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
94,000 miles · Sep 2, 2009
Electrical System
TRIED TO START MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU LS AND WOULD NOT START. ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WAS ON. THE FAILURE SEEMS TO BE THE PASSLOCK TO THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. THE COMPUTER CAN BE RESET BUT THIS DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM IT IS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX. APPARENTLY THERE IS NOT A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM AT ALL. IT WILL JUST KEEP HAPPENING…
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TRIED TO START MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU LS AND WOULD NOT START. ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WAS ON. THE FAILURE SEEMS TO BE THE PASSLOCK TO THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. THE COMPUTER CAN BE RESET BUT THIS DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM IT IS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX. APPARENTLY THERE IS NOT A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM AT ALL. IT WILL JUST KEEP HAPPENING AS LONG AS YOU OWN THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN LUCK THAT IT'S ONLY DONE THIS WHILE PARKED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM COULD KICK IN AT ANYTIME AND SHUT OFF THE CAR EVEN WHILE DRIVING. THIS TO ME SEEMS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10282673
79,130 miles · Sep 2, 2009
Exterior Lighting
TURN SIGNALS DON'T ALWAYS WORK. SOMETIMES THEY WORK, SOMETIMES THEY DON'T, SOMETIMES THEY WORK AND JUST STOP WHILE BLINKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10282639
60,000 miles · Aug 27, 2009
Exterior Lighting
TURN SIGNALS STOP WORKING DURING TRAVEL. NO APPARENT CAUSE. SIGNALS WILL WORK DURING THE TRIP, STOP WORKING, AND SOMETIMES START TO WORK AGAIN. SEEMS TO HAPPEN 3-4 TIMES PER WEEK. NO CORRECTIVE ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10281954
164,000 miles · Aug 14, 2009
Electrical System
I PURCHASED A USED 2002 CHEVY MALIBU IN 2005. IN 2006, I HAD TO HAVE THE PASS LOCK SENSOR REPLACED DUE TO THE CAR NOT STARTING. THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON ISSUE IN GM CARS, I'VE SINCE LEARNED. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM. ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO, THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. THE FUEL GAUGE READ …
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I PURCHASED A USED 2002 CHEVY MALIBU IN 2005. IN 2006, I HAD TO HAVE THE PASS LOCK SENSOR REPLACED DUE TO THE CAR NOT STARTING. THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON ISSUE IN GM CARS, I'VE SINCE LEARNED. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM. ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO, THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. THE FUEL GAUGE READ EMPTY EVEN THOUGH IT WASN'T. THE BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED. TODAY, I TOOK MY CAR THROUGH A CAR WASH. WHILE SITTING THE DASH INDICATOR LIGHTS ALL CAME ON, BUT THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING. THE LIGHTS STAYED ON AND NONE OF THE DASH GAUGES WERE WORKING. I MADE IT HOME, TURNED THE CAR OFF, RESTARTED IT, SAME THING. I WAS ADVISED TO ATTEMPT TO RESET THE PASS LOCK SENSOR. THIS SEEMS TO HAVE WORKED SO FAR. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT IT IS MOST LIKELY THE PASS LOCK SENSOR OR BCM AGAIN. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A SUPER COMMON ISSUE IN GM CARS FOR THE PASS TWELVE YEARS. IN TOTAL FOR THE TWO REPAIRS ALREADY MENTIONED, I HAVE SPENT ABOUT 1200 DOLLARS. I STRIVE TO MAINTAIN MY VEHICLE FOR SAFETY PURPOSES. IT VERY FRUSTRATING TO KNOW THAT GM HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS ISSUE, YET HAS MADE NO ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE IT FOR CAR OWNERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10280445
61,000 miles · Aug 3, 2009
Exterior Lighting
INTERMITTENT TURN SIGNAL ON 2002 CHEVY MALIBU. WORKS ONLY IF HAZARD SIGNAL IS PUSHED SLIGHTLY. I MUST HOLD HAZARD SIGNAL WHILE MAKING A TURN. 2001 MALIBUS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. WHY NOT 2002? PROBLEM STILL EXISTS FOR THIS YEAR ALSO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10279275
82,036 miles · Jul 17, 2009
Electrical System
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM (ANTI-THEFT) REPLACED ONCE AND NOW AFTER 1-1/2 YEARS AM HAVING PROBLEMS AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN STUCK SEVERAL TIMES WAITING FOR THE REQUIRED 10 - 15 MINUTES WAITING FOR THE SYSTEM TO RESET. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10277185
85,000 miles · Jul 16, 2009
Exterior Lighting
TURN SIGNAL INTERMITTENTLY NOT OPERATING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10277055
130,084 miles · Jul 15, 2009
Unknown Or Other
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSLOCK II / THEFTSYSTEM IN MY 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE, THAT SEEMS TO HAPPEN 2 TO 3 TIMES A WEEK, SOMETIMES MORE, IN THE PAST WEEK IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT RESULTS IN ME HAVING TO TURN MY IGNITION TO ON FOR TEN MINUTES, AND WAIT PATIENTLY IN HOPE…
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I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSLOCK II / THEFTSYSTEM IN MY 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE, THAT SEEMS TO HAPPEN 2 TO 3 TIMES A WEEK, SOMETIMES MORE, IN THE PAST WEEK IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT RESULTS IN ME HAVING TO TURN MY IGNITION TO ON FOR TEN MINUTES, AND WAIT PATIENTLY IN HOPES THIS WILL LET ME START MY OWN CAR. I THINK THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS A SERIOUS INQUIRY BY SOMEONE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WITH NO AVAIL. I AM HOPING SOMEONE WILL HELP THE PEOPLE WHO ARE BEING STRANDED IN THAT DARK PARKING LOT ALONE AT 3AM. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU THEFTSYSTEM/ PASSLOCK, PLEASE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10276912
150,000 miles · Jul 9, 2009
Exterior Lighting
TURN SIGNAL /HAZARD SWITCH INTERMITTENTLY INTERMITTENTLY OPERATING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10276237
65,531 miles · Jul 8, 2009
Electrical System
I OWN A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU THAT WON'T START ABOUT EVERY THIRD TIME. THE CAR WILL NOT START DUE TO GM'S DEFECTIVE PASSLOCK ANTI THEFT SYSTEM. THE PASSLOCK SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN AUGUST OF 2006. THE SENSOR IS NOW ACTING UP AGAIN AND IT SEEMS LIKE THIS SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED ALMOST EVERY …
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I OWN A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU THAT WON'T START ABOUT EVERY THIRD TIME. THE CAR WILL NOT START DUE TO GM'S DEFECTIVE PASSLOCK ANTI THEFT SYSTEM. THE PASSLOCK SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN AUGUST OF 2006. THE SENSOR IS NOW ACTING UP AGAIN AND IT SEEMS LIKE THIS SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED ALMOST EVERY YEAR. THOUSANDS OF OTHER MALIBU OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. *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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