2002 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 5%of 567 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,980miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the fuel system of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu, 5% of the 567 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,980 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I tried to start my car yesterday morning after having it only sit for an hour when the car would crank but not start. It seemed as if the car was not getting fuel and less than 3 weeks ago had a new fuel pump fixed on it because of this same issue. As I stated before, the car would crank but not start. I had it towed to the local chevy dealership and they were unable to find anything wrong with the car and had it starting and running every time they tried to diagnose the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10706184, filed 2015-04, 166,500 miles“I walked out the door ready to go to work got in the car turned the key it would not start. So first I had to wake someone up with a phone call because this is our only car. Got a ride to work late and called the place where I am buying this car for them to tow it two miles to there shop and charge me seventy eight dollars. I get the call from them saying its the fuel pump(another common unnecessary fix that you here repeat over and over. …”
NHTSA complaint #10474322, filed 2012-09, 128,090 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“My 2002 Chevrolet Malibu ls left me stranded at a busy fueling station. The car refused to start due to the faulty passlock ignition switch system. These parts were replaced at an authorized GM service center at approximately 47,000 miles due to the same issue of refusing to start. Now at around 21,000 miles later the parts have failed again. Gm and NHTSA need to resolve these safety issues. I don't feel safe in this car, and I don't believe it is reliable. Wake up this is yet another GM ignition problem that has been known for decades! …”
NHTSA complaint #10597147, filed 2014-06, 69,140 miles“My chevy Malibu which I bought brand new and only has 43,000 miles was starting to hesitate and not the power up hills like it was begging for gas. Well a week later after parking it in the morning and going to use it some hours later it would not start. The fuel pump went and I had to be towed to my repair shop since I was out of warranty. Part is not available. Manager of repair shop was very surprised that the pump went with such few miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10206719, filed 2007-10, 43,000 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…
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10199281May 25, 2021This 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…
- 10190437Mar 30, 2021This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
- 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…
- 10176310May 8, 2020This Preliminary information communicates the use of Winter grade fuel during the warm months of 2020 and the potential rivability issues that it can cause. The ongoing…
- 10171878Jan 2, 2020This informational 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…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10137635May 10, 2017This informational bulletin advises of a new fuel injection kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves, and explains how toptier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build up.
- 10114831Nov 15, 2016This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block that have a possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% |
| 2021 | 10 | 11% |
| 2020 | 18 | 9% |
| 2019 | 18 | 9% |
| 2018 | 101 | 14% |
| 2017 | 60 | 9% |
| 2016 | 54 | 6% |
| 2015 | 19 | 7% |
| 2014 | 26 | 7% |
| 2013 | 34 | 4% |
| 2012 | 56 | 6% |
| 2011 | 37 | 4% |
| 2010 | 39 | 3% |
| 2009 | 34 | 2% |
| 2008 | 54 | 5% |
| 2007 | 87 | 9% |
| 2006 | 96 | 9% |
| 2005 | 70 | 7% |
| 2004 | 29 | 3% |
| 2003 | 42 | 7% |
| 2002 | 29 | 5% |
| 2001 | 40 | 6% |
| 2000 | 79 | 9% |
| 1999 | 38 | 5% |
| 1998 | 34 | 3% |
| 1997 | 15 | 3% |
| 1980 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
259 complaintsExterior lighting
143 complaintsEngine cooling
63 complaintsBrakes
55 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 31, 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