IllustrationLETTER FROM CONGRESSWOMAN FOXX ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2012 MALIBU STEERING COLUMN RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB
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 reportsPULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL DOES A QUICK JERK, MY TRACTION LIGHT LUMINATES AND THEN SERVICE ESC COMES UP ON THE DISPLAY AND THEN POWER STEERING SHOWS ON THE DISPLAY AND AT THAT POINT IOST POWER STEERING ASSIST AND AT THIS POINT I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL AT ALL, I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR…
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PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL DOES A QUICK JERK, MY TRACTION LIGHT LUMINATES AND THEN SERVICE ESC COMES UP ON THE DISPLAY AND THEN POWER STEERING SHOWS ON THE DISPLAY AND AT THAT POINT IOST POWER STEERING ASSIST AND AT THIS POINT I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL AT ALL, I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR AT THIS POINT. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURNED IT OFF FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON AND POWER STEERING WAS BACK. THIS IS UNEXCEPTABLE...WHAT IF I HAD BEEN ON THE FREE WAY GOING 70 MILES PER HOUR AND LOST POWER STEERING. THIS VERY ISSUE WAS A RECALL ON THE RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 AND 2008-2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU(S) AND OBVIOUSLY IT IS STILL AN ISSUE WITH THE 2012 MODEL. I HAVE HAD NO ISSUES WITH STEERING PRIOR TO THS DAY IT HAPPENED 10/30/16 AND NO WARRING POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS GOING TO FAIL. FIX IT ONCE AND FOR ALL GM. DO YOUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR WORSE IN ORDER FOR YOU TO GET THIS RIGHT!!!! NOW WE HAVE TO FIND THE POWER STEERING UNIT AND GET IT FIXED BECAUSE MY CAR IS LITERALLY A DEATH TRAP. ALSO, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS (DOME) AND HEADLIGHTS START FLICKERING AFTER 10 MINS TO 60 MINS INTO MY DRIVE LIKE THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. ALSO, THE REAR DEFROST STOPPED WORKING AND I CAN'T SEE OUT THE REAR WINDOW, I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN TO TRY AND HURRY THE PROCESS ALONG AND THAT IS NOT FUN WHEN IT IS FREEZING OUT SIDE!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 01/25/2017*CT UPDATED 6/29/18*JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE SECURITY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE SECURITY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, THE ESC AND TRACTION CONTROL WERE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, THE ESC AND TRACTION CONTROL WERE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE SPRING FAILED OR FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
SEVERAL SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED. THE SYSTEMS AFFECTED ARE THE RADIO CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL, THE POWER STEERING, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE REAR DEFROST. THERE SEEMS TO BE A SHORT THAT GOES FROM SYSTEM TO SYSTEM. MODERN CHEVROLET IN WINSTON SALEM, NC SAID IT WAS A SHORT IN WIRES ON THE STEERING COLUMN THAT WAS CAU…
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SEVERAL SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED. THE SYSTEMS AFFECTED ARE THE RADIO CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL, THE POWER STEERING, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE REAR DEFROST. THERE SEEMS TO BE A SHORT THAT GOES FROM SYSTEM TO SYSTEM. MODERN CHEVROLET IN WINSTON SALEM, NC SAID IT WAS A SHORT IN WIRES ON THE STEERING COLUMN THAT WAS CAUSING THIS. THERE ARE THREE RECALLS THAT WOULD DEAL WITH THIS. THE RECALLS ARE FOR STEERING, TRACTION CONTROL AND FINALLY WIRING. BOTH MODERN CHEVROLET AND CHEVROLET CORPORATE HAVE SAID MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED DUE TO THE VIN #. I DO NOT SEE WHERE THAT MATTERS. IF A PART IS BAD THEN ALL VEHICLES THAT PART IS USED ON SHOULD BE COVERED NO MATTER WHAT. THE STEERING WAS THE MOST AFFECTED. THE POWER STEERING WOULD GO OUT AND IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TOO SEVERAL PLACES WHERE THEY SAY THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE BUT THEY CAN NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM.
THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME I AM PUT IN A NEW HEAD LIGHT ON THIS DRIVER SIDE . I HAVE ALSO CHANGE THE WIRING ON BOTH SIDE . THE WIRING KEEP BURNING OUT . HAVE TO CHANGE THE WIRING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AGAIN BURNED OUT AGAIN. THESE BULB ARE $ 21.00 EACH TITLE OF $ 80.00 PLUSE WIRING AT $18.00 EACH =$ 36.00. ALL THIS IN 3 MONTHS . THIS…
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THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME I AM PUT IN A NEW HEAD LIGHT ON THIS DRIVER SIDE . I HAVE ALSO CHANGE THE WIRING ON BOTH SIDE . THE WIRING KEEP BURNING OUT . HAVE TO CHANGE THE WIRING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AGAIN BURNED OUT AGAIN. THESE BULB ARE $ 21.00 EACH TITLE OF $ 80.00 PLUSE WIRING AT $18.00 EACH =$ 36.00. ALL THIS IN 3 MONTHS . THIS IS CRAZY. I AM ON A FIXED INCOME . PLEASE TELL ME THIS IS ON THE RECALL LIST . I CAN NOT KEEP PUTTING LIGHTS AND WIRING IN THIS CAR . I HAVE TO FINISH PAYING FOR IT AS WELL. RECALL NO. IS 13036.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED AND NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES WERE SHOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED AND NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES WERE SHOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
WHILE IN MOTION MORE THAN TWO DOZEN TIMES ON CITY STREETS, ON BUSY HIGHWAYS AND WHILE TURNING IN A BUSY INTERSECTION WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR. 2012 CHEVY MALIBU STOPS WHILE IN MOTION ON THE ABOVE STATED STREETS, HIGHWAYS AND INTERSECTIONS. READ WHERE SOMEONE BEAT ON THE REAR FUSE BOX THEN CAR STARTS SO I TRIED IT AND IT WORKS FO…
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WHILE IN MOTION MORE THAN TWO DOZEN TIMES ON CITY STREETS, ON BUSY HIGHWAYS AND WHILE TURNING IN A BUSY INTERSECTION WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR. 2012 CHEVY MALIBU STOPS WHILE IN MOTION ON THE ABOVE STATED STREETS, HIGHWAYS AND INTERSECTIONS. READ WHERE SOMEONE BEAT ON THE REAR FUSE BOX THEN CAR STARTS SO I TRIED IT AND IT WORKS FOR A LITTLE WHILE BUT DOESNT SOLVE SAID PROBLEM. CHECKED BATTERY. BATTERY IS GOOD. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ESC LIGHT STAYS ON. ESC LIGHT ONLY GOES OFF AT HIGH MPH. HAVE TO LET CAR SIT FOR AWHILE TO START BEFORE KNEW ABOUT FUSE BOX TRICK. SOMEONE THAT TRIED TO HELP ME GET OFF MIDDLE OF BUSY STREET SAID IT SOUNDS LIKE A FUEL DELIVERY PROBLEM.
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.