Skip to content
Body and structurePart report

2002 Chevrolet Malibu Body and structure Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
2%of 567 total for the year
Median mileage
75,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu, 2% of the 567 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 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.

“The car was taken in for routine maintenance. Upon inspection the GM mechanic showed me that the brake lines were completely rusted out. There are other parts of the under body that have a lot of corrosion. There is potential risk of failure which could lead to an accident. The car has under 100,000 miles on it, is garage kept and very well maintained. Upon further research, there have been many complaints and accidents relating to this specific issue on GM vehicles. …”

NHTSA complaint #10654712, filed 2014-11, 95,000 miles

“I own a 2002 chevy Malibu, the left rear light assembly leaks water, consequently leading to the erosion of the assembly and causing it to need replacing. This was a cost of approximately $200, and no guarantee that it would not continue to leak since the seal around the assembly is worn.”

NHTSA complaint #10234876, filed 2008-07, 30,102 miles

“Heard noise in front end when turning. Was told the engine cradle was almost rusted on r side and 2 stabilizer links were no longer connected. 2002 chevy Malibu - inquired about warranty from dealer and dealer claimed these items are not covered by warranty.”

NHTSA complaint #10236729, filed 2008-08, 70,000 miles

“My grandson was critically inured while front seat passenger in 2002 chevy Malibu, this vehicle cannot sustain impact of 30 MPH or less to front passenger side without causing fatal if not critical injuries to passenger. No side airbag, no protection whatsoever. Rated with three stars...... Ridiculous. My grandson lost one lung and part of his bronchial tube because there is no safety measurements on this vehicle to protect front passenger.”

NHTSA complaint #10268828, filed 2009-05

“I have own my 2002 Malibu since december 2001 have changed the A/C control switch 3 times. It is at the dealership again today for the same reason. After only two months since the last new switch was installed, the A/C will change from blowing out air conditioning to just blowing air. My husband tells me that this last time the air circulation changed from inside air to outside air. This was a great vehicle, but an extremely annoying problem. Is there some kind of defect that we are not aware off?”

NHTSA complaint #10190567, filed 2007-05

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202323%
202222%
202122%
202021%
201921%
201871%
2017193%
2016405%
2015135%
2014113%
2013253%
2012162%
2011192%
2010443%
2009312%
2008212%
200761%
200661%
2005121%
200481%
200392%
2002122%
2001142%
2000253%
1999203%
1998182%
1997133%

Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu

Electrical system
259 complaints
Exterior lighting
143 complaints
Engine cooling
63 complaints
Brakes
55 complaints
Fuel system
29 complaints
Engine
22 complaints
Other or unknown
21 complaints
Air bags
18 complaints
Suspension
14 complaints
Equipment
13 complaints
Steering
13 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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