SkipThatYearREAL DATA. SMARTER CAR DECISIONS.
← New search

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

Service Brakes complaints

65 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · May 13, 2016
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THE BRAKE CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE MANUFACTURERS RECALL WAS NOT COMPLETED DUE TO THE OLD BRAKE MODULE STILL BEING IN…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THE BRAKE CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE MANUFACTURERS RECALL WAS NOT COMPLETED DUE TO THE OLD BRAKE MODULE STILL BEING INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #10864748

94,000 miles · Mar 23, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSteering

WHEN DRIVING, AT LOW SPEED IN THE CITY, OR ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEED, POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING (ACCORDING TO THE REPAIRING DEALER, VEHICLE IS UNSAFE AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN); DASH GAUGES GO ON AND OFF; TRACTION CONTROL AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL TURN OWN AND OFF WITHOUT WARNING; D…

Read full complaint

WHEN DRIVING, AT LOW SPEED IN THE CITY, OR ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEED, POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING (ACCORDING TO THE REPAIRING DEALER, VEHICLE IS UNSAFE AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN); DASH GAUGES GO ON AND OFF; TRACTION CONTROL AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL TURN OWN AND OFF WITHOUT WARNING; DASH LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF WITHOUT WARNING; BELLS AND BUZZERS RING; DOOR LOCKS CYCLE, AND THEFT DETERRENT WARNINGS ILLUMINATE. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED MULTIPLE TIMES TO REPAIR IT BY REPLACING THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. IT IS AT THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT NOW, HAS BEEN THERE FOR A FULL WEEK AND AT THIS POINT IS STILL UNSAFE

NHTSA ODI #10851273

110,000 miles · Jan 7, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. APPROXIMATELY FIVE SECONDS LATER, THE ENGINE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE BRAKES FAIL…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. APPROXIMATELY FIVE SECONDS LATER, THE ENGINE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND A DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE LOST ENGINE POWER, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS AND AIR CONDITIONING STILL FUNCTIONED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10818712

Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemSeat BeltsService Brakes

2012 CHEVY MALIBU ON 3RD RECALL LIST. 1. BRAKES 2. SEAT BELTS. 3. THROTTLE-POSITION SENSOR. BUT YOU SAY YOUR NOT GOING TO REPAIR 3RD ITEM UNLESS I HAVE A PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10808073

12,000 miles · Dec 1, 2015
Service BrakesSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A VIBRATING MOTION, AND STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE P…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A VIBRATING MOTION, AND STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

NHTSA ODI #10807852

Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 2015
Service BrakesSteering

PURCHASED CAR FROM ED BOZARTH ON OCTOBER 12. WITHIN 1 WEEK THE BRAKES WERE GRINDING AND YOU HAD TO STEP ON IT HARD FOR IT TO BRAKE. HAVE CHANGED BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS TWICE WITHIN 3 YEARS. HAVE COMPLAINED TO ED BOZARTH SINCE I PURCHASED IT. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO OTHER GM DEALERSHIPS AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THE BRAKES. SEPTEM…

Read full complaint

PURCHASED CAR FROM ED BOZARTH ON OCTOBER 12. WITHIN 1 WEEK THE BRAKES WERE GRINDING AND YOU HAD TO STEP ON IT HARD FOR IT TO BRAKE. HAVE CHANGED BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS TWICE WITHIN 3 YEARS. HAVE COMPLAINED TO ED BOZARTH SINCE I PURCHASED IT. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO OTHER GM DEALERSHIPS AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THE BRAKES. SEPTEMBER 2015 TOOK IT TO FLETCHER JONES CHEVROLET AND HAD FILED A COMPLAIN WITH GM FOR APPROVAL TO HAVE THEM PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS. AND AGAIN, THE DEALERSHIP AND GM CLAIM NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES, BUT THEY GRIND HORRIBLY AND YOU HAVE TO HIT HARD ON THE BRAKES TO BE ABLE TO BRAKE. ANOTHER ISSUE IS THE RUBBER STEERING WHEEL. IT IS COMING APART AND IT CUTS YOU AS YOU ARE MAKING RIGHT TURN. BEING DIABETIC IT IS A HEALTH ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10778748

60,000 miles · Sep 4, 2015
Electrical SystemSeat BeltsService Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 15V269000 (SEAT BELTS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED TH…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 15V269000 (SEAT BELTS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK EXCESSIVELY AND STALLED IN A PARKING LOT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #10761702

19,000 miles · May 13, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE SERVICE ESC AND SERVICE TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE DID NOT SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE MODULATOR SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPL…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE SERVICE ESC AND SERVICE TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE DID NOT SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE MODULATOR SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,000.

NHTSA ODI #10716142

53,300 miles · May 5, 2015
Air BagsService BrakesCrash

WHILE DRIVING A PERSON SLAMMED ON BRAKES IN FRONT OF ME AND I TOO HIT MINE. I DID NOT FEEL THE ANTILOCK WHILE BRAKING AND AFTER IMPACTING WITH THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THE AIRBAGS WERE NOT RELEASED. FOR AS HARD AS WE HIT AND FOR AS MUCH DAMAGE HAPPENED THE POLICE WERE SURPRISED THEY DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10714695

52,979 miles · Apr 6, 2015
Service BrakesSteeringCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS, BRUISES, AND WRIST INJURIES THAT …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS, BRUISES, AND WRIST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,979.

NHTSA ODI #10703947

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.