2002 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system problems
259 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu — 46% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, who reported the mileage at 105,000. The key was stuck in the ignition, but was replaced. It was discovered that…”
filed Jul 15, 2026
“The anti-theft/ passlock system fault in this generation of GM vehicles is very widespread and effects a large percentage of vehicles in this generation. I am sure there have been hundreds if not thousands of complaints about same issue and GM refuses to fix the problem. The problem causes the car…”
filed Aug 18, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag systemCampaign 14V400000 · Jul 3, 2014
Related service bulletins
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8…
PIP4723J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 25, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to…
General Communication · Service Campaign · issued Aug 26, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and…
24-NA-098 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 6, 2024
Electrical System problems in other Malibu years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Malibu | 15 | 45% |
| 2023 Malibu | 12 | 21% |
| 2022 Malibu | 31 | 34% |
| 2021 Malibu | 25 | 31% |
| 2020 Malibu | 56 | 29% |
| 2019 Malibu | 61 | 32% |
| 2018 Malibu | 191 | 28% |
| 2017 Malibu | 160 | 23% |
| 2016 Malibu | 222 | 27% |
| 2015 Malibu | 66 | 25% |
| 2014 Malibu | 86 | 25% |
| 2013 Malibu | 375 | 45% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.