Safety ratings
2002 Chevrolet Malibu 4-DR.
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlNo
Crash test videos & photos
Crash test #1NHTSA test 3846
Full test report (PDF) ↗Crash-test footage is converted for smooth playback the first time someone requests it — usually under a minute.
Recalls (4)
- FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICESCampaign 07E021000 · 12/03/2007
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.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: 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.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 02V107000 · 10/04/2002
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 09E012000 · 07/04/2009
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONCampaign 14V400000 · 03/07/2014
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM228
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING128
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING50
- SERVICE BRAKES47
- HYDRAULIC34
- FUEL SYSTEM20
- GASOLINE19
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER19
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/30/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CHEVROLET MALIBU CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED, DUE TO THE VEHICLE STALLING. *JB CONSUMER FOLLOW-UP. UPDATED 01/28/15.*JB
- 12/30/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2002 CHEVY MALIBU (85,000 MILES) = APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO ENGINE OVERHEATED AND "NEED COOLANT" LIGHT CAME ON. OWNER REFILLED COOLANT. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER "COOLANT" LIGHT AGAIN CAME ON AND OWNER REFILLED COOLANT. NO VISIBLE LEAK OF COOLANT WAS NOTICED UNDER VEHICLE. AT NEXT OIL CHANGE OWNER ASKED TECHNICIAN TO CHECK COOLANT AND TECHNICIAN NOTED THAT EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE, NO DISCERNIBLE LEAK. JULY 2006 ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON, OWNER REFILLED, THIS OCCURRED AGAIN IN LATE AUGUST AND AGAIN IN OCTOBER. DECEMBER 22, 2006, OWNER HAD OIL CHANGE AND ASKED TECHNICIAN ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE TECHNICIAN SUGGESTED THAT CHEVROLETS REGULARLY GET AIR BUBBLES IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM AND OFTEN HAVE PROBLEMS WITH COOLANT BECAUSE OF IT. HE CHECKED THE COOLANT PRESSURE, HE SAID IT WAS NORMAL AND SUGGESTED TO DO A FLUSH AND FILL, THE OWNER AGREED. ON DEC. 26, 2006, THE COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE OWNER ADDED ADDITIONAL COOLANT. ON DEC. 29, 2006, OWNER TOOK VEHICLE TO A CHEVROLET DEALER SERVICE CENTER. THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THE VEHICLE TO HAVE A DAMAGED INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THE CHEVROLET SERVICE CENTER PERFORMED THE SERVICE AND REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ON DEC. 30, 2006. *NM
- 12/29/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. SAFETY RECALL ON KEY RING. *MW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *JB
- 12/27/2006· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THEFT SYSTEM ENGAGES AND PREVENTS CAR FROM STARTING. *JB
- 12/26/2014· 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 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
- 12/23/2009· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A 2002 MALIBU/CHEVY THAT HAS THEFT SYSTEM AND GIVES ME PROBLEM ALL THE TIME AND I HAVE TO WAIT FOR 10 MINUTES THEN ONE MINUTE TO START THE CAR. I AM REALLY SICK AND TIRED OF IT. THIS IS VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR ALL CHEVY, MALIBU THEFT SYSTEM. THE GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD RECALL THE SITUATION AND FIX IT IN FREE OF CHARGE. THANK YOU. *TR
- 12/23/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
LOW COOLANT LIGHT ON MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU HAS BEEN COMING ON. THE CHEVY DEALER CHECKED THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMING ON, CHECKED FOR LOW COOLANT. FOUND INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING INTERNALLY. COOLANT MIXING WITH OIL. *NM
- 12/22/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. DRIVER RECEIVED CAR AS GIFT AND FRIEND HAS SAME CAR WITH A RECALL ISSUED. CONSUMER HAS YET TO RECEIVE ONE. *TA RECALL # 14V400000. *JB
- 12/22/2014· 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
- 12/22/2005· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ON MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU LS THE TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD BUTTON HAS BECOME INOPERATIVE AT RANDOM DRIVING TIMES. BASICALLY IT MIMMICKS THE EXACT RECALL OF THE 2001 MALIBUS. I HAD SOMEONE WHO PREVIOUSLY OWNED A MALIBU STATE THAT THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. MORE TIMES THAN NOT, THE SIGNALS DO NOT WORK. *NM
- 12/22/2004· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU (3 YRS OLD, JUST OUR OF FACTORY WARRANTY) WITH 33,000 MILES HAD THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE SEIZE UP. I LIMPED IT TO THE DEALER, HALF A MILE AWAY FROM MY HOUSE. BY THE TIME I GOT THERE, THE FRONT LEFT BRAKES WERE SMOKING. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CALIPER SEIZED UP BECAUSE THE PADS WERE TOO WORN. ALSO THAT THE PADS ON THE LEFT WERE WORN ALSO. THE CHEVY DEALER SAID I NEEDED TO HAVE ROTORS TURNED ON BOTH WHEELS, CALIPERS REPLACED ON BOTH WHEELS, AND NEW PADS & CALIPER BOLTS. TOTAL COST $784 NOT COVERED BY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I PAID $1250 FOR WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE WEAR INDICATORS GAVE VERY LITTLE WARNING THAT THE BRAKES WERE WARN. I HAD THE BRAKES INSPECTED A YEAR AGO (9000 MILES AGO) AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE FINE. I CAN UNDERSTAND TURNING THE ROTORS. I EXPECT TO PAY FOR PADS. BUT REPLACING THE CALIPERS ON BOTH WHEELS? DID I JUST GET TAKEN FOR A RIDE BY MY CHEVY DEALER? I HAVE SEEN LOTS OF REPORTS ABOUT PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR ON MALIBU. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? I HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR THE REPAIR. *JB
- 12/19/2014· STEERING
UNABLE TO STEER TURN WHEEL RIGHT CAR KEPT GOING FOWARD. *TR
- 12/18/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU CLASSIC. IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. *CN
- 12/17/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THIS 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
- 12/17/2007· 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 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
- 12/16/2014· 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.
- 12/16/2014· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
- 12/15/2006· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS WORK ONLY OCCASIONALLY. THERE IS NO SET TIME, EVENT, OR WEATHER CONDITION THAT MAKES THEM WORK, OR STOP WORKING. SOMETIMES, THEY WILL WORK WHEN I INITIALLY TURN THEM ON, AND STOP WORKING BEFORE THEY SHOULD TURN OFF. *NM
- 12/15/2003· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED UP, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON. *AK
- 12/14/2014· 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 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
- 12/13/2006· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2002 MALIBU. TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE. *NM
- 12/13/2001· TIRES
TIRES, ESPECIALLY THE ONES IN FRONT HAD DEVELOPED WEAR OUT IN MIDDLE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT STATE WHAT HAD CAUSED WEAR JUST ON FRONT. FIRESTONE, P-215/60R15. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
- 12/11/2008· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
OWN 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
- 12/10/2010· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I BOUGHT A 2002 CHEVY MALIBU FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. UP UNTIL A FEW DAYS AGO IT WAS RUNNING FINE. ONE DAY IT DOESN'T START UP RIGHT AWAY BUT I DON'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT. I PARK IT THEN LATER GET IN TO GO TO THE STORE AND VEHICLE WILL NOT START. SO I GET A NEW BATTERY AND THAT STILL DID NOT FIX IT. I NOTICE THAT THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT IS ON AND IS PREVENTING ME FROM STARTING MY OWN CAR. A LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP HAS MY CAR AND THEY SAY THAT THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING GOING ON WITH MY IGNITION AND THEFT SYSTEM. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ON 2002 CHEVY MALIBUS AND MALIBUS NOT LETTING OWNERS START THEIR CAR. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM AND GM KNOWS ALL ABOUT IT, YET THEY REFUSE TO OWN UP AND ISSUE A RECALL. IT'S NOT RIGHT THAT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS ON A DEFECTIVE THEFT SYSTEM THAT GM BUILT IN THERE VEHICLES. THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR PUTTING THOUSANDS OF AMERICAN'S AT RISK BECAUSE EVERYTIME THEY START THEIR CAR THEY HAVE TO WAIT 10, 20 MINS, AND SOMETIMES MORE JUST FOR THEIR THEFT LIGHT TO GO OFF TO START THEIR CAR. THAT IS ACTUALLY PUTTING PEOPLE AT RISK. DOES SOMETHING AWFUL HAVE TO HAPPEN BEFORE GM OPENS UP THEIR EYES TO THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM??????? *TR
- 12/10/2007· EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
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
- 12/09/2014· 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. WHEN CONTACTING GM DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IGNITION. *TR
- 12/08/2014· POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION STICKS WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE IN GEAR CAUSING IT TO STALL AND JERK. BACK DOOR LOCK CONSTANTLY LOCKS AND UNLOCKS EVEN WHEN NOT IN USE. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY IRRITATING. THE GLASS HATCH UNLOCKS AND OPENS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORERS. THE GLASS HATCH GOES UP WITHOUT WARNING AND SOMETIMES ENDS UP SLAMMING DOWN WHEN DRIVER HITS THEIR BRAKES OR SOMETHING, CAUSING THE GLASS TO SCATTER. *TR
- 12/08/2007· 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
- 12/07/2010· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
MY ANTI-THEFT LIGHT WAS ON FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, THEN ONE MORNING AFTER GETTING OFF OF WORK (11-7AM) I STARTED MY CAR BUT THE SOUND IT MADE WAS THAT IT WANTED TO START BUT DIDN'T CLICK OVER, AFTER SEVERAL COWORKERS ATTEMPTING TO HELP ME I HAD TO WALK HOME AND GET MY CAR TOWED FROM MY JOB. THE CAR SHOP STATED THEY HAD TO REPROGRAM THE KEY, WELL 4 WEEKS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AND I HAD TO GET IT TOWED AGAIN FROM WORK. I HAVE GOTTEN IT TOWED 3 TIMES LEAVING ME STRANDED, WHEN I CALLED THE CAR SHOP STATING TO THEM THIS IS HAPPENING AGAIN AND I AM TIRED OF SPENDING SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR SOMETHING THEY ARE STATING IS TAKEN CARE OF THEY STATED TO ME TO KEEP THE KEY IN THE IGNITION FOR 10 MIN AND THEN IT SHOULD BE ABLE TO START. I HAVE BEEN DOING THAT SINCE BUT RECENTLY NOW EVERYTIME I GET IN MY CAR IT WON'T START TO WHERE I HAVE TO DO THE 10 MIN RITUAL BEFORE I LEAVE ANYWHERE. THIS HAS BEEN VERY INCONVENIENT AND DANGEROUS FOR ME BECAUSE I AM A YOUNG WOMAN THAT DEPENDS ON HER CAR TO WORK BECAUSE I WORK NIGHT SHIFT, CURRENTLY IN SCHOOL AND HAVE DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS THAT I WEEKLY HAVE TO TAKE MY GRANDMOTHER. *TR
- 12/07/2002· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASSIONS. TWICE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AT 70-75 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, RESULTING IN A STRUGGLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE ONTO A SIDE LANE OF THE FREEWAY (ONCE I WAS GOING 30 MPH, IN CITY STREETS AND WAS AGAIN BARELY ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT BY STRUGGLING TO TURN THE CAR INTO A SIDE STREET WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER). ON EACH OF THESE INCIDENTS, I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE FOR A TIME PERIOD OF 10 MINUTES, THE STARTER WOULD CRANK BUT NOT TURN OVER. THE THREE INCIDENTS ALL OCCURRED ON THE SAME DAY. I TURNED THE VEHICLE IN TO GM TO REVIEW AND THEY STATED NOTHING WRONG AND GAVE MY CAR BACK UNFIXED. 3 WEEKS LATER, I WAS GOING TO START MY CAR AND AGAIN THE VEHICLE WOULD CRANK BUT NOT TURN OVER. UPON TAKING IT BACK TO GM, THEY DISCOVERED THE FUEL FILTER WAS BAD AND BURNT OUT THE PUMP. THEY REPLACED BOTH. I FURTHER LEARNED THE SAME SERVICE STATION HAD TO REPLACE SIMILAR PARTS ON ANOTHER 2002 MALIBU WITHIN THE PAST WEEK. DT
- 12/06/2010· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I DROVE ABOUT 2 MILES TO MY SISTERS HOUSE AND TURNED MY CAR OFF. WHEN I WENT BACK OUT TO START MY CAR 20 MIN LATER, IT WOULD NOT START. AAA SAID MY KEY HAD TO BE RESET AND IT WOULD COST ABOUT $80. HE TOWED MY VEHICLE TO AAA PLUS. THEY ADVISED ME THE NEXT DAY THAT IT WOULD BE $477.29. $302.10 FOR AN IGNITION SWITCH. $42 FOR DIA ELECTRICAL LABOR AND $77.70 FOR RR IGNITION SWITCH AND RECODE. I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY HAD TO REKEY MY CAR, BECAUSE THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE WITH THE 2002 MALIBU'S. IF THIS IS TRUE, THEN CHEVORLET SHOULD HAVE A RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH. $477 IS EXTREMELY HIGH FOR SOMETHING THAT I HAVE NO CONTROL OF. I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN AND CAN NOT AFFORD THIS COST NOR CAN I AFFORD TO BE OUT SOMEWHERE WHEN MY VEHICLE STOPS. *TR
- 12/06/2010· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2002 MALIBU WILL NOT START- ANTI THEFT SYSTEM HAS SHUT DOWN CAR. FIXED 5 YEARS AGO- OVER RIDE LAST YEAR- WON'T START. ALSO TAIL LIGHTS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO-MOST THE TIME NOT AT ALL. KEEP HAVING LEAKS IN COOLANT AREA- NEEDS TO BE FIXED YEARLY RUNNING AROUND $900 A YEAR. *TR
- 12/06/2009· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE THEFT SYSTEM OF MY 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU PERIODICALLY IS TRIGGERED FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. IT HAPPENS FAIRLY OFTEN UP TO SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH - MOST RECENTLY TWICE TODAY, 6 DECEMBER 2009. TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE I HAVE TO SET MY CAR IN THE "ON" POSITION FOR TEN MINUTES WHILE THE SYSTEM RESETS. THIS IS VERY INCONVENIENT (IF I WAS ON MY WAY TO AN APPOINTMENT OR JOB) OR COULD BE QUITE DANGEROUS &/OR LIFE THREATENING (TRYING TO GET FAMILY MEMBER TO THE ER OR TRYING TO ESCAPE AN ATTACK OF SOME KIND). CHEVROLET NEEDS TO DO AN INVESTIGATION & RECALL WHATEVER IS CAUSING THIS FAULT IN THEIR CARS. *TR
- 12/06/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE LATEST INCIDENT IS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CAR BEGAN TO HESITATE AT 50-60 MPH AND STARTED LOSING POWER. I TOOK IT IN AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE. PICKUP BECAME NON EXISTENT AND THE DEALER FINALLY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AFTER CHANGING THE FUEL FILTER AND OTHER REGULAR MAINTENANCE ITEMS. I LIMPED INTO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST $1600. I TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND IT COST $150. THE AGGRAVATION WITH THIS CAR IS FRUSTRATING TO SAY THE LEAST. WARNING MALIBU OWNERS...THE CONVERTER IS A KNOWN FAILURE ITEM THEY DON'T WANT US TO KNOW ABOUT!! *JB
- 12/04/2005· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TURN SIGNALS STOPPED WORKING, HAZDARDS WORK ALL OTHER LIGHTS WORK AND ALL FUSES ARE GOOD. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS YEARS MALIBU. *NM
- 12/04/2005· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY 2002 MALIBU HAS A PROBLEM... WHEN MY SIGNAL LIGHTS DON'T WORK I HAVE TO TURN THE HAZARD LIGHTS ON & OFF THREE OR FOUR TIMES AND THEN THEY WORK AGAIN FOR A LITTLE WHILE... I THINK GM SHOULD HAVE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, SINCE SEEMS LIKE MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM... *NM
- 12/04/2003· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE BRAKES FAILED AT 13000 MILES CREATING A SAFETY ISSUE FOR MYSELF AND FAMILY. THEY WERE DEFECTIVE AND WORN DOWN TO NOTHING, CREATING AN UNSAFE STOPPING CONDITION FOR MYSELF AND FAMILY. *NLM
- 12/02/2015· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILE WAS 78,400.
- 12/02/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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
- 12/02/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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
- 12/02/2004· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TURN SIGNALS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. REPLACED OEM SWITCH. PROBLEM CONTINUES.*AK
- 11/30/2010· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A 02 CHEVY MALIBU THAT THE PASSLOCK ALARM KEEPS ACTIVATING ALMOST EVERY TIME I TURN OFF THE IGNITION, LEAVING ME STRANDED FOR 10 MINUTES EACH TIME WAITING FOR THE ALARM TO RESET. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GETTING MORE FREQUENT OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS TO WHERE EVERY THIRD CRANK ACTIVATES THE ALARM. THIS IS A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH NO APPROXIMATE INCIDENT DATE, BUT I WILL USE TODAY'S DATE. *TR
- 11/30/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
AT 62,000 MILES I NOTICED THAT MY ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT WAS ON. I FILLED THE COOLANT. THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON AND I FILLED IT A FEW MORE TIMES, BUT COULD NOT PINPOINT THE LEAK. THEN, I REALIZED THAT THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I HAD EARLIER THIS YEAR WITH MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. THE HEAD GASKETS NEEDED REPLACED. I WAS LEAKING WATER INTO MY ENGINE. CAN YOU IMAGINE BUYING TWO NEW CHEVY AUTOMOBILES IN THE SAME YEAR AND 4 YEARS LATER HAVING BOTH ENGINES FAIL FOR THE SAME REASON. SEEMS LIKE CHEVY IS HIDING A MAJOR PROBLEM. I SEE OTHER COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS ON THE INTERNET. I DID NOT CONTACT CHEVY SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. NOW, BECAUSE OF MY INTERNET RESEARCH AND THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY IMPALA, I KNOW THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. SO, I TOOK MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU AT 62,000 MILES TO THE SAME GARAGE AND THEY WERE ABLE TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKETS AND GIVE ME A PRICE BREAK AND FIXED IT FOR $252.00. BOO TO CHEVY. *NM
- 11/30/2004· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HAZARD WARNING/TURN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
- 11/29/2002· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash
I WAS IN A WRECK LAST MONDAY NIGHT WHILE DRIVING A COMPANY VAN. THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN YOU SET IT AT A SPEED THEN GO DOWN A HILL IT WOULD GET 15-20 MILES FASTER. ANY HOW THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WENT DOWN AND I HIT A GUARD RAIL WITH THE FRONT OF THE VAN A FIRE STARTED IMMEDIATELY BY MY LEFT FOOT AND NONE OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UNTIL THE FIRE GOT TO THEM. THE VAN ROLLED OVER ONCE AND LANDED ON ITS WHEELS THE DOORS WOULDN'T OPEN I ROLLED DOWN THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW AND GOT OUT THAT WAY AND THE ABS BRAKES WOULD LOCK UP WHEN YOU HAVE TO GET ON THEM REAL HARD. DT
- 11/28/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2002 MALIBU THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT ISSUE. *TR
- 11/28/2007· 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 ME START IT. *TR
- 11/28/2007· 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
- 11/28/2006· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE ROTORS ON 2002 MALIBU FAILING EVERY 18000 TO 20000 MILES. (3 TIMES IN 4 YEARS) I HAD THE ROTORS AND BRAKES CHECKED 7 MONTHS AFTER THE LATEST REPLACEMENT BECAUSE OF VIOLENT SHIMMING IN THE FRONT END AND WAS TOLD BY DEALER EVERYTHING WAS FINE WITH MY ROTORS AND BRAKES. NOW 5 MONTHS LATER(AFTER THE PARTS WARRANTY EXPIRED) I AM TOLD I NEED NEW ROTORS AND BRAKES. GM KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS BUT REFUSES TO ADDRESS IT. I HAVE HAD 5 NEAR ACCIDENTS ON THE FREEWAY BECAUSE OF THE VIOLENT SHIM WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES. ALL THE DEALERSHIP WILL SAY IS THEY CAN "SEE A PATTERN". I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW MANY DEATHS WERE CAUSED BY THIS PATTERN! *NM
- 11/28/2005· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2002 CHEVY MALIBU TURN AND HAZARD SIGNAL FAILURE. I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED AND I NOTICED THE PROBLEM RIGHT AWAY. I HAVE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP (A GM DEALERSHIP) AND THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. I DID A "GOOGLE" SEARCH OF THE ISSUE AND FOUND OUT THAT YOU ALREADY HAVE THIS PROBLEM UNDER INVESTIGATION. I JUST WANTED TO ADD MY ISSUE TO THE NUMBER OF REPORTS REGISTERED. *JB