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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 →
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

Steering complaints

191 reports
Clear category filter
67,000 miles · Jul 19, 2017
Electrical SystemSteering

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ONE MORNING GOING ABOUT 30MPH AND CAR JUST LOST ALL POWER , COULD NOT STEER THE CAR, PULLED OFF ROAD, WAITED ABOUT 20 MINUTES AND CAR STARTED BACK WITH NO PROBLEMS, THEN A FEW DAYS AGO WENT OUT TO START CAR AND WOULD NOT START, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD LIGHT UP BUT WOULD NOT START, HAD TO HAVE IN JUMPED O…

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I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ONE MORNING GOING ABOUT 30MPH AND CAR JUST LOST ALL POWER , COULD NOT STEER THE CAR, PULLED OFF ROAD, WAITED ABOUT 20 MINUTES AND CAR STARTED BACK WITH NO PROBLEMS, THEN A FEW DAYS AGO WENT OUT TO START CAR AND WOULD NOT START, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD LIGHT UP BUT WOULD NOT START, HAD TO HAVE IN JUMPED OFF, TOOK IT TO AUTO PLACE TO HAVE BATTERY CHECKED, BATTERY WAS FINE, DROVE IT HOME, DROVE IT THE NEXT MORNING TO WORK WITH NO PROBLEMS, THEN THAT AFTERNOON, WOULD NOT START AGAIN, HAD TO HAVE IT JUMPED OFF AGAIN, TOOK IT TO AUTO PLACE AGAIN, AND BATTERY OK, ALLTERNATOR OK , I HAVE READ SEVERAL REVIEWS ON THIS CAR AND ALL SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS, HAVE NOT TOOK IT TO MECHANIC YET, BUT AFRAID TO DRIVE IT

NHTSA ODI #11006300

94,000 miles · Jun 26, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSteeringCrash

"SERVICE ESC" LIGHT ILLUMINATES WHEN MAKING SHARP TURNS, SLOWING DOWN ON THE INTERSTATE, AS WELL AS BREAKING IN BAD WEATHER. AFTER REPLACING BRAKES TWICE AND ROTORS ONCE I SCONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM . AFTER A RECENT INQUIRY I LEARNED OF A RECALL ON "SERVICE ESC" AS WELL AS "TRACTION CONTROL".

NHTSA ODI #11001410

65,000 miles · Jun 12, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LASORSA CHEVROLET BUICK DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AN OIL PRESSURE VALVE MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LASORSA CHEVROLET BUICK DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AN OIL PRESSURE VALVE MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE OIL PRESSURE VALVE, BUT THE DEALER FAILED TO DIAGNOSE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND STEERING WHEEL FAILURES. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND STEERING WHEEL FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.

NHTSA ODI #10994467

24,000 miles · Mar 20, 2017
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LOW AND NEEDED TO BE FILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LOW AND NEEDED TO BE FILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000.

NHTSA ODI #10967359

79,900 miles · Mar 8, 2017
Steering

AS I WAS DRIVING MY CAR I HEARD A POP IN MY STEERING WHEEL AND FELT IT IN THE GAS PEDAL, AND IT KEEPS POPPING. MY STEERING WHEEL SHOULD NOT GO OUT! AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN IT LOCKED UP ON ME AND JUST KEEPS POPPING.

NHTSA ODI #10959523

90,000 miles · Mar 4, 2017
Steering

"TAKATA RECALL" STEERING WHEEL MOVING ON ITS ON LOST OF POWER STEERING OLIN AND OUT AND TRACTION WARNING ON AND OFF. STEERING WHEEL PULSATING AND TURNING ON ITS OWN WHILE STATIONARY.

NHTSA ODI #10958634

94,000 miles · Feb 7, 2017
Electrical SystemSteeringUnknown Or Other

MY CAR IS NOT WORKING THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE

NHTSA ODI #10950106

163,000 miles · Feb 3, 2017
SteeringCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 10 TO 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING POWER. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE VEERED LEFT AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED OUT OF THE DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ONLY DURING THE FAILURE. AFTER THE CRASH, THE STEERING COLUMN SH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 10 TO 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING POWER. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE VEERED LEFT AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED OUT OF THE DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ONLY DURING THE FAILURE. AFTER THE CRASH, THE STEERING COLUMN SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE AND THE POWER TORQUE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.

NHTSA ODI #10949275

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2017
Steering

TAKATA RECALL POWERSTEERING WENT OUR WHILE DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10948980

55,000 miles · Jan 24, 2017
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE AND STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. IN ADDITION, WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING RACK AND PINION FAILED A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE AND STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. IN ADDITION, WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING RACK AND PINION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E044000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

NHTSA ODI #10947469

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.