2002 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and problems
The 2002 Chevrolet Malibu has 2 safety recalls and 567 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2002 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2002 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Recall 14V-400: Electrical System
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.
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.
Recall 02V-107: Exterior Lighting
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.
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.
2002 Chevrolet Malibu problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 270 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 165 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 67 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 49 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 22 | |
| Engine | 22 | |
| Unknown or Other | 19 | |
| Air Bags | 18 | |
| Suspension | 15 | |
| Visibility | 13 | |
| Steering | 13 | |
| Equipment | 13 |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module — 62
- Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 40
- Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Switch — 36
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 17
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 15
- Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Switch — 13
- Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 11
- Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Flasher Unit — 10
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2002 Chevrolet Malibu complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Chevrolet Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu: 14V-400 (electrical system), 02V-107 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (270 reports), followed by exterior lighting (165). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.
Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.