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, Exterior lighting, Nov 25, 2014
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
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 21, 2014
WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING WOULD TURN OFF AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE (STEER). THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT HAS ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL MODULE WHICH WARMS UP AND CUTS OUT THE POWER STEERING. IT WILL DISPLAY "POWER STEERING SERVICE ESC" AND SYMBOL COMES ON. THIS IS AN UNEXPECTED ONGOING PROBLEM LIKE IN THE MORNING IT WILL BE O.K. BUT LATE IN THE AFTERNOON IT COULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 14, 2014
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.
Service brakes, Nov 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENGAGING THE BRAKES, A GRINDING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52.
Steering, Air bags, Nov 6, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING COLUMN DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH LANDED ON THE CONTACT'S LAP. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IF THE STEERING AIR BAG DEPLOYED, HE WOULD HAVE SUSTAINED POSSIBLE FATAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BACK BRUISES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 4, 2014, crash
2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BODY CONTROL MODULE RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND CAUSED HIM TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. THE CONSUMER SENT IN A RECALL NOTICE ALONG WITH HIS COMPLAINT. *JB
Air bags, Oct 31, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Air bags, Oct 29, 2014
MY SERVICE AIRBAG MESSAGE KEEPS POPPING UP OFF AND ON. IT HAS FOR WEEKS NOW? IT SEEMS THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN ON THE RECALL LIST SEVERAL TIMES FOR DIFFERENT ISSUES? I HAVE KEPT MY VEHICLE MAINTENANCE UP TO DATE AS I SHOULD HOWEVER THINGS LIKE THIS KEEP HAPPENING! NOT TO MENTION THE BUZZING NOISE I BEGAN HEARING IN THE BACK OF THE CAR A COUPLE MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED IT BUT YOU ALL CLAIMED YOU COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THIS IS EXTREMELY DISCOURAGING! PLEASE LET US KNOW HOW THESE ISSUES CAN BE TAKEN CARE OF AS THIS IS A HUGE INCONVENIENCE AND EXTREMELY UNSAFE! THANK YOU. *TR
Air bags, Oct 27, 2014
THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT CONSTANTLY COMES ON AND OFF, AND TO BE HONEST IT MAKES ME A LITTLE WORRIED. ESPECIALLY WITH ALL THE RECALLS GOING ON. IT WILL COME ON AND STAY ON FOR 5-30 MIN AND GO OFF AND SO ON. WE HAVE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AS WELL AND STILL HAVE. VERY UNHAPPY WITH IT. WILL BE HAPPY FOR A NEW VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Air bags, Oct 24, 2014, crash
I WAS REAR ENDED AND THE STEERING WHEEL AND SHAFT COMPLETELY DISLODGED ONTO MY LAP .THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS PUSHED APPROXIMATELY 150 FT. AND THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD HAVE STEERED IF THERE WAS ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING UP THE HIGHWAY. IF AIRBAG WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS INJURY TO MYSELF. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL , EXTERIOR LIGHTING , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.
Air bags, Oct 15, 2014
REPAIR AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN TURNING CAR ON. THE LIGHT BEEPS MAJORITY OF THE TIME THE CAR IS RUNNING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 14, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED CAUSING ANOTHER VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. AFTER THE CRASH, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Air bags, Wheels, Service brakes, Oct 14, 2014
WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN, VEHICLE DOES NOT HANDLE WELL IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. HAS ISSUE WITH BRAKING, TIRES SKID. WHEN I HIT THE GAS PEDAL AFTER A STOP, THE TIRES SKID. . RECENTLY HAS A ALIGNMENT DONE, AND THE TIRES ARE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. THOUGHT MAYBE THAT WAS THE ISSUE, I WAS WRONG. VEHICLE HAD RECENT INSPECTION "BRAKES ARE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. VEHICLE HAS HAD ISSUES SINCE PURCHASE. MY FAMILY AND I WERE BELTED IN AS ALWAYS, WHILE DRIVING THE DASH CONSOLE LIGHT CAME ON "SERVICE AIR BAG" THE LIGHT STAYED ON CONSTANT FOR APPROX. 30 MIN THEN WENT OUT. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALER AND WILL HAVE VEHICLE CHECKED AT APPOINTMENT IN 2 WEEKS. *TR
Power train, Oct 9, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE FROM A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 3, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) HAD EXCEEDED THE REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Oct 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Electrical system, Oct 3, 2014
I HAVE A 2012 CHEVROLET MAILBU WHERE THE KEY IS GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION. REALLY HARD TO GET OFF OF ACC WITHOUT JIGGLING GEAR SHIFTER AND TURNING WHEELS. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. THERE IS A RECALL ALREADY INITIATED BUT NOT FOR MY YEAR OF CAR! *TR
Service brakes, Sep 30, 2014
I GOT A RECALL ON MY CAR AND WAS TOLD BY MY DEALER, BEST CHEVROLET, MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL. THEN I RECEIVE A SECOND NOTICE ALONG WITH A REIMBURSEMENT FORM. I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW I DON'T FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE DRIVING AROUND IN A CAR THAT MAY BE A ACCIDENT LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO HAPPEN. *TR
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 27, 2014
IN JUNE 2014 CAR WOULDN'T START AFTER SITTING 4 HOURS TOWED IN SAID THEFT SYSTEM MADE NEW KEY WHICH I HAD TO PAY FOR, TOWED IN AGAIN 3 DAYS LATER SAME PROBLEM, STARTED FOR DEALER IN AM ANOTHER $120. 4 DAYS APPROX LATER AGAIN GOT TO WORK THEN WOULDN'T START. REPLACED REAR U-BEC, WIRING HARNESS JUNCTION BLOCK, RELAY, BECAUSE MELTED CONNECTOR WITH FIVE LEADS 30 AMP FUSE. THEN 9/23/2014 CAR STARTED GOT TO DAYCARE WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF BEING OFF NO START. WAITED THEN STARTED TEN MINUTES LATER. 9/272014 GOT TO WORK LUNCH TIME NO START SAME WANTED TO START LIKE GETTING NO FUEL THEN 3 HOURS LATER STARTED DROVE TO DEALER. *TR
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Sep 22, 2014
VEHICLE HIGH MOUNT THIRD BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE AFTER 60,000 MILES. MAY AFFECT VISIBILITY WHEN STOPPING. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Sep 15, 2014
WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL IS ENGAGED WHEN YOU TOUCH THE GAS PEDAL AFTER A COMPLETE STOP IF THERE IS A LIGHT COATING OF MOISTURE ON THE ROAD SURFACE THE VEHICLE WILL SLIDE TO THE RIGHT. THIS HAPPENS ALL OF THE TIME. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION AND THEY MADE NOTE OF IT. AS A RESULT I TURN THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF AS I AM AFRAID AN ACCIDENT MAY OCCUR. *TR
Steering, Sep 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WANDERED OUT OF LANE INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO NOTICED THAT BOTH FRONT INNER TIE RODS WERE PROTRUDED OUTWARD WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO BOTH FRONT TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Air bags, Sep 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 8, 2014
IN 8/25/2014 IT STARTED WHEN MY WIFE WANT TO START THE CAR AND IT DIDN'T JUST CRANKS BUT WONT STARTED, IT DID AFTER A FEW TRIES, AND THEN HAPPENED AGAIN THE SAME DAY TO MY SON AND AFTER A LITTLE WHILE IT STARTED RIGHT BACK, AND THAT SAME WEEK I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HR.AND ALL OF SUDDEN IT JUST DIED WITH NO CODES OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DISPLAYED,IT IS TOO DANGEROUS THAT HAPPEN IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAIN ROAD BECAUSE IT DIDN'T WANT TO RE START I HAVE TO PUSH IT ACROSS OF THE ROAD WITH ALL THIS CARS BEHIND YOU AND BE AFRAID OF BEING HIT.IT SEEMS THAT IT BEEN MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY HAPPENING THIS WEEK AND TAKES LONGER WAIT TO RE START IT, I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF IS A DEFECT OF THIS MALIBU 2012 I. I HEARD THAT MALIBU'S HAVE A ISSUE WITH THE ANTITHEFT SYSTEM. WE SCANNED COMPUTER HISTORY AND IT SHOWS ANTITHEFT HISTORY STORED ON IT. AM AFRAID OF GO INTO EXPRESSWAY AND RUN INTO AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE HELP MY CAR IS A 2012 IMPALA WITH 65000 MILES ON IT. *TR