2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Electrical System (8) · Exterior Lighting (2) · Power Train (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Chevrolet Malibu Classic model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (66)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2025-07-18 · PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this pi communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from tac.
Electrical System 2024-08-26 · General Communication · Service Campaign
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 com
Power Train 2024-07-24 · 24-NA-141 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
gm is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. the damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. this bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions durin
Fuel/Propulsion System 2024-06-28 · 16-NA-383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, crank no start, extended crank or misfire, mil with dtcs, and explains how top tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
Unknown Or Other 2024-06-17 · 18-NA-099 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides information for use on a product assistance claim (pac), which is formerly known as a product allegation resolution (par) claim.
Electrical System 2024-06-06 · 24-NA-098 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on service programming system (sps) error codes e4398, e4399, e4401, e4403, m4404, m4413, m6954, m6955, e4414, e4423, e4491, e4492, or e6961 and resolution information.
Showing the 6 most recent of 66 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2018-07-06 · Exterior Lighting · 89,000 mi“my 2002 chevrolet classic has a dangerous condition where the turn signal/hazard warning flashers become inoperative. the condition is completely random and occurs intermittently. this has created surprise unsafe situations when making lane changes and left and right hand turns. chevrolet knows about the faulty turn signal/hazard warning flashers h…”
2018-06-26 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch · 113,000 mi“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. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that an unknown module switch needed to be replaced. the local dealer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. th…”
2017-11-16 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) · 99,378 mi“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. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the egr valve needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vehicle …”
2016-08-01 · Engine · 110,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet mailbu classic. while driving approximately 10 mph, the engine stalled while making a left turn and the security warning light illuminated. the contact alsoobserved an abnormal noise during the failure. the contact also stated that the power locks unlocked and locked without being prompted and the gauge levels …”
2015-11-03 · Electrical System · 20,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu classic. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the anti-theft warning light illuminated. the failure recurred several times. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the pass lock sensor and ignition cylinder had to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufac…”
2015-07-10 · Electrical System · 181,161 mi“went to faulkner lancaster pa. for inspection telling me i need a ignition lock cylinder in this vehicle for inspection . they did overall test and charged me $ 298.00 for this info .i have been cheated for the last four years every time i would take this in for inspection. three catalytic converter later over a three year stretch .they did nothing…”
2015-06-25 · Unknown Or Other · 60,000 mi“a/c goes on intermittently. this has gone on since 2008. others who also own malibus have spoken about this problem. not too good in summer!!!…”
2014-12-30 · Electrical System“chevrolet malibu consumer is seeking reimbursement for expenses *cn the consumer stated the ignition lock cylinder was replaced, due to the vehicle stalling. *jb consumer follow-up. updated 01/28/15.*jb…”
2014-12-22 · Electrical System“2002 chevrolet malibu classic. driver received car as gift and friend has same car with a recall issued. consumer has yet to receive one. *ta recall # 14v400000. *jb…”
2014-12-18 · Electrical System“2002 chevrolet malibu classic. ignition lock cylinder was replaced. *cn…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.