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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
64,446 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 3 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #55

Oct 132018

Malibu

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 50 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise. The vehicle stalled and the "engine hot" warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle would not restart and it was towed to her home. An independent mechanic stated that the engine was not the original engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- La Plata, MD, USA

problem #54

Aug 112018

Malibu

  • 74,120 miles
As I was driving in in Chicago interstate 94 doing about 60mph the motor just stopped running the steering was hard I had difficulty going to the sholder there was no warning lights like if I just turned the switch to off after I got to the sholder the car just didn't want to start..I called my mechanic he said try to reboot the pc. Unplug the battery. I did the car started but started with a ticking noise. In the engine I cancelled my plan turned around started to go heme 20 minutes later on the same interstate 94 the car did it again this time all the warning lights came on. But tjis time it was harder to steer the car...can you imagine driving in the freeway with your family on board next to semi trucks and your car just stops responding.....I thing this problem should be looked at before a deadly accident happens.

- Hammond, IN, USA

problem #53

Aug 092018

Malibu

  • 55,000 miles
While driving on the highway at 55 mph, service ecs light came on, reduced power warning light came on and car came to a full stall.

- Colonie, NY, USA

problem #52

Jul 252018

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

P2138 throttle/ pedal position sensor second time same problem the power was reduce when I was driving in the highway.

- Golden Valley, MN, USA

problem #51

Jul 102018

Malibu

  • 99,500 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the engine overheated, stalled, and various warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was later taken to master Chevrolet (3625 richland ave w, aiken, SC 29801, (806) 353-6343) for diagnostic testing and repairs. The contact stated that the dealer was unable to determine a specific cause of the failures, but stated that the vehicle was a flood vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle had electrical wiring issues, the transmission failed to switch gears correctly, and the brakes had been replaced at least twice since owning the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 99,500.

- Wagner, SC, USA

problem #50

Mar 082018

Malibu

  • miles
Timing chain causing car to misfire and engine light

- Leroy, NY, USA

problem #49

Jun 062018

Malibu

  • 18,380 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Tracking control light comes on and slows the car, the the engine will disable. The car will do this while in motion. Today on the freeway engines disabled and almost rear ended. No machanic know how to fix it without changing and replacing multiple parts and still happens. We purchased the car in March 2018

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #48

Mar 282018

Malibu

  • 109,655 miles
Vehicle started idling rough but ran good on the interstate or speeds above 40 mph. Checked timing chains. Chains were loose and jumped time.

- Cedar Rapids, IA, USA

problem #47

Apr 162018

Malibu

  • 147,000 miles
Cylinder 2 keep miss firing and service traction light keeps coming on. I have taken the care to 3 repair shop and spent over $2500 in repairs over the last year.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #46

Apr 022018

Malibu

  • miles
Misfire cyl #1 and eng lt. With misfire code, attempted chev dealer warranty repair with removal of cyl head and replacemnt valves [the cheap fix instead of replacing cyl head, in retrospect I believe chev should have replaced the cyl head for a permanent repair, now the car is out of 100K powertrain warranty] but recurrence 22K miles later. I suspect a design flaw. Iternet shows many owners with same complaint. Traction control light continues to come off and on.

- Metairie, LA, USA

problem #45

Feb 062018

Malibu

  • 103,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving various speeds, the check engine indicator illuminated without warning. The contact took the vehicle to grismer automotive (60 N main St, springboro, oh 45066, 937-748-2050) where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by Chevrolet to contact GM. The contact called GM and was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty due to the mileage; therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair. The failure mileage was 103,000.

- Springboro, OH, USA

problem #44

Jan 062018

Malibu

  • miles
Timing chain needs repair only 80,000 miles on car bought it certified used warranty is up im very upset was driving on express way engine light came on had it checked at dealership

- Chesterfield, MI, USA

problem #43

Jan 012018

Malibu

  • 96,000 miles
This is my second incident report for the same vehicle. While driving on the highway the vehicle suddenly lost all mobility. No warning at all just stopped running. Fortunatly I was not at a very high rate of speed but was getting ready to make a turn off the highway. No indication that anything was wrong at all. My concern is why does someone need to get hurt or killed before this prolem is addressed? having taken this to be serviced I encountered others who have had the same experience with their vehicles, all Chevrolet of one model or similar to it. Basically the same motor. This happened to me before and I have not been given a reason for the problem.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #42

Dec 272017

Malibu

  • 96,000 miles
Vehicle was in motion at about 60 mph on a highway and the rpms dropped drastically, the anti skid indicator light came on, the vehicle lost power temporarilly. I pulled over and slowed down and the car returned to normal. Same evening vehicle was in motion about 55 mph on a highway when there was a loss of power, steering got sluggish, all indicatorlights on dash blinked on and off engine light came on and stayed on, anti skid indicator light came on, was knocking in motor and car would not accelerate over 20 mph. Completed a diagnosis of the vehicle and a code P0068 was noted by diagnostics. P0068 the engine and transmission system is not performing as expected. An issue has been detected in the throttle control system that connects the accelerator pedal with the throttle and integrates features such as cruise control, traction control, stability control, and pre-crash systems. If the check engine light is flashing, a misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and could damage the emission control system on the vehicle. Please reduce vehicle speed, avoid hard accelerations, avoid steep uphill grades, and reduce any cargo loads such as a trailer. If the vehicle is continually driven with the check engine light on, the emission controls might not work as well, the vehicle fuel economy might not be as good, and the engine might not run as smoothly. This could lead to future repairs

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #41

Nov 192017

Malibu

  • 33,300 miles
Stop at light, knocking noise starts & hesitation at next light. A mile later, check engine light turns on.codes P00011, P00014 P00366- from dealership #1. had previous engine work done under warranty (which dearlership #1 tried to charge me $400. Until I pressed the warranty).I bought it there.service person reported:foreign debris on the screen of the cam position actuators she also reported: Filter broke, or someone where I had the oil changed (valvoline) put a rag or bottle cap in my engine, needed a new one. She advise me to take the car to valvoline.after persistent questioning, she suggests, engine flush but no guarantee. Refused flush. Paid $133. For "diagnostic". took to valvoline - they spoke to tech at dealership #1 who said filter intact but tilted.they viewed the filter, said it was fine but showed me the metallic sparkles in it. They mentioned it was tilted.they took pictures and have a video where they said a rag or bottle cap was not near engine. I have not view this tape.called GM - made a compliant against dealer - they escalate GM calls back. Advised take to dealership. Anyone, took to another - do not trust the original.GM dealership #2 - said filter had metal parts in it - they said it was crushed, asked to drop pain, quoted $350.dealer #2 - drops pan and says the following in an email and sent pictures:the following pictures show the vehicles oil pan removed and foreign debris in the bottom. Technician believes the plastic from the timing chain guides and visible metal in the oil itself. Advised need engine. Rebuilt is approx: $6000, or $7500 new. Car has 33K miles.timing chain belt failure.GM will not stand by their products that destroyed engine.two engine issues prior to current: Stalled approaching a highway. Towed to dealership#1. driving on highway/slowed from 50 to 20mph, trying to pull over then it accelerated.

- Rutherford, NJ, USA

problem #40

Jan 012017

Malibu

  • miles
2012 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer writes in regards to multiple safety defects with vehicle. The consumer stated the vehicle has several safety defects including the electric stability control, brakes, sensor lights, steering, suspension, wheels, engine lights, power train. Updated 10/23/2017

- Maricopa, AZ, USA

problem #39

May 102017

Malibu

  • 101 miles
All lights on the dash board had brake pads installed vehicle making noise while driving vehicle pulling to the right, had three sensors replaced dash board light still ON05

- Maricopa, AZ, USA

problem #38

Jul 092017

Malibu

  • 46,500 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start at times; however, when driving, it runs for a while and then stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer (buff whelan Chevrolet, 40445 van dyke ave, sterling heights, mi 48313) where it was not diagnosed because the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer was able to start the vehicle and returned it to the contact. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of issue. The failure mileage was 46,500.

- Macomb Township, MI, USA

problem #37

Aug 062017

Malibu

  • 63,000 miles
2012 Malibu intermittent no start. Hard crank but won't start. Problem started a month ago, randomly wouldn't start had it towed to mechanic but they couldn't duplicate problem. 2 days later same thing, had it towed again. Started next day for mechanic. After 3rd tow it wouldn't start and they replaced fuel pump. 4 days later no start again, had it towed but of course it started the 4 days mechanic had it. I picked it up and drove it all day. Tried to leave in the evening and no start. It's back at the mechanics, going to replace fuss box. Hopefully this works. It has never stalled while operating but it does lose power while driving and hesitates. Had the vehicle towed a total of 4 times and 1500$ later car still isn't fixed. Mechanic is having hard time pin pointing problem. I travel out of town on business frequently and can't depend on this vehicle. I've read multiple posts about same issue it seems Chevy would try to resolve it.

- Muncie, IN, USA

problem #36

Feb 082017

Malibu

  • 120,000 miles
When car is at idle the traction control and ESC light comes on and causes car to misfire and shake

- Burnet, TX, USA

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