2002 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2002 Chevrolet Malibu recalls

Most common 2002 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Problem areas named in the 567 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	270
Exterior Lighting	165
Engine And Engine Cooling	67
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	49
Fuel System, Gasoline	22
Engine	22
Unknown Or Other	19
Air Bags	18
Suspension	15
Visibility	13

What owners report

2026-07-15, Electrical System
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, who reported the mileage at 105,000. The key was stuck in the ignition, but was replaced. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. The seller provided the VIN from the title and a Carfax report that the vehicle had only two previous owners. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 49,500. Upon research, the Good Car report indicated that there were several owners of the vehicle. The contact stated the seller was possibly deceiving buyers. A Carfax report was

2021-08-18, Electrical System
The anti-theft/ passlock system fault in this generation of GM vehicles is very widespread and effects a large percentage of vehicles in this generation. I am sure there have been hundreds if not thousands of complaints about same issue and GM refuses to fix the problem. The problem causes the car to randomly shut off due to anti theft fault and can happen on interstate, highway or in town driving. This is a very dangerous fault and very expensive for owners especially when dealerships themselves don't even know what they are dealing with. They will throw parts at the problem with no real knowledge. GM needs to be held accountable. Currently the ignition the BCM have been replaced and now th

2020-09-13, Electrical System
THE TURN SIGNALS WORK SOMETIMES AND SOMETIMES THEY DON'T WORK. I RESEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND IT SEAMS TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR MAKE. IF THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS THERE SHOULD BE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR MY TEENAGE SON.

2020-09-07, Service Brakes
THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINES BETWEEN THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE CAR CORRODED AND QUICKLY LEAKED FLUID OUT SO THE BRAKES NO LONGER FUNCTIONED. THE FLUID LEAKED OUT WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED AFTER DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE NIGHT BEFORE. IF THIS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN CATESTOPHIC MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CHEVYS. I SAVED SOME OF THE BRAKE LINES HE HAD TO REMOVE.

2019-09-22, Electrical System
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROBLEM ARE AS FOLLOWS: THE ENGINE JUST DIES RANDOMLY. WHEN THE ENGINE DIES, I NOTED THE GAUGES ALL INDICATED THE KEY WAS IN THE OFF POSITION, EVEN THOUGH THE KEY HAD NOT BEEN TOUCHED. THEY BY TURNING THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND WIGGLING IT ONLY AFTER BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP AND PUTTING THE GEAR SHIFT IN THE PARK POSITION, COULD I GET THE CAR TO START AND BE ON MY WAY. THIS SAME CONDITION HAPPENS AT 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY; AT 0 MPH; 5 MPH; APPROACHING A STOP SIGN; SLOWING THE VEHICLE, AND OTHER CONDITION WHILE DRIVING THAT YOU CAN THINK OF TYPE DRIVING CONDITIONS . I HAVE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACE TWICE AND THAT HAS NOT CURED THE PROBLEM

2002 Chevrolet Malibu questions

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu: Electrical System:Ignition; Exterior Lighting:Headlights. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu?

Based on 567 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (270), Exterior Lighting (165), Engine And Engine Cooling (67).

How do I check if a recall on my 2002 Chevrolet Malibu has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.