ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
2002 Chevrolet Malibu
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 567 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu, most frequently naming the electrical, exterior lighting and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 391 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2012 | 1 | 399 |
| May 2012 | 2 | 401 |
| Jul 2012 | 1 | 402 |
| Aug 2012 | 3 | 405 |
| Sep 2012 | 2 | 407 |
| Nov 2012 | 1 | 408 |
| Jan 2013 | 1 | 409 |
| Feb 2013 | 2 | 411 |
| Jul 2013 | 1 | 412 |
| Sep 2013 | 2 | 414 |
| Oct 2013 | 1 | 415 |
| Jan 2014 | 1 | 416 |
| Feb 2014 | 3 | 419 |
| Mar 2014 | 3 | 422 |
| Apr 2014 | 1 | 423 |
| May 2014 | 5 | 428 |
| Jun 2014 | 4 | 432 |
| Jul 2014 | 8 | 440 |
| Aug 2014 | 7 | 447 |
| Sep 2014 | 10 | 457 |
| Oct 2014 | 11 | 468 |
| Nov 2014 | 9 | 477 |
| Dec 2014 | 8 | 485 |
| Jan 2015 | 3 | 488 |
| Feb 2015 | 3 | 491 |
| Mar 2015 | 7 | 498 |
| Apr 2015 | 4 | 502 |
| May 2015 | 4 | 506 |
| Jun 2015 | 4 | 510 |
| Jul 2015 | 4 | 514 |
| Aug 2015 | 4 | 518 |
| Sep 2015 | 5 | 523 |
| Oct 2015 | 1 | 524 |
| Nov 2015 | 3 | 527 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 528 |
| Jan 2016 | 1 | 529 |
| Feb 2016 | 2 | 531 |
| Mar 2016 | 2 | 533 |
| Apr 2016 | 2 | 535 |
| May 2016 | 2 | 537 |
| Jun 2016 | 2 | 539 |
| Jul 2016 | 2 | 541 |
| Aug 2016 | 2 | 543 |
| Sep 2016 | 1 | 544 |
| Feb 2017 | 1 | 545 |
| Mar 2017 | 3 | 548 |
| Apr 2017 | 1 | 549 |
| Jun 2017 | 4 | 553 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 554 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 555 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 556 |
| Apr 2018 | 1 | 557 |
| Jul 2018 | 2 | 559 |
| Nov 2018 | 1 | 560 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 561 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 562 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 563 |
| Sep 2020 | 2 | 565 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 566 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 567 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Electrical26338.1%
- Exterior lighting14320.7%
- Engine8512.3%
- Brakes568.1%
- Fuel system294.2%
- Airbags182.6%
- Suspension142.0%
- Steering131.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
4 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govEXTERIOR LIGHTING
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
TURN SIGNAL FAILURES
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.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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 not provided. There were no other agencies contacted.
- NHTSA ID
- 11750609
- Incident
- Jun 23, 2023
- Mileage
- 105,000 mi
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 the car will not start at all and I have no lights or gauges on my cluster.
- NHTSA ID
- 11429635
- Incident
- Aug 18, 2021
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11354759
- Incident
- Sep 13, 2020
- Mileage
- 137,800 mi
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11353599
- Incident
- Aug 23, 2020
- Mileage
- 42,000 mi
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11257249
- Incident
- Sep 22, 2019
- Mileage
- 131,652 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE HESITATED WHEN STARTED. ALSO, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING BECAME VERY DIM AND THE DATA ON THE SCREEN WAS NOT VISIBLE. ALSO, THE PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK AND THE WINDOWS FAILED TO ROLL DOWN. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT JUMPED THE BATTERY AND THE ENGINE RESTARTED. LATER, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED. THE MECHANIC WAS CURRENTLY PERFORMING A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,786.
- NHTSA ID
- 11221215
- Incident
- Apr 9, 2019
- Mileage
- 46,786 mi
PASSLOCK CENSOR IN THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FAILING. SECURITY RELEARN NEEDED. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
- NHTSA ID
- 11180974
- Incident
- Jan 18, 2019
- Mileage
- 154,000 mi
CAR WOULD NOT START, HAD TO REPLACE ALTERNATOR. ONE WEEK LATER SAME PROBLEM, HAD A MECHANIC CHECK IT NOW SAYING ITS THE BATTERY SO REPLACED THAT. WAS STARTING OK THEN IT WOULDN'T START SO WE WIGGLED KEY AROUND AND IT STARTED. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE SEVERAL DAYS DOING THIS BUT THEN IT WOULD NOT START AT ALL. THE MECHANIC SAYS IT IS THE IGNITION SWITCH. WHEN I LOOKED THIS UP I SEE THAT LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVING PROBLEM WITH IGNITION SWITCH. GM CARS ARE CRAP!!! I CANT AFFORD TO FIX THIS I AM ON VERY LIMITED BUDGET SO MY CAR BEEN SITING FOR OVER MONTH NOW. GM NEEDS TO FIX FOR FREE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11151860
- Incident
- Sep 27, 2018
- Mileage
- 107,490 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 51.5 |
| 2024 | 34 | 2 | 0 | 60.0 |
| 2023 | 58 | 2 | 0 | 62.9 |
| 2022 | 91 | 1 | 0 | 51.5 |
| 2021 | 84 | 2 | 0 | 54.7 |
| 2020 | 194 | 1 | 1 | 52.4 |
| 2019 | 188 | 1 | 0 | 45.4 |
| 2018 | 694 | 6 | 0 | 54.5 |
| 2017 | 698 | 4 | 0 | 49.9 |
| 2016 | 835 | 9 | 0 | 51.6 |
| 2015 | 268 | 3 | 0 | 54.8 |
| 2014 | 349 | 6 | 0 | 53.9 |
| 2013 | 835 | 10 | 0 | 53.2 |
| 2012 | 905 | 3 | 0 | 49.6 |
| 2011 | 976 | 4 | 0 | 50.4 |
| 2010 | 1,359 | 4 | 0 | 49.1 |
| 2009 | 1,509 | 6 | 1 | 54.7 |
| 2008 | 987 | 5 | 0 | 48.8 |
| 2007 | 977 | 6 | 0 | 51.0 |
| 2006 | 1,115 | 9 | 0 | 51.9 |
| 2005 | 975 | 6 | 1 | 57.7 |
| 2004 | 1,147 | 9 | 4 | 60.1 |
| 2003 | 569 | 3 | 0 | 49.5 |
| 2002Viewing | 567 | 4 | 1 | 52.9 |
| 2001 | 721 | 4 | 4 | 57.9 |
| 2000 | 922 | 5 | 7 | 60.0 |
| 1999 | 789 | 3 | 5 | 58.2 |
| 1998 | 976 | 5 | 6 | 58.5 |
| 1997 | 443 | 6 | 7 | 59.6 |
| 1989 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1986 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1983 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1982 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1981 | 3 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 1980 | 5 | 6 | 1 | — |
| 1979 | 4 | 6 | 1 | — |
| 1978 | 2 | 8 | 1 | — |
| 1977 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1975 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1974 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1973 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1964 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.