IllustrationTHIS GM/ CHEVY MALIBU WAS DIAGNOSED TO REQUIRE A HEAD GASKET BECAUSE THE COOLANT LEAKED INSIDE THE ENGINE. AFTER A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Malibu years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
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 reportsOWN A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU. HAD BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED IN 2006. JUST HAD TO DO IT AGAIN 12/5/08. CHEVY SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE THE BRAKES FREE OF CHARGE. I USE MY CAR DAILY. *TR
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT STEADILY ON; INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKS W/ENGINE COOLANT GOING INTO ENGINE. WAS NOTIFIED OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST CHEVROLET FOR MALIBU HAVING THIS PROBLEM, BUT IN ORDER TO OBTAIN SERVICE, THE OWNER MUST HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM AND INCURRED EXPENSE IN OBTAINING REIMBURSEMENT. T…
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2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT STEADILY ON; INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKS W/ENGINE COOLANT GOING INTO ENGINE. WAS NOTIFIED OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST CHEVROLET FOR MALIBU HAVING THIS PROBLEM, BUT IN ORDER TO OBTAIN SERVICE, THE OWNER MUST HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM AND INCURRED EXPENSE IN OBTAINING REIMBURSEMENT. THE COST OF REPAIRING THIS IS $1500. RESEARCH ON INTERNET INDICATES MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING SAME PROBLEM. *TR
I BOUGHT A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU FROM A CAR DEALERSHIP. ONCE I DROVE OFF THE LOT THE BLINKERS STOPPED WORKING FOR ME, THEY WERE WORKING DURING THE TEST DRIVE. AFTER TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON I FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CONNECTED WITH THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS BOX. WHENEVER IT WAS IN A CERTAIN POSITION THE BLINKERS WOULD WOR…
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I BOUGHT A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU FROM A CAR DEALERSHIP. ONCE I DROVE OFF THE LOT THE BLINKERS STOPPED WORKING FOR ME, THEY WERE WORKING DURING THE TEST DRIVE. AFTER TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON I FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CONNECTED WITH THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS BOX. WHENEVER IT WAS IN A CERTAIN POSITION THE BLINKERS WOULD WORK OTHERWISE THEY DID NOT. I TRIED FIXING IT WITH SOME RUBBERBANDS AND DUCT TAPE- FOR SOME REASON THAT WORKED FOR AWHILE BUT NOW IT'S ACTING UP AGAIN! HELP! *TR
2002 MALIBU THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT ISSUE. *TR
TURN SIGNALS WORKED FINE UNTIL MID 2007, THEN THEY STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE TO FIDDLE WITH THE HAZARD BUTTON TO GET THEM TO WORK, THEN THEY ONLY WORK FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE I HAVE TO FIDDLE WITH THE HAZARD BUTTON AGAIN. THIS FAILURE OCCURS ON A DAILY BASIS. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE THAT IT IS VERY UNSAFE!…
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TURN SIGNALS WORKED FINE UNTIL MID 2007, THEN THEY STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE TO FIDDLE WITH THE HAZARD BUTTON TO GET THEM TO WORK, THEN THEY ONLY WORK FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE I HAVE TO FIDDLE WITH THE HAZARD BUTTON AGAIN. THIS FAILURE OCCURS ON A DAILY BASIS. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE THAT IT IS VERY UNSAFE! NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, I AM TRYING TO WAIT FOR A RECALL TO FIX THIS ISSUE. IF THAT DOESN'T COME SOON, I WILL HAVE TO REPAIR IT MYSELF AT MY COST! *TR
MY THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WENT ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY CAR. TWO DAYS LATER WHEN I TRIED TO START MY CAR IT WOULD NOT START. *TR
I TOOK THE COVER OFF OF THE CAR SEAT TO WASH IT. WHEN I WAS PUTTING IT BACK ON I GENTLY MOVED THE BOTTOM PART OF THE LATCH SYSTEM COMPLETELY DISCONNECTED FROM THE CAR SEAT. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2002, MAKE=CHEVROLET, MODEL=MALIBU). *TR
AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY ON MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU 4D SEDAN DURING A COLLISION BETWEEN THE MALIBU FRONT-END DIRECTLY WITH A SATURN 4D SEDAN IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR AT A SPEED OF 50-55 MPH. *TR
PASS 11 SECURITY SYSTEM - REPLACED AND NOT WORKING AGAIN. *TR
Official recalls
214V400000 · 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
1PE05055 · 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.