CarRecallDB

2002 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and problems

2 recalls and 567 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu.

2
recalls
567
owner complaints
18
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Chevrolet Malibu recalls

Electrical system: ignition

NHTSA campaign 14V400000 · reported July 3, 2014 · General Motors LLC · 5,877,718 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Exterior lighting: headlights

NHTSA campaign 02V107000 · reported April 10, 2002 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 10,168 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 15, 2026 · Electrical system · 105,000 miles

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…

Aug 18, 2021 · 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…

Sep 13, 2020 · Electrical system · 137,800 miles

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.

Sep 7, 2020 · Service brakes · 42,000 miles

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…

Sep 22, 2019 · Electrical system · 131,652 miles

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…

Malibu model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 3919456
2001 2720361
2002 2567181
2003 2569354
2004 61,147477
2005 39754634

Across all years, the 2009 Malibu has the most complaints (1,509). All Chevrolet Malibu years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu, the most recent reported on July 3, 2014 (Electrical system: ignition). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners have filed 567 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (259 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (143).
How many 2002 Chevrolet Malibu complaints mention a crash or fire?
18 of 567 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 19 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 15, 2026.