2002 Chevrolet Malibu

● Typical for this model
2002 Chevrolet Malibu
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Malibu Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 1980: 5 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 1 complaints 1986: 1 complaints 1989: 3 complaints 1989 1997: 443 complaints 1998: 976 complaints 1999: 789 complaints 2000: 922 complaints 2001: 721 complaints 2001 2002: 567 complaints 2002 2003: 569 complaints 2004: 1147 complaints 2005: 975 complaints 2006: 1115 complaints 2006 2007: 977 complaints 2008: 987 complaints 2009: 1509 complaints 2010: 1359 complaints 2011: 977 complaints 2011 2012: 905 complaints 2013: 835 complaints 2014: 350 complaints 2015: 270 complaints 2016: 835 complaints 2016 2017: 701 complaints 2018: 694 complaints 2019: 188 complaints 2020: 195 complaints 2021: 86 complaints 2021 2022: 92 complaints 2023: 64 complaints 2024: 39 complaints 2025: 10 complaints 2025
2002: 567 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19805
19813
19822
19831
19861
19893
1997443
1998976
1999789
2000922
2001721
2002567
2003569
20041147
2005975
20061115
2007977
2008987
20091509
20101359
2011977
2012905
2013835
2014350
2015270
2016835
2017701
2018694
2019188
2020195
202186
202292
202364
202439
202510

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 48%

48% of complaints: electrical system — 270 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control module and switch.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260715

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 29%

29% of complaints: exterior lighting — 165 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and turn signal.

CRASH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 12%

12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 67 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system and engine.

SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 63 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

IN A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, BRAKES FAILED TO WORK, AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TOTALED MY VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20140722

Also filed under AIR BAGS

ENGINE 4%

4% of complaints: engine — 22 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

MY CAR CUTS OFF AND GOES INTO THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WHILE I'M GOING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THIS HAPPENS MY CAR HAS TO BE PUSHED OFF THE ROADWAY AND THEN I HAVE TO SIT WITH MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN AND MY KEY TURNED ON FOR 10 MINUTES UNTIL IT RESETS...

NHTSA ODI report, 20180425

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20020523 — exterior lighting

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 LO

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

Campaign 02V107000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20050927 — PE (closed 20060113)

TURN SIGNAL FAILURES

R 20070427 — fuel system, other

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 UNI

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.

Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

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 CONF

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.

Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140908 — electrical system

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.

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.

Campaign 14V400000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (270 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (165 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (67 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 02V107000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V400000 (electrical system) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2021

WORST YEARS

■ 2009 ◆ 2010 ◆ 2004

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "typical".

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

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.