2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 906 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 50 involved a crash and 13 involved a fire. 35 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seat beltsMay 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.
If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 15V269000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringJul 21, 2014
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
Campaign 14E044000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 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.
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 14V252000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
906 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. APPROXIMATELY FIVE SECONDS LATER, THE ENGINE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND A DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE LOST ENGINE POWER, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS AND AIR CONDITIONING STILL FUNCTIONED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.
Seat belts, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 4, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SERVICE ELECTRONIC STABILITY TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT FLASHED AS THE VEHICLES SPEED REDUCED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V269000 (SEAT BELTS) BUT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND DID NOT INDICATE A TIME FRAME THAT THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 2, 2016
DRIVING DOWN THE CITY ROAD AT 55 MPH, I HEARD THREE BELLS AND ON THE DASHBOARD IT READ "SERVICE ESC...SERVICE ESC...TRACTION CONTROL OFF" THE VEHICLE THEN SIMULTANEOUSLY BEGAN TO REDUCE ENGINE POWER AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND BECAME UNLOCKED WITHIN SECONDS. THIS CAUSED SWERVING AND A NEAR ACCIDENT. I SEE RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE BUT THE VIN DOES NOT SHOW AN OPEN RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE.
Engine, Dec 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 18, 2015
AT APPROXIMATELY 45,000-50,000 MILES "SERVICE AIRBAG" LIGHT WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. TOOK INTO DEALER, NOT COVERED BY EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE THE SEATS WERE INVOLVED WITH THE ISSUE ON SOME LEVEL. GM WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR THOUGH THE CAR WAS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD. DEALER DID SOMETHING AND LIGHT STOPPED COMING ON. NOW AT 85,000-90,000 MILES THE LIGHT IS BACK ON FOR DAYS AT A TIME. THE LIGHT ALWAYS COMES ON UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 16, 2015
HARD TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND THE TRACTION CONTROL DISABLE COMES ON AND THE BRAKES LIGHTS WILL QUIT WORKING AND THE STABILITY CONTROL SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I RESEARCHED AND I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR ALL THIS. RECALL # 14V252000 IS ALL THE SAME SYMPTOMS I AM EXPERIENCING AND I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID MY VIN IS NOT LISTED. THIS NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED TWICE DUE TO THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING WHEN IT ACTS UP
Exterior lighting, Dec 16, 2015
WATER INSIDE HEADLIGHTS. RIGHT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY REPLACED 6 MONTHS AGO, NOW HAVE WATER INSIDE LEFT HEADLIGHT, DIMS THE LIGHT, WILL HAVE TO REPLACE, WILL BE SERVICED 12-17-15. I HAVE NOTICED QUITE A FEW OF THE SAME MODEL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY GM.
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, THE A/C CONTINUED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Dec 7, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND CAUSED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO MALFUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT LATCH AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD, BACK, AND LEGS INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 7, 2015
WHILE DRIVING HOME ONE NIGHT LAST WEEK, GOING ABOUT 60 MPH, MY ENGINE CUT OFF. I HAD TO STEER THE CAR OFF THE ROAD, AND STARTED IT BACK UP. DROVE ANOTHER HALF MILE OR SO, AND THE CAR DID THE SAME THING. THIS TIME, THE CAR WOULD START THEN IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF. CAR WOULD NOT STAY CRANKED FOR MORE THAN 1 SECOND OR SO. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP THE NEXT MORNING, CAR FIXED UNDER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. THE VERY NEXT , DAY, ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A RED LIGHT. CAR WOULD NOT START BACK UP, HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE CAR FOR 5 DAYS NOW, STILL CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, EVERY TIME I HAVE REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP, AND THEY CANNOT FIX MY ISSUE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER, I HAVE INVOLVED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER CARE, AND WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM A GM CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVE.
Seat belts, Dec 4, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V269000 (SEAT BELTS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering, Dec 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE WHEEL LOCKED, WHICH MADE IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED UNKNOWN REPAIRS AND REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY DETAILS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. UPDATED 2/4/16 *CN UPDATED 02/16/16*JB
Seat belts, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 2, 2015
2012 CHEVY MALIBU ON 3RD RECALL LIST. 1. BRAKES 2. SEAT BELTS. 3. THROTTLE-POSITION SENSOR. BUT YOU SAY YOUR NOT GOING TO REPAIR 3RD ITEM UNLESS I HAVE A PROBLEM.
Steering, Service brakes, Dec 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A VIBRATING MOTION, AND STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 1, 2015
WHEN I STARTED MY CAR THIS MORNING, IT WAS RUMBLING AND SOUNDED VERY LOUD, WHEN I GOT IN THE CAR THE SERVICE ENGINE AND TRACTION LIGHTS WERE BOTH ON. THE MESSAGE READ TO SERVICE ESC. IT ALSO STATED THAT I HAD REDUCED ENGINE POWER. I DROVE TO WORK (3.5 MILES). THE CAR CRAWLED ALONG FINALLY BEING ABLE TO GET UP TO 40 MPH. I HAD TO STOP AT A MAJOR INTERSECTION WHERE 2 HIGHWAYS INTERSECT. WHILE STOPPED, MY CAR LUNGED OUT INTO THE CENTER OF TRAFFIC. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AND WAS A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. THANK GOD I DIDN'T HAVE MY 2 SONS WITH ME. ONCE I ARRIVED AT WORK, MY CAR WANTED TO AGAIN LUNGE FORWARD AS I TRIED TO PARK IT. I'VE READ ONLINE WHERE MANY CHEVROLET OWNERS WITH CARS THE SAME AGE AND SIMILAR MILES ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I ONLY HAVE 45,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHY THERE ISN'T A RECALL ON THIS VERY SERIOUS AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY ISSUE. THERE ARE SEVERAL SEMI TRUCKS THAT ARE TRAVELING THE HIGHWAY I HAD TO CROSS THIS MORNING. GM IS LUCKY THIS ISN'T ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS REPORTING A DEADLY INCIDENT TO THE MEDIA. THIS MUST BE ADDRESSED BY GM BEFORE THERE ARE CASUALTIES AND LIFE LOST. I WILL BE AWAITING A PROMPT RESPONSE.
Exterior lighting, Nov 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHT SOCKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Nov 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY HAPPENED INITIALLY AFTER DRIVING OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E044000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BCM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 02/12/16*LJ THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE SOLD THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 02/22/16.*JB
Seat belts, Nov 16, 2015
2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE RECALL NOTICE 15V269. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IT HAS BEEN ALMOST HAVE A YEAR. *JB
Air bags, Nov 16, 2015
2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER INFORMED HER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *JB
Power train, Nov 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE TRACTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE "ENGINE DISABLED" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Seat belts, Nov 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V269000 (SEAT BELTS). THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Seats, Oct 31, 2015
THE WELD ON A BAR UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING CAUSING THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO MOVE FORWARD AND TO THE RIGHT. THIS IS A 3 YR OLD VEHICLE WITH LOW MILEAGE IT SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN AND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAD A PREVIOUS MALIBU AND THIS NEVER HAPPENED. PLEASE RECALL THIS PART. I CHECKED YOUR OTHER COMPLAINTS AND IT IS COMMON!
Air bags, Engine, Oct 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE SERVICE AIR BAGS SOON WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,800.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 27, 2015
POWER ESC, TRACTION CONTROL, REDUCED POWER TO ENGINE, AND TIRE LIGHTS ALL CAME ON. CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 30 MPH. CAR WAS HESITATING AND CUTTING OFF AND ONCE PLACED IN DRIVE CAR TOOK OFF BY ITSELF WITH RPMS AT 3 AND SAME WITH REVERSE, I TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE AND CAR TOOK OFF IN REVERSE WITH RPMS A BIT OVER 2. AIR CONDITIONING WILL NOT WORK STEADILY AND ITS BEEN TO A FEW SHOPS AND BRAKES WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY AND THEY HAVE BEEN CHANGED TWICE.