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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 →

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

What owners actually said

906 reports
43,820 miles · Nov 25, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

THE INTERIOR LIGHT PANEL WENT COMPLETELY DARK, AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT LIT UP AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY LATELY. THE RADIO STOPS PLAYING AND THE PANEL READS"AUXILIARY MODE". I HAVE TO TURN THE RADIO OFF AND ON FOR IT TO START PLAYING AGAIN. IT IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. WHEN I PLUG IN MY AUXILIARY CORD…

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THE INTERIOR LIGHT PANEL WENT COMPLETELY DARK, AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT LIT UP AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY LATELY. THE RADIO STOPS PLAYING AND THE PANEL READS"AUXILIARY MODE". I HAVE TO TURN THE RADIO OFF AND ON FOR IT TO START PLAYING AGAIN. IT IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. WHEN I PLUG IN MY AUXILIARY CORD TO LISTEN TO MY IPOD, IT SHORTS OUT. THE CLICKER TO UNLOCK/LOCK THE CAR STOPPED WORKING SO I WENT TO GET A NEW BATTERY. THEY TESTED THE BATTERY AND SAID IT WAS FINE. MY REAR DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10660773

51,250 miles · Nov 21, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING WOULD TURN OFF AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE (STEER). THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT HAS ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL MODULE WHICH WARMS UP AND CUTS OUT THE POWER STEERING. IT WILL DISPLAY "POWER STEERING SERVICE ESC" AND SYMBOL COMES ON. THIS IS AN UNEXPECTED ONGOING PROBLEM LIKE IN THE MORNING IT WI…

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WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING WOULD TURN OFF AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE (STEER). THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT HAS ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL MODULE WHICH WARMS UP AND CUTS OUT THE POWER STEERING. IT WILL DISPLAY "POWER STEERING SERVICE ESC" AND SYMBOL COMES ON. THIS IS AN UNEXPECTED ONGOING PROBLEM LIKE IN THE MORNING IT WILL BE O.K. BUT LATE IN THE AFTERNOON IT COULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10660036

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE MONTHS …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE MONTHS BEFORE AN APPOINTMENT COULD BE SCHEDULED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #10655047

52 miles · Nov 7, 2014
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENGAGING THE BRAKES, A GRINDING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52.

NHTSA ODI #10653482

33,000 miles · Nov 6, 2014
Air BagsSteeringCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING COLUMN DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH LANDED ON THE CONTACT'S LAP. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING COLUMN DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH LANDED ON THE CONTACT'S LAP. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IF THE STEERING AIR BAG DEPLOYED, HE WOULD HAVE SUSTAINED POSSIBLE FATAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BACK BRUISES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

NHTSA ODI #10653107

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)CrashInjury

2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BODY CONTROL MODULE RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND CAUSED HIM TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. THE CONSUMER SENT IN A RECALL NOTICE ALONG WITH HIS COMPLAINT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10651200

70,000 miles · Oct 31, 2014
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10651572

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2014
Air Bags

MY SERVICE AIRBAG MESSAGE KEEPS POPPING UP OFF AND ON. IT HAS FOR WEEKS NOW? IT SEEMS THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN ON THE RECALL LIST SEVERAL TIMES FOR DIFFERENT ISSUES? I HAVE KEPT MY VEHICLE MAINTENANCE UP TO DATE AS I SHOULD HOWEVER THINGS LIKE THIS KEEP HAPPENING! NOT TO MENTION THE BUZZING NOISE I BEGAN HEARING IN THE BACK OF THE …

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MY SERVICE AIRBAG MESSAGE KEEPS POPPING UP OFF AND ON. IT HAS FOR WEEKS NOW? IT SEEMS THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN ON THE RECALL LIST SEVERAL TIMES FOR DIFFERENT ISSUES? I HAVE KEPT MY VEHICLE MAINTENANCE UP TO DATE AS I SHOULD HOWEVER THINGS LIKE THIS KEEP HAPPENING! NOT TO MENTION THE BUZZING NOISE I BEGAN HEARING IN THE BACK OF THE CAR A COUPLE MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED IT BUT YOU ALL CLAIMED YOU COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THIS IS EXTREMELY DISCOURAGING! PLEASE LET US KNOW HOW THESE ISSUES CAN BE TAKEN CARE OF AS THIS IS A HUGE INCONVENIENCE AND EXTREMELY UNSAFE! THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10651023

80,000 miles · Oct 27, 2014
Air Bags

THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT CONSTANTLY COMES ON AND OFF, AND TO BE HONEST IT MAKES ME A LITTLE WORRIED. ESPECIALLY WITH ALL THE RECALLS GOING ON. IT WILL COME ON AND STAY ON FOR 5-30 MIN AND GO OFF AND SO ON. WE HAVE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AS WELL AND STILL HAVE. VERY UNHAPPY WITH IT. WILL BE HAPPY FOR A NEW VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10650501

33,000 miles · Oct 24, 2014
Air BagsSteeringCrash

I WAS REAR ENDED AND THE STEERING WHEEL AND SHAFT COMPLETELY DISLODGED ONTO MY LAP .THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS PUSHED APPROXIMATELY 150 FT. AND THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD HAVE STEERED IF THERE WAS ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING UP THE HIGHWAY. IF AIRBAG WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS INJURY TO MYSELF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10649804

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.