Dt*: the contact stated that while backing out of a parking space at 5 MPH, the front passenger side shock absorber detached and punctured the tire causing the vehicle to stop completely. The detachment also broke the tie rod and the strut on the passenger side. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where it was determined that the cause of the detachment was due to hitting a pothole in the parking lot. The contact did not observe any potholes in the vicinity. Updated 7/18/2006 -
2002 Chevrolet Malibu: ball joint or control arm failure
5 of the 567 complaints about the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 9 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
I purchased my 2002 malibu new and have had the brakes replaced four times and am on my third set of rotors. At 54000 miles the wheel bearing and control arm bushings had to be replaced. Two weeks later the fuel pump had to be replaced also. The passenger side rear window can't be down because last time we had a rough time getting it to go back up.
The lower control arm produces a popping sound when turning in either direction. A recall was issued, however, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
The lower control arm made a noise while driving, which caused the steering wheel to shake.
After coming to a complete stop, applied gas, vehicle would not accelerate. Contacted dealer. Tie rod bolt had fallen off.*akconsumer was able to manuever the vehicle to a nearby gas station. The worker at the service station noticed the left front tire was turned sideways. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. Consumer asked for a replacement but was told the only recourse was to repair it.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Suspension
- Squeaking noise in front end on turns
- Front suspension noise on turns
- Changes to labor time guide relating to front suspension labor operations components
- Front wheel bearing replacement
- Some customers may comment about a metal bumping or banging type noise over bumps under the front...
- Some customers may comment on a squawk noise from the front and/or rear suspension while driving
- Information regarding squawk noise from front and/or rear suspension
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu?
5 of 567 owner complaints about the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu (1%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu?
There are 0 recalls and 9 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
Won't start 88Stalling 34Fuel pump 24Overheating 16Headlights 12ABS 10Loss of power 10Check engine light 9Engine failure 9Hesitation 8No deployment 7Grinding brakes 6Door locks 6Warning lights 6Wipers 6Adaptive cruise 5
VIN decoder
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