BRAKES ALWAYS NOISY EVEN WHEN NEW..BRAKES AND CALIPERS HAVE TO BE REPLACED EVERY 2-3 MONTHS WITH MINIMAL USE......HAZARD LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL FAILURE...WORKS INTERMITTENTLY.....IGNITION LOCK-OUT....COULD NOT START CAR OR REMOVE KEY FROM THE IGNITION....LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE......LE…
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2002 CHEVY MALIBU, 80,000 MILES BRAKES ALWAYS NOISY EVEN WHEN NEW..BRAKES AND CALIPERS HAVE TO BE REPLACED EVERY 2-3 MONTHS WITH MINIMAL USE......HAZARD LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL FAILURE...WORKS INTERMITTENTLY.....IGNITION LOCK-OUT....COULD NOT START CAR OR REMOVE KEY FROM THE IGNITION....LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE......LEFT HEADLAMP FIELD OF VISION NARROW AND SHORT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10292973
Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2009
Electrical System
FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS, MY CAR HAS HAD A PROBLEM STARTING UP. I HAD SOMEONE LOOK AT IT AND HE SAID THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE THEFT SYSTEM. WHEN I TRY TO START THE CAR, IT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING. I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE THEFT LIGHT GOES OFF BEFORE THE CAR EVEN STARTS. I THOUGHT THAT SEEMED STRANGE BUT AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAI…
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FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS, MY CAR HAS HAD A PROBLEM STARTING UP. I HAD SOMEONE LOOK AT IT AND HE SAID THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE THEFT SYSTEM. WHEN I TRY TO START THE CAR, IT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING. I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE THEFT LIGHT GOES OFF BEFORE THE CAR EVEN STARTS. I THOUGHT THAT SEEMED STRANGE BUT AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS I SEE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ON HAVING THAT PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10292968
70,000 miles · Nov 11, 2009
Exterior Lighting
THE TURN SIGNALS ON OUR CAR WORK INTERMITTENTLY. NO EVENT LED UP TO THIS. THEY ARE UNRELIABLE AND DANGEROUS. *TR
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.
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 ↗
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.
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.
2002 Chevrolet Malibu Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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