2012 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Malibu years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Chevrolet Malibu year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 109 of its 907 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Service ESC and traction control lights, reduced power (294 complaints, median 93,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2015
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 907filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 86,000miles, 645 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu most often write about low-beam headlights that repeatedly stop working or come back intermittently, and about the electric power steering dropping out with a 'service ESC' or 'power steering' message on the dash. Many also describe no-start and stall conditions tied to the trunk fuse box and fuel pump wiring, and most of these reports arrive well past 60,000 miles on cars that are several years old.
- Exterior lighting
Low-beam headlights fail repeatedly
- 187 complaints (21%)
- median 100,000 mi at 7.2 yrs old (113 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2026
Owners describe low-beam headlights that go dark, sometimes coming back on their own, sometimes staying out until the bulb, connector or harness is replaced. Several report the bulb socket or the connector between bulb and harness melting or looking heat-damaged, and they say the same side fails again within weeks or months. Complaints also mention that replacing a bulb requires removing front trim or bumper pieces, and that dealers and shops generally replaced bulbs or connectors without identifying an underlying cause. Mostly reported between roughly 50,000 and 150,000 miles on cars several years old, with failures described as random and sometimes triggered by bumps.
What to check: Check both low beams at night and look at the bulb connectors and sockets for melted or discolored plastic; ask whether the headlamp harness or connectors have already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Upon starting my vehicle, the left lowbeam headlight was out, I tapped on the car next to the light and it came back on, the next day I started my vehicle it was out again but wouldn't work after tapping, got it repaired but less than a month it went out again along with the right side, they repaired it by installing multi purpose connectors and now the left low beam headlight is out again, this is getting way too pricey and time consuming.”
NHTSA complaint #11326331, filed 2020-05, 182,058 miles“While driving passenger side low beam stopped working, then came back on after a few days. Now both passenger and driver low beams are not working. High beams are fine. I always used the automatic lighting to have them turn on/off for anytime I drive. Low beams required new headlamps and melted relay, replaced that as well. Service ESC and traction control lights come on dash, then turn off, then come back on. It is intermittent and won't ever stay on long enough to have checked. …”
NHTSA complaint #11373980, filed 2020-11, 98,000 miles - Steering
Power steering assist cuts out while driving
- 187 complaints (21%)
- median 107,000 mi at 7.1 yrs old (141 state mileage)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2012–2026
Owners report the power steering suddenly quitting, sometimes with a 'power steering' and 'service ESC' message and a traction control light, and steering effort becoming very heavy until the car is restarted. Some describe the wheel shaking or sticking before or during the event. Complaints mention dealers replacing the steering column, steering control module or a sensor, and in some cases the diagnosis was inconclusive. Commonly reported from about 70,000 to 180,000 miles, often at low speed or while turning, and sometimes recurring after a restart.
What to check: During a test drive, turn the wheel at low speed and watch for a power steering or service ESC message; ask whether the steering column or control module has been replaced and whether recall 14V252000 was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have an ongoing issue in which the power steering on my 2012 Malibu locks up and it's extremely hard to rotate the steering wheel to make turns....it has happened on numerous occasions from being parked from a cold start to recently actively happening while driving on the road/highway. The computer dash display pops up saying power steering then says service ESC”
NHTSA complaint #11415718, filed 2021-05, 183,000 miles“Driving my vehicle with my 3 month old daughter in the car. Turned the wheel as I was taking a turn and the power steering completely stopped. This forced me to apply the brake because I almost wemt off the road!! I see this isn't the only incident involving the ESC and power steering!! Vehicle currently has service ESC and power steering messages displayed in the info messages.”
NHTSA complaint #11298170, filed 2020-01, 144,000 miles - Electrical system
No-start and stalling tied to trunk fuse box wiring
- 281 complaints (31%)
- median 86,000 mi at 6.3 yrs old (211 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,500 (median of 13 quotes)
- filed 2011–2026
Owners describe intermittent no-start conditions where the starter cranks but the engine will not run, and stalling or loss of power while driving. Several traced it to the rear fuse box and the fuel pump wiring, reporting heat-stressed or melted wires and a hot fuel pump relay; some replaced the fuel pump first without lasting results. Complaints mention the fuse box, wiring or relay being replaced, sometimes with the problem returning. Typically reported between about 80,000 and 150,000 miles, with the failure described as intermittent and often preceded by rough running or a hot relay.
What to check: Ask for service records on the trunk fuse box, fuel pump and relay; after a test drive, check whether the rear fuse box or relay area feels unusually warm and whether the car restarts reliably when warm.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased this car used and 2 weeks after I had to have it towed to a mechanic from work because it wouldn't start. Mechanic said it was fuel pump so he replaced it $685 and the tow was $125. Drove it home and the next day went out to start it before work and wouldn't start but had crank. Called mechanic he had it towed back to his shop, cleaned the fuse box in the trunk and said the brown wire was loose. …”
NHTSA complaint #11315343, filed 2020-02, 111,000 miles“This is the second time I am reporting this car and will continue to do so until something is done about it! I have put thousands of dollars into this car all for the same problem, as has many others. There are starting and stopping issues related to the wiring for the fuel pump. Just go on any GM forum and you will see hundreds of complaints related to this problem. Why must you wait until someone dies due to this. Stopping while driving is extremely dangerous. …”
NHTSA complaint #11377604, filed 2020-12, 76,000 miles - Electronic stability control
Service ESC and traction control lights, reduced power
- 294 complaints (32%)
- median 93,000 mi at 6.3 yrs old (224 state mileage)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,025 (median of 12 quotes)
- filed 2011–2026
Owners report 'service ESC', 'service traction', 'ESC off' and occasionally reduced engine power messages appearing, often at idle or at a stoplight, and clearing once the car is moving again. Some link the messages to rough running, misfires or a stall. Complaints describe repeated dealer visits where the cause was not identified, and brake lights that stay on or fail to come on during the same events. Reported from roughly 60,000 miles upward, often at idle or low speed and frequently intermittent.
What to check: Watch the dash at idle for ESC or traction warnings and confirm the brake lights work correctly with the pedal; ask whether the ESC recall 14V252000 has been performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My vehicle has 86,200 miles on it and I have to have both heads rebuilt because of a burnt exhaust valve. I have been told multiple times that this should not be happening at this low mileage on the vehicle. The engine idles really rough when in park or not in drive or motion. When stopped at a stop light, the service traction, service ESC, ESC off comes on. This goes away once you start driving again.”
NHTSA complaint #11323654, filed 2020-05, 85,000 miles“I was driving my car and when I hit a stopped light it suddenly my car turned off and the traction control light, engine light come on. Also service traction, service ESC, ESC off on the headboard. I already fixed the throttle body, map sensor, camshaft position sensor, gas pedal, altenator, and its still doing the same problem. I need help on finding out what the real problem is. I've been having problems with this car for almost a year now.”
NHTSA complaint #11320517, filed 2020-04, 150,000 miles
Buying note. Look for records showing the ESC recall and any air bag sensor work were completed, and budget for headlight connector and power steering repairs given how often owners report repeat failures. A thorough test drive at night, at idle and at low speed will surface most of what owners describe here.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 907 consumer complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. 645 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 86,000 miles. Of all complaints, 50 involved a crash, 13 a fire, 35 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1,339 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Malibu model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system291 32%
- Exterior lighting202 22%
- Steering191 21%
- Electronic stability control129 14%
- Air bags101 11%
- Engine99 11%
- Brakes74 8.2%
- Other or unknown62 6.8%
- Fuel system56 6.2%
- Vehicle speed control52 5.7%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (49), Seat belts (47), Seats (36), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (31), Wheels (19), Body and structure (16), Suspension (10), Engine cooling (4), Tires (2), Equipment (1), Lane departure (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The low beam headlights on both sides of the car are constantly going out. I have to replace them 3-4 times a year. I spend hundreds of dollars on headlamps, even though I install them myself. Installing new headlamps requires you to remove the front bumper. There is an obvious design flaw with the hundreds of complaints I have seen with this same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11181043, filed 2019-02, 36,000 milesExterior lighting: “I've changed my passenger side low beam headlight 3 times and it keeps going out. I've had this done 3 times since september 2020. Also, my lock and unlock buttons do not work, except for on the passenger side, only the unlock side of the button works. I've had this car since september or october I believe of 2018. It's very frustrating and I've waisted over $500 getting it replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11374550, filed 2020-11, 147,900 milesSteering: “The steering wheel is hard to turn and it's getting worse and worse when it is unlocked the wheel shakes like crazy and it has no grip when u turn in the car it is unlocked but as u driving it it locks it's selfnl. At a intersection as I was at a a complete stop once I took my foot off the breaker the steering wheel almost hit the the car in the next lane”
NHTSA complaint #11394764, filed 2021-02, 20,000 milesElectronic stability control: “Since buying this vehicle, I've had trouble with the brakes, airbag sensors, electrical problems, seatbelt issues and also the airbag light, had a mechanic replace the airbag sensors in the rear, but the light still comes on. The brakes are now shuttering worse when I apply the brakes and it feels like the wheels are going to fall apart.”
NHTSA complaint #11329120, filed 2020-06, 120,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
25% of the 645 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,000 and 120,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.9% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2011: same overall rating; 2013: 5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Chevrolet Malibu version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Malibu FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Malibu FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 33 | 26 | $2,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 15V269000May 8, 2015Seat beltsCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2011–2012
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…
- 14V252000May 14, 2014Electronic stability control (esc)Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2012, Pontiac G6 2005–2010, Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 2004–2007 +1 more
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…
Recall details for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,339 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11032947May 19, 2026Other or unknown. This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high…
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Malibu
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 21,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 44 | 45,000 | 2 | 5 | 31 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 72 | 66,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 99 | 66,253 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 90 | 54,000 | 2 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 199 | 68,000 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 193 | 41,875 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 700 | 45,390 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 85 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 705 | 48,000 | 4 | 5 | 30 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 841 | 50,000 | 9 | 5 | 27 | 82 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 270 | 50,000 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 351 | 60,000 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 837 | 69,000 | 10 | 5 | 26 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 907 | 86,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 978 | 80,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 1,363 | 82,000 | 3 | — | 25 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 1,509 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 23 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 989 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 25 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 977 | 100,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,118 | 85,000 | 6 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 975 | 88,000 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,147 | 78,500 | 6 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 569 | 70,084 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 567 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 721 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 922 | 69,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 789 | 66,249 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 976 | 80,461 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 443 | 85,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1980 | 5 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Malibu model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu most often write about low-beam headlights that repeatedly stop working or come back intermittently, and about the electric power steering dropping out with a 'service ESC' or 'power steering' message on the dash. The issues reported most often: Low-beam headlights fail repeatedly; Power steering assist cuts out while driving; No-start and stalling tied to trunk fuse box wiring.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA recorded 907 consumer complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 291 complaints (32% of the total), followed by exterior lighting with 202.
Has the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (Malibu, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 22 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu reported?
Among the 645 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 86,000 miles and the middle half falls between 50,000 and 120,000 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.