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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
152,000 miles · Jan 15, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH SEIZED AND, AS A RESULT, THE KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH SEIZED AND, AS A RESULT, THE KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000. UPDATED 02/24/15*LJ UPDATED 9/18/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10672634

149,000 miles · Jan 5, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING INTO PARK AND STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING INTO PARK AND STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.

NHTSA ODI #10670189

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2014
Electrical System

2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. SAFETY RECALL ON KEY RING. *MW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10661719

71,000 miles · Dec 26, 2014
Electrical System

ON OR AROUND DECEMBER 19, 2014, I CONTACTED GM, BY TELEPHONE, CONCERNING RECALL 14350 FOR OUR 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THIS CALL WAS FOLLOWING A LETTER I HAD SENT, DATED DECEMBER 8, 2014. I FEEL THIS RECALL WAS RELATED TO AN IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM WE HAD BACK IN JUNE 2013. IN JUNE 2013 I TOOK THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAU…

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ON OR AROUND DECEMBER 19, 2014, I CONTACTED GM, BY TELEPHONE, CONCERNING RECALL 14350 FOR OUR 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THIS CALL WAS FOLLOWING A LETTER I HAD SENT, DATED DECEMBER 8, 2014. I FEEL THIS RECALL WAS RELATED TO AN IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM WE HAD BACK IN JUNE 2013. IN JUNE 2013 I TOOK THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF WILL DRIVING. I WAS TOLD THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS REPAIR COST $479.19. AFTER RECEIVING THIS RECALL NOTICE, I REQUESTED THAT THIS MONEY BE REFUNDED AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE UNRELATED AND I COULD NOT BE REIMBURSED. I FEEL STRONGLY THAT I AM OWED THE REFUND OF MY MONEY PAID TO THE DEALERSHIP. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10668260

Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2014
Electrical System

2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU THE VEHICLE CUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. *MW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER DID NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE, WHICH WAS THE IGNITION. ALL THEY DID, WAS PUT AN INSERT IN THE KEY SLOT AND SHORTENED THE RING LOOP. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10660629

90,000 miles · Dec 19, 2014
Steering

UNABLE TO STEER TURN WHEEL RIGHT CAR KEPT GOING FOWARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10667304

78,000 miles · Dec 16, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE AUTO THEFT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

NHTSA ODI #10664527

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering

2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED BECAUSE OF THE KEY RING IS CARRYING ADDED WEIGHT AND THE VEHICLE MAY GO OFF THE ROAD. *TA ALSO, THE POWER STEERING RACK AND LINES WERE REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10659556

108,923 miles · Dec 14, 2014
Electrical System

I HAD IGNITION RECALL SERVICED ON 10/15/2014 AT CHEVROLET DEALER. TWO DAYS LATER, KEY WOULD NOT OPEN DRIVER'S DOOR (MANUAL LOCKS), ALSO STEREO AND HEAT WOULD NOT COME ON UNTIL CAR WAS TURNED OFF. PROBLEM HAS JUST GOTTEN WORSE, NOW DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I AM FORCED TO CRAWL ACROSS FRONT SEAT TO PASS…

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I HAD IGNITION RECALL SERVICED ON 10/15/2014 AT CHEVROLET DEALER. TWO DAYS LATER, KEY WOULD NOT OPEN DRIVER'S DOOR (MANUAL LOCKS), ALSO STEREO AND HEAT WOULD NOT COME ON UNTIL CAR WAS TURNED OFF. PROBLEM HAS JUST GOTTEN WORSE, NOW DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I AM FORCED TO CRAWL ACROSS FRONT SEAT TO PASSENGER SIDE TO GET IN AND OUT. ALSO, NOW STEREO STAYS ON WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF, PARKED AND LOCKED UP. I CALLED THE CHEVROLET DEALER AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE, THEY SAID IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM SHAVING THE KEY DOWN AND THEY WOULD GLADLY CHECK MY CAR FOR $149.00. I CALLED GM AND THEY REFUSED TO HELP. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY PEOPLE ONLINE AND IN PERSON WHO ALSO OWN CHEVROLETS AND THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. THE CHEVY DEALER AND GM DROPPED THE BALL ON THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10664138

78,000 miles · Dec 9, 2014
Electrical System

WHILE VEHICLE IS ON SOME POWER IS LOST WHILE VEHICLE IS STILL RUNNING. MOTOR IS ON BUT A/C , DASHBOARD GAUGES, POWER WINDOWS, POWER LOCKS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT OPERATE. I RECENTLY HAD VEHICLE SERVICED FOR RECENT RECALL #14350. I HAVE NOTICED ON INSPECTING VEHICLE THAT IF KEY IS SLIGHTLY ADJAR OR MOVED THESE LOSES HAPPEN. W…

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WHILE VEHICLE IS ON SOME POWER IS LOST WHILE VEHICLE IS STILL RUNNING. MOTOR IS ON BUT A/C , DASHBOARD GAUGES, POWER WINDOWS, POWER LOCKS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT OPERATE. I RECENTLY HAD VEHICLE SERVICED FOR RECENT RECALL #14350. I HAVE NOTICED ON INSPECTING VEHICLE THAT IF KEY IS SLIGHTLY ADJAR OR MOVED THESE LOSES HAPPEN. WHEN CONTACTING GM DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IGNITION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10663272

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.