This page covers 2 recalls, 904 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
20–26 mpg combined
9–11.8 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu draws the most complaints around exterior lighting, steering, and the electrical system. Lighting is the top reported issue by a wide margin, with owners frequently describing headlights that shut off unexpectedly while driving, sometimes cycling between high and low beam or failing altogether after extended use. Steering complaints are nearly as common, with owners reporting sudden loss of power steering, the wheel becoming very hard to turn, along with steering column and torque sensor failures. Electrical system complaints cover a broader range of symptoms including airbag and seatbelt warning lights that illuminate unexpectedly and won't clear, and rear defrost systems that stop functioning. The lighting and steering complaints in particular tend to describe abrupt, in-motion failures rather than gradual degradation.
904
Total Complaints
50
Crash-Related
13
Fire-Related
27
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has 2 recalls, the more serious being an electronic stability control fault that can fail to activate when needed, raising the risk of a crash.
The second recall involves the flexible steel cables that anchor the front driver and passenger seatbelts to the vehicle floor. These cables can be bent over time by people stepping on them while getting in, and a bent cable can eventually break, leaving the occupant without proper belt restraint in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The flexible steel cables connecting seat belts to the vehicle at the outer edges of the driver and front passenger seats may bend when sat on during entry. Repeated bending can cause the cables to break.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the outboard lap anchor mounting bracket and inspect the flexible steel cable, replacing it if needed, at no cost.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A loose connection in the Body Control Module causes voltage fluctuations in the brake sensor circuit. This can make brake lights stay on or not light up, prevent cruise control from disengaging, allow the car to shift out of Park without pressing the brake, and disable traction control and stability features.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure the wiring harness to the Body Control Module with a spacer, apply lubricant to connectors, and recalibrate the brake pedal position.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
