2012 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jan 8, 2025113,000 miIATowedAirbagsEngine

   The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the temperature gauge began to indicate the vehicle was overheating after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pan gasket; resulting in…

   NHTSA complaint #11634893 · source
2. Filed Dec 31, 2024SCAirbagsEngineSeats & Seat Belts

   The catalytic converter and exhaust manifold are suspected to be malfunctioning. These components are part of the vehicle’s exhaust system, and their failure is believed to be contributing to hesitation and skipping during operation. Both components are available for inspection upon request. The hesitation and skipping reduce the vehicle’s responsiveness, creating a safety risk in traffic. This issue could hinder safe merging, overtaking, or maintaining consistent speeds.…

   NHTSA complaint #11633324 · source
3. Filed Jul 13, 2024FLElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   For 4 years the car intermittently would turn on all warning lights, shake, become hard to steer and steer in unintended directions. We paid $1500 for the dealer to fix it and we still had the problem. Today, the car will drive less then a mile and die. When we start the car all warning lights come on, the vehicle vibrates and struggles to keep speed of 5 mph or so then will die.

   NHTSA complaint #11601760 · source
4. Filed Jun 10, 2024TXElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Driving down the freeway and suddenly I get reduce engine power. I had to wait on the freeway until the car started up again

   NHTSA complaint #11593420 · source
5. Filed Jul 26, 2023INEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   The electronic stability control activates under normal driving conditions. Power to engine is reduced, car does not brake or accelerate appropriately with this happens. It appears to be a problem that is reported frequently and one that has been a recall on some vehicles but this VIN does not show that recall. It puts me and others at risk because the car suddenly stops going at speed and lurches when trying to stop. Scans were done at a local auto shop which indicate…

   NHTSA complaint #11534505 · source
6. Filed Feb 23, 2023CAEngineOther / Unknown

   As your driving along vehicle will shut off abruptly and have to remove and replace fuel pump relay until it shuts down again.

   NHTSA complaint #11508713 · source
7. Filed Jul 20, 2022137,000 miVATowedEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11475008 · source
8. Filed Jun 28, 2022NCElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11471426 · source
9. Filed Mar 28, 2022140,000 miMITowedEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11458576 · source
10. Filed Mar 20, 2022MSEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

    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 complaint #11457505 · source
11. Filed Nov 3, 2021ALElectrical SystemEngineSteering

    I been having the same problem for a year now.. constantly putting it in and out the shop and no one can find out what’s wrong with it.. the engine will loss it control and stop working in the middle of traffic which almost caused me a wreck several times. The Chevrolet dealership hasn’t done anything to help but charge me to look at it and they didn’t fix the problem. I have three kids and it has been a safety issue which is our only way to work and school. The car will…

    NHTSA complaint #11439225 · source
12. Filed Aug 1, 2021VAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    This car will not start!!!! It starts when it feels like it. I’ve been stranded after work so many times for unknown reasons. Multiple mechanics have inspected car and cannot find the issue. Go on YouTube and search for this year car and you’ll find so many people in the same situation as me. The car has battery but the engine will not start. GM cars have this issue in common and it’s ridiculous GM cannot stand behind their brand. Please HELP US!!!

    NHTSA complaint #11427361 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology