What 905 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

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.

NHTSA ODI 11476288

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.

NHTSA ODI 11475008

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.

NHTSA ODI 11473446

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!

NHTSA ODI 11471426

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.

NHTSA ODI 11469142

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.

NHTSA ODI 11467948

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).

NHTSA ODI 11464391

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.

NHTSA ODI 11458969

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

NHTSA ODI 11458812

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.

NHTSA ODI 11458576

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.

NHTSA ODI 11458731

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!

NHTSA ODI 11457505

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

NHTSA ODI 11456718

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.

NHTSA ODI 11456496

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.

NHTSA ODI 11456514

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

NHTSA ODI 11456531

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

NHTSA ODI 11456327

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.

NHTSA ODI 11455464

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.

NHTSA ODI 11455265

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.

NHTSA ODI 11454459

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.

NHTSA ODI 11453716

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.

NHTSA ODI 11453439

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.

NHTSA ODI 11453284

My electric steering motor and torque sensor is going out. I first noticed it starting to go out about 2 months ago in November. I was turning to pull into a parking spot at the grocery store and all of a sudden my wheel locked up and check ESC flashed across my dashboard. I almost side grazed the car on side of me on my way turning in. I had to turn the wheel really hard to straighten it up..so when I got into the parking spot and turned the car off and turned it back on it was working again and didn’t do it for a while. So fast forward 2 months later in January it started back doing it again. I was backing out of my driveway and all of a sudden the steering got really hard and again service ESC flashed on the dashboard and I almost backed up into a car that’s parked on the street behind my driveway. I had to turn really had and in the middle of the street I had to turn the car off and back on to reset itself . The next day was driving and and when I stopped at a stop sign my steering wheel started shaking left to right uncontrollably and ever since the the steering wheel just shakes even while sitting still so I made an appointment with the dealership that I got the car for checked it out and did a diagnostic test and the mechanic told me I needed a torque sensor and steering motor. I have the papers saying that’s what’s wrong with it and after doing research I found that that car model had a recall with the exact same thing my car is doing but when I put in my vin number it’s not listed as a recall and my car isn’t drivable and I think it should be recalled .As of now it has only been looked at by the dealership. And it’s available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11451342

ESC traction control /Power Sterering light turned on my wheel was hard to steer. Lost control . If I turn off it works for a few minutes but then goes back to hard.. unable to steer

NHTSA ODI 11451269