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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 →
906Owner complaints

Model-year median: 310.5

2Recall campaigns

View recall details →

0Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
1,509
20091,360
2010977
2011906
2012835
2013351
2014270
2015
Compare all Malibu years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Electrical System
290Exterior Lighting
202Steering
191Electronic Stability Control (esc)
129Air Bags
101
All reported categories
Engine
99Service Brakes
65Vehicle Speed Control
52Fuel/propulsion System
51Unknown Or Other
51Power Train
49Seat Belts
47Seats
36Visibility/wiper
27Wheels
19Structure
16Suspension
10Traction Control System
10Service Brakes, Hydraulic
8Fuel System, Gasoline
5Visibility
4Engine And Engine Cooling
3Tires
2Child Seat
1Equipment
1Lane Departure
1Latches/locks/linkages
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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 reports
Clear category filter
28,000 miles · Mar 31, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ORDER TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT, THE CONTACT HAD TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOORS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. ALSO, ONCE THE VEHICLE RESTARTED, THE SECUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ORDER TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT, THE CONTACT HAD TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOORS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. ALSO, ONCE THE VEHICLE RESTARTED, THE SECURITY AND CHECK ENGINE SENSORS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,000.

NHTSA ODI #10969785

80,000 miles · Mar 22, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

I WAS DRIVING(IN MOTION) ON THE FREEWAY AND THE ESC SERVICE/TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR OR LIGHT POPS ON PUSHES MY CAR INTO ENGINE REDUCED POWER MODE THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED ON COMING TRAFFIC TO REAR END ME OR INJURE ME REAL BAD THIS MUST BE RECALLED TO BE FIXED BAD I MEAN ASAP THIS NEEDS TO BED REVISED AND FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES.…

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I WAS DRIVING(IN MOTION) ON THE FREEWAY AND THE ESC SERVICE/TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR OR LIGHT POPS ON PUSHES MY CAR INTO ENGINE REDUCED POWER MODE THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED ON COMING TRAFFIC TO REAR END ME OR INJURE ME REAL BAD THIS MUST BE RECALLED TO BE FIXED BAD I MEAN ASAP THIS NEEDS TO BED REVISED AND FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. ALSO WHEN AT STOP LIGHT THIS HAPPENS TO. OMG PLEASE IM BEGGING YOU ALL TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN WHO RIDE WITH ME .

NHTSA ODI #10967909

125,000 miles · Mar 8, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WITH THE WIRING ASSOCIATED WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. THE LOW BEAMS, HIGH BEAMS, RUNNING LIGHTS, AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, DIAGNOSED, AND REPAIRED BY A MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WITH THE WIRING ASSOCIATED WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. THE LOW BEAMS, HIGH BEAMS, RUNNING LIGHTS, AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, DIAGNOSED, AND REPAIRED BY A MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

NHTSA ODI #10959603

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

HEAD LIGHTS BEEN REPAIRED 3 TIMES COSTING 220 EACH TIME... SEEMS TO BE NO KNOWN FIX FOR THIS POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL ERROR....

NHTSA ODI #10957415

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND MY CAR WENT INTO REDUCED POWER AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I WAS ALMOST HIT FROM THE BACK BY A SEMI.

NHTSA ODI #10950130

94,000 miles · Feb 7, 2017
Electrical SystemSteeringUnknown Or Other

MY CAR IS NOT WORKING THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE

NHTSA ODI #10950106

70,000 miles · Dec 9, 2016
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. ON SOME OCCASIONS, A JUMP START WAS REQUIRED. ADDITIONALLY, AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. ON SOME OCCASIONS, A JUMP START WAS REQUIRED. ADDITIONALLY, AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10934133

90,000 miles · Dec 8, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #10933960

73,000 miles · Nov 29, 2016
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

TAKATA RECALL. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 60 MPH I LOST ALL POWER TO MY VEHICLE ALMOST CAUSING A FEW ACCIDENTS. I PULLED THE CAR OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP. THEY HAD TO PUSH THE CAR INTO THE SHOP DUE TO IT NOT STARTING. AFTER THROUGHLY LOOKING AND CHECKING EVERYTHING THE DIANOSIC TEST DID NOT REVEL ANYTHING. THE MECHANIC TH…

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TAKATA RECALL. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 60 MPH I LOST ALL POWER TO MY VEHICLE ALMOST CAUSING A FEW ACCIDENTS. I PULLED THE CAR OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP. THEY HAD TO PUSH THE CAR INTO THE SHOP DUE TO IT NOT STARTING. AFTER THROUGHLY LOOKING AND CHECKING EVERYTHING THE DIANOSIC TEST DID NOT REVEL ANYTHING. THE MECHANIC THEN BANGED ON THE REAR FUSE PANEL (TRUNK) THE CAR THEN STARTED. THE PANAL IS SHUTING MY FUEL PUMP OFF. THE FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN TESTED THE FUSE RELAYS HAVE BEEN TESTED. THE PROBLEM IS FAULTY FUSE BOX AND WIRES CONNECTED IM ASSUMING. AFTER 2 WEEKS AND 3 MECHCANICS MY CAR IS STILL NOT RUNNING.

NHTSA ODI #10928449

56,332 miles · Nov 16, 2016
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WHILE BEING OPERATED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILU…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WHILE BEING OPERATED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,332.

NHTSA ODI #10926520

Official recalls

2

15V269000 · 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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.