IllustrationWE HAVE HAD THE DRIVERS SIDE WIRING HARNESS REPLACED THREE TIMES. AND THE OTHER ONE ONCE. MY SON HAS THE EXACT MAKE AND MODEL AND HAS SAME ISSUES. REPLACED TWICE. LOCAL REPAIR SHOP SAYS THIS IS A KNOW. ISSUE
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
What owners actually said
906 reportsHIGH AND LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE HEADLIGHTS ON MY CAR 3 TIMES WITHIN 3 MONTHS. I SEARCHED FOR A PROBLEM WITH THAT CAR AND ANY COMPLAINTS. I FOUND NO RECALL BUT GM BUT 274 COMPLAINTS ABOUT HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS. THE HEADLIGHTS WILL JUST GO OFF DURING DRIVING. VERY DANGEROUS. WHAT CAN BE DONE. IT VERY EXPENSIVE …
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HIGH AND LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE HEADLIGHTS ON MY CAR 3 TIMES WITHIN 3 MONTHS. I SEARCHED FOR A PROBLEM WITH THAT CAR AND ANY COMPLAINTS. I FOUND NO RECALL BUT GM BUT 274 COMPLAINTS ABOUT HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS. THE HEADLIGHTS WILL JUST GO OFF DURING DRIVING. VERY DANGEROUS. WHAT CAN BE DONE. IT VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE BULBS BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO DROP THE BUMPER BUT THE BULB IS NOT THE PROBLEM. HOW CAN WE GET GENERAL MOTORS TO RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR 274 PEOPLE? I CAN TELL YOU THE VERY LAST TIME THIS HAPPEN.
BOTH HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON (LOW BEAM) HIGH BEAMS WORK FINE. BULBS ARE NEW AND FUSES ARE WORKING JUST FINE..SOMEONE NEEDS TO PUT IN A RECALL BECAUSE I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE..THIS IS RIDICULOUS! CAN'T DRIVE WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS AND CAN'T DRIVE WITH HIGH BEAMS ON
THE ECS LIGHT CAME ON AND SHUT MY CAR OFF. THE CHROME DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WE COULD DO ABOUT IT BUT PURCHASE ANOUTHER CAR
TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN CHEVROLET DEALER IN KENTUCKY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN CHEVROLET DEALER IN KENTUCKY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E044000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
MY CHEVY MALIBU WOULD TURN OVER SLIGHTLY, BUT THEN WOULD DIE. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 3-4 TIMES AND THEN I HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED; THINKING IT WAS THAT. THE CAR CONTINUED TO FAIL, SO I HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED AFTER CHECKING WITH A FUEL GAUGE AND THERE BEING NO FUEL PRESSURE. THE CAR RAN ABOUT 3 TIMES DRIVING IT FOR SHORTER A…
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MY CHEVY MALIBU WOULD TURN OVER SLIGHTLY, BUT THEN WOULD DIE. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 3-4 TIMES AND THEN I HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED; THINKING IT WAS THAT. THE CAR CONTINUED TO FAIL, SO I HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED AFTER CHECKING WITH A FUEL GAUGE AND THERE BEING NO FUEL PRESSURE. THE CAR RAN ABOUT 3 TIMES DRIVING IT FOR SHORTER AND A BIT LONGER DISTANCES, BUT THEN THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER AT ALL. THE STARTER WOULD TRY, BUT THERE WAS NO IGNITION OF THE CAR. AT MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALER, DON MCCUE, THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR FUSE BOX AND A FEW TERMINALS WERE BURNT OUT. THEY REPLACED THE REAR FUSE BOX AND A FEW TERMINALS, AND THE CAR NOW RUNS SUCCESSFULLY.
PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED EVERY YEAR. SOMETIMES SOONER. THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM CONNECTOR MELTED.
RIGHT FRONT SEAT INDICATOR LIGHT TURNS OFF AND ON WHILE SAT ON
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 20-60 MINUTES LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TES…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 20-60 MINUTES LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED ON TWO SEPARATE OIL CHANGE INTERVALS, METAL SHAVINGS WERE FOUND IN THE OIL FILTER AND OIL PAN. CREWS CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 8199 RIVERS AVE, NORTH CHARLESTON, SC 29406, (843) 820-7800) WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
WHEN CAR IS RUNNING, THE SERVICE AIR BAG SOON LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING.
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.