IllustrationPASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT KEEP GOING OUT I HAVE REPLACED BULB AND SOCKET SEVERAL TIMES ..IT WORK ONLY FOR 2 WEEKS AND PROBLEM KEEP COMING ..THIS IS FIFTH TIME I'M HAVING TO FIX THE ISSUES
2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Malibu years
Owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Malibu years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
880–25K
7125–50K
11250–75K
12475–100K
187100–150K
64150K+
646 reports with mileage · 260 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 290 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 202 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 191 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
50 crash reports13 fire reports27 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
290 reportsCAR SUDDENLY FAILED TO ACCELERATE AS I PULLED ON THE THE INTERSTATE. CAR FILLED WITH A BURNING SMELL. DEALER SAID THE REAR DEFROST MALFUNCTIONED AND MELTED THE FUSE BLOCK LOCATED IN THE TRUNK DAMAGING ALL WIRING ON THE FUSE BLOCK. I'M CONCERNED THAT THIS BYPASSED THE FUSE AND THE RELAY WITH SUCH A SURGE THAT IT WAS HOT ENOUGH T…
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CAR SUDDENLY FAILED TO ACCELERATE AS I PULLED ON THE THE INTERSTATE. CAR FILLED WITH A BURNING SMELL. DEALER SAID THE REAR DEFROST MALFUNCTIONED AND MELTED THE FUSE BLOCK LOCATED IN THE TRUNK DAMAGING ALL WIRING ON THE FUSE BLOCK. I'M CONCERNED THAT THIS BYPASSED THE FUSE AND THE RELAY WITH SUCH A SURGE THAT IT WAS HOT ENOUGH TO MELT THE ENTIRE FUSE BLOCK. THIS COULD HAVE LED TO A VERY SERIOUS FIRE WHERE I WAS TRAPPED IN THE CAR. I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO PULL OFF THE INTERSTATE, BUT IF I WERE IN THE FAR LANE, I COULD HAVE BEEN STUCK IN A HIGH SPEED LANE RESULTING IN INJURY TO MYSELF OR OTHERS. THE CAR IS VERY LOW MILEAGE AND GARAGE STORED, SO IT IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION AND MAINTAINED REGULARLY. WAS JUST IN TO THE DEALER LESS THAN 10 DAYS PRIOR (POWER STEERING ESC RECALL) WITH NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. CAR CURRENTLY AT PHILLIPS CHEVY IN FRANKFORT, IL.
THREE TIMES IN TWO MONTHS THE PASSENGER LOW BEAM HAS GONE OUT. I WORK NIGHTS AND EACH TIME IT HAS GONE OUT IT HAS BEEN WHILE I AM DRIVING TO WORK IN THE DARK. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND NO CLEAR ANSWER HAS BEEN GIVEN ON HOW TO FIX THE ISSUE.
ELECTRICAL PART SHUTS DOWN THE CAR CAN'T GO SOMETIMES YOU CAN CHANGE FUSE WILL GO AND HERE WE GO AGAIN HAVE IT IN AND OUT OF SHOP TO BE WORK ON NO BODY CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT . AND EVEN SHUTS DOWN WHEN DRIVING DOWN ROAD IN TRAFFIC VERY DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAY. HAD IN DIFFERENT SHOPS FOR HELP.GETTING VERY SICK OF IT READ OTHER HAVE SA…
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ELECTRICAL PART SHUTS DOWN THE CAR CAN'T GO SOMETIMES YOU CAN CHANGE FUSE WILL GO AND HERE WE GO AGAIN HAVE IT IN AND OUT OF SHOP TO BE WORK ON NO BODY CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT . AND EVEN SHUTS DOWN WHEN DRIVING DOWN ROAD IN TRAFFIC VERY DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAY. HAD IN DIFFERENT SHOPS FOR HELP.GETTING VERY SICK OF IT READ OTHER HAVE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME TYPE CAR.WHY ISN'T SOMETHING BEING DONE ABOUT IT READY TO START BUYING HONDA CARS.THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON ALL SUMMER STILL NOVEMBER. SO TIRED OF IT AND WASTING MONEY ON IT. THIS HAS HAPPEN MORE THAN ONE TIME
I BOUGHT MY 2012 MALIBU ABOUT 2YEARS AGO AND AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRATION I STARTED HAVING CODES SAYING TO SERVICE AIR BAGS BUT THE CODES WON'T STAY CONSTANT AND NO ONE KNOWS WHY FOR SOME ODD REASON. ON TOP OF THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAD LIGHT HAS BEEN CHANGED 5 TIME IN LESS THEN A YEAR AND A HALF AND ONCE AGAIN NO ONE KNOWS W…
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I BOUGHT MY 2012 MALIBU ABOUT 2YEARS AGO AND AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRATION I STARTED HAVING CODES SAYING TO SERVICE AIR BAGS BUT THE CODES WON'T STAY CONSTANT AND NO ONE KNOWS WHY FOR SOME ODD REASON. ON TOP OF THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAD LIGHT HAS BEEN CHANGED 5 TIME IN LESS THEN A YEAR AND A HALF AND ONCE AGAIN NO ONE KNOWS WHY. I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH CONSTANT ISSUES THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR FAULTY EQUIPMENT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V224000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT CALLED APPLE CHEVROLET (8585 W 159TH ST, TINLEY PARK, IL 60487, 708-429-3000) AND WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V224000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT CALLED APPLE CHEVROLET (8585 W 159TH ST, TINLEY PARK, IL 60487, 708-429-3000) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
FOR NO REASON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF BY ITSELF. NEIGHBOR REPORTED CAR LIGHTS ON 3:30 AM. WE ALSO CAUGHT WHILE KEYS WERE ON TABLE AND LOCKED THE LIGHTS CAME ON AND OFF TWICE IN THE EVENING. THIS IS WHILE PARKED FOR THE NIGHT.
LOW BEAM LIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY GOING OUT. BULB IS STILL GOOD. HAVE REPLACED BULB. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED SOME WIRING OR HARNESS. NOW PASSWNGER SIDE LOW BEAM IS OUT AGAIN!
MY CAR DIES WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. ELECTRICAL PROBLEM TO THE FUEL PUMP
HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT AFTER BEING CHANGED MULTIPLE TIMES
Official recalls
215V269000 · Seat Belts
May 8, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 8, 2010, to October 11, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle. This repeated bending may result in the cable breaking.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the outboard lap anchor mounting bracket and inspect the flexible steel cable, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 16, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15031.
14V252000 · Electrical System:wiring; Electronic Stability Control (esc); Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
May 14, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Electrical System:wiring
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.