2012 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has 1,458 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve electrical system and exterior lighting.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 1,458 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
279 19.1%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
194 13.3%
STEERING
184 12.6%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
128 8.8%
ENGINE
99 6.8%
Quick Insights
The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 19.1% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 50 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has 1,458 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 19% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (279), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (194), STEERING (184).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 817 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 31 of 31 systems
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
41 Reports16% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH 64 MILES. WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL ROAD, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE ACCELERATOR STOPPED WORKING. AFTER I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, IT WOULD NOT COME BACK ON. THIS CERTAINLY COULD HAVE BEEN A SAFETY ISSUE HAD I LOST CONTROL ON A MORE TRAVELED STREET. COINCIDENTALLY, THE ONLY OTHER COMPLAINT LISTED ON NHTSA FOR THIS VEHICLE IS FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. *TR
2/26/2012
WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE HIGHWAY, I HAD A NUMBER OF FUNCTIONS STOP WORKING. THE PROBLEM COULD COME AND GO FOR A WEEK BEFORE IT HAPPENED ON ALL IGNITION CYCLES. NOTE, THE PROBLEM COULD EVEN COME AND GO ON 1 IGNITION CYCLE. THE FOLLOWING STOPPED WORKING: WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HEATED SEATS, POWER WINDOWS/SUNROOF, POWER DOORS, POWER MIRRORS, BLUE TOOTH INTERFACE, DOME LIGHTS AND MIRROR / COMPASS. DEALER HAS REPLACED BODY CONTROL MODULE AND VPM. FIXES SEEM TO WORK FOR APPROXIMATELY 10-12 WEEKS BEFORE ISSUES RESURFACE. *TR
1/22/2013
AIR BAGS
33 Reports13% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, WHILE APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP SIGNAL ANOTHER VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE ROAD CAUSING THE FRONT END TO CRASH INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER'S SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
9/27/2012
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING EAST DOWN HWY-40 TOWARD SALINA, KS. SHE HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET ON 60 MPH. SHE BEGAN TO HAVE A EPILEPTIC SEIZURE (SHE WAS CLEARED BY HER DOCTOR TO DRIVE PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT) AT THAT POINT THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOWLY DRIFT OF TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR DROVE OVER A CULVER, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR STRUCK AT CONCRETE FORM AND SENT THE CAR ROLLING OF INTO A FIELD THE CAR ROLLED FOUR TIMES. AFTER THE FOURTH ROLL THE CAR ROLLED BACK ON TO ITS WHEELS AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE DUE TO THE CRUISE CONTROL STILL BEING ENGAGED AND DROVE 100FT BEFORE COMING TO REST ONCE IT STRUCK A CONCRETE FENCE POST. AT NO TIME DID ANY OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY NOR DID THE CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE HAS A CRASH RESPONSE SYSTEM THREW ON-STAR, AT NO TIME DID THE CRASH RESPONSE ACTIVATE. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED TO ME VIA THE SALINE COUNTY SHERIFFS. MY WIFE ONLY SUFFERED MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES. *TR
10/5/2012
SERVICE BRAKES
28 Reports11% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FOOT LEVER FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE FOOT LEVER WAS DEPRESSED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LEVER. THE REMEDY FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,255.
8/7/2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 15 MPH, HE TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AT WHICH TIME AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF EFFORT HAD TO BE APPLIED AND A LOUD CRACKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. SEVERAL REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE TO DIFFERENT COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,100. UPDATED 2/15/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE WAS REPLICATED AROUND 10/3/12 BY SERVICE MANAGER AND THEIR MECHANICCOULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE. THE GENERAL MANAGER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. AS OF 1/17/2013 THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. UPDATED 02/20/2013 *JS
11/13/2012
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
24 Reports10% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THIS CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AS IT BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN ON A BUSY STREET, AND THEN WOULD NOT DRIVE. THE CAR CONTINUED TO RUN, BUT WOULD NOT GO FORWARD, EVEN AFTER GAS PEDAL WAS PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. IT, IN FACT, STARTED COASTING BACKWARDS WHEN IT WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. NO INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING. SERVICE DPT. AT DEALERSHIP CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG. WE FEEL THAT THIS BRAND NEW CAR HAS A FAULTY COMPUTER SYSTEM AND IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THE CAR IS RUNNING FINE AT PRESENT, BUT THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. IT POSES A SAFETY HAZARD, AND NEITHER CHEVY OR GM ARE WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. MY DAUGHTER IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. *TR
12/5/2011
A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH 64 MILES. WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL ROAD, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE ACCELERATOR STOPPED WORKING. AFTER I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, IT WOULD NOT COME BACK ON. THIS CERTAINLY COULD HAVE BEEN A SAFETY ISSUE HAD I LOST CONTROL ON A MORE TRAVELED STREET. COINCIDENTALLY, THE ONLY OTHER COMPLAINT LISTED ON NHTSA FOR THIS VEHICLE IS FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. *TR
2/26/2012
STEERING
16 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN A CLICKING SOUND EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 550.
6/25/2012
VEHICLE (2012 MALIBU) WAS PURCHASED APRIL 2012 - STARTING JULY 2012 VEHICLE WOULD STALL GOING DOWN THE ROAD, WITH LOSS OF ENGINE, POWER ASSIST STEERING AND POWER ASSIST BRAKES. DEALER REPLACED NUMEROUS MODULES, BUT IT OCCURRED AGAIN IN SEPT 2012 (3 TIMES) THEN AGAIN IN JANUARY 2013. TWO BODY CONTROL MODULES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, ENGINE CONTROL MODULES, TWO POWER STEERING MODULES, ONSTAR MODULE, TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, ETC. UNINTENDED POWER STEERING ASSIST OCCURS SUCH THAT WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, POWER STEERING COMES IN AND OUT AS MODULE FAILS (ALONG WITH ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION). VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE VEHICLE AND GM STATES THEY STAND BY LAST REPAIR. IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED 6 TIMES NOW, BUT WE REFUSE TO DRIVE VEHICLE, AS WE BELIEVE THERE MUST BE A SHORT SOMEWHERE. THEY KEEP STATING IT IS DEFECTIVE MODULES AND THEY JUST KEEP REPLACING THEM. PLEASE SEE YOUTUBE VIDEOS: "2012 CHEVY MALIBU - UNINTENDED POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE MODE?" "2012 CHEVY MALIBU DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM - ANY IDEAS?" *TR
1/30/2013
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
16 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
07/2013 SERVICE ESC MSG AND SYMBOL CAME ON , DEALER UNABLE TO FIND 01/07/2014 SAME 01/15/2014 AGAIN, GM PAID HALF OF THE REPAIR, BECAUSE THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPEN AND WAS NOTICE BY DEALER, I BELIEVE GM SHOULD PAID THE WHOLE COST, AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE , EFFECTS STEERING AND STABILIZATION OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
1/16/2014
STARTED MY 2012 CHEVY MALIBU UP AND POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND ALSO SERVICE ESC. CAR HAD NO POWER STEERING. THIS WAS AFTER THE FIRST NIGHT OF EVENTS I WAS AT. SO I DROVE IT TO THE HOTEL I WAS AT. FOUND OUT WHEN TRYING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THAT IT HAS A ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. DROVE IT TO A DEALERSHIP BUT THEY COULDN'T SERVICE IT ON THE WEEKEND. I WAS 3 HOURS FROM MY HOME AT AN EVENT. SO I DROVE IT BACK TO MY HOTEL WITH NO POWER STEERING. SO I DROVE FOR ROUGHLY AN HOUR WITH LIGHTS ON AND NO POWER STEERING. THEN WAS ABOUT TO HEAD TO THE DAY TWO OF THE EVENT ABOUT 5 HOURS LATER AND EVERYTHING WORKS AGAIN. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I NEED TO FIX ON IT AT ALL NOW. MY GIRL FRIEND WAS DRIVING WHEN THE POWER STEERING MESSED UP AND SHE NEVER HAS LOST POWER STEERING BEFORE AND SHE COULDN'T EVEN TURN THE WHEEL. SO I HAD TO DRIVE IT FOR HER. *JS
4/28/2014
POWER TRAIN
14 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THIS CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AS IT BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN ON A BUSY STREET, AND THEN WOULD NOT DRIVE. THE CAR CONTINUED TO RUN, BUT WOULD NOT GO FORWARD, EVEN AFTER GAS PEDAL WAS PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. IT, IN FACT, STARTED COASTING BACKWARDS WHEN IT WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. NO INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING. SERVICE DPT. AT DEALERSHIP CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG. WE FEEL THAT THIS BRAND NEW CAR HAS A FAULTY COMPUTER SYSTEM AND IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THE CAR IS RUNNING FINE AT PRESENT, BUT THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. IT POSES A SAFETY HAZARD, AND NEITHER CHEVY OR GM ARE WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. MY DAUGHTER IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. *TR
12/5/2011
I AM EXPERIENCING ERRATIC THROTTLE RESPONSE AND ERRATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS IN MY 2012 MALIBU. THE INCONSISTENT DELAYS IN THROTTLE RESPONSE POSE A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS ISSUE IS COMPOUNDED WHEN IT AFFECTS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. WHEN YOU PUSH THE ACCELERATOR YOU DO NOT KNOW IF YOU WILL GET IMMEDIATE RESPONSE, OR DELAYED RESPONSE, NOR HOW SUDDEN THAT RESPONSE MIGHT BE TO THE EXTENT OF ALMOST LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ARE NOT CONSISTENT. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE I HAVE HAD IT SHIFT 2 GEAR DOWN, AND OTHER TIMES IT HAS NOT SHIFTED UP TO A HIGHER GEAR. WHEN BOTH ISSUES OCCUR AT ONCE IT IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. THE ONLY REASON THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT IS THE OTHER DRIVERS REALIZED SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND WERE ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND AVOID HITTING ME BY DRIVING AROUND ME ON THE SHOULDER. *TR
9/5/2012
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
12 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE HIGHWAY, I HAD A NUMBER OF FUNCTIONS STOP WORKING. THE PROBLEM COULD COME AND GO FOR A WEEK BEFORE IT HAPPENED ON ALL IGNITION CYCLES. NOTE, THE PROBLEM COULD EVEN COME AND GO ON 1 IGNITION CYCLE. THE FOLLOWING STOPPED WORKING: WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HEATED SEATS, POWER WINDOWS/SUNROOF, POWER DOORS, POWER MIRRORS, BLUE TOOTH INTERFACE, DOME LIGHTS AND MIRROR / COMPASS. DEALER HAS REPLACED BODY CONTROL MODULE AND VPM. FIXES SEEM TO WORK FOR APPROXIMATELY 10-12 WEEKS BEFORE ISSUES RESURFACE. *TR
1/22/2013
VEHICLE HIGH MOUNT THIRD BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE AFTER 60,000 MILES. MAY AFFECT VISIBILITY WHEN STOPPING. *TR
9/22/2014
SEAT BELTS
11 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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.
5/6/2013
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
6/25/2013
ENGINE
11 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
VEHICLE HAS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON AND REDUCED POWER KICKS IN WITH NO WARNING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AT SPEED ON HIGHWAYS WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND AUTOMATICALLY SLOWS TO 40 MPH. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND REPAIRS MADE THE FIRST 2 TIMES, VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK 3 MORE TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE, NO CODES SHOWING IN THE COMPUTER. ISSUE ALSO REPORTED THAT IF AT A STOP, VEHICLE HAS NO RESPONSE WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS. THE DEALERSHIP IS CURRENTLY TRYING TO REPORT THIS AS A DIFFERENT ISSUE SO THEY CAN AVOID DEALING WITH THE LEMON LAW IN THE STATE. *TR
1/31/2014
WHILE DRIVING CAR HAVE NOTICED THAT IT SHIFTS HARD EITHER UP OR DOWN. THIS HAS HAPPENED TOO MANY TIMES TO COUNT. ALSO CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO STALL AND I CAN NOT ACCELERATE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ONCE ON A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION IN MY CITY. HAVE TAKEN CAR TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WAS PROBABLY BAD GAS AND TO PUT PREMIUM GAS IN. THIS DID NOT HELP EITHER. CAR CONTINUED TO HAVE SAME ISSUES. CALLED DEALER TO LET THEM KNOW. SAID NOTHING WRONG. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND WORRY ABOUT OUR SAFETY EACH TIME I DRIVE THIS CAR. HOPING THAT GM DOES SOMETHING TO FIX THIS ISSUE SOON. LOOKS LIKE WE ARE NOT ALONE WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR
4/2/2014
STRUCTURE:BODY
5 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOWS AND THE DASHBOARD BECAME FROZEN ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THE CONTACT ALLOWED EXCESSIVE WATER MOISTURE TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED THE WINDOWS AND DASHBOARD TO FREEZE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,176. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
12/24/2013
MY CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE MY FRIEND APPLIED THE BRAKES AND WAS FORCED INTO HYDROPLANING INTO A BARRIER, ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A PERSON. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS THE SENSOR WAS NOT HIT NOR DID THE ONSTAR BECOME ALERTED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. AFTER FIGHTING WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES, MY CAR WAS TOTALED THEN DECLARED NOT TOTALED, AND REPAIRED. I RECEIVED THE NOTICE OF A RECALL MUCH LATER AFTER THE CAR WAS IN THE ACCIDENT. *TR
8/15/2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
5 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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
11/4/2014
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.
11/14/2014
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I AM EXPERIENCING ERRATIC THROTTLE RESPONSE AND ERRATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS IN MY 2012 MALIBU. THE INCONSISTENT DELAYS IN THROTTLE RESPONSE POSE A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS ISSUE IS COMPOUNDED WHEN IT AFFECTS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. WHEN YOU PUSH THE ACCELERATOR YOU DO NOT KNOW IF YOU WILL GET IMMEDIATE RESPONSE, OR DELAYED RESPONSE, NOR HOW SUDDEN THAT RESPONSE MIGHT BE TO THE EXTENT OF ALMOST LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ARE NOT CONSISTENT. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE I HAVE HAD IT SHIFT 2 GEAR DOWN, AND OTHER TIMES IT HAS NOT SHIFTED UP TO A HIGHER GEAR. WHEN BOTH ISSUES OCCUR AT ONCE IT IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. THE ONLY REASON THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT IS THE OTHER DRIVERS REALIZED SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND WERE ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND AVOID HITTING ME BY DRIVING AROUND ME ON THE SHOULDER. *TR
9/5/2012
I HAVE TO PRESS GAS PEDAL DOWN MORE THEN NEEDED AS IT FEELS CAR LACKS POWER. TO GO UP A HILL IT LAGS I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PRESS ON PETAL HARDER TO GO. *TR
6/18/2014
WHEELS
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE DRIVING OUT OF PARKING GARAGE GOING MINIMAL SPEED, MY RIGHT REAR PASSENGER WHEEL DISLOCATED FROM MY VEHICLE. AFTER GETTING IT TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND FURTHER INSPECTION, LOOKS LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY ASSEMBLED WITH ONLY 2 OF THE NEEDED 4 BOLTS ATTACHING THE WHEEL TO THE HUB OF THE CAR. THIS CAUSED STRAIN TO THE 2 BOLTS AND YOU CAN VISIBLY SEE STRESS CRACKS ON THE HUB WHERE THERE WERE PLACED. *TR
12/19/2013
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
10/14/2014
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE HIGHWAY, I HAD A NUMBER OF FUNCTIONS STOP WORKING. THE PROBLEM COULD COME AND GO FOR A WEEK BEFORE IT HAPPENED ON ALL IGNITION CYCLES. NOTE, THE PROBLEM COULD EVEN COME AND GO ON 1 IGNITION CYCLE. THE FOLLOWING STOPPED WORKING: WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HEATED SEATS, POWER WINDOWS/SUNROOF, POWER DOORS, POWER MIRRORS, BLUE TOOTH INTERFACE, DOME LIGHTS AND MIRROR / COMPASS. DEALER HAS REPLACED BODY CONTROL MODULE AND VPM. FIXES SEEM TO WORK FOR APPROXIMATELY 10-12 WEEKS BEFORE ISSUES RESURFACE. *TR
1/22/2013
CAR WAS PARKED WITH REAR DEFOGGER AND HEAT RUNNING, LOUD EXPLOSION CRACKING NOISE AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD HAD EXPLODED INTO SPIDERWEBS. GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO INSPECT THE DAMAGE -- OTHER PEOPLE PARKED SAW THE INCIDENT AND NO ONE SAW ANYTHING HIT THE WINDSHIELD ( PARKED AT SCHOOL DROPPING OFF KIDS ). NOTHING WAS FOUND THAT INDICATED THE WINDOW HAD BEEN STRUCK IN ANY WAY. THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER WAS WARM TO THE TOUCH IN SEVERAL AREAS OF THE SPIDERWEBBED WINDOW. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 0 DEGREES. CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING FOR ABOUT THREE HOURS. *TR
12/9/2013
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I WAS DRIVING ON I-70 TO COLUMBUS & MY CAR STALLED. WOULD START UP AND IDLE, BUT SERVICE ESC & TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. AS SOON AS CAR GOT WARMED UP, WOULD STALL AGAIN. *TT
4/17/2014
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF. *JS
6/14/2014
VISIBILITY
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK. IT WAS 57 DEGREES OUTSIDE SO I TURNED MY REAR DEFROST ON. AFTER ABOUT 5MIN OF MY DEFROST BEING ON, MY BACK WINDOW COMPLETELY EXPLODED. IM NOT SURE IF THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE DEFROSTER OR WHAT BUT THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO ANYTHING ON THE VEHICLE EXCEPT THE WINDOW THAT COMPLETELY SPIDERWEBBED. *TR
6/18/2013
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
6/18/2015
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I WAS TURNING ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT DELAY. I ALWAYS MAKE SURE I HAVE PLENTY OF TIME WHEN PULLING ONTO THE STREET BUT THIS COULD BECOME A MAJOR ISSUE WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE A 3 YEAR OLD SON AND I DO NOT WANT TO ENDANGER HIM IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH MY CAR. *TR
8/16/2013
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, WHEN I'M APPROACHING A YELLOW LIGHT AND/OR A CAR THAT'S IN FRONT OF ME WHILE ONLY DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20MPH, WHEN I ATTEMPT TO APPLY MY BRAKES I HAVE TO APPLY A LOT OF PRESSURE TO GET MY CAR TO SLOW DOWN AND IT HONESTLY FEELS AS THOUGH MY CAR ISN'T GOING TO STOP. I WOULD HATE TO BE DRIVING MY CAR ONE DAY AND MY CAR DOESN'T STOP AND I'M INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT THAT LEAVES ME SEVERELY INJURED OR TAKES MY LIFE AND/OR SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE AS WELL. ALSO, MANY TIMES I HAVE TO APPLY A LOT OF PRESSURE TO MY GAS PEDAL IN ORDER FOR IT TO ACCELERATE AND ACTUALLY MOVE. I UNDERSTAND THAT MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED AND THE DEALER IS WAITING FOR GM TO PROVIDE THEM THE PARTS IN ORDER TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE, BUT I DON'T THINK MY LIFE SHOULD BE AT SUCH RISK WHILE WAITING FOR GM TO RECEIVE PARTS. AM I SUPPOSE TO JUST KEEP DRIVING AROUND HOPING MY CAR DOESN'T GIVE OUT ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A KNOWN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD WITH MY VEHICLE? MY LIFE IS MORE VALUABLE THAN THAT. COULD I BE PROVIDED A RENTAL VEHICLE UNTIL GM PROVIDES THE PARTS TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE? OR COULD I BE REFUNDED FOR MY VEHICLE? SEEING THAT THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS CAR ACCIDENTS AND SERIOUS INJURIES RELATED TO THIS PARTICULAR DEFECT WITHIN THE VEHICLE, I SHOULD NOT BE DRIVING MY VEHICLE UNTIL IT IS FIXED. OTHERWISE, I COULD BE THE NEXT PERSON INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT. SO IN CLOSING, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I COULD BE PLACED IN A RENTAL CAR UNTIL MY CAR IS REPAIRED OR REFUNDED FOR THE PRICE OF MY VEHICLE? *TR
8/18/2014
SUSPENSION
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SHE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6.
9/27/2013
07/2013 SERVICE ESC MSG AND SYMBOL CAME ON , DEALER UNABLE TO FIND 01/07/2014 SAME 01/15/2014 AGAIN, GM PAID HALF OF THE REPAIR, BECAUSE THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPEN AND WAS NOTICE BY DEALER, I BELIEVE GM SHOULD PAID THE WHOLE COST, AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE , EFFECTS STEERING AND STABILIZATION OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
1/16/2014
SEATS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I SAT IN THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT AND THE SEAT COMPLETELY BROKE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. I'M NOW SITTING SLANTED AND BEING SQUASHED AGAINST THE MIDDLE CONSOLE/ARM REST. WHENEVER I GET OUT OF THE CAR, WHICH IS VERY HARD TO DO AND DRIVES ME BAT CRAP CRAZY, I FEEL I NEED A CRANE. SITTING SLANTED IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND IS VERY HARD WHEN JUDGING MAKING TURNS/PARKING. *TR
6/16/2014
MY VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR END BY A MINIVAN TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH. THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK BROKE AT THE BOTTOM HINGED AREA AND LEFT ME LYING FLAT ON MY BACK, STILL IN THE SEAT. THIS SENT MY FEET FLYING STRAIGHT UP CAUSING THEM TO STRIKE UNDER THE DASH AND BREAKING MY TOES. *TR
2/2/2015
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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
9/15/2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE SERVICE ESC AND SERVICE TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE DID NOT SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE MODULATOR SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,000.
5/13/2015
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I AM JUST WANTING TO EXPRESS MY FEELINGS CONCERNING THE HEADRESTS. I AM 5' 4" TALL AND THE HEADREST IS THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE THING, IT PUSHES YOUR HEAD FORWARD. IF I WERE HIT HARD, THERE ISN'T SUPPORT AND I WOULD PROBABLY BREAK MY NECK OR HAVE A NECK INJURY. . THE ONLY REMEDY, IS TO TURN IT AROUND AND THEN YOU HAVE NO SUPPORT. I DO NOT OWN THIS VEHICLE, IT IS A RENTAL. I WOULD NOT BUY ONE AT THIS POINT. *TR
8/8/2012
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I HAD MY REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER ON BECAUSE IT WAS A RAINY, HUMID NIGHT IT WAS ON FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES AND THEN MY REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. THERE WAS NO OTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR EXCEPT FOR THE WINDOW. *TR
11/17/2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE POWERING DOWN AND THE LOW TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD STOP WORKING SPORADICALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
5/22/2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,700.
7/23/2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,700.
7/23/2014
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
THE PLASTIC-COVERED LUG NUTS ON MY 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU DO NOT STAY TIGHT AGAINST THE WHEELS. THE OEM LUG NUTS VIBRATE LOOSE AND NEED TO BE CHECKED PERIODICALLY (I.E., MONTHLY). LOOSE LUG NUTS ARE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD. I WAS UNABLE TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENT ALL-METAL LUG NUTS FOR THIS VEHICLE FROM A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. I SUGGEST THAT CHEVROLET REPLACE THE PLASTIC-COVERED LUG NUTS WITH ALL-METAL LUG NUTS AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMERS. *JS
7/29/2014
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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.
9/15/2014
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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.
10/9/2014
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE, THE UNDERCARRIAGE SOMEWHERE SOUNDS LIKE IT IS LOOSE WHENEVER YOU HIT A SMALL HOLE IN THE ROAD, GO OVER RAILROAD TRACKS, REALLY ANYTHING. *TR
1/2/2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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.
1/12/2015
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
Are complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
Are complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Chevrolet Malibu: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 1,458
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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