2012 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
What owners have reported about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Malibu. Owners have filed 907 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 17 Malibu model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, lights and steering.
907 complaints 3 recalls, 1 crash risk 5th worst of 17 Malibu years
Top 2012 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Electrical problems
291 complaints (32%) name the electrical system, most often the wiring and control module.
Lighting problems
202 complaints (22%) name the lights, most often the headlights.
Steering problems
191 complaints (21%) name the steering, most often the tie rod assembly and column.
Stability control problems
135 complaints (15%) name the stability control.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (629 of 907). The amber line is the middle value, about 88,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2012 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Seat Belts
In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle. This repeated bending may result in the cable breaking. If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Recall 15V269000 · May 2015Steering shaft joint can fail and cause a crash
Crash riskThe steering shaft's universal joint may wear out early because its yoke does not hold the bearing firmly enough. If the joint separates, the driver can lose all steering control, which greatly raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will replace the steering shaft or refund the purchase price, and the repair is free of charge.
Recall 14E044000 · Jul 2014Wiring, Cruise control
In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features. Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014.
Recall 14V252000 · May 2014Get an email when your 2012 Chevrolet Malibu gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Malibu years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2012 Chevrolet Malibu problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Malibu. Owners have filed 907 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 17 Malibu model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, lights and steering.
What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, lights, steering and stability control. 291 complaints (32%) name the electrical system, most often the wiring and control module.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 57,000–120,000 miles, with a middle value near 90,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu have?
3. Seat Belts (15V269000); Steering shaft joint can fail and cause a crash (14E044000); Wiring, Cruise control (14V252000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
Ask for service records covering the electrical system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2023 and 2021 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.