Problems with 2002 Chevrolet Malibu ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Anti-theft system activates for no apparent reason. one way to restart the vehicle is to turn on the ignition switch for 10-15 minutes, may have to repeat this procedure three times and it still may not start. looking at consumer complaints many people have spent up to $1500 for repairs that don't always fix the issue. being stranded in a vehicle in freezing temperatures could be life threating. there are thousands of complaints and gm should issue a recall to fix this issue. this problem affects 1998-2012 malibus and possibly some other models.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. whenever the vehicle was shifted into reverse, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the ignition switch. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the manufacturer was notified of the defect, but refused to provide reimbursement since the part that was replaced was not the one listed in the recall. the failure mileage was 120,664.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. after the vehicle was serviced for the recall repair, the vehicle failed to start. in addition, while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 143,543. the nhtsa campaign number was unknown.

2002 chevrolet malibu ignition problem, faulty switch and car can incorrectly tell the anti-theft security system that the car is being stolen. therefore, the car wont start*cw the ignition lock cylinder was replaced. *jb

for over a year now i have had issues with my 2002 malibu not starting due to a faulty anti- theft system. the system is the original stock manufacturers theft system. it first begun over a year ago, where my car would not start leaving me stranded. the car sat for nearly 4- days, not knowing what to do! the car has very low miles, only 60,000 original; don't drive much, really only to and from work daily and maybe to the food store here and there. anyway, i wound up googling "2002 chevy malibu not starting", problems with the pass lock theft system came up, telling me to try the 10- minute reset by putting the key in the ignition and turning to on w/out turning the engine on for 10- minutes, removing the key, waiting 5 seconds and then putting the key back into the ignition. figured what the heck, it doesn't hurt to try it!! well what do you know, it worked!!! well for the past year now my car has left me stranded roughly 3 - 4 times a month because of this issue. each time i had to do the 10- minute reset and it would then start right up. i shouldn't even have to deal with this, this is crazy and should be recalled and fixed at chevy/gm's expense, not mine. especially considering there are over 3,000 complaints regarding this issue!!! i should not have to constantly worry about my car not starting because of a faulty theft system that was but in my car by gm. chevy. on september 10th 2014 i got in my car to take my son to school and go to work, car would not start, tried the 10-minute reset, this time it did not work, waited 4- hours for a tow truck, son missed school and i was late to work! well, because of me having to keep cranking my car throughout the year because of it not starting because of the faulty theft system blew out my starter and battery. was without a car for a week and a half got my car back and the theft system issue has started again!!! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. while in park, the vehicle failed to start and the security alert warning light illuminated. the failure recurred on numerous occasions. the vehicle was taken to a dealer and an independent mechanic. the technicians were unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 94,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. the contact the stated that it was difficult to start the ignition with the key. after several attempts the vehicle started and was able to drive normally. the failure recurred on numerous occasions. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

While vehicle is on some power is lost while vehicle is still running. motor is on but a/c , dashboard gauges, power windows, power locks, windshield wipers do not operate. i recently had vehicle serviced for recent recall #14350. i have noticed on inspecting vehicle that if key is slightly adjar or moved these loses happen. when contacting gm dealership i was informed that it had nothing to do with ignition. *tr

The vehicle wouldn't start at all, towed to the garage had to put a new ignition switch, lock cylinder with passkey security systems total, ignition switch $175.68, lock cylinder with passkey security system $230.21 labor $152.00 total $602.52. i called regarding this recall that i just got in the mail, and they said that i will not be refund for this. i believe that this was caused by the keys, we have had problems in the past with this, and finally had to get it to a garage to fix it rather than be stranded or in an accident. *tr

After reading other comments, i have to laugh. why can't they fix this with so many complaints. the turn signals just stopped working one day. three days later they worked. then a few days after that they stopped working again and then just seemed to work when they wanted to. took it in to jimmie johnson chevrolet when the signals were not working. picked up the car to hear they could not find a problem. sure enough the signals were working. that lasted about a week before the turn signals stopped working again. since then, two more times to the dealership with pretty much the same result each time. now i notice if the weather is very warm, the turn signals work more part time and while it is cool they don't work at all. now, i have read your comments here and began playing with the hazard flashing button. if i press the button on the upper right, the turn signals work. i now have at least a little more information to take to jimmie johnson chevrolet. maybe this will strike some sort of recognition to the problem. thank you everyone for writing your comments. *tr

My 2002 chevrolet malibu ls left me stranded at a busy fueling station. the car refused to start due to the faulty passlock ignition switch system. these parts were replaced at an authorized gm service center at approximately 47,000 miles due to the same issue of refusing to start. now at around 21,000 miles later the parts have failed again. gm and nhtsa need to resolve these safety issues. i don't feel safe in this car, and i don't believe it is reliable. wake up this is yet another gm ignition problem that has been known for decades! anyone in doubt just do an internet search on gm passlock or chevrolet malibu ignition problems. *tr

I'm having trouble with the ignition. sometimes it will start right away, and then other times it will take 3 - 9 tries!! especially when it's really hot outside 90+ degrees. what's causing this. i purchased a new battery so that is not the problem!! *tr

Car will not start. after reviewing make & model with same issue something needs to be done asap. who has time to wait 10 mins when needing to get tp emergency room or doctor & will not be able to afford ambulatory services. you ppl know it should be a emergency recall.

Antitheft system intermittently causing car to stall and fails to restart tail lights are failing fuel system cutoff. *tr

2002 chevrolet malibu. consumer requests reimbursement for ignition switch recall repairs. *smd the consumer stated while driving, the vehicle suddenly stalled for the third time. he was able to drift to the side of the shoulder of the roadway. he tried cranking the vehicle, but it would not start. he had the vehicle to a local garage. *jb the ignition switch was replaced. the consumer received a recall notice, dated september 2014. updated 10/15/14. *jb

They are now telling me i need ignition lock cylinder and housing and a pass lock sensor . just for this they charged me $282.07 labor no parts they did nothing to help this matter . purchased this chevy malbu in 2004 with 31000 miles on it garaged kept and maintain records . because of electrical malfunction replaced catalytic converter four times each time was not necessary . sensors issue and missed diagnosis on service and still having the same problem .all they did for my car was to fill in the slot on my key .no help at all i never had had weight on my key ring . just the key and plastic door lock sensor. i know this all started too show up eight years ago .i have been charged for the last eight years with unnecessary parts and labor. ignition lock cylinder and electrical system gm problem not mine. faulkner chevrolet lancaster pa. just another services scamming customers on this matter. wanted over $ 2300.00 to fix the problem.

2002 chevrolet malibu. consumer states vehicle lost all power and steering, when the vehicle stalled while driving. *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle stalled on three separate occasions. the ignition switch was replaced, the last time the vehicle stalled. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the failure mileage was unknown.

A few months ago my 2002 chevy malibu would not start. i reset the theft system for 10 minutes and then everything was fine. then about a month later the theft system light would come on sporadically and then eventually stay on. i took it to my local mechanic and was told that the ignition switch needs to be changed out. shortly after that i heard about the gm recall but for some reason the 2002 chevy malibu is not included. i have seen a lot of people online having the same problem i have. my car currently has 84,500 on it. i take extremely good care of it. i have to drive to college and i am afraid of being stranded on the side of the road due to this issue. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. while driving 10 mph, the key released out of the ignition switch and the engine stalled. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the ignition switch failed. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 148,452.

My handicapped mother has a 2002 chevrolet malibu that has been experiencing the same exact ignition related issues as those in the current massive gm recall. on more than two occasions the anti-theft light illuminates and the vehicle shuts off while she was driving. this has resulted in two significant repeat repairs, one in 2010 and one this week. in both cases the chevrolet dealership describes the issue as an ignition pass lock sensor that fails due to key positioning. i have researched this online and have found hundreds of similar complaints. luckily this issue has not resulted in an injury but easily could have in the very congested metro dc area that she lives in. why is the malibu not being included in the current investigation and recalls? *tr

Was driving down the road and the theft system light came on and engine shut down as i was driving down the road. almost caused a wreck. did online research and found many similar complaints and same incidents. no recall on ignition switch/theft system light. gm knows of an issue and won't fix the problem. *tr

Car shows theft light comes on check engine light, motor shut off, gas gauge said empty all lights shows up on dash , aaa tow to pep boys lancaster pa. fruitville pike store .they installed new alternator and new serpentine belt and belt tensioner . also eight month prier same issue all lights came on and car stopped and needed towed they replaced fuel pump . i have seen documents that pointed out that key needs pushed in before turning on tried it and still lights abs, theft light ,check engine light still keeps coming on . this vehicle has been serviced and taken care of .today 03/13/2014 taken wife to train station lights came on once more.in the pass two years invested over $ 1500.00 in parts and labor and still experiencing the same systems. read on recall and feel this is what problem is . *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled intermittently multiple times. the contact's vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 14v047000 (electrical system) or nhtsa campaign id number 14v252000 (electrical system). the vehicle was scheduled for diagnostic testing and to be repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was unknown.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnose that the anti-theft system failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 160,000 and the current mileage was 162,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the anti theft system warning light flickered and the vehicle failed to start. the contact stated that after waiting, the anti theft system warning light remained illuminated and the vehicle was able to start. the failure occurred on five occasions. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 18,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to experience electrical malfunctions with the automatic locks activated and deactivated independently. the contact stated that shortly after, the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. the contact was not aware if the repairs had been made. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 77,000.

When the car is started, everything seems to be fine, but then the theft system light comes on. when the car is in park and reverse things seem to be normal. at the point the car is placed into drive, the fuel light comes on and says that there is no fuel in the car. at this point, the car will either stall out, while driving or we are able to continue driving. if we are able to continue driving, the car repeatedly shuts off all electrical systems, all gauges are maxed out and speed says 60mph. this happens repeatedly the whole time the car is being driven, but the car is still functional and still able to be driven. if the car system comes back on, the fuel light comes on and says empty and even the trunk pops open while driving. this is very dangerous for many reasons. if this happens at night, there are no headlights or any other lights or they're flickering on and off the whole time. *tr

Both part of my gas tank and my computer have same issues as thousands more where the alarm shuts the car off while you are driving. *tr

Turn signals just randomly work when they want to. had it to the garage recently and asked why they didn't work right, didn't get much of an answer. this is a real safety issue and in doing my research, i'm not the only one with this issue. *js

I have a hard time getting any key to turn the car on. it seems like the whole where the key goes into is very loose. i sometimes have to try to turn it up to ten times before the car will start,i have tried both keys that came with the car and even got new ones and nothing works, if i ever have to start in an emergency i won't be able to do it. my turn signals also click when not in use, i did have a recall on this years ago, but it didn't work, i 'm afraid that one day they may not work at all. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the engine stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic for diagnosis. the technician stated that the ignition lock cylinder needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 113,000. updated 11/20/14*cn

May 2013: car hard to start; multiple attempts before engine started may 2013: had new key made at local chevrolet dealer december 2013: continued problems starting car; replaced ignition switch july 1, 2014: gm announces expanded recall to include 2002 malibu; called local chevrolet dealer; they said we have to wait for the letter from gm; dealer did not know about expanded recall july 14, 2014: car engine turned off while driving july 15, 2014: called local chevrolet dealer again; still knew nothing about expanded recall; couldn't advise as to whether car is safe to drive. *tr

2002 chevrolet malibu. vehicle has been recalled because of the key ring is carrying added weight and the vehicle may go off the road. *ta also, the power steering rack and lines were replaced. *jb

Car wont start due to passlock system malfunction,i must let car sit for 10 minutes with ignition switch in on position then turn key off for 20 seconds then restart,this happens about every 4 to 5 starts, this is a known problem and gm will not recall and fix. please search internet to verify problem. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated the anti-theft system warning light illuminated preventing the vehicle from starting. the contact mentioned that the anti-theft system reset approximately ten minutes after shutting off the vehicle and then the vehicle was able to start. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

2002 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to a faulty ignition switch. *tgw the consumer stated the ignition switch was replaced twice. the consumer is seeking reimbursement. *jb

I walked out the door ready to go to work got in the car turned the key it would not start. so first i had to wake someone up with a phone call because this is our only car. got a ride to work late and called the place where i am buying this car for them to tow it two miles to there shop and charge me seventy eight dollars. i get the call from them saying its the fuel pump(another common unnecessary fix that you here repeat over and over. he also said the antitheft light was on and that i somehow demagnitized the key(wasn't possible because i was given a all silver key no chip in it) so that cost almost a extra hundred for the key.so after im riding almost fine torque could be more v6ish but i digress tuesday sep 4 2012 not a month later it doesn't start again, and again on my way to work. this time i had it towed and by the time it made it to the mechanic its was starting fine. i don't make enough money to continuously worry about this obvious widespread problem with gm vehicles made from 99-05. if whoever reads this types in my car wont start 2002 chevy malibu, and just read the different peoples story's and see videos. in conclusion gm must recall these vehicles and fix these problems. im a long time gm supporter of there american made cars and trucks. i've owned a 1989 cadillac biaritz, 1999 chevy surburban,and now this 2002 chevey malibu.ive been lucky i read about a guy whose antitheft acted up while he was driving with his child. recall and save lives and headaches. *tr

My car started shutting off out of nowhere. the theft light comes on and it locks me out for ten minutes. this has been going on for a year. i backed out of a one way street, the car shut off and the theft light locked me out for ten minutes on a one way street where traffic could not get around me. since, there has been a constant ding in my dash. i changed the emergency relay switch in the dash with no luck. now it constantly has a dinging noise and locks me out about every 4-5 starts. this is very aggravating and with as many complaints that has been reported, i'm surprised it hasn't been recalled. i am very happy to say that i know that chevy doesn't claim their mistakes so maybe more people will have the same thought that i have never to buy another chevrolet. very bad for business. reviews said that even paying to get a new ignition switch will only delay it from happening again. chevrolet, own up to your mistakes. this is dangerous. other than this i have had to get a new k frame and my gas tank is rusting out due to no guards being put on the vehicle to protect it and while i'm venting the manufactures over-torqued a seal upon manufacturing to cause the oil and coolant to leak into one another. *tr

Having problems with the car not starting. it will crank, but won't start. then hours later it starts. *tr updated 7/18/12 *cn updated 07/25/12

As i was driving down the road, i signaled for a left turn. when i signaled the turn, there was a buzzing noise in the steering column and the engine turned off, resulting in a complete loss of power to steering and brakes. luckily, i was going about 10 mph and was able to stop the car, albeit in the middle of the street. i noticed the dashboard lights were on. the car restarted immediately and i drove it 1/2 block to a parking space. i subsequently took the car to fh dailey, the local chevy dealer. they told me there was a problem with the bcm (body control module) that had caused the engine to shut off while the car was being driven. they are replacing the bcm. they did not seem particularly concerned about the problem and my impression is it is not unusual for them to encounter it. i am concerned that, had i been driving in traffic, on the highway, or on a curving road, the engine failure could have resulted in significant injury or fatality to myself or others.

1.car keeps overheating. put antifreeze it and run for a while and it will overheat again. no antifreeze on ground but keeps losing the antifreeze. took vehicle to mechanic and was told that the antifreeze is mixing with the oil that it has a cracked manifold gasket. recommendation was replace engine. 2.took vehicle to the dealer and they said that the on board computer chip thing needs to be replaced and they informed me that is a known problem with the car but no recall is in place as of yet. the repair cost is over 1300.00. *tr

I purchased my chevrolet malibu from a private part and the vehicle was running fine but sometimes it does not want to start. bought a new battery and replaced the ignition switch and still have the starting problem. seems that this type of vehicle has a history of anti theft system problems i called a chevrolet dealership to ask if it could be repaired and was told i need to take it in at a cost of 80.00 dollars to check it plus towing fees. i don't feel it is right that they do know the problem but still trying to get more money out of customers. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle had trouble starting and would stall without warning. the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. the contact mentioned that the vehicle continued to stall and exhibited issues starting after the recall repair. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was unknown.

Bought my malibu new, had no problems with it until after 100,000 miles. was at a yellow light and the car shut off turned key to off position and restarted the car and went on. i say about 5 months later we went out of town for 3 day came back went to the car tried to start it. it would start and shut off it would keep doing it. took to the shop they had for over a month pull back seat out thinking the wires under the seat was bad. then check a lot of other stuff then he said it was the key switch and replaced it got it going. called use up to pick the car up and it wouldn't start. he replace that one with another switch called us up to pick it up and it would not start. then he by passed it with a toggle switch it worked for one day and started all over again. we don't know what to do. it is the anti theft system. *tr

The car dies when you are on the road . when you shut it off to get gas or anything it wont start the gauges go all over the place. this car is very unsafe and gm needs to recall the electrical system some one is going to get kill from the car with no warning just shuts down. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnosed that the fuel system, transmission, cooling system and power steering needed to be flushed. the spark plugs, fuel filters, and hub kit were replaced. however, the failure persisted. the vehicle was returned to the independent mechanic who replaced the ignition switch. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000. updated 01/06/15

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that after inserting the key in the ignition, it failed to turn on the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnose that the ignition lock cylinder needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. the vin was not available. the failure was 70,000 and the current mileage 100,000.

2002 chevrolet malibu security/anti theft system erroneously disables the car - every 20 or starts, for no reason, requiring a lengthy process to re-enable the ignition system. car is low mileage and has original keys & key fob. *tr

I own a 2002 chevy malibu and the theft system warning light keeps coming on and prevents me from starting the car. the "fix" is to sit with the key in the on position until the light stops flashing. i know many people have had the same problem and apparently the permanent fix is to replace the ignition cylinder which is expensive and doesn't always work. *tr