Four problems related to engine shut off without warning have 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.
My vehicle is messing up on me and it was shut off my vehicle is messing up on me it will shut off well driving ill pull over and wait a couple mins and I will pull out the fuel fuse and wait a couple mins and will put it back and it will start again after a week it shut off on me and would not start had to have it towed took it to a mechanic he changed the fuel pump and marjoram worked for 5days then the same problem again changed the sensors worked ok for 2days and the problem came back again so I changed the spark plugs fuel filter all fuses still nothing its been sitting for 3 to 4 months now I can't seem to find the problem I changed everything u can thing of now the check engine and test system light is on.
As I was getting off an exit from the highway the car shut off and steering became hard. I let the car roll into the right lane where I could stop and turn the key to start the vehicle. The vehicle started immediately, steering was very hard. I took the car to a mechanic and the found that the power steering pump had to be replaced and the rack n pinion steering had to be replaced. One week later I drove the car to go to the beach with my dad and as I was driving the car seemed fine. When I stopped at a light the engine shut off again. Once again I drove to the mechanic the next day and when he put the computer to the car it showed that the #4 coil was malfunctioning. Thankful that I am careful and defensive driver. This situations are quite scary. I owned a kia sephia for since 2005 and never did I experience what I have been experiencing with this Malibu.
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 similiar 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?.
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.