Model year
2002 Chevrolet Malibu
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 567 complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 0 recalls and 16 complaints under MALIBU CLASSIC. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (182), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE (62), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (49). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 21 mpg combined (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,200, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 922 complaints
- 2001 721 complaints
- 2002 567 complaints
- 2003 569 complaints
- 2004 1,147 complaints
- 2005 975 complaints
- 2006 1,117 complaints
- 2007 977 complaints
- 2008 989 complaints
- 2009 1,509 complaints
- 2010 1,363 complaints
- 2011 978 complaints
- 2012 907 complaints
- 2013 837 complaints
- 2014 351 complaints
- 2015 270 complaints
- 2016 841 complaints
- 2017 703 complaints
- 2018 700 complaints
- 2019 193 complaints
- 2020 199 complaints
- 2021 90 complaints
- 2022 99 complaints
- 2023 72 complaints
- 2024 43 complaints
- 2025 11 complaints
Recalls
14V400000 · Jul 3, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM)…
02V107000 · Apr 10, 2002
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A LEFT LOW-BEAM HEADLAMP THAT DOES NOT MEET THE PHOTOMETRIC PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF…
Complaints
567 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 18, fire flag on 1, injury field 19, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| MALIBU CLASSIC | 0 | 16 |
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE05055 | TURN SIGNAL FAILURES · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH | Sep 27, 2005 | Jan 13, 2006 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu · 3.1L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 18 | 26 | 21 | — | — | $3,200 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2002 Chevrolet Malibu at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.