2002 Chevrolet Malibu — Known Issues & Recalls

Your engine unexpectedly shuts off while driving at any speed, and the gauges show as if the key is in the off position even though you haven't touched it. After stopping safely and shifting to park, you can restart the car by turning the key off and wiggling it. The ignition switch has been replaced twice without solving the issue.

Your car's security sensor in the ignition lock cylinder is failing, which prevents the engine from starting normally. Your vehicle needs a security system relearn procedure to restore normal operation. The fix will involve replacing the passlock sensor in the ignition cylinder and performing a security relearn with a diagnostic scanner.

Your car won't start, and you've already replaced the alternator and battery without solving the problem. Your mechanic has identified the ignition switch as the culprit — you've noticed that wiggling the key temporarily makes it work, but eventually the car stops starting altogether. The ignition switch will need to be replaced to restore reliable starting.

Your car won't start, and the key feels hot when it's in the ignition. This suggests an electrical problem in the ignition system that needs attention. The issue could involve the ignition switch or related electrical connections getting too warm during startup attempts.

Your car won't start. This is an electrical system issue that prevents the engine from turning over when you turn the key.

Your car sometimes stalls while driving and has trouble starting, which you believe is caused by a faulty switch. You've experienced this same problem in a previous Malibu that the dealer was able to repair.

When you turned the ignition switch, your car stalled and the anti-theft warning light came on. You took it to a mechanic but they weren't able to figure out or fix the problem. The issue may involve the ignition switch, anti-theft system, or related electrical connections that need to be diagnosed and repaired.

Your car's anti-theft system (called Passlock) is causing the engine to randomly shut off while driving, which can happen at any speed and is a serious safety hazard. GM has not issued a recall for this widespread problem despite many complaints. You've already had the ignition and body control module (BCM) replaced, but now your car won't start at all and your dashboard lights and gauges aren't working.

Your engine hesitates when starting, and your instrument panel lights have become very dim with hard-to-read displays. You may also notice that your passenger door won't lock and your windows won't roll down. A mechanic diagnosed that your anti-theft system has failed, which is likely causing these electrical issues. The fix will probably involve diagnosing and repairing or replacing components in the anti-theft system and checking your vehicle's electrical connections.

Your car's anti-theft locking device is preventing the engine from starting, even during emergencies. This has happened multiple times, forcing you to seek help while stranded. The issue requires a mechanic to diagnose and repair the anti-theft system, which may involve replacing the security module or having the system reset by a dealer.

Your car's anti-theft system prevented the engine from starting even when using the correct key, leaving you stranded. The car's computer had to be reprogrammed to fix the problem.

Your turn signal and hazard warning lights stop working without warning and at random times, creating unsafe situations when you're changing lanes or turning. This intermittent failure means other drivers may not see your intentions on the road. Fixing this will likely involve diagnosing and replacing the turn signal flasher relay or related wiring components.

Your turn signal and emergency light indicators stopped working without warning while driving. A mechanic said an unknown module switch needed to be replaced to fix the problem. The vehicle hasn't been repaired yet. Fixing this will likely involve replacing the faulty module switch that controls your turn signals and emergency lights.

Your brake hydraulic lines corroded and leaked fluid, causing your brakes to stop working while the car was parked. The leak happened after highway driving the night before, and your mechanic said this is a common issue with Chevrolet vehicles. If this had occurred while you were driving, it could have resulted in a serious accident. The repair will likely involve replacing the corroded brake lines.

Your car's engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving and triggers the anti-theft system, forcing you to pull over and wait 10 minutes with the driver's door open and key on before the car resets itself — a dangerous situation that happened on a busy highway. Additionally, your heating system has air trapped in it and won't work properly despite attempts to bleed it out. The engine shutdown issue may require diagnosis of the anti-theft system and ignition components, while the heating problem will likely need the coolant system bled and refilled.

Your turn signals work intermittently — sometimes they function normally, and sometimes they don't respond at all. This is a safety concern since other drivers won't know your turning intentions. The issue may involve a faulty turn signal relay, wiring connection, or the turn signal switch itself that needs inspection or replacement.

Your car is shutting off while you're driving, and you have to pull over, remove the fuel pump fuse, wait a few minutes, and reinstall it to get the engine running again. Even after a mechanic replaced the fuel pump, sensors, spark plugs, fuel filter, and fuses, the problem keeps returning within days. Your check engine and test system lights are now on, and the car has been sitting unused for 3-4 months because the underlying issue remains undiagnosed.

Your car's ignition key won't turn off the engine, and you're unable to shift out of gear. This prevents you from properly shutting down the vehicle and could leave you stuck in one gear position.

Your car lost power and wouldn't accelerate when you pressed the gas pedal, and the check engine light came on. One mechanic diagnosed a faulty EGR valve, but a second shop couldn't find any error codes or reproduce the problem. The issue was never repaired. Replacing the EGR valve may be needed to restore normal engine power and acceleration.

Your engine warning light came on and you noticed antifreeze leaking from your vehicle. A dealer diagnosed a blown head gasket and replaced it, but the same problem happened again shortly after. The dealer then said your entire engine needs to be replaced, but the repair wasn't completed because your vehicle is out of warranty. This issue occurred at around 10,333 miles. Fixing this will require either replacing the head gasket again or replacing the entire engine, depending on the root cause of the repeated failure.