2012 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and problems
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has 2 safety recalls and 907 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Recall 15V-269: Seat Belts
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 8, 2010, to October 11, 2012. 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.
Risk: 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. The recall began on November 16, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15031.
Recall 14V-252: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Speed Control, Exterior Lighting, Electrical System
Problem: 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 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. 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.
Risk: 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. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
2012 Chevrolet Malibu problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 291 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 202 | |
| Steering | 191 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 129 | |
| Air Bags | 101 | |
| Engine | 99 | |
| Service Brakes | 66 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 52 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 51 | |
| Unknown or Other | 51 | |
| Power Train | 50 | |
| Seat Belts | 47 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 14
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 7
- Electrical System › Wiring — 3
- Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module — 2
- Air Bags › Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light — 2
- Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 1
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 86,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Chevrolet Malibu complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Chevrolet Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu: 15V-269 (seat belts), 14V-252 (electronic stability control (esc), vehicle speed control, exterior lighting, electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (291 reports), followed by exterior lighting (202). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 86,000 miles.
Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.