2012 Chevrolet Malibu Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 74about this part
- Share
- 8%of 907 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,770miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 74 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 8% of the 907 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,770 miles. 12 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Takata recall if I hit a bump small or any size actually my engine reduces and I have to pull over...and turn the car off for up to 10 mins sometimes... I cant drive on the freeway at all because I dont want the engine to reduce while doing 60 MPH lately it will go into engine power reduce while im parked in a driveway so I dont get it”
NHTSA complaint #11183915, filed 2019-03, 146,000 miles“I'm having problem with brake pedal sensor - replaced twice already - while driving hit brakes error message service ABS service traction cruise control want disengage also noticed that I could move the gear out of park with out pushing the brake pedal are there any recalls for these issues?”
NHTSA complaint #11104223, filed 2018-06, 10,856 miles“Traveling about 40 miles per hour on I-17 sb in phoenix. Vehicle in front of me hit brakes suddenly. When I slammed on my brakes,it didn't feel like my brakes were working properly. Brake pedal went all the way to the floor, didn't seem to be stopping car. Felt like there was an issue with the brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #11002836, filed 2017-07, 78,000 miles“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 complaint #11001410, filed 2017-06, 94,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 10253061Mar 4, 2024This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel…
- 10222777Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 4 | 9% |
| 2023 | 4 | 6% |
| 2022 | 6 | 6% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 50 | 25% |
| 2019 | 27 | 14% |
| 2018 | 69 | 10% |
| 2017 | 73 | 10% |
| 2016 | 104 | 12% |
| 2015 | 16 | 6% |
| 2014 | 45 | 13% |
| 2013 | 46 | 6% |
| 2012 | 74 | 8% |
| 2011 | 44 | 5% |
| 2010 | 199 | 15% |
| 2009 | 153 | 10% |
| 2008 | 89 | 9% |
| 2007 | 51 | 5% |
| 2006 | 70 | 6% |
| 2005 | 70 | 7% |
| 2004 | 64 | 6% |
| 2003 | 63 | 11% |
| 2002 | 55 | 10% |
| 2001 | 89 | 12% |
| 2000 | 250 | 27% |
| 1999 | 308 | 39% |
| 1998 | 376 | 39% |
| 1997 | 111 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
291 complaintsExterior lighting
202 complaintsSteering
191 complaintsElectronic stability control
129 complaintsAir bags
101 complaintsEngine
99 complaintsOther or unknown
62 complaintsFuel system
56 complaintsVehicle speed control
52 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
49 complaintsSeat belts
47 complaintsSeats
36 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology