2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 13%of 16 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, 13% of the 16 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic engine fails to start. Gm passlock theft system indicator light flashes, and stays lit. Vehicle has failed to start and stranded driver and passengers. Key feels loose in ignition. Trim surrounding ignition remains loose from multiple switch replacements. Same issue has been diagnosed before. Vehicle diagnosed and documented at GM service center as having a failed ignition switch for the second time. Vehicle had to have ignition switch replaced 2 times at owner's expense for a grand total of over $1200. …”
NHTSA complaint #10653221, filed 2014-11, 70,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10892083, filed 2016-08, 110,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This 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…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This technical 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…
- 10082869Aug 29, 2016This informational bulletin provides additional information on how to install pistons and suggest what tools to use.
- 10082814Aug 2, 2016This informational bulletin provides information to gm dealers on the correct cleaning methods when cleaning engine gasket sealing surfaces.
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
11 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology