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Chevrolet Malibu

2002–2006 only

3,657 classified complaints 5 recalls

435,031 sold in the US for 2002–2006.

72 complaints on file
per 10,000 sold

2002–2006 Chevrolet Malibu models have 3,657 classified complaints on record for these years specifically, plus 5 recalls. The most common issue in this range is Electric power steering motor and module, typically surfacing around 92,780 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 2002–2006 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Chevrolet Malibu report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

1997–2001

2002–2006

2007–2011

2012–2016

2017–2021

2022–2025

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 2002–2006 only

Electric power steering motor and module · Steering 839 complaints · 19/10k sold

Median onset: 92,780 miles. 1.1% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $750–$2,230 nationally.

Body control and other modules · Electrical 720 complaints · 17/10k sold

Median onset: 95,000 miles. 1.4% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Power steering pump, rack and lines · Steering 620 complaints · 14/10k sold

Median onset: 104,000 miles. 2.4% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $750–$2,230 nationally.

Wiring harness, grounds and connectors · Electrical 320 complaints · 7.4/10k sold

Median onset: 89,795 miles. 1.3% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tie rods, linkage, shaft and column · Steering 170 complaints · 3.9/10k sold

Median onset: 86,000 miles. 2.9% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $270–$510 nationally.

Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim · Body and interior 158 complaints · 3.6/10k sold

Median onset: 89,500 miles. 0.6% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Stalling and no-start · Engine 138 complaints · 3.2/10k sold

Median onset: 90,000 miles. 3.6% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

Fuel pump and sending unit · Fuel system 132 complaints · 3.0/10k sold

Median onset: 90,000 miles. 0.8% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Typical repair: $630–$1,700 nationally.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

How does 2002–2006 compare with other Malibu years? Every model year ranked by complaints per 10,000 sold. See years →

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 2002–2006 model years. See the full Chevrolet Malibu report for every year and full specs/safety data.