IllustrationMY CAR WON'T TURN OVER AFTER I TURN IT OFF SOMETIMES. SOMETIMES IT WILL BE MOST OTHER TIMES IT DOESN'T. THE BATTERY IS NEW, SPARK PLUGS ARE NEW, SENSORS ARE NEW. STARTER ISN'T THE PROBLEM. DON'T KNOW WHAT IT COULD BE? IT WAS STATIONARY WHEN THIS HAPPENS, WHEN I TRY TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON.
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
Unknown Or Other complaints
51 reportsANTITHEFT SYSTEM IS CAUSING MY CAR NOT TO START. I HAVE CONTACT GM THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO HELP. I RESEARCH ONLINE LINE WHERE CHEVROLET KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT WANT CUSTOMER TO FIX THE PROBLEM THEMSELVES. I WAS STRANDED FOR 4 HOURS IN THE HOUSTON HEAT WITH MY KIDS. THE CAR WILL STOP IN TRAFFIC AS WELL
SERVICE ESC TRACTION ALERTS AND ENGINE SOUNDS AS THOUGHT IT WILL STALL - HAD MAP SENSOR REPLACED, A FEW MONTHS LATER ISSUE HAS RETURNED. OCCURS WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN PARKED.
TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE HAS 102,000 MILES ON IT
I'VE HAD READ SO MANY VEHICLES WITH SAME ISSUES ON ALL THESE MODELS I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR PUT A HIGH DOWN PAYMENT TO BE GETTING LEFT EVERYWHERE ALL CHEVY DEALERS DONT KNOW WHERE TO START AND OVER PRICE IT ALL YOU ALL SHOULD LOOK INTO IT BECAUSE ITS SOMETHING SERIOUS . CAR WONT START AFTER BEING USED A WHILE, YOU HAVE TO MESS…
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I'VE HAD READ SO MANY VEHICLES WITH SAME ISSUES ON ALL THESE MODELS I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR PUT A HIGH DOWN PAYMENT TO BE GETTING LEFT EVERYWHERE ALL CHEVY DEALERS DONT KNOW WHERE TO START AND OVER PRICE IT ALL YOU ALL SHOULD LOOK INTO IT BECAUSE ITS SOMETHING SERIOUS . CAR WONT START AFTER BEING USED A WHILE, YOU HAVE TO MESS WITH CABLES AND WIRES FOR IT TO START MESS WITH FUSE BOXES AND ALSO SOMETIMES IT DOESNT WORK.. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT I'M ANNOYED OF THIS CRAP
THE LIGHTS RANDOMLY COME ON THEN THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WILL START TO ACT UP WHEN I GO TO STOP AS IF I WAS TO SLIDE ON ICE BUT I'M NOT I'M ON DRY PAVEMENT. ON CITY STREET.
NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. I'M TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE TO FILE COMPLAINTS ABOUT MANUFACTURING ISSUES TO START A RECALL. MY MALIBU DIDN'T START ONE AFTER WORK TOWED IT TO MECHANIC. HE SAID IT DIDN'T HAVE OIL PRESSURE. HE OPENED UP THE ENGINE AND FOUND PIECES OF O RINGS/RTV SEALANT BLOCKING FLOW AND BUSTED RODS, LIFTERS, AND LOOSE BEAR…
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NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. I'M TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE TO FILE COMPLAINTS ABOUT MANUFACTURING ISSUES TO START A RECALL. MY MALIBU DIDN'T START ONE AFTER WORK TOWED IT TO MECHANIC. HE SAID IT DIDN'T HAVE OIL PRESSURE. HE OPENED UP THE ENGINE AND FOUND PIECES OF O RINGS/RTV SEALANT BLOCKING FLOW AND BUSTED RODS, LIFTERS, AND LOOSE BEARINGS OBVIOUSLY. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ONE OPEN THAT ENGINE. I FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. CAR ONLY HAS 90,000 MILES. A/C COMPRESSOR WENT OUT AT 40,000 MILES, REAR DEFROST OUT REAR FUSE BOX CORRODED AND BURNED WIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHEEL BEARINGS OUT IN THE FRONT AT 50,000 MILES. THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN WITH A NEWER CAR. DEALER NO HELP OUT OF WARRANTY.
CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSES CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAUSING ILLNESS. SYMTOMS INCLUDE, DIZZINESS, NAUSEA, HEADACHE, WATERING EYES, RUNNY NOSE. A DEFINITE HEALTH RISK.
I HAVE A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. MY LAST NOTE WAS DO ON 11-03 MY CAR HAS NOT BE RUNNING SENT OCTOBER IT BENIGN CUT OFF ON ME WHILE I'M DRIVING WHEN IT CUT OOF I TRY TO START IT BACK UP IN IT WANT STAY CRANK I HAVE TO WAIT FOR DAYS BE FOR IT START BACK UP I HAVE SPENT $500 DOLLARS TRYING TO GET IT BACK RUNNING BUT IT STILL NOT R…
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I HAVE A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. MY LAST NOTE WAS DO ON 11-03 MY CAR HAS NOT BE RUNNING SENT OCTOBER IT BENIGN CUT OFF ON ME WHILE I'M DRIVING WHEN IT CUT OOF I TRY TO START IT BACK UP IN IT WANT STAY CRANK I HAVE TO WAIT FOR DAYS BE FOR IT START BACK UP I HAVE SPENT $500 DOLLARS TRYING TO GET IT BACK RUNNING BUT IT STILL NOT RUNNING IT'S BE TO THE CHEVY DEALERS SHIP IT STILL NOT RUNNING NELSON HALL CHEVROLET TELL ME THEY CAN NOT CATCH A CODE THEY PUT A USED PART ON MY CAR IN CHARGE ME FOR IT I'M TOLD ME THEY DO NOT SEE A PROBLEM WITH IT I PICK IT UP IT CUT OFF ON ME TRYING TO MAKE IT HOME SO I GOT ANOTHER SHOP TO LOOK AT IT THEY TOLD ME THAT MY FUEL PUMP WILL NEED TO BE CHANGE L PAID THEM $175 PICK IT UP CAME HOME GOT READY TO GO TO THE STORE IT STARTED UP I BAGGED OUT THE YARD IT CUT OFF IN FRONT OF A LINE OF CARS I HAD TO GET HELP TO PUSH IT BACK IN THE YARD EVERY WHERE I GO I CAN NOT CUT IT OFF BECAUSE IT WANT START BACK UP FOR DAYS NOW IT'S JUST SITTING IN MY YARD WHILE I BOMBING A RIDE TO WORK IN EVERY WHERE ELSE I WANT TO GO DON'T KNOW ONE KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS IN WHY IT WANT STAY CRANK
LOW BEAMS BOTH HEADLIGHTS REPEATEDLY GO OUT. HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER TURNS OFF AND ON BY ITSELF. MOTOR HAS BEEN CHANGED AND TESTED. IS THERE A WIRING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE ACROSS THE BOARD. I READ A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS VEHICLE HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUES. HEATER/AIR TURNS OFF WHILE IN PARK OR DRIVE RANDOMLY.
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.