Check a VIN

2012 Chevrolet Malibu driver assistance complaints

Page 4 of 6: complaints 71 to 100 of 136, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2012 Chevrolet Malibu driver assistance problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Apr 14, 2018 · Driver assistance, Engine · LA

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.

Filed Apr 2, 2018 · Driver assistance · MD

On april 1,2018 I was driving on a busy road going 45mph when my car suddenly lost the ability to accelerate. A couple of warning light flashed on the dashboard ESC as well as the engine light. The car began to jerk and drive really rough, before the engine power lost flashed on the dash. I turned on my hazard lights and tried to get the car off the road to a safe area. The car could only cruise because I could no longer accelerate. This car just made it to 82000 miles on the dash, I should not be having an issue like this with this car. This is a very dangerous situation as someone could be seriously injured or even worst death. Please please bring awareness to this issue, which a lot of owners of this vehicle is having.

Filed Apr 1, 2018 · Driver assistance · 85,600 miles · PA

As I was driving to work on the interstate 95 I noticed the car violently shaking and throttling uncontrollably, the dashboard read service ESC and the traction control sensor came on. I let off of the gas and the car was still accelerating, I pressed the bakes and it wouldn't stop the car from lunging forward. I pulled to the side of highway and turned the car off. I waited a couple minutes and the problem was still there but not lunging forward anymore but the speed was limited to 20 MPH I made it to work. After a 9 hour shift the shaking stopped but check engine light still on.

Filed Mar 26, 2018 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 60 miles · VA

The check engine line and service traction light continues to come on. My car was serviced by 2 chevrolet dealership and another dealership and they problem has not been fixed. I was told it was the coils by manassas chevrolet and lindsey chevrolet . The coils, spark plugs and carbon blow out was completed. The lights continue to come on. It appears to be the same issue that the 2009 malibu was recalled for. Please make chevrolet complete a recall on these vehicles before someone is seriously engineered. One dealership said the engines may be bad in these cars. The car drives rough and the service traction light comes on when you brake. The check engine light stays on at all times.

Filed Mar 8, 2018 · Driver assistance, Steering · NC

Off and on my power steering goes out, I can be at a redlight, parked or even driving and it goes out, I end up having to turn off car if im parked or at redlight, and if im driving I go into neutral to turn car off and then off... My ESC goes off als, this has happened several times since I first purchased the car, so since 2012 it most recently happened last night on my way home from work while at a light

Filed Feb 23, 2018 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · 147,000 miles · VA

The check engine light and service traction lights keep coming on while I am driving and come to a completed stop. The dealership techs stated both lights always come on together when it is something with the emission controls. On star diagnostic results were: through your recent on-demand diagnostic, onstar detected an issue with your 2012 chevrolet malibu.the code(s) and explanation(s) associated with this issue is/are: p0300 the emissions system is not performing as expected. An issue has been detected in the exhaust emissions system which monitors and controls exhaust gases released into the air from the engine. If the vehicle is continually driven with this light on, the emission controls might not work as well, the vehicle fuel economy might not be as good, the engine might not run as smoothly and could lead to future repairs. Based on the results, you should service your chevrolet within 7 days.if you require roadside assistance please contact (866) 415-5838. Please bring this email with you when you go for service.last 8 characters of VIN: [xxx] I took the car to manassas chevrolet 1st and was told that the they needed to conduct a carbon flush and that coil 1 was bad which cause the lights to come. Paid a tune up. After paying over $600 the lights came back on. I took it back 3 times and was told it needed to burn the carbon off and coil 2 needed to be replaced. I took the car to lindsay chevrolet for a 2nd opinion because both lights came on again. I was told that coil 2 was replaced by the manassas chevy and was bad. I needed a new engine. I then took it to repair shop in gaithersburg and was told coil 2 was bad, bad a spark plug and cyclinder gaskets were bad. I did not need a new engine. The computer is going bad and thus the reason the check engine and service traction light keeps coming on after all of the above repairs were completed. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 55

Filed Feb 5, 2018 · Driver assistance, Steering · 175,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. While driving at any speed, the steering wheel shook and the power steering failed. In addition, the "ESC" indicator illuminated. The dealer was not notified, but the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000. *tt

Filed Jan 8, 2018 · Driver assistance, Steering · 198,000 miles · SC

Left store and care was driving fine, lost power steering and ESC light came on. Was able to pull over. Cut car off and turned back on and issue was fixed. As soon I as pulled in my garage, I lost power steering again. It's dangerous especially when you are driving down the road in traffic.

Filed Jan 8, 2018 · Driver assistance · 109,000 miles · CO

Car has had same issue for months spending over $1,000. Gm and dealer state my VIN does not fall under a certain bulletin even though my car is having the same issues as other vehicles like mine that fall under the year make and model of bulletin #14582. Car is currently in shop receiving new throttle body due to code p2135 and kiss of engine power.

Filed Jan 4, 2018 · Driver assistance · 170,000 miles · TX

The steering wheel jerks while driving and while stopped. When I went to start my vehicle a code of power steering ESC appeared and the steering wheel felt like it was locked. I turned off the vehicle and restarted. The code didn't appear the second time but the twitching of the steering wheel remains.

Filed Dec 29, 2017 · Driver assistance, Steering · 138,000 miles · NH

Driving approximately 30 MPH down the road my steering stiffened and I heard a chime and service ESC across the dash warning system, I could not turn the wheel. The electronic steering control was not working and I had to try to manually steer. I had my 1 yr old and 4 yr old in my vehicle and the roads were snowy and icy, and no way to steer my vehicle safely.

Filed Dec 1, 2017 · Driver assistance, Steering · 180,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the steering column seized while the vehicle was being driven various speeds. Also, the traction control warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to be operated after being manually restarted. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted regarding the failure, but received no response. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. The VIN was not provided.

Filed Nov 30, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 43,837 miles · OK

Randomly doesn't what to start been to shop several times mechanic goes to fuse box and mess with wiring and starts up I go through this problem several times for months now. Tired not having a car to get to work mechanic can't figure out why it dong this need recall on it several complaints I read about already same as me. Also one time act like was going to stop downtown in traffic pull off side road call ed mechanic.

Filed Oct 23, 2017 · Brakes, Driver assistance · AZ

2012 chevrolet malibu. Consumer writes in regards to multiple safety defects with vehicle. *ld 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

Filed Oct 2, 2017 · Driver assistance · CA

My 2012 chevy malibu had a recall repair done on october 3rd 2014 to fix a wiring/electronic traction control malfunction. The issue has returned, meaning the original problem was not resolved. It makes the car unsafe to drive, however the manufacturer lists the issue as "closed."

Filed Sep 11, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 17,000 miles · GA

The headlights have continuously shorted out. I have changed the headlights 3 times in a 3 week span and they keep going out. I have replaced fuses as well. The traction on the car is constantly slowing down. The ESC light comes on. The car slows down on all streets and it has done so on the highway.

Filed Aug 25, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 135,000 miles · GA

After owning the car only 3 weeks, the circuit board blew a wire connector causing my fuel pump to go out after the dealership just had these exact parts replaced himself at time of purchase. The car has lost power, has issues with blinker sticking or relay. The car drains rapidly when a.c. Is turned on. Radio sometimes shuts off sound. The vehicle has cost me over 3000 within my 3 months of ownership has only 140000 miles on engine. Electrical issues everywhere am fearful it may catch fire while driving down the road with my 3 children! Youtube has many complaints on same make model vehicle with same occurring issue's! Luckily when circuit board blew a compactor the vehicle was stationary in the parking lot at dollar general. We were forced to have it towed to destination.

Filed Jul 21, 2017 · Driver assistance, Engine · 120,000 miles · TX

When car is at idle the traction control and ESC light comes on and causes car to misfire and shake

Filed Jun 26, 2017 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 94,000 miles · VA · crash

"service ESC" light illuminates when making sharp turns, slowing down on the interstate, as well as breaking in bad weather. After replacing brakes twice and rotors once I scontinue to experience this problem . After a recent inquiry I learned of a recall on "service ESC" as well as "traction control".

Filed Apr 24, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 95,000 miles · MI

Driving on the freeway @ 70 MPH dry roads service ESC, service traction control messages flashing alternately. Parked the vehicle next morning 20 minutes of driving again on the freeway @ 70 MPH dry roads same 2 flashing messages. Park the vehicle. Started vehicle unable to move shifter from park while depressing brake pedal. Flashing message lights appear randomly as well as unable to move shifter out of park. Very frightening after parking vehicle.

Filed Apr 13, 2017 · Driver assistance, Engine · IN

I have had issues with the ESC light coming on since buying the car brand new and was told by the dealership nothing was wrong. Now the ESC light comes on and the engine light and the traction light. I was told I need a throttle body this car is only 5 years old and is not paid off to have this problem. There has been multiple complaints regarding this issue with malibus in the 2000's this is dangerous because the car stalls and will shut off while driving there should be a recall with as many complaints that has been brought forward regarding this issue. The traction light come on as well at the same time these lights come on. This is during braking, or sitting at a stop sign or light, or as I am applying the brake to stop behind other drivers it will continuously jerk and almost take off on its own.

Filed Mar 22, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 80,000 miles · TX

I was driving(in motion) on the freeway and the ESC service/traction control sensor or light pops on pushes my car into engine reduced power mode that could have caused on coming traffic to rear end me or injure me real bad this must be recalled to be fixed bad I mean asap this needs to bed revised and fixed before someone dies. Also when at stop light this happens to. Omg please im begging you all to get to the bottom of this I have small children who ride with me .

Filed Feb 25, 2017 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · 73,000 miles · VA

Car randomly not starting had solenoids replaced and fuel pump. It started a few times then wouldn't start acts like it's going to but not getting enough fuel. Had diagnostic reading done when it was doing this the code reading was vehicle submersion. The mechanic asked if it had ever been flooded like in deep water. Never had been but that was the code reading. He redid diagnostics different codes then came up showing other crazy things. None of these were correct. Anyway long story short 3 different garages had no idea what to do. I traded the car for a new one but I believe this should be looked into because alot of people I've talked to with this year make and model car around the same mileage are having this problem my car had 73000 miles. Sometimes it's shutting down while driving. There is something faulty in the computer system that's not showing up until a few years after purchase. I have receipts of repairs and phone numbers to garages.

Filed Jan 19, 2017 · Driver assistance, Steering · 100,000 miles · MT

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering. The vehicle was difficult to maneuver and a loud noise was heard coming from the front driver side wheel. The traction warning indicator illuminated. After several minutes, the vehicle was able to operate normally, but was vibrating. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jan 10, 2017 · Driver assistance, Steering · 135,000 miles · IN

Loss of power steering while driving on city streets. Power steering works for about 5 minutes then it goes out and I get 3 messages on dash back to back powering steering / service ESC/ no ESC. Power steering does not work at any time during the trip. When car is turned off cycle repeats.

Filed Jan 8, 2017 · Acceleration, Brakes · 60 miles · NM

I was driving to work and the service traction light control illuminates and then it also read engine power control. The roads were clear and there were no issues with the drive. I was the only person on the highway and no issues. I had to then drive 30-40 miles per hour on the road, even when I drove into town there were cars passing me. Uphill the car went as low as 23 miles per hour. When the car was idle at a stop sign or intersection the car would shake but it stayed on. As I pushed on the gas to speed up the vehicle would jerk.

Filed Nov 13, 2016 · Driver assistance, Engine · 130,000 miles · MI

This is the second time this happened. I was driving on I-75 in michigan doing 75 miles an hour. Suddenly that ESC service, traction control and reduced engine power display showing on the dash. The car started to shake violently. It immediately slowed itself down in heavy traffic. Barely making it off the side of the road without causing an accident. Dealership tells me there's nothing they can do about it.

Filed Oct 17, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · IA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. While driving various speeds, the traction control and check engine indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure recurred numerous times. While the vehicle was idling, the ESC and traction control were off. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve spring failed or fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 10, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 52,000 miles · NC

Several systems have been affected. The systems affected are the radio controls on the steering wheel, the power steering, the traction control and the rear defrost. There seems to be a short that goes from system to system. Modern chevrolet in winston salem, nc said it was a short in wires on the steering column that was causing this. There are three recalls that would deal with this. The recalls are for steering, traction control and finally wiring. Both modern chevrolet and chevrolet corporate have said my vehicle is not covered due to the VIN #. I do not see where that matters. If a part is bad then all vehicles that part is used on should be covered no matter what. The steering was the most affected. The power steering would go out and it was very difficult to steer the car. This happened on several different occasions.

Filed Sep 12, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 75,000 miles · IL

While in motion more than two dozen times on city streets, on busy highways and while turning in a busy intersection with children in the car. 2012 chevy malibu stops while in motion on the above stated streets, highways and intersections. Read where someone beat on the rear fuse box then car starts so I tried it and it works for a little while but doesnt solve said problem. Checked battery. Battery is good. Check engine light and ESC light stays on. Esc light only goes off at high MPH. Have to let car sit for awhile to start before knew about fuse box trick. Someone that tried to help me get off middle of busy street said it sounds like a fuel delivery problem.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history