IllustrationWHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THAT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORSA NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
2002 Chevrolet Malibu
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 310.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Malibu years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
380–25K
8225–50K
10250–75K
7175–100K
73100–150K
25150K+
391 reports with mileage · 176 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 259 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 143 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 63 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
18 crash reports1 fire reports13 injury reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
41 reportsWHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSATED, WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE CALIPER FAILED. *AK THE RADIO WAS INOPERATIVE. *SC *JB
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED HARD. THE VEHICLE IS NOW ON IT'S THIRD REPAIR FOR BRAKE ROTORS. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *JB
BRAKES 2001 MALIBU CHEV. 35,000 MILES BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED 4 TIMES. *LA
WHILE DRIVING, (ABS) BRAKING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED ABS BRAKE MONITOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *AK
PREMATURE BRAKE AND ROTOR WEAR ON 2002 MALIBU , FRONT BRAKES REPLACED TWICE IN 2 YEARS AT ABOUT 17,000 AND 34,000 MILES. *JB
VEHICLE STARTED PRODUCING A HIGH PITCHED SQEAK/SQUEAL WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT AFTER 26000 MI. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPOLACED AND THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE TURNED. DEALER ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE PADS WENT DUE TO MY DRIVING HABITS, HOWEVER NONE OF THE OTHER NEW VEHICLES I'VE OWNED IN …
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VEHICLE STARTED PRODUCING A HIGH PITCHED SQEAK/SQUEAL WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT AFTER 26000 MI. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPOLACED AND THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE TURNED. DEALER ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE PADS WENT DUE TO MY DRIVING HABITS, HOWEVER NONE OF THE OTHER NEW VEHICLES I'VE OWNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE PADS REPLACED UNTIL AT LEAST 50000 MI. DEALER DISAGREED AND TOLD ME THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR THE ENTIRE JOB, I ARGUAED AGAIN AND FINALLY GOT THE DEALER TO AT LEAST PAY FOR THE TURNING OF THE ROTORS. WORK HAS NOT BEEN DONE YET DUE TO SCHEDULING PROBLEM.*AK
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU. TURN SIGNAL SWITCH OPERATES INTERMITTENTLY -- SYMPTOMS ARE IDENTICAL TO 2000-2001 MY, WHICH WAS RECALLED AT 03V327000. HAS BEEN LIKE THIS FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS BUT HAS GOTTEN WORSE.*AK ABS LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME.
PULSATING AND GRINDING NOISES AT 10,000. DEALER REPLACED ROTORS AND PADS UNDER WARRANTY. SAME THING AT 21,000. NOW AT 31,000, SAME PROBLEM. NOW DEALER SAYS THEY CAN ONLY TURN ROTORS UNDER WARRANTY AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR PADS AND LABOR. REPLACING ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS EVERY 10,000 MILES IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THERE IS SOME…
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PULSATING AND GRINDING NOISES AT 10,000. DEALER REPLACED ROTORS AND PADS UNDER WARRANTY. SAME THING AT 21,000. NOW AT 31,000, SAME PROBLEM. NOW DEALER SAYS THEY CAN ONLY TURN ROTORS UNDER WARRANTY AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR PADS AND LABOR. REPLACING ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS EVERY 10,000 MILES IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM ON THESE CARS. GM NEEDS TO FIX THE ROOT OF THIS PROBLEM ON THE MALIBU.*AK
THE VEHICLE HAS A NONCONFORMITY, THE FRONT BRAKES. (NAR) *PH PREMATURE WEAR OF THE BRAKE PADS CAUSED THE ROTOR TO WARP. DEALERSHIP HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THIS MALFUNCTION, BUT FAILED. *CB *JB
Official recalls
214V400000 · Electrical System:ignition
Jul 3, 2014
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
02V107000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights
Apr 10, 2002
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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 AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE05055 · Turn Signal Failures
Opened Sep 27, 2005 · Closed Jan 13, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
IN DECEMBER 2004, GM ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327. THE POLICY COVERED TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURRED FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH. GM SENT LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.IN JANUARY 2006, GM WILL UPDATE THE SPECIAL POLICY TO INCLUDE MY 2002 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V-327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING LATE APRIL 2006.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch
IN DECEMBER 2004, GM ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327. THE POLICY COVERED TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURRED FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH. GM SENT LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.IN JANUARY 2006, GM WILL UPDATE THE SPECIAL POLICY TO INCLUDE MY 2002 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V-327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING LATE APRIL 2006.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
IN DECEMBER 2004, GM ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327. THE POLICY COVERED TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURRED FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH. GM SENT LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.IN JANUARY 2006, GM WILL UPDATE THE SPECIAL POLICY TO INCLUDE MY 2002 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V-327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING LATE APRIL 2006.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.