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
54,085 miles · Jan 13, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
I BOUGHT A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU ON AUGUST 10, 2004. THE MILEAGE WAS 45,281. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD 2 PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE. 1.GM DEX-COOL/INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. 2.ANTI-THEFT LIGHT COMES ON. AFTER CAR HAS BEEN STOPPED, THE CAR WILL NOT RESTART AGAIN. WITH REGARD TO ITEM NUMBER 1 ABOVE, I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A…
Read full complaint
I BOUGHT A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU ON AUGUST 10, 2004. THE MILEAGE WAS 45,281. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD 2 PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE. 1.GM DEX-COOL/INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. 2.ANTI-THEFT LIGHT COMES ON. AFTER CAR HAS BEEN STOPPED, THE CAR WILL NOT RESTART AGAIN. WITH REGARD TO ITEM NUMBER 1 ABOVE, I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PENDING. WITH REGARD TO ITEM NUMBER 2 ABOVE, THESE ARE THE CIRCUMSTANCES CONCERNING MY PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM. FROM AUGUST TO OCTOBER 2006 I HAD TO TOW MY VEHICLE TO THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF MY CAR NOT STARTING. IT WAS TOWED 4 TIMES, THE FIRST 3 TIMES AND ALL THE DEALERSHIP SAID WAS THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE CHARGED. ON THE LAST TIME, OCTOBER 13, 2006 THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEIR ?EDUCATED GUESS? WAS THE NEED TO CHANGE THE STARTER SWITCH AND IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FOR WHICH THEY CHARGED ME FOR A STARTER SWITCH - $96.15, AN IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER - $154.79, RECODE THE LOCK CYLINDER - $15.00, AND $46.00 TO CORRECT THE PASS LOCK SENSOR DATA, PLUS A $10.00 ENVIRONMENTAL DISPOSAL FEE. MY SON LOOKED ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR SAME MODEL CAR. IT APPEARS QUITE A FEW OWNERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. THE ANTI-THEFT PROBLEM FIX WAS TO ALLOW THE CAR TO SIT FOR 10 MINUTES, AND THEN TRY TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN, AND IT WORKED, SOMETIMES AFTER 2-3 ATTEMPTS. THE DEALERSHIP HAD ALSO SAID TO TRY THE SAME FIX PROCEDURE, IT MIGHT WORK. IT APPEARS THAT GENERAL MOTORS KNOWS ABOUT THIS TWO PROBLEM, AND IS ONLY ADDRESSING THE GM DEX COOL INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD RECALL TO FIX BOTH PROBLEMS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER. IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE EITHER OF THESE TWO ITEMS BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE AND CAUSES A LOSS OF LIFE OR LIMB. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 55,340. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10214642
28,000 miles · Dec 17, 2007
Electrical System
THE SITUATION ARISES WITH NO PRIOR WARNINGS, I INSERT MY ORIGINAL GM KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH TO START MY 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND THE ELECTRONIC ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM GOES INTO THEFT MODE (AS IF I AM STEALING MY OWN CAR). THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTS FLASHING AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. THE ENGINE TURNS OVER BUT …
Read full complaint
THE SITUATION ARISES WITH NO PRIOR WARNINGS, I INSERT MY ORIGINAL GM KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH TO START MY 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND THE ELECTRONIC ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM GOES INTO THEFT MODE (AS IF I AM STEALING MY OWN CAR). THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTS FLASHING AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. THE ENGINE TURNS OVER BUT WILL NOT START. I HAVE TO LEAVE THE CAR SWITCHED ON FOR 10 MINUTES (WHILE DRAINING THE BATTERY) UNTIL THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT QUITS FLASHING AND STAYS ON STEADY. AT THAT POINT I MUST TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF AND THEN TRY STARTING THE CAR AGAIN. TO DATE IT ALWAYS STARTS AFTER THE 10-MINUTE DELAY AND RETRY. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE RANDOM IN NATURE AND HAS HAPPENED TO ME AS OFTEN AS THREE (3) TIMES IN ONE DAY. IT HAS MADE ME LATE FOR WORK, APPOINTMENTS AND STRANDED AT THE GAS PUMP (INCONVENIENCING OTHERS). I AM FORTUNATE THAT I HAVEN'T HAD ANY DIRE EMERGENCIES (YET) IN WHICH THE CAR HAS LEFT ME STALLED. I HAVE NOT TRIED TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AS I CANNOT AFFORD THE COST AND IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING FROM OTHERS' EXPERIENCES THAT IT WILL EVENTUALLY HAPPEN WITH THE NEW PARTS. THIS IS A GENERAL MOTORS DEFECTIVE SYSTEM AND A POOR DESIGN THAT HAS BEEN UNLEASHED ON THE BUYING PUBLIC. APPARENTLY GENERAL MOTORS HAS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR FAULTY ENGINEERING. MEANWHILE MANY, MANY PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF HAVE UNKNOWINGLY PURCHASED GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES WITH THESE SYSTEMS AND CONTINUE TO HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE INCONVENIENCE AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS RESULTS OF THEIR POOR ENGINEERING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10212168
Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2007
Exterior LightingStructure
THE SEAL ON THE BACK LIGHTS GETS BAD AND ALLOWS MOISTURE TO GET IN AND SHORT OUT THE BRAKE, TURN SIGNAL AND BACK UP LIGHTS. REPAIRS ARE OVER $200 AND THEY CANNOT GUARANTEE IT WILL NOT HAPPEN WHEN THE LIGHTING HOUSING IS REPLACED. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, BECAUSE LIVING NEAR ATLANTA, BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS ARE VERY IMPOR…
Read full complaint
THE SEAL ON THE BACK LIGHTS GETS BAD AND ALLOWS MOISTURE TO GET IN AND SHORT OUT THE BRAKE, TURN SIGNAL AND BACK UP LIGHTS. REPAIRS ARE OVER $200 AND THEY CANNOT GUARANTEE IT WILL NOT HAPPEN WHEN THE LIGHTING HOUSING IS REPLACED. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, BECAUSE LIVING NEAR ATLANTA, BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS ARE VERY IMPORTANT. I NEVER KNOW WHEN THEY ARE WORKING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. COME ON GM, MAKE DRIVERS OF YOUR VEHICLES SAFE!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10211407
79,415 miles · Dec 8, 2007
Electrical System
ANTI THEFT KEEPS SHUTTING OFF MY CAR. MY CAR SITS OUTSIDE ALL THE TIME. IT WAS -4 THIS MORNING, WENT TO START CAR AND ANTI THEFT KEEPS SHUTTING DOWN ENGINE. I HAVE NOT ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM SINCE BUYING USED IN SEPT 06. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10211228
Mileage unknown · Nov 28, 2007
Electrical System
PASSLOCK SENSOR ACTIVATES FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND PREVENTS THE CAR FROM BEING STARTED FOR 10 MINUTES. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD PUT SOMEONE'S LIFE AT RISK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10210249
120,000 miles · Nov 28, 2007
Electrical System
CAR REFUSED TO START. LEFT ME STRANDED IN A PARKING LOT IN NASHVILLE AND HAD TO BE TOWED, TWICE. IT TOOK 2 TRIPS TO THE MECHANIC BEFORE THEY REALIZED IT WAS A DEFECT WITH THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM,. IT LOCKED UP THE IGNITION FOR THIRTY MINUTES. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM EXCEPT TO WAIT UNTIL THE CAR DECIDED TO LET M…
Read full complaint
CAR REFUSED TO START. LEFT ME STRANDED IN A PARKING LOT IN NASHVILLE AND HAD TO BE TOWED, TWICE. IT TOOK 2 TRIPS TO THE MECHANIC BEFORE THEY REALIZED IT WAS A DEFECT WITH THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM,. IT LOCKED UP THE IGNITION FOR THIRTY MINUTES. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM EXCEPT TO WAIT UNTIL THE CAR DECIDED TO LET ME START IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10210248
45,000 miles · Nov 27, 2007
Electrical System
MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU'S THEFT SYSTEM SPORADICALLY, BUT FREQUENTLY WILL START FLASHING AND MY CAR WON'T START. I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY ON FOR 10 MINUTES AND WAIT FOR THE THEFT LIGHT TO TURN OFF. I TURN THE KEY OFF FOR 5 SECONDS AND THE CAR STARTS. VERY DANGEROUS FOR MY WIFE AND KIDS BEING STRANDED FOR 10 MINUTES - ANYWHERE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10210131
85,000 miles · Nov 26, 2007
Electrical System
CAR WILL NOT START DO TO ANTI THEFT SYSTEM. YOU MUST WAIT TEN MIN FOR THE LIGHT TO TURN OFF THEN RESTART THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10210001
28,000 miles · Nov 25, 2007
Exterior Lighting
TURN SIGNALS AND HEADLIGHTS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS. HAVE HAD CAR THE DEALER - THEY SAY THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. I FIND LOTS OF INFORMATION THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM IN MANY OF THESE CARS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10209827
Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2007
Electrical System
VEHICLE PREVENTED FROM STARTING DUE TO DEFECTIVE "THEFT DETERRENT" SYSTEM KNOWN AS PASS LOCK. *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
Illustration