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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
14,574 miles · Sep 5, 2012
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

I AM EXPERIENCING ERRATIC THROTTLE RESPONSE AND ERRATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS IN MY 2012 MALIBU. THE INCONSISTENT DELAYS IN THROTTLE RESPONSE POSE A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS ISSUE IS COMPOUNDED WHEN IT AFFECTS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. WHEN YOU PUSH THE ACCELERATOR YOU DO NOT KNOW IF YOU WILL GET IMMEDIATE RESPONSE, OR DELAYED RESPONSE,…

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I AM EXPERIENCING ERRATIC THROTTLE RESPONSE AND ERRATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS IN MY 2012 MALIBU. THE INCONSISTENT DELAYS IN THROTTLE RESPONSE POSE A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS ISSUE IS COMPOUNDED WHEN IT AFFECTS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. WHEN YOU PUSH THE ACCELERATOR YOU DO NOT KNOW IF YOU WILL GET IMMEDIATE RESPONSE, OR DELAYED RESPONSE, NOR HOW SUDDEN THAT RESPONSE MIGHT BE TO THE EXTENT OF ALMOST LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ARE NOT CONSISTENT. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE I HAVE HAD IT SHIFT 2 GEAR DOWN, AND OTHER TIMES IT HAS NOT SHIFTED UP TO A HIGHER GEAR. WHEN BOTH ISSUES OCCUR AT ONCE IT IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. THE ONLY REASON THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT IS THE OTHER DRIVERS REALIZED SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND WERE ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND AVOID HITTING ME BY DRIVING AROUND ME ON THE SHOULDER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10473923

Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2012
Seats

I AM JUST WANTING TO EXPRESS MY FEELINGS CONCERNING THE HEADRESTS. I AM 5' 4" TALL AND THE HEADREST IS THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE THING, IT PUSHES YOUR HEAD FORWARD. IF I WERE HIT HARD, THERE ISN'T SUPPORT AND I WOULD PROBABLY BREAK MY NECK OR HAVE A NECK INJURY. . THE ONLY REMEDY, IS TO TURN IT AROUND AND THEN YOU HAVE NO SUPPORT. …

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I AM JUST WANTING TO EXPRESS MY FEELINGS CONCERNING THE HEADRESTS. I AM 5' 4" TALL AND THE HEADREST IS THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE THING, IT PUSHES YOUR HEAD FORWARD. IF I WERE HIT HARD, THERE ISN'T SUPPORT AND I WOULD PROBABLY BREAK MY NECK OR HAVE A NECK INJURY. . THE ONLY REMEDY, IS TO TURN IT AROUND AND THEN YOU HAVE NO SUPPORT. I DO NOT OWN THIS VEHICLE, IT IS A RENTAL. I WOULD NOT BUY ONE AT THIS POINT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10469654

2,255 miles · Aug 7, 2012
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FOOT LEVER FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE FOOT LEVER WAS DEPRESSED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LEVER. THE REMEDY FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FOOT LEVER FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE FOOT LEVER WAS DEPRESSED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LEVER. THE REMEDY FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,255.

NHTSA ODI #10469556

500 miles · Jun 25, 2012
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN A CLICKING SOUND EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN A CLICKING SOUND EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 550.

NHTSA ODI #10462996

64 miles · Feb 26, 2012
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH 64 MILES. WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL ROAD, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE ACCELERATOR STOPPED WORKING. AFTER I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, IT WOULD NOT COME BACK ON. THIS CERTAINLY COULD HAVE BEEN A SAFETY ISSUE HAD I LOST CONTROL ON A MORE TRAVELED STREET. COINCIDENTALLY,…

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A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH 64 MILES. WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL ROAD, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE ACCELERATOR STOPPED WORKING. AFTER I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, IT WOULD NOT COME BACK ON. THIS CERTAINLY COULD HAVE BEEN A SAFETY ISSUE HAD I LOST CONTROL ON A MORE TRAVELED STREET. COINCIDENTALLY, THE ONLY OTHER COMPLAINT LISTED ON NHTSA FOR THIS VEHICLE IS FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10449368

Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2011
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

THIS CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AS IT BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN ON A BUSY STREET, AND THEN WOULD NOT DRIVE. THE CAR CONTINUED TO RUN, BUT WOULD NOT GO FORWARD, EVEN AFTER GAS PEDAL WAS PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. IT, IN FACT, STARTED COASTING BACKWARDS WHEN IT WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. NO INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY, AND WITHOUT…

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THIS CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AS IT BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN ON A BUSY STREET, AND THEN WOULD NOT DRIVE. THE CAR CONTINUED TO RUN, BUT WOULD NOT GO FORWARD, EVEN AFTER GAS PEDAL WAS PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. IT, IN FACT, STARTED COASTING BACKWARDS WHEN IT WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. NO INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING. SERVICE DPT. AT DEALERSHIP CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG. WE FEEL THAT THIS BRAND NEW CAR HAS A FAULTY COMPUTER SYSTEM AND IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THE CAR IS RUNNING FINE AT PRESENT, BUT THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. IT POSES A SAFETY HAZARD, AND NEITHER CHEVY OR GM ARE WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. MY DAUGHTER IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10438656

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.