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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
63,118 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 2 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #77

May 022020

Malibu

  • 220,000 miles

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

Was driving on the interstate and car message center displayed engine speed reduced then it displayed within 5 minutes of the first message engine disabled. Car while not start.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #76

Feb 092020

Malibu

  • 134,924 miles
I recently purchased a 2012 Malibu lt, which is having the same issues, as was report; Mar 26, 2019 - kaufman, tx - engine when driving or sitting at idle not moving service ESC and traction control flashes on dash. Which is causing check engine light to stay on causing misfire on cylinder #1 and then random misfire. The car hasn+T been able to be inspected in 2 years have had at 3 Chevrolet dealerships and all can+T figure out issue. The 1st dealership said we have no idea what+S wrong with the car. The second dealership said the car needed #1 injector and injector harness and throttle body which was replaced didn+T even make it off the lot and check engine and traction control and ESC lights was flashing again they said might have cracked head car has been pressure tested doesn+T use water and doesn+T get hot. They are just trying to throw parts at it at my expense. The 3rd dealership which car is at now is telling me possible burnt valve causing all my issues with car said they did compression test and all cylinders have 170 pounds in all 4 cylinders which is not possible. I have replaced map sensor, PCM, spark plugs, 1 injector, injector harness, throttle body and nothing has helped car. The car never had any issues with misfire until the ESC and traction control started flashing and in 2 years still has been solved at any dealership very disappointed in need of help to fix issue. How do you fix the problem? [xxx]. parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Warner Robins, GA, USA

problem #75

Aug 012019

Malibu

  • 122,000 miles
The car seems to run fine once it starts. The problem is getting it to start. Sometimes the car starts without any problems and then sometimes it won't. it has left me stranded multiple times. We replaced the fuel pump, which seemed to fix the problem for a few days and then the same thing started to happen. We replaced a couple of fuses. Again this seemed to fix the problem for a few days and then the same thing started to happen. My husband and I noticed that there is some wiring that is always hot leading from the fuse box to the fuel pump. Basically we believe that Chevrolet used cheap crappy thin wiring. Because of this, the car won't start. We did some research online and it seems that everyone who owns a 2012 Chevy Malibu has had a similar problem that has cost consumers hundreds of dollars. We have always owned a Chevy and this is the first vehicle that we have ever had a problem with. We are seriously considering switching to Toyota or Nissan since Chevrolet has been receiving complaints and thus far has chosen not to do anything. Chevrolet manufactured the 2012 Chevy Malibu and was aware of the issues surrounding the fuse box, fuel pump, and the wiring. One of these days, the car is going to catch fire because of the faulty system. It is extremely frustrating to see all of these Chevy Malibu owners experiencing the same issue and Chevrolet does nothing. We never know if the car is going to start; it's literally a guessing game. Sometimes we tap the fuse box, sometimes we kick the side of the rear passenger door, and sometimes we have to sit and wait 15 minutes and then the car will start. Chevrolet needs to have a recall and fix the issues surrounding the 2012 Chevy Malibu. Eventually the wiring is going to catch fire.

- Bryan, TX, USA

problem #74

Dec 032019

Malibu

  • 163,000 miles

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

164,00 miles. Temp 34 F. drove car 3 miles and stopped at intersection. Put signal on and attempted left turn. Steering became locked. Break and accelerator went to lowest position nearest floor. Engine stayed on but car would not move even after lifted foot off break and attempted to push accelerator.. put in park. Stopped engine. Restarted. No change after start. Again put in park pushed on break turned ignition it started. Was able to drive and steering back to normal. No noticeable problem after that.

- Sobieski, WI, USA

problem #73

Nov 182019

Malibu

  • 86,000 miles
Timing chain just came off at 86000 miles. Driving fine until engine RPM slowed to idle speed then shut off. Was unable to start and stranded. No codes or warning. Luckily this happened in a parking lot but could have easily happened on a highway.

- Audubon, NJ, USA

problem #72

Apr 012019

Malibu

  • 112,000 miles
The car struggles to pick up speed. The rpms go up to between 4 and 5 and it doesnt shift when it should. It struggles accelerating to go up hills. The same RPM issue happens no matter if car was just started or had been running for long time. The check engine light wont shut off. Mechanic hooked it up to diagnose it, result showed it was solenoid. Replaced solenoids and light remained on. Reset check engine light. Light came back on. Hooked it up to diagnose, still reported solenoid.

- Millbury, MA, USA

problem #71

May 052019

Malibu

  • miles

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

My car dies when driving down the road. Electrical problem to the fuel pump

- Aberdeen, KY, USA

problem #70

Sep 012019

Malibu

  • 75,000 miles
Timing chain came off @ 75K miles. Called GM. They will not stand behind their product. Kept telling me to take it to a dealer. I already had it towed to a mechanic and can't afford to tow it somewhere else. Just driving down the road and the chain came off. I will never buy another Chevy.

- Union City, OK, USA

problem #69

Feb 012019

Malibu

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled and it took multiple attempts to restart. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer where the battery plug was cleaned, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #68

Mar 162016

Malibu

  • miles
The service engine light has been on for 3 years. Chevy has been unable to diagnose the issue despite changing out the sensors and clearing the codes. This effects the rest of the engine settings including fuel as it adjusts them based on a default. The rail support for the driver's seat has also broken loose and fallen down which makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. This seat issue was only notice earlier this year.

- Des Moines, IA, USA

problem #67

Feb 152019

Malibu

  • 119,000 miles

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

One day, driving on a freeway my car all of a sudden accelerated out of nowhere, then on the dash showed 'service ESC' then immediately after 'reduced engine power' and shut off. It would not turn back on and I was on the middle of the freeway. I had to have it towed to a nearby shop while I waited for hours to get the throttle body replaced- total of $560 and my car worked for the next two days then did the same thing, this time I was on a side street so it was mostly just annoying. This has happened more times than I can count since I've had this car (for 6 months) and Chevy dealerships won't do anything without charging me a ton of money and I've read hundreds of other complaints about the same exact issue I'm having online, in their testimonies, they've gotten multiple things 'fixed' because of the code that shows up, but then days later it's the same for every single one, it reverts back to the original problem. This is unacceptable of Chevrolet, and I'm very upset that I personally have put so much money, not to mention everyone else that has, into a seemingly unsolvable problem, caused by a mistake on Chevrolet's part. Please do something, thank you.

- East Lansing, MI, USA

problem #66

Jun 012019

Malibu

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle experienced acceleration failure and stalled. In addition, the gear had a difficult time shifting from park into reverse or drive when attempting to move out of a parked position. The vehicle was taken to bergstrom Chevrolet of madison (1345 applegate rd, madison, wi 53713, (608) 271-2212) where it was diagnosed that the body control module and an electric brake control module needed to be installed. In addition, a rear passenger side wheel speed sensor alternator circuit needed to be installed. The vehicle remained at the dealer since July 16, 2019 and the contact was informed that the repair would cost $2,700. The manufacturer provided a case number and referred the contact to a manager. The contact had not yet spoken with the manager. The contact was trying to find out what repairs were completed by the previous owner and was concerned that the repairs were not done properly. The dealer could not provide a service repair history for the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Madison, WI, USA

problem #65

Jul 252019

Malibu

  • 125,000 miles
Was driving and my car stopped accelerating. I pushed on the gas and it would not go. I was on the free way and almost had an accident. Also car would no longer start after stopped. Would act like it was going to start and does not. I've had several toes with my children in the vehicle. A huge safety concern.

- Jonesboro, GA, USA

problem #64

Mar 122019

Malibu

  • 140 miles
Takata recall it constantly shakes and my car is constantly pulling and random codes pop up all the time. Not to mention it's a 2012 and it's rusting majorly. I am driving when my car seems to be missing a beat it wants to jerk on me like it wants to stop running. I was on a city street it happens a lot.

- Wolcottville, IN, USA

problem #63

Apr 012019

Malibu

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 55-60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle approximately 20-60 minutes later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was an electrical failure and additional diagnostic testing needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated on two separate oil change intervals, metal shavings were found in the oil filter and oil pan. Crews Chevrolet (located at 8199 rivers ave, North charleston, SC 29406, (843) 820-7800) was informed of the failures. The contact stated that the failure recurred five times. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system, exterior lighting, vehicle speed control, electronic stability control). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

- Summerville, SC, USA

problem #62

Aug 202017

Malibu

  • miles
When driving or sitting at idle not moving service ESC and traction control flashes on dash. Which is causing check engine light to stay on causing misfire on cylinder #1 and then random misfire. The car hasn't been able to be inspected in 2 years have had at 3 Chevrolet dealerships and all can't figure out issue. The 1st dealership said we have no idea what's wrong with the car. The second dealership said the car needed #1 injector and injector harness and throttle body which was replaced didn't even make it off the lot and check engine and traction control and ESC lights was flashing again they said might have cracked head car has been pressure tested doesn't use water and doesn't get hot. They are just trying to throw parts at it at my expense. The 3rd dealership which car is at now is telling me possible burnt valve causing all my issues with car said they did compression test and all cylinders have 170 pounds in all 4 cylinders which is not possible. I have replaced map sensor, PCM, spark plugs, 1 injector, injector harness, throttle body and nothing has helped car. The car never had any issues with misfire until the ESC and traction control started flashing and in 2 years still has been solved at any dealership very disappointed in need of help to fix issue

- Kaufman, TX, USA

problem #61

Mar 182019

Malibu

  • 102,000 miles
Timing chain needed to be replaced. Vehicle has 102,000 miles on

- Hummelstown, PA, USA

problem #60

Jan 082019

Malibu

  • 146,000 miles
"takata recall" if I hit a bump small or any size actually my engine reduces and I have to pull over...and turn the car off for up to 10 mins sometimes... I cant drive on the freeway at all because I dont want the engine to reduce while doing 60 mph lately it will go into engine power reduce while im parked in a driveway so I dont get

- Inkster, MI, USA

problem #59

Oct 242017

Malibu

  • 99,000 miles
I have to replace my headlights every two weeks and have had to replace the plug outlet. Noticed that it is melting the plastic. This has been going on for a year now. Now it will not work it has happened on both driver and passenger side. Also have had my camshaft sensor replaced and keeps bringing up the check engine when I go get it read same code keeps going on. The camshaft issue is causing my car to stall in roadways making it dangerous for me and my daughter when in the car.

- Carlsbad, NM, USA

problem #58

Nov 122018

Malibu

  • 48,282 miles
Heater core was replaced in October 2017 due to anti-freeze leaking inside of car. The entire dashboard was removed ($1050). In October 2018, the traction control light began to appear so I had my mechanic use the GM testing equipment. Two valve timing solenoids were replaced. The traction control light issue continues and when it does, the brake lights remain on. The lights only appear when driving or if the radio is on.

- Willoughby, OH, USA

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