2012 Chevrolet Malibu complaints

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while using the driver's side seat belt, the attachment on the seat belt fractured. The seat belt became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

The brakes light keep going out they won’t blink the won’t turn on fuses are blowing

Attempting to pull out of my parking lot, I was suddenly unable to steer my car. Immediately warning lights went on in the dashboard the car would not move. Luckily, I was not in the middle of the street or driving down the highway as I would have lost control of the vehicle. I had the car towed to Meineke and they reported that the power steering assist motor had failed. Prior to the incident, no warning signs had come on in my car.

Since day one the ESC - Electronic Stability Control has constantly affected the performance of the car. The car is not able to reach its full power and causes sudden speed changes . This has happened for a long time with no fix

Passenger headlight caught fire while driving

While I was making a right turn, I experienced a sudden loss of steering, the steering wheel became completely stiff and almost imposible to maneuver. The panel message was Service EPS and ESC off. According to information in this website, there was a special warranty extension, which expired on 2022, which covered this specific issue (the problem is related to the electric power steering assist (EPS), the steering column torque sensor or the EPS motor/controller). The special warranty code was 15356. I have taken my car to the dealership in the past for maintenance and other safety recalls, but I was not alerted about this very dangerous issue. I called GM today, and they said I was not alerted because this was not a recall but an extended warranty. This sounds like a lack of due diligence on GM´s end to address an issue that is extremely dangerous. I am now afraid to drive this car.

The electronic stability control activates under normal driving conditions. Power to engine is reduced, car does not brake or accelerate appropriately with this happens. It appears to be a problem that is reported frequently and one that has been a recall on some vehicles but this VIN does not show that recall. It puts me and others at risk because the car suddenly stops going at speed and lurches when trying to stop. Scans were done at a local auto shop which indicate issues with ESC. Warning lights include ESC activated, Engine power reduced

Driver safety belt lap anchor cable has broke and recall 15031 was already done not fixing the problem.

Passenger side low beam headlight wont work. Replace fuses relays and wiring harness. Ive read online where this is very common with these cars and even replacing the headlight assembky isnt a sure fix.

Passenger headlight continues to go out, replaced bulb and wiring harness multiple times

I’m having recalled issues in my car, but the car has no recall on it

The Instrument Cluster failed while driving. No gauges on dash work and the gear shift indicator light does not work. I have read online other owners with the same complaint. This should be on recall.

The power steering warning comes on, my steering wheel becomes very hard to turn…after turning the car on and off a few times, the warning goes away and the steering seems to go back to normal. It has been happening for a couple days now!

Driver seat frame bar broke. Is weld and the weld broke when I was on the road. Safety concern when I turn left or right driver seat moves a lot. I can’t drive my malibu like that, Im putting myself in risk and other drivers. First time happens to me this kind of situation. I had other oldest vehicles and driver seat never broke. Not good for a 2012 malibu with a broken frame bar driver seat. GM should fix this problem that comes from manufacure. I did a research about this and Im not alone there is a lot of people complaining about this safety concern issue that chevy malibus from 2009 and 2012 had and dealers dont want to pay attention to this problem.

As your driving along vehicle will shut off abruptly and have to remove and replace fuel pump relay until it shuts down again.

My engine

The steering wheel power goes off, warning with "power steering" Service esc" and traction off. Making it almost impossible to steer. This should be covered by Chevy because everyone has the problem.

The Audible Chimes on the car a very faint, if the seat belt is not fastened the car notifies you with a Visual Alarm and Audible alarm the chimes - the chimes stopped working on this car. This car does not have auto seatbelts, if you forget to fasten the seat belt you are not aware of this fact as the visual display is in the dash, the audible alarm chimes warning you that there is no seatbelt. No mechanic needed to tell me that this is broken, the chimes don't work, pretty easy to diagnose. No inpection to date, really do not want to pay for this to occur. no.

The car strated with like a glitch on the steering wheel. I didnt know what it was maybe I thought it was a tire but it would do it while at a stop or parked. Know when I turn it on it started with the steering wheel being hard not being able to move easy. Know it does the same but it shows on the message center "power steering" I have to turn it off and on for a while. Then it will be "normal". The glitch on the steering wheel is more. I don't know what to do or if there is a recall.

The Electric steering has malfunctioned and the ESC has shut off and my steering has gone out it only has 138000 miles I know there was several recalls for this steering issue in several Chevy Malibu’s. I don’t understand why mine was not recalled. It’s the same problem that the ones that were recalled were having. Please let me know if it is recalled or why this problem is still happening. Thank you

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the low-beam headlights failed to properly illuminate the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where both headlights were replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic on two other occasions, where both headlights were replaced. After the repair, the contact stated that she became aware that the passenger’s side headlight again failed to properly illuminate. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.

The steering wheel begins to jerk while driving straight, causing involuntary and abrupt movement to the sides and poses risk for collision. The power steering mechanic intermittently loses ability to function causing difficulty in controlling the vehicle.

Service esc service traction esc off Light comes on and off randomly

I bought my chevy Malibu in 2018 from a used car dealership. A couple months after I bought it the radio blew. I tried replacing fuses it would not work. The lights keep blowing. I keep replacing them and have had a new pigtail that's been grounded. That replacement happened last Thursday. Right light has blown again. Short in electrical system. Cause battery to go down. Windows will only work sometimes and the same goes for the door locks. I currently waiting for a tow truck. The new battery will not start.

Vehicle has intermittent periods where it won’t start. After replacing fuel pump relay it started after a week vehicle stalled while driving tested relay worked perfect after reading online forums found that this model car has an issue with the wiring to the fuse/fuse block in the trunk after pulling the fuse block out the wiring to the block is loose and very thin after adjusting the wires the car will start and run with no issues for several days to week where it will be fine the the wires will come lose again causing a crank. I start issue and stalling while driving.

Vehicle repeatedly shuts down due to wiring issue for fuel pump. Wire in rear fuse panel (in trunk) shows signs of overheating (discoloration). Vehicle shuts down without warning while driving. This causes an unsafe condition especially when travelling on busy roadways and highways. This seems to be a common problem with this model and year.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his daughter was operating the vehicle, there was a loud sound coming from the front driver’s side of the vehicle. Upon inspection it was discovered that the front driver’s side wheel spokes were cracked and damaged. The contact indicated that four of the five-wheel spokes were cracked and one had completely severed and the wheel needed to be replaced. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,160.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed. The service ESC power steering message was displayed. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column and steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified via email but there was no response. The contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E044000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact was able to stop and turn the vehicle off. When the contact attempted to restart the vehicle the starter motor made noises however, the vehicle would not restart. The contact stated that the check engine and several unknown lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle after waiting for an hour before driving to his residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with an electrical engine sensor failure. The contact was informed that the sensor need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 118,472.

To Whom It May Concern: My 2012 Chevrolet Malibu LS HASN'T been involved in an accident but I feel it necessary to report it! Due to issues involving my electrical system and other components of the vehicle that aren't working properly, the vehicle is inoperable! Beginning in April 2022, I have experienced issues with the vehicle starting (one day it will start and drive normally, another day it might not). Then it started stalling unexpectedly. Granted, I've had the car 10 years but I've never had these problems! It's been serviced and the problems still exist! These problems could easily cause an accident; I'm grateful I've been spared from tragedy! These issues need to be addressed and I'd greatly appreciate hearing from NHTSA!

The contact owns a Chicco Kidfit quipped in 2012 Chevy Malibu. The contact stated that the harness strap that's on the base of the car seat became loose when he made a turn. The car seat was not inspected. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power and was shuddering while shifting gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the roadway, turn off, and restart the vehicle, and drove to the residence safely. The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that as fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,089.

I contacted this agency back in March 2022 about my power steering going out while driving after I was told there was a recall on this issue already. This agency told me my vin number was NOT included in this recall but will start an investigation to see if it can be included. Considering this is an safety issue and a recall on this same issue has been established. I have yet to hear anything back from anyone about this matter. Not a letter, phone call nor an email. This is a safety issue! There is a recall on this already! I thought this agency was created for consumers to protect them from issues with transportation that involved their safety? I called and spoke with a rep name [XXX] who was extremely rude and obnoxious so I'm making this report again. Can I get any assistance from this agency? It is getting pretty scary to drive this vehicle with my wheel locking up and the repair is extremely high. I'm not sure why my vin was not included, but after doing some research, I'm having the exact same problems the other cars under this recall are having. My number has changed since my initial report. The new number is listed below. My old number is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

The electric power steering and ESC systems. It is or was under recall for this type of vehicle. The steering becomes hard and vehicle shakes the tire rotation is being read wrong by computer. It doesn't want to stay 9n the road...the stability of vehicle is compromised.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel locked without warning. The contact stated that after multiple restarts, the power steering functionality returned. Over time, the contact stated that the failure would occur while driving at various speeds without warning. The contact had spoken with the dealer and was informed that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E044000 (Steering). The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and she was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the ESC traction warning light, service traction warning light, and the reduced engine power warning light were illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

I just purchased this 2012 chevy malibu from someone used 184,000 miles decent condition. Air bag sensor keeps coming on and I'm not sure why, don't say which one. Headlights have a mind of their own and are already burnt out after just changing them. The stereo screen glitches, bad. The electric seats don't work. There's absolutely no working E brake. I think there's something wrong with the steering or maybe the u-joint or something. I'm about to look into the recalls on this car.

ESC reduced power reads across my monitor's screen. It could be numerous of these that cause this. I've done what I can afford, but no luck. I've done research & it's very common for this to happen among these. Please help me out with at least pinpointing the problem, thanks!

Passenger as well as driver side headlight continuously pop on and off, not blowing the bulbs but assuming there is a wiring issue

Right (passenger side) lo beam headlight continues to go out. You must remove the bumper to change headlamps, so, time consuming and expensive labor. I have changed this bulb 4 times just for it to go out within a couple hours. There is an entire forum of this same complaint. When you make a large purchase such as a vehicle, you should be assured that you can use your vehicle as intended without the stress and worry of malfunctions that can lead to costly tickets.

The cable that connects the drivers side seatbelt to the frame of the car completely severed in half (possibly due to repeated bending/fatigue when buckling the seatbelt). If the automobile was in an accident before the cable completely severed in half it surely would have broken in an accident and the driver could have been seriously injured. General Motors has a special recall on this issue but it does not seem to be enough to prevent the problem from happening. The seatbelt cable was inspected by GM when the special recall was issued but nothing was done at that time to correct the problem - it was only inspected. If GM is just going to inspect the cable for wear and is not willing to replace it, then perhaps these seatbelt cables should be inspected on a yearly frequency. It does not seem that a one time inspection is good enough. The cable may just be inspected one time and not indicate enough wear to be replaced and then later deteriorate and completely break as mine did. The seatbelt cable on my car has now been replaced by the dealer.

Check Engine light on Dash: variable valve timing problem detailed. Engine could wreck.

Each time I try to start my car it only starts up for 2 seconds and cut it off. I have changed fuel pump relay switch. It’s still causing the same problem. If I knock on the fuse box in the trunk then start the car the car will eventually start up. My car will randomly cut off on me causing me to be stuck. My rpm stopped moving at times I feel like I’m losing power. This car has serious electrical issues definitely a recall needs to be put in place. Let’s not forget my headlights not working even though they’ve been changed still only my driver side high beams work

Service Air bag warning/notice displays at every vehicle start. Car has multiple air bags and I don't know which one(s) don't work now.

I'm a single parent and I can't afford to take my car to the dealership I love my car I have had my 2012 chevy malibu for over 6 years n I hate to just have it park at home knowing that, that's car was my everything. It started having problem with esc . When I would come to a stop then taking off it would break on its one I was told it could be my throttle body so I went n buy one n now the idle is too high now I can't get it to fix. Pls help me out I'm my car that I love so much.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering would suddenly fail to operate as needed. The contact would pull over and restart the vehicle after waiting for a while. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic, who stated that the power steering failed and the power steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.

The fuse box in the trunk (Body Control Module or BCM) has completely melted the rear defrost fuse into the block. A central piece of the fuse was removed once the issue was identified preventing the system from continuing to send electrical current through the fuse and possibly sparking or shorting out other essential systems (such as the fuel pump which seems to be a common problem). I have not taken this to be seen by a dealer, but intend to replace the BCM so as to prevent the fuses from completely melting. Overall, there was no indication of the issue until I realized that the rear defrost wasn't working when there was a light frost on the windows. This is when I checked the fuses and found the issue.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, his headlights would intermittently fail to operate as needed without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to several independent mechanics and has had multiple headlight bulb replacements; however, the failure still persisted after each repair. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

I had been out running errands and I picked my mother up from church. Pulled up to the stoplight, light turned green, I pressed the gas pedal and nothing. I'm sitting at a major intersection and my car won't move I just put the pedal to the floor and my car creeped forward. Which if someone had been coming up behind me that wasn't stopped just driving up, I mean that could have been a very serious accident probably involving more than just my vehicle and the person behind me. The error codes that showed up on it after a reading was done (mind you there were no warning lights, there was nothing indicating a problem, there was no hint that there was a problem, an engine light came on AFTER the fact. ) the p0207 faulty fuel injector 7 and a p1607 serial communication problem with Device 7 and a p0700 transmission control system malfunction. In looking this up online there have been a lot of people who've had the same problem that have posted online. And there's a great many more posting in different places online and many that are not posting anything online about it. It's common and I would say a very common problem for owners of the Chevy Malibu.