2002 Chevrolet Malibu Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 2%of 567 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu, 2% of the 567 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Vehicles rack and pinion rusted off from the front cradle while driving the vehicle. I was lucky to not get into an accident. There seems to be a lot of problems like this one with the Malibu's that I have read.”
NHTSA complaint #10823992, filed 2016-02, 120,000 miles“As I was getting off an exit from the highway the car shut off and steering became hard. I let the car roll into the right lane where I could stop and turn the key to start the vehicle. The vehicle started immediately, steering was very hard. I took the car to a mechanic and the found that the power steering pump had to be replaced and the rack n pinion steering had to be replaced. One week later I drove the car to go to the beach with my dad and as I was driving the car seemed fine. When I stopped at a light the engine shut off again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10629620, filed 2014-08, 74,000 miles“When driving the car it may stall,(and it has many times) which causes failure of power steering and brakes. The car also won't always start. You can turn the key but the dashboard lights don't come on,if they don't the car will not start. Also the battery won't keep a charge, unless you start the car and let it run at least every 2 days.”
NHTSA complaint #10628338, filed 2014-08, 136,000 miles“Vehicle front end shakes/wobbles severely when under hard braking situations down hill. Loud low rumble noise and pedal vibrations are evident. Shaking and wobbling is present through vehicle steering wheel requiring more strength and directional corrections to steer and guide the vehicle properly. Down hill braking could be severely impeded in normal driving or while towing a trailer. Panic stops and light braking situations on level ground are normal straight and true. Brake fluid level check okay and is clean. Abs system operating normally. Parking brake operating normally. …”
NHTSA complaint #10607548, filed 2014-07, 69,000 miles“I was driving my vehicle at 35 MPH when I went over a small pot hole on father hurley blvd. My right knee smashed against my key ring on the front dash area. Thee car lost immediate power. I could not accelerate or steer my vehicle. I had to slowly coast over to the side of the road until I came to a complete stop. Vehicles around me had a difficult time avoiding me since this event happened as I was approaching a lane merging with mine as they exited a major freeway. When the vehicle had completely stopped I put on my hazard lights and put it in park. …”
NHTSA complaint #10566566, filed 2014-02Related service bulletins
- 10113436Feb 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 5 | 7% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 16 | 8% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 42 | 6% |
| 2017 | 47 | 7% |
| 2016 | 42 | 5% |
| 2015 | 9 | 3% |
| 2014 | 26 | 7% |
| 2013 | 181 | 22% |
| 2012 | 191 | 21% |
| 2011 | 214 | 22% |
| 2010 | 454 | 33% |
| 2009 | 769 | 51% |
| 2008 | 460 | 47% |
| 2007 | 667 | 68% |
| 2006 | 812 | 73% |
| 2005 | 506 | 52% |
| 2004 | 798 | 70% |
| 2003 | 21 | 4% |
| 2002 | 13 | 2% |
| 2001 | 41 | 6% |
| 2000 | 45 | 5% |
| 1999 | 37 | 5% |
| 1998 | 74 | 8% |
| 1997 | 80 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
259 complaintsExterior lighting
143 complaintsEngine cooling
63 complaintsBrakes
55 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsEquipment
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 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