2002 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 567 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,045miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu, 1% of the 567 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,045 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.
“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“The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the fuel system, transmission, cooling system and power steering needed to be flushed. The spark plugs, fuel filters, and hub kit were replaced. However, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the independent mechanic who replaced the ignition switch. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 01/06/15”
NHTSA complaint #10643540, filed 2014-10, 100,000 miles“At 15,000 miles I had a piston knock develop. Pistons were replaced and was told this was a common problem with this engine. Gas cap seal bad at same time. Deck lid not properly adjusted at time of purchase. At 25,000 the rear left speaker was replaced due not working and the torque clutch converter was coming apart and stuck in the off position. First problem was noted in 2002.”
NHTSA complaint #10008437, filed 2003-03“While decreasing the speed vehicle stalled. Consumer tried to start the vehicle numerous time but was unable to do so. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10075513, filed 2004-06“While traveling rpms would idle high, resulting in vehicle not to gaining speed or changing into passing gear. Vehicle has been serviced six times for problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10022841, filed 2003-06Related service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 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…
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 24 | 24% |
| 2021 | 28 | 31% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 68 | 35% |
| 2018 | 171 | 24% |
| 2017 | 139 | 20% |
| 2016 | 166 | 20% |
| 2015 | 31 | 11% |
| 2014 | 52 | 15% |
| 2013 | 54 | 6% |
| 2012 | 49 | 5% |
| 2011 | 112 | 11% |
| 2010 | 133 | 10% |
| 2009 | 121 | 8% |
| 2008 | 86 | 9% |
| 2007 | 47 | 5% |
| 2006 | 43 | 4% |
| 2005 | 65 | 7% |
| 2004 | 64 | 6% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 18 | 3% |
| 2000 | 26 | 3% |
| 1999 | 21 | 3% |
| 1998 | 50 | 5% |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% |
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 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsVisibility (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 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