2012 Chevrolet Malibu Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 3%of 907 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the visibility of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the 907 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 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.
“I was driving down the road the other day while it was raining and my wipers stopped working had it looked at and my small arm on my linkage disconnected due to rust on the ball joint I looked contacted GM they knew nothing about it but I googled it and im not the only one who has had this issue definitely should be a recall just like 2013 terrain. Parts are very similar if not the same.”
NHTSA complaint #11040602, filed 2017-10, 75,700 miles“I was on my way to work. It was 57 degrees outside so I turned my rear defrost on. After about 5min of my defrost being on, my back window completely exploded. Im not sure if there was a short in the defroster or what but there was no visible damage to anything on the vehicle except the window that completely spiderwebbed.”
NHTSA complaint #10520351, filed 2013-06, 9,600 miles“I have to replace my headlights every two weeks and have had to replace the plug outlet. Noticed that it is melting the plastic. This has been going on for a year now. Now it will not work it has happened on both driver and passenger side. Also have had my camshaft sensor replaced and keeps bringing up the check engine when I go get it read same code keeps going on. The camshaft issue is causing my car to stall in roadways making it dangerous for me and my daughter when in the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11152218, filed 2018-11, 99,000 miles“2012 chevy Malibu, windshield wiper transmission I was driving on the highway today, during a rainstorm, when the wipers failed to operate while driving 70 MPH on mi 696. I was on a 4 lane highway and could not see at all do to the failed wiper transmission bushing. This not only put myself in danger but other drivers as well. I could not see at all and caused many other drivers to swerve out of their lanes at 70 MPH. Plastic bushings are used on the wiper transmission (linkage) which has been a commonly reported event. …”
NHTSA complaint #11240488, filed 2019-07, 100,600 miles“In 2016 the wiper motor went up and I had it replaced at a chevy dealership and again in 2019 the wiper motor went up again. I can load up the documents if needed.”
NHTSA complaint #11207497, filed 2019-05, 103,000 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.
- 11006511Jul 31, 2024This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 10247780Sep 26, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General…
- 10232283Feb 17, 2023This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 10230697Dec 15, 2022This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 5 | 7% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 7 | 1% |
| 2016 | 15 | 2% |
| 2015 | 14 | 5% |
| 2014 | 21 | 6% |
| 2013 | 40 | 5% |
| 2012 | 31 | 3% |
| 2011 | 14 | 1% |
| 2010 | 24 | 2% |
| 2009 | 23 | 2% |
| 2008 | 8 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 0% |
| 2006 | 4 | 0% |
| 2005 | 8 | 1% |
| 2004 | 9 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 13 | 2% |
| 2001 | 12 | 2% |
| 2000 | 11 | 1% |
| 1999 | 29 | 4% |
| 1998 | 63 | 6% |
| 1997 | 43 | 10% |
| 1980 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
291 complaintsExterior lighting
202 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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