2002 Chevrolet Malibu classic problems

General information about Chevrolet-Malibu classic
Overview of popular issues

The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from model years 1964–1983 and since 1997. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel-drive car in 1997.

Named after the coastal community of Malibu, California, the Malibu was marketed primarily in North America, with the eighth generation introduced globally. It is currently the only sedan offered by Chevrolet in the U.S.

First generation (Chevelle Malibu, 1964)

The first Malibu was a top-line subseries of the mid-sized Chevrolet Chevelle from 1964 to 1972. Malibus were generally available in a full range of bodystyles including a four-door sedan, two-door Sport Coupe hardtop, convertible and two-seat station wagon. Interiors were more lavish than lesser Chevelle 300 and 300 Deluxe models thanks to patterned cloth and vinyl upholstery (all-vinyl in convertibles and station wagons), deep-twist carpeting, deluxe steering wheel and other items. The Malibu SS performance package was available only as a two-door Sport Coupe hardtop or convertible and added bucket seats, center console (with optional four-speed manual or Powerglide transmissions), engine gauges and special wheelcovers, and offered with any six-cylinder or V8 engine offered in other Chevelles - with the top option being a 300 hp (224 kW; 304 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) in 1964.

For 1965, Malibus and other Chevelles received new grilles and revised tail sections and had the exhaust pipes replaced but carried over the same basic styling and bodystyles from 1964. The Malibu and Malibu SS models continued as before with the SS featuring a blacked-out grille and special wheelcovers. Top engine option was now a 350 hp (261 kW; 355 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8. 201 of the 1965 Malibu SS cars got Regular Production Option (RPO) Z16, which include a heavily modified chassis and Chevy's new 375 horsepower 396 cubic inch V8. All were hardtops, although rumors persist that one convertible was built.

The Malibu SS was replaced in 1966 by a new Chevelle SS-396 series that included a big-block 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8 engine (Canadian market did not receive the SS396 but marketed the former Malibu SS nameplate until January 1967 when it was phased out), heavy duty suspension and other performance equipment. Other SS-396 equipment was similar to Malibu Sport Coupes and convertibles including an all-vinyl bench seat. Bucket seats and console with floor shift were now optional on the SS and for 1966 with the SS now denoting a car with a big-block engine, the bucket seats became a new option on the regular Malibu Sport Coupe and convertible, upon which any six-cylinder or small-block V8 could be ordered. Also new for 1966 was the Chevelle Malibu four-door Sport Sedan hardtop. Styling revisions on all 1966 Chevelles including more rounded styling similar to the full-sized Chevrolets with sail panels and tunneled rear windows featured on two-door hardtop coupes.

For 1967, the same assortment of bodystyles were continued with styling changes similar to all other Chevelles including a new grille and revised tail section with taillights that wrapped around to the side. New this year was a Chevelle Malibu Concours station wagon with simulated woodgrain exterior side panel trim. Front disc brakes were a new option along with a stereo 8-track tape player. The same assortment of drivetrains carried over from 1966 with the top 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 dropped from 350 to 325 hp (261 to 242 kW; 355 to 330 PS).

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Common 2002 Chevrolet Malibu classic problems

The Chevrolet Malibu Classic 2002 is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the issues in detail:

Clogged Fuel Line: Another issue that can prevent the 2002 Malibu from starting is a clogged fuel line. This problem can be difficult to diagnose, as mechanics may initially suspect a faulty fuel pump or issues with the cam and crank sensor switches. However, the real cause is often a clogged fuel line, which can be resolved by cleaning or replacing the line.

Computer/Grounding Issues: Some owners of the 2002 Malibu have reported issues with the car's computer, which can cause problems with starting and running the vehicle. These issues are often caused by grounding problems, which can be resolved by ensuring that the computer has a reliable 12.5 volts to work with. This can be achieved by un-doing the Black battery cable that attaches to the chassis and wire-brushing both the cable and the chassis until they are shiny. Additionally, batteries can degrade after five years and may not take a charge well, so replacing the battery may also help resolve computer issues.

Anti-Theft System Issues: The 2002 Malibu's anti-theft system can also cause problems with starting the vehicle. Some owners have reported that the car will not start unless the key is left in the ignition in the ACC position for at least 10 minutes before turning the key to the off position and then to the start position. This issue is caused by a faulty connector under the engine fuse block, which is a common problem on a majority of Malibu vehicles. If you experience this issue, it is recommended that you report it to the NHTA so that a recall can be issued.

Fuel Pump Issues: Some owners of the 2002 Malibu have reported issues with the fuel pump, which can prevent the car from starting or cause it to die while driving. These issues can be caused by a faulty fuel pump relay switch, which can be diagnosed by switching it out with another relay switch. If the fuel pump comes on, then the issue is likely with the relay switch. If the fuel pump does not come on, then the issue may be with the fuel pump itself or with the wiring to the fuel pump.

Idler Control Motor Issues: Another issue that can cause the 2002 Malibu to not start is a faulty idler control motor. This component helps to control the engine's timing and can cause the car to not start or to stall while driving if it fails. Replacing the idler control motor can help to resolve this issue.

Fuse 39 Issues: Some owners of the 2002 Malibu have reported issues with fuse 39, which is located under the hood. If this fuse is burnt or has one end that is not making a good connection, it can cause the car to not start. Checking and replacing this fuse can help to resolve the issue.

In summary, the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu is known for several common problems, including faulty ignition systems, clogged fuel lines, computer/grounding issues, anti-theft system issues, fuel pump issues, idler control motor issues, and fuse 39 issues. Owners of this vehicle should be aware of these potential issues and take steps to diagnose and resolve them as necessary.

What problems does the 2002 Chevy Malibu have?

What is the biggest problem with Chevy Malibu?

Common Issues with the Chevrolet Malibu

Transmission problems: Some Malibu models have experienced transmission issues, including rough shifting and delayed acceleration.
Electrical issues: Some Malibu models have experienced electrical issues, including problems with the power steering system and battery.

Do 2002 Chevy Malibus last long?

First and most reliable car

My first car was a 2002 base model Chevy Malibu. It has been reliable for me from 72,000 miles to where I'm at now with 265,000 miles on it. The cheap interior and lack of design character aren't the best but for its age, it's pretty reliable, and that's what really matters.

What year was the Malibus bad?

The worst year for Chevy Malibu out of all the model years to avoid would be the 2002 and 2010 model years. 2002 had passlock and coolant leaking issues, and 2010 had multiple engine problems, leading to pricey fixes.

What problems does the 2002 Chevy Malibu have?

Do 2002 Chevy Malibus last long?

First and most reliable car

What is the most common problem with Chevy Malibu?

Common Issues with the Chevrolet Malibu

Transmission problems: Some Malibu models have experienced transmission issues, including rough shifting and delayed acceleration. Electrical issues: Some Malibu models have experienced electrical issues, including problems with the power steering system and battery.

What year was the Malibus bad?

2002 Chevrolet Malibu classic complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu classic.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2002 Chevrolet Malibu classic problems:

Common Problems with 2005 Chevy Malibu - Q&A

https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/8xegv-chevy-malibu-classic-2005-chevy-malibu-classic-2-2.html

Feb 12, 2015 ... I have a 2005 chevy Malibu classic 2.2 and my main problem with it is that I am not getting any fire the fuel pump. I - Answered by a ...

A/C Turns On and Off | Chevrolet Malibu Forums

https://www.chevymalibuforum.com/threads/a-c-turns-on-and-off.4871/

Jul 20, 2010 ... I had the same problem with my 05 Classic. I ... I have this same issue with my mom's car (03 malibu) ... Gen 7 Problems/Service Issues/ ...

Chevrolet Malibu Questions - My 2002 Chevy Malibu LS 3.1 ...

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t2107_ds522474

Jun 11, 2012 ... if you have a 2012 malibu you have a factory faulty connector under the engine fuse block, this is a common problem on a majority of the malibu ...

2005 Chevy Malibu Classic Transmission Problems - Q&A

https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/1xmmy-2005-chevy-malibu-classic-trnsmission-shifts-erratic.html

Mar 23, 2009 ... Some of the transmissions in the cars and light vans have had many issues with this solenoid, but I have not heard many of these with that issue ...