Model year guide

2002 Chevrolet Malibu

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 58 on record.

2002 Chevrolet Malibu — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Chevrolet Malibu at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints597
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$1,364

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2002 Chevrolet Malibu recalls 4

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V400000 · 03/07/2014

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) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003…

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices NHTSA Campaign #07E021000 · 12/03/2007

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #02V107000 · 10/04/2002

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 THE STANDARD.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LEFT LOW-BEAM HEADLAMP AND REPLACE IT IF IT DOES NOT MEET REQUIREMENTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONT…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2002 Chevrolet Malibu common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 597 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2002 Chevrolet Malibu MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,950

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,364
High
$2,850

From 49 comparable 2002 Chevrolet Malibu listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$600
Total$15,350
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,364) with the same model 4 model-years older ($875), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2002 Chevrolet Malibu trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · LS
Engines
3.1L 6-cyl

2002 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles on record

2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J92M605794 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J22M508763 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J62M561384 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J32M725058 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J82M510680 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J82M603280 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J22M543493 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J92M713707 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J12M522540 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J72M587571 2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J62M547563 2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J22M560813 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J02M580450 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52JX2M685559 2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J92M703739 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS1G1NE52J42M550851 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52JX2M617830 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J32M694863 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J92M608441 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J42M523488 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52JX2M550520 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J12M639067 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J32M559124 2002 Chevrolet Malibu 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Base1G1ND52J62M521855

Other Chevrolet Malibu model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997

2002 Chevrolet Malibu — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu?

Based on 597 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu at about 21 mpg combined (18 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu worth?

Comparable 2002 Chevrolet Malibu listings run roughly $700–$2,850, typically around $1,364 (from 49 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.