2012 Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 99about this part
- Share
- 11%of 907 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 99 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 11% of the 907 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine stalls when slowing down or waiting for traffic light. Called mechanic for diagnostic check. He said ecs not functioning correctly. I was 10 miles from my home when the car started to stall and it stopped 6 times before getting home. Engine hesitated, had to pump accelerator to get it going and steering was difficult. Is there a recall for that problem?”
NHTSA complaint #11352313, filed 2020-08, 117,676 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“Vehicle has died on me 5 times while driving.in motion one moment and dead the next, so far it has died on city streets, ive gotten lucky with it not being on the highway as I travel that frequently for work. It has been in and out of repair shop for multiple repairs and still not corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #11389973, filed 2021-01, 83,000 miles“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“Was driving and my car stopped accelerating. I pushed on the gas and it would not go. I was on the free way and almost had an accident. Also car would no longer start after stopped. Would act like it was going to start and does not. I've had several toes with my children in the vehicle. A huge safety concern.”
NHTSA complaint #11240468, filed 2019-07, 125,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 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.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 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.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 13 | 18% |
| 2022 | 29 | 29% |
| 2021 | 15 | 17% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 65 | 34% |
| 2018 | 281 | 40% |
| 2017 | 253 | 36% |
| 2016 | 304 | 36% |
| 2015 | 70 | 26% |
| 2014 | 125 | 36% |
| 2013 | 204 | 24% |
| 2012 | 99 | 11% |
| 2011 | 160 | 16% |
| 2010 | 115 | 8% |
| 2009 | 61 | 4% |
| 2008 | 62 | 6% |
| 2007 | 28 | 3% |
| 2006 | 33 | 3% |
| 2005 | 49 | 5% |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% |
| 2003 | 47 | 8% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 26 | 4% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
291 complaintsExterior lighting
202 complaintsSteering
191 complaintsElectronic stability control
129 complaintsAir bags
101 complaintsBrakes
74 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 27, 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