Most common 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic problems
Share of the 16 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Malibu Classic complaints by model year
Best Malibu Classic years: 1998, 2000, 2001. Years to avoid: 2004, 2005, 2008. Compare all years →
What 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic owners say
Electrical system
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 increased. The vehicle was able to restart after various attempts; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact mentioned that the engine was serviced per a recall, but the NHTSA campaign number was not available.the failure mileage was 110,000.
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 to help they just take my money and say there was no recall for ignition lock cylinder on this vehicle. But now they want to replace it at my expenses. I have been ripped off and feel they don't care about my car. I purchased this car in 2004 with 30000 miles and kept it serviced .
Lights
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 however no recalls have been made. In April 2006 Chevrolet sent a somewhat dismissive letter about the condition. However the letter clearly states this is not a recall and do not take your vehicle in for service. At that time my 2002 Chevrolet Classic did not have the condition described in the letter. I feel the language and intent of the letter was confusing and created opportunity for Chevrolet to disregard the customer.
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. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 113,000.
Engine & cooling
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 was then taken to gildner Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep inc (1451 n 10th st, arkadelphia, ar 71923 [phone]), but no diagnostic failure codes were found and the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a call back. The approximate failure mileage was 99,378.
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 increased. The vehicle was able to restart after various attempts; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact mentioned that the engine was serviced per a recall, but the NHTSA campaign number was not available.the failure mileage was 110,000.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Malibu Classic rates average: 71% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Malibu Classic at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic?
The electrical system — 11 complaints, 69% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the lights (3) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Malibu Classic?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1998, 2000 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2004, 2005 and 2008. See the full Chevrolet Malibu Classic years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 89,000 miles; 10% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.