← New search

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

Electrical System complaints

290 reports
Clear category filter
67,300 miles · Mar 16, 2015
Air BagsElectrical System

WE HAVE TALKED TO OUT TWO DIFFERENT CHEVY DEALERS ABOUT THIS AND EVEN WENT THROUGH ARBITRATION OVER OUR AIRBAGS. NOTHING HAS EVER BEEN FOUND TO BE WRONG. THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AGAIN. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DISPLAY COME ON MOMENTARILY (ABOUT 60 SECONDS) AND WENT OFF…

Read full complaint

WE HAVE TALKED TO OUT TWO DIFFERENT CHEVY DEALERS ABOUT THIS AND EVEN WENT THROUGH ARBITRATION OVER OUR AIRBAGS. NOTHING HAS EVER BEEN FOUND TO BE WRONG. THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AGAIN. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DISPLAY COME ON MOMENTARILY (ABOUT 60 SECONDS) AND WENT OFF. IT CAME ON FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS AND STARTED FLASHING, THEN IT STAYED SOLID AGAIN. NOW, EVERY TIME I START THE CAR, IT IS ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10694725

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting

2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BODY CONTROL MODULE SYSTEM/ BRAKE APPLY SENSOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAITED FOR THE DETAILS TO RESTORE THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, UNABLE TO WAIT ANY LONGER, HE WAS FORCED TO SELL THE VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10666939

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting

2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WANTS TO BE REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS DUE TO RECALL FOR VEHICLE. *TA

NHTSA ODI #10663892

86,000 miles · Jan 23, 2015
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS , I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR STARTING. I WOULD DRIVE TO WORK FINE BUT WHEN I WOULD LEAVE FROM WORK MY CAR WOULDN'T START. INITIALLY, I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY SO I HAD IT JUMPED. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO AUTOZONE TO HAVE THE BATTERY TESTED. I WAS TOLD THE BATTERY WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. MY FATHER AD…

Read full complaint

FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS , I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR STARTING. I WOULD DRIVE TO WORK FINE BUT WHEN I WOULD LEAVE FROM WORK MY CAR WOULDN'T START. INITIALLY, I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY SO I HAD IT JUMPED. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO AUTOZONE TO HAVE THE BATTERY TESTED. I WAS TOLD THE BATTERY WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. MY FATHER ADVISED TO PUT HEET FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER AS IT WAS EXTREMELY COLD AND HE THOUGHT MAYBE WATER GOT INTO THE FUEL LINE. WELL THAT SAME DAY AFTER STOPPING TO PICK UP MY CHILD FOR 5 MINUTES I SHUT THE CAR OFF. IT WOULDN'T START. I CALLED THE TOW COMPANY BUT AFTER WAITING ON HOLD 20 MINUTES LATER I START MY CAR AT THE DIRECTION OF THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TECH. IT STARTED. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER BUT I LET IT SIT AND TRIED IT AGAIN. CAR RAN FINE FOR A WEEK THEN AS I WAS LEAVING FOR LUNCH TODAY IT WOULDN'T START. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. COME TO FIND OUT THAT THE FUEL WIRES MELTED ONTO THE FUEL BOX AND THEY HAD NO IDEA WHY. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SERIOUS MATTER BECAUSE I WONDER WHAT WOULD'VE HAPPENED HAD I CONTINUE DRIVING WITH MELTED WIRES ON THE FUEL BOX. SOUNDS LIKE A FIRE WAITING TO HAPPEN. I FELT THAT THIS IS SOME TYPE OF DEFECT BECAUSE THAT ISN'T NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10678648

60,000 miles · Jan 12, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT LOCKSMITH WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A METAL PIECE INSIDE THE IGNITION CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT LOCKSMITH WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A METAL PIECE INSIDE THE IGNITION CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #10671870

7,000 miles · Jan 12, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineFire

DRIVING INTO TOWN, ALERTED BY PEDESTRIAN THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE UNDERNEATH. EVERYTHING FAILED, WHILE I TRIED TO PULL OFF THE ROADWAY. HAD TO KICK OUT THE WINDOW TO GET OUT. WHEN I BARELY GOT OUT, THE ENTIRE CAR WAS IN FULL BLAZE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10671834

37,500 miles · Dec 31, 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 "AUXILLARY MODE"AND THEN BACK TO RADIO, THEN BACK TO "AUXILLARY MODE". I HAVE TO TURN THE RADIO OFF AND ON FOR IT TO START PLAYING AGAIN. IT IS HAPPENING …

Read full complaint

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 "AUXILLARY MODE"AND THEN BACK TO RADIO, THEN BACK TO "AUXILLARY 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 AUXILLARY CORD TO LISTEN TO MY IPOD, IT SHORTS OUT. THE CLICKER TO UNLOCK/LOCK THE CAR STOPPED WORKING AS WELL, SO I WENT TO GET A NEW BATERY. THEY TESTED THE BATTERY AND SAID IT WAS FINE. ALSO MY REAR DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK AT ALL NOW. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10669354

35,000 miles · Dec 22, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY AND VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON A DAILY BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW THEFT DE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY AND VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON A DAILY BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW THEFT DETERRENT MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA ODI #10667688

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…

Read full complaint

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

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 …

Read full complaint

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

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.