SkipThatYearREAL DATA. SMARTER CAR DECISIONS.
← 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 →
906Owner complaints

Model-year median: 310.5

2Recall campaigns

View recall details →

0Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
1,509
20091,360
2010977
2011906
2012835
2013351
2014270
2015
Compare all Malibu years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Electrical System
290Exterior Lighting
202Steering
191Electronic Stability Control (esc)
129Air Bags
101
All reported categories
Engine
99Service Brakes
65Vehicle Speed Control
52Fuel/propulsion System
51Unknown Or Other
51Power Train
49Seat Belts
47Seats
36Visibility/wiper
27Wheels
19Structure
16Suspension
10Traction Control System
10Service Brakes, Hydraulic
8Fuel System, Gasoline
5Visibility
4Engine And Engine Cooling
3Tires
2Child Seat
1Equipment
1Lane Departure
1Latches/locks/linkages
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

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

Seat Belts complaints

47 reports
Clear category filter
48,000 miles · Jun 24, 2015
Seat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT BEGAN TO MOVE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SLEEVE COVERING THE FLEXIBLE STEEL CABLES WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V269000 …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT BEGAN TO MOVE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SLEEVE COVERING THE FLEXIBLE STEEL CABLES WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V269000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE RECALL WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

NHTSA ODI #10730147

55,000 miles · Jun 22, 2015
Air BagsSeat BeltsStructureCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN THE FRONT DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED ME…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN THE FRONT DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

NHTSA ODI #10726673

48,000 miles · Jun 18, 2015
Electrical SystemSeat BeltsVisibilityFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR DEFROSTED FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE FUSES AND NOTICED SPARKS. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR DEFROSTED FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE FUSES AND NOTICED SPARKS. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO REPLACED THE FUSE OR JUNCTION BOX. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V269000 (SEAT BELTS) AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. ...UPDATED 02/19/16 *BF UPDATED 10/25/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10726082

24,945 miles · Apr 11, 2015
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeat BeltsCrashInjury

MY SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS COMING ON EVER SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR AND I TOOK IT TO KOONS FOR SERVICE AND I WAS TOLD ONE WHEEL WAS MOVING FASTER THEN ANOTHER NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT THEN ON 06/18/2014 IWAS HIT BY A CHEVY SILVERADO THAT RAN A LIGHT AND I WAS DOING 45 MILES AN HOUR I HAD MY GRANDDAUGHTER IN HER SAFETY SEAT I…

Read full complaint

MY SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS COMING ON EVER SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR AND I TOOK IT TO KOONS FOR SERVICE AND I WAS TOLD ONE WHEEL WAS MOVING FASTER THEN ANOTHER NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT THEN ON 06/18/2014 IWAS HIT BY A CHEVY SILVERADO THAT RAN A LIGHT AND I WAS DOING 45 MILES AN HOUR I HAD MY GRANDDAUGHTER IN HER SAFETY SEAT IN THE BACK NONE OF MY AIR BAGS WORKED NOR DID MY SEAT BELTS MY GRAND DAUGHTER HIT THE BACK OF THE SEATS.NOW MY CAR IS FLASHING THE CODES AGAIN NOW THAT ITS FIXED AND SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING .ITS PART OF THE GM RECALL FOR THE UPPER WIRE HARNESS BUT THEY ARE SAYING IT ISN'T AND THEY ARE NOT STANDING BUY THE WARRANTY THIS DEFECT ALMOST KILLED US AND STILL IS ALMOST KILLING US BY SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COMING ON PLUS AIR BAG LIGHTS SAYING AIR BAGS ARE SHUTTING DOWN .SO THAT MEANS THE AIR BAGS IF WE NEEDED THEM WOULD NOT HELP US AGAIN IF NEEDED.WE WERE VERY BADLY HURT THE LAST TIME AND I NEED GM TO STEP UP AND REIMBURSE US FOR OUR INJURIES AND FOR MAKING US STILL RIDE IN AN UNSAFE CAR THAT THEY NOW IS ON THE RECALL LIST BUT THEY KEEP SAYING ITS NOT.MY CAR IS STILL IN SERVICE AND SERVICE IS SAYING IT IS PART OF THE RECALL BIT GM WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. .. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10705120

15,500 miles · Jul 12, 2014
Seat BeltsCrashInjury

MY HUSBAND AND WERE TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON I-95 AROUND WILMINGTON DE. TRAFFIC HAD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, WE WERE AT A STANDSTILL WHEN WE WERE REAR-ENDED IN A FIVE CAR / TWO TRACTOR TRAILER PILE UP. MY HUSBAND, SEAT BELTED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, STRUCK HIS HEAD ON THE DASHBOARD CAUSING A CONCUSSION, WHIPLASH, AND BACK PAIN. …

Read full complaint

MY HUSBAND AND WERE TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON I-95 AROUND WILMINGTON DE. TRAFFIC HAD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, WE WERE AT A STANDSTILL WHEN WE WERE REAR-ENDED IN A FIVE CAR / TWO TRACTOR TRAILER PILE UP. MY HUSBAND, SEAT BELTED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, STRUCK HIS HEAD ON THE DASHBOARD CAUSING A CONCUSSION, WHIPLASH, AND BACK PAIN. HIS SEATBELT FAILED TO LOCK INTO PLACE, RESULTING IN HIM BEING THROWN FORWARD INTO THE DASHBOARD AND SUSTAINING THE ABOVE INJURIES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10610037

770 miles · Jun 25, 2013
Seat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE LAP SEAT BELT FAILED TO TIGHTEN AND BECAME LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DETENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REP…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE LAP SEAT BELT FAILED TO TIGHTEN AND BECAME LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DETENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 770 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,200. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10521686

15,000 miles · May 6, 2013
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING 47 MPH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT TIGHTEN AROUND THE PASSENGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING 47 MPH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT TIGHTEN AROUND THE PASSENGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK, BACK AND HIP INJURIES. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK, BACK AND ANKLE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER HOWEVER, THE SEATBELT AND AIR BAG FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10510807

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.