One problem related to brake drum wheel cylinder has been reported for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu based on all problems reported for the 2002 Malibu.
From the first day I had this car, the brakes do not engage completely in the first few uses of the brakes, especially in wet conditions. I have had many near misses of accidents because of the brakes not engaging and sometimes not releasing-a thumping sound is heard when the brake cylinder piston releases.