2012 Chevrolet Malibu Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 62about this part
- Share
- 7%of 907 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 62 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 7% of the 907 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 1 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.
“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“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“My car won't turn over after I turn it off sometimes. Sometimes it will be most other times it doesn't. The battery is new, spark plugs are new, sensors are new. Starter isn't the problem. Don't know what it could be? It was stationary when this happens, when I try to turn the car back on.”
NHTSA complaint #11243691, filed 2019-08, 100,000 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“Not a safety issue. I'm trying to find out where to file complaints about manufacturing issues to start a recall. My Malibu didn't start one after work towed it to mechanic. He said it didn't have oil pressure. He opened up the engine and found pieces of o rings/rtv sealant blocking flow and busted rods, lifters, and loose bearings obviously. I have never had any one open that engine. I feel this is a manufacturing defect. Car only has 90,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11174798, filed 2019-02, 90,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11032947May 19, 2026This 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…
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026This 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, 2026This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the…
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 42% |
| 2024 | 9 | 20% |
| 2023 | 14 | 19% |
| 2022 | 29 | 29% |
| 2021 | 31 | 34% |
| 2020 | 46 | 23% |
| 2019 | 37 | 19% |
| 2018 | 153 | 22% |
| 2017 | 148 | 21% |
| 2016 | 177 | 21% |
| 2015 | 35 | 13% |
| 2014 | 54 | 15% |
| 2013 | 89 | 11% |
| 2012 | 62 | 7% |
| 2011 | 75 | 8% |
| 2010 | 87 | 6% |
| 2009 | 75 | 5% |
| 2008 | 52 | 5% |
| 2007 | 18 | 2% |
| 2006 | 28 | 3% |
| 2005 | 35 | 4% |
| 2004 | 21 | 2% |
| 2003 | 16 | 3% |
| 2002 | 21 | 4% |
| 2001 | 20 | 3% |
| 2000 | 17 | 2% |
| 1999 | 18 | 2% |
| 1998 | 22 | 2% |
| 1997 | 13 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
291 complaintsExterior lighting
202 complaintsSteering
191 complaintsElectronic stability control
129 complaintsAir bags
101 complaintsEngine
99 complaintsBrakes
74 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 30, 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