The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has 904 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and exterior lighting. Owners most often flag engine problems: timing chain wear (2010–2016) leading to potential catastrophic damage; oil consumption/loss; turbocharger failures on 1.5l/2.0l engines; vacuum pump explosions; faulty sensors causing poor fuel economy and rough idle. frequency: very frequent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 13 Malibu model years we track, complaint volume runs from 189 (2019) to 3,043 (2009). With 904 complaints, the 2012 Malibu sits belowthe model's median of 1,697.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
seat belts
Campaign 15V269000General 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…
electrical system:wiring
Campaign 14V252000General 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,…
steering
Campaign 14E044000Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on …
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily dependent on model year. The 2013 model year is universally panned, described as so poorly received that it required an emergency refresh for 2014 and was replaced by a new…
Owner insights cover all generations of the Malibu. See the full Malibu owner picture and every model year.
Used Malibu listings typically run $10,900–$18,249 across 2013 to 2025 model years.
Compare every Malibu year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.