2002 Chevrolet Malibu Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 63about this part
- Share
- 11%of 567 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,396miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 63 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu, 11% of the 567 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,396 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2002 Chevrolet Malibu shut off while driving at approximately 35 MPH down an incline which leads to a rotary. All power steering and braking ability were lost. The car kept gaining speed as it drove down the incline. I had to force the car into park and use the foot emergency brake to stop it after it rolled through a stop sign and unto the rotary.”
NHTSA complaint #10166291, filed 2006-08, 57,560 miles“I been running errands. I stopped the car to go into the store, got back into the vehicle and the ignition would not turn over. I was stranded with my 5 year old, had to get a tow to repair shop. I was told the ignition switch was bad, cost me $347.00. On 12/29/11 same issue, car would not start this time luckily I was at home. I had to get a tow to the repair another $51.00 and was told the ignition switch must have had a default and I received a new ignition switch, at no charge. …”
NHTSA complaint #10444794, filed 2012-01, 160,000 miles“The car continue to run hot I am in the process of getting it fix I was told that there is a defect with the water pump and the engine. The water comes out of the exhaust pipe on to the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10246212, filed 2008-10, 125,312 miles“Engine coolant light came on. I replaced 1/2 gallon of coolant. At my next oil change, I noticed an orange gel on my oil cap. I figured it was an internal coolant leak; therefore, it was probably a head gasket leak. I took my car to local Chevrolet dealership for service. The service technician determined it was an intake manifold gasket leak. If the gasket was not replaced promptly, the engine oil would fail to lubricate the engine properly. The result could be catastrophic damage to the engine. 8jb”
NHTSA complaint #10185123, filed 2007-03, 79,843 miles“Car has failed to start on numerous occasions and no one has been able to tell us why. We have had to replace the head gasket, which had not fixed the problem. Our wipers only work on high. Our heat only works on number 4 and 5. While driving home on the freeway during rush hour with my baby daughter in the car, the car just decided to die on me. I had to try to get out of the passing lane, so that I could pull off of the road. My radio and heat still worked, but car would not restart. …”
NHTSA complaint #10157501, filed 2006-05, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This 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…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10228888Dec 14, 2022This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 6% |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 11 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 0% |
| 2011 | 12 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 1% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 12 | 1% |
| 2007 | 7 | 1% |
| 2006 | 25 | 2% |
| 2005 | 17 | 2% |
| 2004 | 20 | 2% |
| 2003 | 41 | 7% |
| 2002 | 63 | 11% |
| 2001 | 149 | 21% |
| 2000 | 174 | 19% |
| 1999 | 138 | 17% |
| 1998 | 144 | 15% |
| 1997 | 60 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
259 complaintsExterior lighting
143 complaintsBrakes
55 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsEquipment
13 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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