2012 Chevrolet Malibu Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 202about this part
- Share
- 22%of 907 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,750miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 202 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 22% of the 907 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,750 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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 miles“First my passenger side headlight went out so I replaced the bulb and the next day it wasn't working again. Now my driver side headlight is also going in and out without the bulbs burning out. The lights have gone out while riding and while stationary, sometime there on when I park the car and off when I crank it back up again.”
NHTSA complaint #11131599, filed 2018-09, 123,000 miles“My passenger side lowbeam. Headlight keeps going out now I got pulled over and need to take my car into the mecanic shop. For what I was told is atleast 200 dollars. Right after the hoidays. My 1997 chevy silverado hasn't needed a headlight replacement in 6 years but this car I changed the bulb 4 times last year? Not to mention its so hard to even get to the bulb you have to take into the shop.”
NHTSA complaint #11165763, filed 2019-01, 26,000 miles“The right headlight keeps going out. I have changed the bulb 6 times in two weeks. I have changed the plug and it still keeps going out. It is the low beam light bulb that malfunctions. I have changed the switch for the lights and also took it to a car shop. Nothing is fixing it.”
NHTSA complaint #11365213, filed 2020-10, 183,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 | 21 | 3% |
| 2016 | 19 | 2% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 28 | 3% |
| 2012 | 202 | 22% |
| 2011 | 130 | 13% |
| 2010 | 194 | 14% |
| 2009 | 172 | 11% |
| 2008 | 106 | 11% |
| 2007 | 29 | 3% |
| 2006 | 63 | 6% |
| 2005 | 153 | 16% |
| 2004 | 84 | 7% |
| 2003 | 28 | 5% |
| 2002 | 143 | 25% |
| 2001 | 108 | 15% |
| 2000 | 241 | 26% |
| 1999 | 58 | 7% |
| 1998 | 79 | 8% |
| 1997 | 40 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
291 complaintsSteering
191 complaintsElectronic stability control
129 complaintsAir bags
101 complaintsEngine
99 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 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