2012 Chevrolet Malibu
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 5 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1997 | 443 |
| 1998 | 976 |
| 1999 | 789 |
| 2000 | 922 |
| 2001 | 721 |
| 2002 | 567 |
| 2003 | 569 |
| 2004 | 1147 |
| 2005 | 975 |
| 2006 | 1115 |
| 2007 | 977 |
| 2008 | 987 |
| 2009 | 1509 |
| 2010 | 1359 |
| 2011 | 977 |
| 2012 | 905 |
| 2013 | 835 |
| 2014 | 350 |
| 2015 | 270 |
| 2016 | 835 |
| 2017 | 701 |
| 2018 | 694 |
| 2019 | 188 |
| 2020 | 195 |
| 2021 | 86 |
| 2022 | 92 |
| 2023 | 64 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
32% of complaints: electrical system — 290 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and control module.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Passenger and or driver side low beam headlight continues to go out. Mechanic has found connector keeps burning out the socket. Light is fine but connector is shorting out. Fire and safety issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250107
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 CHEVY MALIBU ON A HIGHWAY, THE CAR SUDDENLY TURNED OFF IN MOTION. I THEN LOOKED TO THE REAR OF THE CAR WHILE TRYING TO MANEUVER THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THE ENTIRE REAR OF THE CAR ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171107
Electrical system problems that create unsafe driving conditions!! Vehicle has electrical glitches. Internal warning lights flicker on and off. Battery drains. Car randomly will not start. Multiple incidents.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260722
22% of complaints: exterior lighting — 202 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.
CRASH FIRE INJURY21% of complaints: steering — 191 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing yaw/angle sensor and tie rod assembly.
CRASH INJURY14% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 129 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: air bags — 101 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing srs malfunction warning lamp/light.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact called on behalf of her daughter's boyfriend who was driving alongside her daughter in a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241120
TAKATA AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHILE IN FRONT END COLLISION. I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A MAIN STREET WHEN I WAS HIT IN THE FRONT BY 2 CARS. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180226
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING EAST DOWN HWY-40 TOWARD SALINA, KS. SHE HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET ON 60 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121005
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of...
Campaign 14V252000 — check if this car was fixed
Dorman Products, Inc.
Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
Campaign 14E044000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 8, 2010, to October 11, 2012.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the outboard lap anchor mounting bracket and inspect the flexible steel cable, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 16, 2015.
Campaign 15V269000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (290 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (202 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (191 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14E044000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V269000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.