2002 Chevrolet Malibu Consumer Discussions

Chevrolet Malibu Transmission

• Great info on V-6 2011 zal

  Written by: motorcity6 on Sep 11, 2011 9:45:29 AM

  Tranny shift problems are really not a cause for the "Lemon" talk..I did the "GM buyback" route on a 1998 Olds Intrigue which had brake and steering issues..No yelling or screaming, no lawyers, 26k miles and GM bought the car back less $800 off the original sale..I signed the check and gave it back to the dealer and drove away in a 1999 Olds Intrigue w/3.5 V-6, short-star alum engine which ... Read More

• Great info on V-6 2011 z

  Written by: motorcity6 on Sep 11, 2011 9:43:34 AM

  Tranny shift problems are really not a cause for the "Lemon" talk..I did the "GM buyback" route on a 1998 Olds Intrigue which had brake and steering issues..No yelling or screaming, no lawyers, 26k miles and GM bought the car back less $800 off the original sale..I signed the check and gave it back to the dealer and drove away in a 1999 Olds Intrigue w/3.5 V-6, short-star alum engine which ... Read More

Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems

• Re: 2002 malibu moneypit [gonogo]

  Written by: jodi7 on Feb 16, 2011 10:55:50 AM

  If hindsight were 20/20 I would have googled Deloreans, Confederate money, and Jack-a-lope breeding partnerships before investing in them but alas its not. Still doesn't change the fact that Chevy Malibu's are about as good an investment.

• Re: 2002 malibu moneypit [pao]

  Written by: jodi7 on Feb 14, 2011 7:06:21 AM

  All except the battery and tires were an effort to repair the intermittant starting problem, I've also replaced the oil pump switch to no avail. Chevy Malibu's of this year are notorious for having multiple issues, and even though this car currently has 150K, head gaskets should not be blowing, again this is a problem that chevy's seem to inherently have. I've driven many a Ford, a chevy Beretta, and dodge ... Read More

• 2002 malibu moneypit

  Written by: jodi7 on Feb 11, 2011 1:55:09 PM

  my malibu's latest problem is overheating and running out of coolant, this car is a moneypit I bought it a year ago used and since that time have replaced a fuel pump, battery, crankshaft sensor, tires and several other things that i can't remember off hand, the car also has an intermittant starting problem which while it usually willstart after an hour or so is incredibly annoying and inconveniant and no ... Read More

• 4 cyl GM engines

  Written by: motorcity6 on Feb 6, 2011 10:14:19 AM

  The Asian guys have long been superior in the production of hi-reving 4 bangers..They use forged internal parts such as cranks and rods..The Big3 have used castings for the cranks and rods limiting the performance..The Asians started out with motorcycles and applied the same knowledge to the car engine..Having been involved in the hot-forging market from 1984 thru 2002 one learns that the Big3 only used the good stuff with hi-performance ... Read More

2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu

• Re: Annoying Shrieking Brakes [ronbo10]

  Written by: gmfornow3 on Oct 24, 2008 9:04:48 AM

  I think bandit08 mentions a common GM issue with rotors. Two GM cars of mine purchased new (1997 Pontiac Grand Am -4cyl. and 2002 Chevy Monte Carol 3.4L) both had warped rotors around 15,000 miles and again at 36,000 miles. On both cars the repairs were the same. They replaced the rotors the first time, and the second time they turned the rotors, both under warranty. What is strange is that ... Read More

• Re: Annoying Shrieking Brakes [bandit08]

  Written by: ronbo10 on Oct 22, 2008 8:46:12 AM

  "The rotors had to be turned down twice as well. They tried to tell me that all brakes and rotors these days are made cheap and all cars have this problem. My boyfriend did say that Chevy brakes are cheap. I have owned foreign cars up until I bought the Malibu and I had never had this type of problem." I have a 2006 Malibu Maxx and the brakes have been ... Read More

2001 chevy malibu V6

• Re: 2001 chevy malibu V6 blinker problem [malibumama]

  Written by: naludabi on Jun 13, 2008 10:38:42 AM

  Isn't it sooooo annoying, blink blink blink.... It's either one thing or another with this car. I found some helpful info online recently, sounds like the :multifunctional switch might be the culprit..check it out http://www.carcomplaints.com/Chevrolet/Malibu/2002/lights/blinkers_have_gone_hay- wire.shtml Good luck, let me know how it goes :)

Midsize Sedans 2.0

• Re: And the NACOTY is... [backy]

  Written by: maxamillion1 on Jan 17, 2008 6:49:18 AM

  I believe Elroy gets the idea that the Aura is supposed to be the higher end version over the Malibu because originally when the Aura was released, GM admitted that the Aura was to be a "Class above" the Malibu and G6 in terms of refinement, quality, features and materials. Many of us were lead to believe that this would be the case even with the new Malibu (yet the new ... Read More

Chevrolet Malibu Brakes

• Re: abs brake light chevy malibu 2002 [jetilson]

  Written by: malibujeff on Jun 13, 2007 8:19:27 PM

  Put the car up on jackstands or a lift, pull each ABS connector off of the brake backing pad, clean with a wire brush, and reconnect. 99% of the time it is just corrosion from road salt/water causing a loss of signal to the ABS computer. Had the same problem on my '97 Cutlass GLS that was cured by such treatment.

Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems

• Intake Manifold Gasket

  Written by: barky on Apr 6, 2007 8:39:07 PM

  My 2002 Malibu has 69k miles on it, and today I brought it into my dealer for an inspection prior to a 1500 mile road trip next month. Dealer calls me back and tells me there's oil in the coolant, and the culprit is the intake manifold gasket. WTF?? How does oil/coolant relate to the intake manifold? My son suspected this was BS, so we go down there to see for ... Read More

Chevrolet Malibu vs. Toyota Camry vs. Honda Accord

• Data.

  Written by: yury on Mar 23, 2007 2:15:00 PM

  Ok, data time. (I am not going to comment in this post to ceep it clean) So, let's see. Using an autotrading site (link title) I came up with this. Based on the medium selling price, I came with the following difference in Accord's price less Malibu's price (Can dollars): Year Price of Accord less Price of Malibu (Can dollars) 2006 10002$ 2005 8939$ 2004 9859$ 2002 6005$ 2001 4325$ 2000 ... Read More

Chevrolet Malibu Brakes

• Re: abs brake light chevy malibu 2002 [jetilson]

  Written by: prdm on Oct 25, 2006 7:41:11 AM

  When that light goes on the ABS system is inoperative - normal braking is still fine. It needs to be checked out.

• abs brake light chevy malibu 2002

  Written by: jetilson on Oct 25, 2006 7:37:37 AM

  my light on abs keeps coming on and brakes are just find why else who this kight come on and what can i do about it

Chevrolet Malibu: Problems & Solutions

• replacing rear brake cylinders

  Written by: alfalfa328 on Sep 26, 2006 5:10:23 PM

  I have a 2002 Malibu. The rear brake cylinders are beginning to leak. I need to replace them. Chevrolet rear brakes used to have hold down springs. However, recent GM vehicles have a curved steel bar that acts as a hold-down. The last time I took one of these off, I had a devil of a time trying to reinstall it. If you have any suggestions for this please respond. Thanks, ... Read More

• Turn signal problem for a 2002 Chevy Malibu

  Written by: javidogg on May 15, 2006 10:07:01 AM

  Hello, it's been a while since posted here at Edmunds. My 02 Malibu had this problem come up a couple of weeks ago, I received this letter from the dealer where I bought the Malibu from, stating that there might be a problem with the Malibu, that it was a not a recall of some sort, but that they would repair it, if it failed with the next ten years at ... Read More

Chevrolet Malibu Oil Changes/Service Questions

• a/c trouble 2002 malibu

  Written by: gig2 on Jul 2, 2005 1:51:58 PM

  I just bought a 2002 chevy malibu with 15k miles. the a/c is acting up, the lights blink on and off, the a/c goes on and off, the outside vent won't go off. Any body have any ideas on how to fix this? Thanks

• Re: a/c trouble 2002 malibu [gig2]

  Written by: peterfa on Jul 22, 2005 6:05:49 PM

  Check with your Chevy Dealer. Had same problem on 2000. A/C module was at fault

Chevrolet Malibu Climate Control/AC Issues

• AC Problem I think!!!!

  Written by: jason992477 on Feb 7, 2005 5:46:05 PM

  Srry that post b4 I hit enter on accident! New Keyboard! I noticed today when I was fixing to drive my 2002 Chevrolet Malibu home from work that when I pushed the AC button on, and pushed the Recirculation button on that the AC was cutting itself on and off... I noticed when I looked on the RPM gauge on the left it was going up and down abnormally like it ... Read More

Chevrolet Malibu: Problems & Solutions

• Oil Problem

  Written by: tired on Feb 7, 2005 8:55:44 AM

  I have a 2002 Chevy Malibu and after an oil change my check oil light comes on within two months. What are possible problems. Iget me oil changed every 3months or 3000 miles. i only have 38,000 miles on the car and the check oil light always pops on.

• Engine problems I think!

  Written by: jason992477 on Feb 1, 2005 4:18:07 AM

  The malibu has only hit 32411 and now its making a whistleing noise. When we got it right at 32000 it wasn't making a peep you couldn't even tell it was running from the outside until the engine fan came on to cool it down. I noticed this whistling noise is not uncommon on other vehicles besides the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. A dear friend of ours has a 2001 Toyota RAV4 ... Read More

• Already having problems

  Written by: jason992477 on Jan 29, 2005 12:05:59 PM

  I am from an earlier posting. I went ahead and purchased the 2002 Chevrolet malibu LS. It only has 32000 miles on the odometer. So far it has been a fun car for me and no brake problems as of YET. So far everythings been running fine on it, COLD Air Conditioning HOT heat, temp of engine halfway mark etc... Only problem is now the radios got a massive problem. I ... Read More

Chevrolet Malibu Accessories & Modifications

• Re: XM Ready? [chrpai]

  Written by: pao on Jan 18, 2005 5:35:51 PM

  check this link out for XM Radio for GM   http://www.myradiostore.us/bundles/car/gm-xm-bundle.html   For use with the following vehicles that have XM Satellite Radio Ready head units. Radio must have a "BAND" button to work with this bundle: CHEVROLET   2003-2004 Avalanche 2003-2004 Blazer 2000-2004 Cavalier 2000-2004 Lumina 2002-2004 Impala 2001-2004 Malibu 2000-2004 Monte Carlo 2003-2004 C/K Truck 2003-2004 Silverado 2003-2004 Suburban 2003-2004 Tahoe 2000-2004 Venture

Chevrolet Malibu: Problems & Solutions

• Malibu Brakes and warping

  Written by: jason992477 on Jan 12, 2005 7:37:21 PM

  PLEASE HELP!!!   Deciding on an 2002 Chevrolet Malibu, My 1988 Mazda MX-6 has finally hit the dust with no heat and a bad clutch and broken starter and like 300,000 miles on it almost. My Malibu problem... "everyone tells me they have cheap/not worth a cent rotors and brakes which cause you to end up in the shop every couple thousand miles." Wondering if any ones Malibu is having this ... Read More

Chevrolet Malibu

• Chevy Malibu vs Camry and Accord

  Written by: bh628 on Oct 8, 2004 5:05:59 PM

  Hi, I was researching the Chevy Malibu in Consumer Reports, and decided to compare the braking and accleration against the Accord and Camry. I was very happily surprised! I have the results from the 2004 Malibu base model, the 2003 Accord Ex, and the 2002 Camry LE. All 4-cylinder; but it looks like the Malibu is 2.2L and the others are 2.4. Acceleration was only seconds slower by the Malibu. But, ... Read More

Chevrolet Malibu Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• New Malibu Maxx owner

  Written by: icedog97 on Aug 5, 2004 11:39:21 AM

  We got our 2004 on Monday...last day of the 4K rebate I think. We bought the base LS at $22,305 sticker and then got 4K off for the Chevy rebate and another 2K from the dealer...so our price was about 16K. I had to shop at two different dealers and spend 3 plus hours at each...but I think the end result was worth it. We traded in a 2002 Axiom (4WD) ... Read More

Chevrolet Malibu

• Yes, Cup holders are important!

  Written by: marshella on Jul 1, 2004 8:04:16 AM

  Can anyone tell me whether the new Malibu and the Malibu Maxx have cup holders to the left of the steering wheel like on the previous Malibus? Believe it or not, it was a prime consideration factor for our family car purchase. We had a 2000, and now own a 2002 Malibu. I'm keenly interested in the new Malibu or Maxx for our next family car and would be extremely disappointed ... Read More

Chevrolet Malibu Meet the Owners

• Certified Chevy Owner Of 2002 MALIBU LS.

  Written by: javidogg on Jun 17, 2004 7:02:53 AM

  Hello to all my name is Javi, Me and wife just picked up a 2002 Chevy Malibu LS yesterday. We love the Malibu it has 24,000 miles with the remainder of the GM Warranty, Burgundy color, sunroof/moonroof (don't know really what the difference is?) fog lights, factory spoiler in the trunk (which gives it the sporty look, alloys (not the cheap hubcaps), daytime running lights, CD & Cassette system with the ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: jerrywimer on May 22, 2004 9:27:40 AM

  Hi. We owned a 1997 Malibu (loaded base model- alloys, V6, etc.) that I bought off the showroom floor. It had about 80k miles on it when I traded it in last year on a 2003 Trailblazer, because the Bu' was out of warranty and starting to cost me almost as much as payments ran on a monthly basis (I had the bad luck to get a 97 with most of ... Read More

• Hello my name is Dave

  Written by: oldmedic on Feb 5, 2004 11:56:44 PM

  Hello my name is Dave and I'm a certified Chevy owner. This is my 6th Chevy. I joined Town Hall because I bought my wife a Mazda MPV for Christmas. I bought a new 2002 Malibu LS with cd/cassette, gold package, spoiler, and cloth interior for $16,500 bidding it out to dealer on the internet two years ago. Nice car but the handling sucks. Won't hold a straight line and is ... Read More

Chevrolet Malibu

• New Malibu

  Written by: jtrujillo86 on Jan 21, 2004 9:26:18 PM

  When I had my 2002 Alero in for service at a local Chevrolet/Oldsmobile dealer, I was speaking to the general manager about the new bu (its a tiny stealership). He told me that Chevrolet ran the Bu cross country, back and forth, only stopping for regular service and gasoline (plus wear and tear stuff) for 300K miles. He said there were no problems found whatsoever! I was surprised to hear this. ... Read More

• Test Drive of 2004 Malibu LS

  Written by: micweb on Oct 17, 2003 10:46:36 AM

  While having my VW serviced down the street, I saw a 2004 Malibu at the nearby Chevy dealer and after looking it over thought it was worth taking out for a spin. I have long been considering an Impala - a "minivan" sedan (so much space and a cavernous trunk") but its hard for me to justify a typical $26k price tag for the more desirable LS version. The Malibu, on ... Read More

• RE: Well

  Written by: dtownfb on Jul 9, 2003 9:27:08 AM

  I agree the body style has somethign to do with it but to be honest, people who buy in this segment aren't necessarily looking for cutting edge styling. Remember the Honda Accord was the best seller in 2001 when that model was 4 years old and still sold over 400k units as a five year old model. I do think it has to do with marketing and reliability. The malibu has ... Read More

• Well....

  Written by: gmalltheway on Jul 9, 2003 6:26:07 AM

  dtownfb numbers don't lie but what does this really mean. Camry of coarse sold MANY cars in 2002, it was there new body style, and for some reason Accord always sells well (i don't understand why). GM however must have took a serious look and these numbers and said CRAP! Because as you see they are re styling the MALIBU. This is really Chevy's fault if they didn't keep body styles ... Read More

• RE: Malibu vs. Accord, Camry

  Written by: dtownfb on Jul 8, 2003 8:51:21 PM

  Sorry spratt1, but we have to re-open the case. I put very little merit in the JD Powers numbers. I could be wrong. It wouldn't be the first time. I just don't see the correlation between Initial Quality and Long term reliability and customer satisfaction. Considering that most people keep their cars for 3-4 years and not 6 months, I would think long term reliability and customer satisfaction would be more ... Read More

Shutting Off DRLs in a 2002 Malibu LS

• Re: Interesting article

  Written by: dtownfb on Jul 7, 2003 11:37:39 AM

  Chevymalibu19: I think some people just need somthing to complain about. If gmalltheway so much then why did he/she buy a vehicle with them on it? He/she has a 2002 Malibu and it is no surprise that GM put DRL on all of it's vehicles. I've visited the site before and like you said there are some valid points but not enough for me to condemn the entire concept. It is ... Read More

Chevrolet Malibu

• thanks

  Written by: deciding3 on Apr 20, 2003 1:02:34 AM

  Thanks for the info. you are right about the quality of teh 626 and galant. I test drove all the cars today and they were no good. So I have dropped the mitsubishi galant, 626 & taurus from my shortlist. So only the maxima and malibu are left to decide between! Like you said the malibu has reliability problems. If i buy the malibu from Hertz that can give a good ... Read More

• Malibu has traction control?

  Written by: bcmalibu99ls on Apr 17, 2003 12:23:51 AM

  Check this out... Component Description: 33. INTERIOR SYSTEMS:INSTRUMENT PANELINDICATOR NHTSA Number: 629749 Bulletin Number: 040202 Bulletin Date: FEB 2002   Vehicle: 1999 Chevrolet Malibu Summary: SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT AN INTERMITTENT SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LIGHT AND/OR AN ELECTRONIC TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT OFF WHICH MAY ILLUMINATE AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. *TT

• New to Edmunds - My 97 Malibu

  Written by: jtrujillo86 on Mar 8, 2003 8:36:14 PM

  Hey guys...I'm obviously new to this "town hall" and I think it's great. I've gotten TONS of info from it. I see it as kind of a support group. The car: I'm 16 years old and own a 1997 Malibu LX with everything except power windows or locks (I guess those are big omissions). I bought the car with 48,417 miles on the odo at a used car place in south ... Read More

• robertp4 & buguy,

  Written by: 0patience on Feb 4, 2003 8:18:41 PM

  Man, someone is making money off you folks. The water pump kit is about $150, that is a new water pump too. Water pump R&R is about 6 hours. So figuring a high $85/hour, that brings it to $580,plus incidentals of about another $60 Which brings it to $640. Now, the part that YOU should pay close attention to is the parts in the TSB I have made bold. Water Pump ... Read More

• Malibu rebates etc...

  Written by: buguy on Jan 31, 2003 9:51:33 AM

  Toonzee, even without the rebates the malibu is an excellent car for the money. With what is being offered to you in the way of trade, rebates and incentives, it is spectacular. I am considered a "gearhead" and wont part with my 99' 4 cylinder. The 2002 and 3's are even better and being an LS adds to the option package. Only concern is the intake maniford on the 6 at ... Read More

• homer29 getting knocked around

  Written by: albuterol on Dec 12, 2002 10:23:50 PM

  Replacing one of the CV joint boots -- hmmm, was it ripped? If so it would have slung grease all around the surrounding area. Very noticeable. Usually a dry CV joint makes a clicking sound in slow turns, definitely not a clunk. If it were clunking, I doubt the vehicle would be driveable. Any reputable dealer will attach a Chassis Ear to find the noise source. Heck, I got my own. ... Read More

• Gasket, shmusket

  Written by: bcmalibu99ls on Nov 4, 2002 3:10:15 PM

  Hey, Cherokee, since you sell cars, you probably know that '98 was the second model year, and that until 99 Malibus had way too many bugs. And, btw, for 2002 JD Power awarded Malibu the best initial quality award. You should know that! As for the gasket blowing again, isn't it possible that whoever repaired it did a lousy job? An unrelated question: is it usual for people who sell certain ... Read More

• Ugly rear end

  Written by: usaf52 on Aug 20, 2002 2:02:34 PM

  I have a 2002 Malibu, and have had no problems at all. I do agree with the other posters who said the rear of the car is ugly. When looking at the rear end, the bulbous taillights look like a giant frog. Chevy shouldn't have split the taillights with the trunk lid. Not only is it ugly, but the fit leaves something to be desired. One side of the trunk lid ... Read More

• Rodent Nests

  Written by: piercet on Jul 31, 2002 2:56:23 PM

  I have a 2002 Malibu I purchased Oct 01. In almost all respects I like the car quite a bit. However, during the colder months, my fan started vibrating so badly I couldn't run it above the #2 position without seriously shaking the console. Also, practically no air flow from the vents. When I took it to the dealer, they took a look, called me, and said the warranty didn't cover ... Read More

• Impala vs others

  Written by: sola2000 on Jul 26, 2002 9:11:29 AM

  I recently purchased a new family sedan. Before purchasing the car, I did a lot of research and extensivley test drove many cars, both domestics and imports. I drove the Chevrolet Malibu and Impala, Dodge Stratus and Intrepid, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima and Maxima, Pontiac Bonneville and Grand Prix, Saturn LS, Toyota Camry and the Volkswagen Passat. After driving all those cars I would say, without question, ... Read More

• yurakm

  Written by: lhargis1 on Jun 26, 2002 8:04:17 AM

  Yes, I actually just lucked into it. My 98 Malibu had the dash go dead ON THE WAY INTO THE DEALERSHIP!!! hehe My dealer was Henna Chevrolet here in Austin, the 3rd largest in the nation. They had 3 cars in this configuration, white, black and silver. And yes, dindak, the 2002 is MILES above my 98. Much more solid...tight...better build quality and materials...and the extra 20hp is very noticeable... Now, ... Read More

• Random stalling problem with 2002

  Written by: scaph01 on May 20, 2002 5:38:33 PM

  Hi All, I have a 3 month old 2002 Malibu with 5000 miles. The other day the car began to stall. 4 time now the engine quits with no putter or attempt to continue running. It has happened 4 times: Right after starting Rolling to a traffic light, car pulling itsef Starting to move from a stand still up a small hill Do 75 on I81 in NY... Local chevrolet dealer ... Read More

Help Me Choose!

• Re: Thanks (Forester v. Sonata): I love these boards by dmarzo1

  Written by: dtownfb on Jan 7, 2002 1:25:25 PM

  The big problem with both of these cars is (going back to your original post) neither car can seat 5 comfortably and neither is fun to drive esp. in an automatic. The Alero is nice but again the seating for 5 is tight (very tight). Take a serious look at the Chevy Impala Base esp. with the $2002 back. Also you may want to consider a used Accord (99-00). You may ... Read More

• Annous

  Written by: jpelder on Dec 13, 2001 8:52:26 AM

  I too am buying a family car and have looked exhaustively for the past 6 months. I have spent considerable time during business trips driving various rental cars to get a feel. While I too looked at the Accord due to it's consistent popularity with "experts", I was disappointed in it's lack of room (very small trunk)and blandness. I have come to the following choices in the Accord price range: 1. ... Read More

Chevrolet Malibu

• Potential 2002 Purchase

  Written by: dtownfb on Nov 26, 2001 11:43:33 AM

  check out the Edmunds TMV for a 2002 malibu. I paid about $150 over the TMV (1% advertising fee) for A 2001 Malibu LS in July. Plus I got the 1500 rebate. Although I would have rather had the 0% financing. Overall, I have 7000 miles on the vehicle and it has been running great. Worst tankful so far has been 22 mpg with 60% city driving. Averaging 28-30 mpg on ... Read More