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What 905 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (905)Crash / fire / injury (65)Electrical system (290)Lights (202)Steering (191)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (129)Airbags (101)Engine (99)Brakes (73)Fuel system (56)Speed control (52)Transmission & drivetrain (49)

Newest first · 905 complaints · page 33 of 37

Nov 21, 2014SteeringElectronic Stability Control (esc)

WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING WOULD TURN OFF AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE (STEER). THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT HAS ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL MODULE WHICH WARMS UP AND CUTS OUT THE POWER STEERING. IT WILL DISPLAY "POWER STEERING SERVICE ESC" AND SYMBOL COMES ON. THIS IS AN UNEXPECTED ONGOING PROBLEM LIKE IN THE MORNING IT WILL BE O.K. BUT LATE IN THE AFTERNOON IT COULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10660036

Nov 14, 2014BrakesElectrical systemLightsSpeed controlElectronic Stability Control (esc)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE MONTHS BEFORE AN APPOINTMENT COULD BE SCHEDULED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI 10655047

Nov 7, 2014Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENGAGING THE BRAKES, A GRINDING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52.

NHTSA ODI 10653482

Nov 6, 2014SteeringAirbagsCrash1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING COLUMN DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH LANDED ON THE CONTACT'S LAP. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IF THE STEERING AIR BAG DEPLOYED, HE WOULD HAVE SUSTAINED POSSIBLE FATAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BACK BRUISES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

NHTSA ODI 10653107

Nov 4, 2014BrakesElectrical systemLightsAirbagsSpeed controlElectronic Stability Control (esc)Crash1 injury

2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BODY CONTROL MODULE RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND CAUSED HIM TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. THE CONSUMER SENT IN A RECALL NOTICE ALONG WITH HIS COMPLAINT. *JB

NHTSA ODI 10651200

Oct 31, 2014Airbags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 10651572

Oct 29, 2014Airbags

MY SERVICE AIRBAG MESSAGE KEEPS POPPING UP OFF AND ON. IT HAS FOR WEEKS NOW? IT SEEMS THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN ON THE RECALL LIST SEVERAL TIMES FOR DIFFERENT ISSUES? I HAVE KEPT MY VEHICLE MAINTENANCE UP TO DATE AS I SHOULD HOWEVER THINGS LIKE THIS KEEP HAPPENING! NOT TO MENTION THE BUZZING NOISE I BEGAN HEARING IN THE BACK OF THE CAR A COUPLE MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED IT BUT YOU ALL CLAIMED YOU COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THIS IS EXTREMELY DISCOURAGING! PLEASE LET US KNOW HOW THESE ISSUES CAN BE TAKEN CARE OF AS THIS IS A HUGE INCONVENIENCE AND EXTREMELY UNSAFE! THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10651023

Oct 27, 2014Airbags

THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT CONSTANTLY COMES ON AND OFF, AND TO BE HONEST IT MAKES ME A LITTLE WORRIED. ESPECIALLY WITH ALL THE RECALLS GOING ON. IT WILL COME ON AND STAY ON FOR 5-30 MIN AND GO OFF AND SO ON. WE HAVE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AS WELL AND STILL HAVE. VERY UNHAPPY WITH IT. WILL BE HAPPY FOR A NEW VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10650501

Oct 24, 2014SteeringAirbagsCrash

I WAS REAR ENDED AND THE STEERING WHEEL AND SHAFT COMPLETELY DISLODGED ONTO MY LAP .THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS PUSHED APPROXIMATELY 150 FT. AND THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD HAVE STEERED IF THERE WAS ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING UP THE HIGHWAY. IF AIRBAG WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS INJURY TO MYSELF. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10649804

Oct 16, 2014Electrical system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL , EXTERIOR LIGHTING , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI 10645042

Oct 15, 2014Airbags

REPAIR AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN TURNING CAR ON. THE LIGHT BEEPS MAJORITY OF THE TIME THE CAR IS RUNNING. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10644748

Oct 14, 2014AirbagsWheelsBrakes

WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN, VEHICLE DOES NOT HANDLE WELL IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. HAS ISSUE WITH BRAKING, TIRES SKID. WHEN I HIT THE GAS PEDAL AFTER A STOP, THE TIRES SKID. . RECENTLY HAS A ALIGNMENT DONE, AND THE TIRES ARE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. THOUGHT MAYBE THAT WAS THE ISSUE, I WAS WRONG. VEHICLE HAD RECENT INSPECTION "BRAKES ARE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. VEHICLE HAS HAD ISSUES SINCE PURCHASE. MY FAMILY AND I WERE BELTED IN AS ALWAYS, WHILE DRIVING THE DASH CONSOLE LIGHT CAME ON "SERVICE AIR BAG" THE LIGHT STAYED ON CONSTANT FOR APPROX. 30 MIN THEN WENT OUT. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALER AND WILL HAVE VEHICLE CHECKED AT APPOINTMENT IN 2 WEEKS. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10644500

Oct 14, 2014LightsCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED CAUSING ANOTHER VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. AFTER THE CRASH, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 10644666

Oct 9, 2014Transmission & drivetrain

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE FROM A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

NHTSA ODI 10643629

Oct 3, 2014Electrical system

I HAVE A 2012 CHEVROLET MAILBU WHERE THE KEY IS GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION. REALLY HARD TO GET OFF OF ACC WITHOUT JIGGLING GEAR SHIFTER AND TURNING WHEELS. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. THERE IS A RECALL ALREADY INITIATED BUT NOT FOR MY YEAR OF CAR! *TR

NHTSA ODI 10641092

Oct 3, 2014Airbags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 10641295

Oct 3, 2014LightsBrakesCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) HAD EXCEEDED THE REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 10641318

Sep 30, 2014Brakes

I GOT A RECALL ON MY CAR AND WAS TOLD BY MY DEALER, BEST CHEVROLET, MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL. THEN I RECEIVE A SECOND NOTICE ALONG WITH A REIMBURSEMENT FORM. I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW I DON'T FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE DRIVING AROUND IN A CAR THAT MAY BE A ACCIDENT LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO HAPPEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10640343

Sep 27, 2014Electrical systemFuel system

IN JUNE 2014 CAR WOULDN'T START AFTER SITTING 4 HOURS TOWED IN SAID THEFT SYSTEM MADE NEW KEY WHICH I HAD TO PAY FOR, TOWED IN AGAIN 3 DAYS LATER SAME PROBLEM, STARTED FOR DEALER IN AM ANOTHER $120. 4 DAYS APPROX LATER AGAIN GOT TO WORK THEN WOULDN'T START. REPLACED REAR U-BEC, WIRING HARNESS JUNCTION BLOCK, RELAY, BECAUSE MELTED CONNECTOR WITH FIVE LEADS 30 AMP FUSE. THEN 9/23/2014 CAR STARTED GOT TO DAYCARE WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF BEING OFF NO START. WAITED THEN STARTED TEN MINUTES LATER. 9/272014 GOT TO WORK LUNCH TIME NO START SAME WANTED TO START LIKE GETTING NO FUEL THEN 3 HOURS LATER STARTED DROVE TO DEALER. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10639566

Sep 22, 2014LightsBrakes

VEHICLE HIGH MOUNT THIRD BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE AFTER 60,000 MILES. MAY AFFECT VISIBILITY WHEN STOPPING. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10637934

Sep 15, 2014Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WANDERED OUT OF LANE INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO NOTICED THAT BOTH FRONT INNER TIE RODS WERE PROTRUDED OUTWARD WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO BOTH FRONT TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.

NHTSA ODI 10633142

Sep 15, 2014Electronic Stability Control (esc)Traction Control System

WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL IS ENGAGED WHEN YOU TOUCH THE GAS PEDAL AFTER A COMPLETE STOP IF THERE IS A LIGHT COATING OF MOISTURE ON THE ROAD SURFACE THE VEHICLE WILL SLIDE TO THE RIGHT. THIS HAPPENS ALL OF THE TIME. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION AND THEY MADE NOTE OF IT. AS A RESULT I TURN THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF AS I AM AFRAID AN ACCIDENT MAY OCCUR. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10633256

Sep 11, 2014Airbags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 10632415

Sep 8, 2014Electrical systemEngine

IN 8/25/2014 IT STARTED WHEN MY WIFE WANT TO START THE CAR AND IT DIDN'T JUST CRANKS BUT WONT STARTED, IT DID AFTER A FEW TRIES, AND THEN HAPPENED AGAIN THE SAME DAY TO MY SON AND AFTER A LITTLE WHILE IT STARTED RIGHT BACK, AND THAT SAME WEEK I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HR.AND ALL OF SUDDEN IT JUST DIED WITH NO CODES OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DISPLAYED,IT IS TOO DANGEROUS THAT HAPPEN IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAIN ROAD BECAUSE IT DIDN'T WANT TO RE START I HAVE TO PUSH IT ACROSS OF THE ROAD WITH ALL THIS CARS BEHIND YOU AND BE AFRAID OF BEING HIT.IT SEEMS THAT IT BEEN MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY HAPPENING THIS WEEK AND TAKES LONGER WAIT TO RE START IT, I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF IS A DEFECT OF THIS MALIBU 2012 I. I HEARD THAT MALIBU'S HAVE A ISSUE WITH THE ANTITHEFT SYSTEM. WE SCANNED COMPUTER HISTORY AND IT SHOWS ANTITHEFT HISTORY STORED ON IT. AM AFRAID OF GO INTO EXPRESSWAY AND RUN INTO AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE HELP MY CAR IS A 2012 IMPALA WITH 65000 MILES ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10631725

Aug 21, 2014Airbags

PURCHASED CAR IN SAC 7/29/14.DIDN'T USE FOR 5 DAYS-OUT OF TOWN. UPON RETURN, CAR STRUGGLED TO START. TOOK TO OUR MECHANIC- BATTERY LOW. HERTZ SALES REPLACED AT NO COST. DAUGHTER/DRIVER THE ONLY PERSON IN THE CAR. ON(8/5),SON, 5'9",125LBS. IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT-THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT DID NOT GO ON. CAR ON WHEN HE GOT IN. TURNED OFF CAR, GOT IN,RESTARTED BUT STILL DIDN'T REGISTER HIM. WENT FROM OFF-ON-OFF. ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES BUT AIRBAG LIGHT DIDN'T GO ON. SON RODE IN BACK.WHEN DROPPED OFF CAR TO HAVE BATTERY REPLACED, TOLD SALESMAN RE:AIRBAG LIGHT.WE HAD EXPERIENCED SAME AIRBAG ISSUE IN ANOTHER MALIBU WHEN SHOPPING @DEALERSHIP IN SANTA CLARA& THEREFORE DIDN'T PURCHASE THAT CAR. PICKED UP CAR AFTER BATTERY REPLACED.SALESMAN TESTED SENSOR.DETECTED HIS PRESENCE WHEN SEATED AFTER ABOUT 15SEC.TESTED BY LEANING/PUSHING ON SEAT-SOMETIMES LIGHT WENT ON&SOMETIMES NOT (PRESUMABLY NOT ENOUGH WEIGHT TO TRIGGER IT).WAS TOLD IF HAD THIS PROBLEM AGAIN-BRING BACK&WOULD BE SENT TO THE DEALER TO BE FIXED.THOUGHT PERHAPS AIRBAG SENSOR ISSUE RELATED TO A LOW BATTERY.NO ISSUE FIRST FEW DAYS WHEN SON SAT IN FRONT.BUT HAVE SENSOR PROBLEM AGAIN.ONCE MORE,SON WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT&THE AIRBAG SENSOR DID NOT DETECT HIM.SAT IN BACK AGAIN BC DIDN'T WANT TO RISK AIR BAG NOT DEPLOYING IF ACCIDENT.DID INTERNET SEARCH-LEARNED RECALL ISSUED ON 5-14-14 FOR OTHER ISSUES.NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE DOCUMENTED ON THIS NHTSA WEBSITE.FOUND ARTICLE THAT SAID SOME 2012 MALIBUS WERE RECALLED FOR AN AIR BAG SENSOR ISSUE (RECALL #12V224000)BUT OTHER SEARCHES,SAY FOR 2013 MALIBUS?OUR TEENS USE THIS CAR FOR SCHOOL.SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY.THE RISK FOR GREAT HARM IS UNNERVING.HAVE FILED REPORT WITH GM/CHEVY&GOT REF#.SAID DEALER WILL FIX USING THAT REFERENCE NUMBER.I HAVE WRITTEN TO THE HERTZ SALES DEALER WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR&AM AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THEM AS TO WHAT ACTION WE SHOULD TAKE NEXT. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10627211

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Eco verdict →