2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 16 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 4 |
| 2000 | 11 |
| 2001 | 13 |
| 2002 | 16 |
| 2003 | 16 |
| 2004 | 116 |
| 2005 | 92 |
| 2007 | 15 |
| 2008 | 21 |
Known problem areas
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
11 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (Electrical system) had exceeded the reasonable amount of time for repair. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the delay.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-09
2002 Chevrolet malibu ls sedan presented has noticeably weak and inefficient headlights and fog lights posing a safety issue. The fog lights are not effective in mildly foggy driving conditions at all.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-24
Also filed under Exterior lighting
Exterior lighting
4 of 16 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing switch.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. While driving unknown speeds, the turn signal and emergency light indicators failed to illuminate without warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-26
Engine
2 of 16 total reports mention: engine.
Power train
1 of 16 total reports mentions: power train.
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 16 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gas recirculation valve (egr valve).
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. While the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and lost power. The check engine warning indicator illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-16
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 2 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 69% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.