Try checking the wheel speed sensors. Both front tires have a wheel speed sensor and may need to be changed if the abs light comes on or the brake light stays on while driving. Very easy fix. Remove the tires, brakes, and rotors. The sensors are located behind the bearing housing. Good luck! The job took me about 1.5 hours.
Quite possibly an ABS* failure. Have that looked at. *ABS - Anti-Lock Braking System.
Yes, the 2002 Malibu has an ABS system with sensors at all four wheels.
ABS
On my 2002 the ABS system stopped working. You still have regular brakes you just don't have ABS.
Pull the abs fuse in the under hood fuse box it will be under a black cover Then troubleshoot and repair the issue with the system. ABS systems should not be disabled - they serve a safety related purpose - and they have been proved effective.
The abs light came on because there is a problem with the abs ( Anti-lock Brake System). The abs light will not reset until the problem has been fixed. Once the abs system is repaired the light will reset itself.
Anti-lock Break System
An ABS light on the 2002 Volkswagen Polo refers to the assisted brake system. When the light shines it means there is something currently wrong with the brake system and should be serviced.
Antilock-Braking-System
If the ABS light is on, this means that there is a problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System. This is not a DIY repair. Take it to a dealer.
I feel it does being it is that new. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position. If a yellow light comes on saying abs, then it does.
Bring it to a shop that has an ABS Scanner