VehicleVerdict

2002 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 754 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Malibu year — the 2002 model ranks #19 of 42 Malibu years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 32 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 274 reports (36% of the total).

754

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

28

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

32

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Malibu years?

See all Malibu years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Malibu problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System27436%
Lighting16622%
Engine8912%
Brakes638%
Fuel System294%
Other233%
Airbags182%
Suspension152%
Visibility & Wipers142%
Steering132%
Body & Structure122%
Tires & Wheels111%
Seat Belts91%
Speed Control61%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)51%
Transmission51%
Child Seat20%

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V400000Electrical SystemJuly 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 units

Defect

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

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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

07E021000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2007 · 742 units

Defect

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Consequence

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

02V107000LightingApril 10, 2002 · 10,168 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE KEY EJECTED FROM THE IGNITION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DOG HOUSE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE WAS NOT. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 1, 2005 · crash

2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU TURN SIGNAL WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR AND WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR ACCIDENT IN DECEMBER 2004. SHE WAS TRYING TO MERGE LEFT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN A CAR JUST BEHIND HER ,AND TWO LANES TO THE LEFT, WENT FOR THE SAME SPOT. BECAUSE THE TURN SIGNAL FAILED, THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 12, 2004 · crash

WHEN DRIVING THE CAR IT MAY STALL,(AND IT HAS MANY TIMES) WHICH CAUSES FAILURE OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. THE CAR ALSO WON'T ALWAYS START. YOU CAN TURN THE KEY BUT THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS DON'T COME ON,IF THEY DON'T THE CAR WILL NOT START. ALSO THE BATTERY WON'T KEEP A CHARGE, UNLESS YOU START THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 1, 2013

I TURNED ON MY AC AND THE TEMP AND FUEL GUAGE FUSE BLOWED WHILE HAVING THE AIR ON STILL CHANGING OUT FUSES AND THE AUTOMATIC CAR LOCKS ON IT OWN WHEN YOU CLOSES THE DOORS GETTING OUT OR IT WILL LOCK WHEN SOME ONE GETS OUT OF THE CAR ALL BY ITSELF WITHOUT HITTING THE DOOR LOCK ON THE KEYLESS ENTRY.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 18, 2016 · crash

DT: CONSUMER STATED: HAD A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, FUEL EVAPORATION HOSE WHICH MELTED CAUSED THE FIRE. CHEVROLET STATED HOSES BROKE. NO FOR WARNING, FOUND OUT WHEN CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT BAD, AND SENSORS BURNT. ANY THING IN THE STREAM OF THAT WAS BURNT OR MELTED.*AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 4, 2005 · fire

2002 Chevrolet Malibu — common questions

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 754 complaints put the 2002 model at #19 of 42 Malibu years. It is one of the Malibu years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Malibu problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (274 complaints), lighting (166 complaints), engine (89 complaints).

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Malibu years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Malibu years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2004, 2011, 2008, 1998, 2006, 2012, 2016, 2005, 2013, 2000, 2007, 1999, 2018, 2017, 2001, 2003, 2002, 2020. The cleanest record among Malibu years belongs to 1977.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.