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2012 Chevrolet Malibu: engine overheating

7 of the 907 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu describe engine overheating.

owner complaints
7
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 206 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine overheating by model year

What owners say

Filed Jan 8, 2025 · Airbags, Engine · 113,000 miles · IA

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 damage to the engine, and ABS control module resulting in the air bag warning light. The contact was informed that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who again diagnosed a failure with the oil pan gasket. The vehicle was repaired, but again the failure occurred for the third time. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.

Filed Jan 29, 2024 · Electrical · WI

The wiring to the fuel pump overheated and burned at the rear fuse box located in the trunk, melting the harness connector and charring the fuse box circuit board. This caused the vehicle to stop running. Luckily, it happened while idling and did not start a fire. This wire goes to the fuel tank and the fuse did not blow. The 30A fuse for the RR DEFOG was also burnt and not blown.There were no warnings or engine codes. After researching this online, it appears it is a common problem. This is the second time this happened. It also happened in 2017 with approximately 89,200 miles.

Filed Sep 13, 2022 · Electrical, Fuel system · PA

Vehicle repeatedly shuts down due to wiring issue for fuel pump. Wire in rear fuse panel (in trunk) shows signs of overheating (discoloration). Vehicle shuts down without warning while driving. This causes an unsafe condition especially when travelling on busy roadways and highways. This seems to be a common problem with this model and year.

Filed Dec 21, 2020 · Electrical · 108,000 miles · MI

2012 malibu ESC warning light, traction control goes on. Brake light stays on while driving. When I stop at light or stop sign no brake light. Have almost been hit from behind at stoplight. If I stop and shut car off for a few minutes it will start without warning light. Sometimes car does not start car has stopped while moving in traffic and was barely able to coast off the road.I have replaced fuel pump twice, fuel pump relays numerous times. Fuel pump relay is hot (overheats and stop fuel pressure. I have taken it to be serviced many times and thousands of dollars later and still not running consistently. I never know when it will start, stop while driving, or not start at all. Please recall this car. There are numerous complaints involving the same problems. I believe there is a problem with the control module as well as wiring issues related to the fuel pump. Please help me.

Filed Feb 3, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · AZ

Constantly having issues with the electical system in this vehicle, and from further studies and investication via internet complaints and youtube customers/owners...this is a continual ongoing problem for a substaintial amount of chevy malibu owners from the year of 2009 to 2013/2014 models. There should be a recall asap on these make and models. The issue is that the headlights constanly short out and blow out. Mechanics and service has found that the electtical connectors for hllightbulb overheats, melts the wiring, and burns out bulb> this is very dangerouse and is a fire hazard. This has happened at least three times on my vehicle alone. Also constat problems with rear right wheel convertor speed and tire sensors, and the entire electrical system over all. The wiring in this make and model vehicle constantly have blow out fuses, the emergency light indicators always coming on, and the sensors on and off. This is a well noted and documented occurans with these vehicles. These cars need to be recalled due to danger with possible fire and car stalling out while driving due to electrical issues and heating/cooling AC wires shorting out. In all overview this has caused me severe finacil problems due to constant repairs and part replacement. It is a danger to myself and others on the highways and roads. I need this to be addressed immediately. I have some of the melted fire sparked parts.please contact me as soon as possible. Many days I dont have needed transportation due to these issues and I get repairs all of the time while still paying a car note. I am scared to keep driving thius car.

Filed Jul 13, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 99,500 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the engine overheated, stalled, and various warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was later taken to master chevrolet (3625 richland ave w, aiken, sc 29801, (806) 353-6343) for diagnostic testing and repairs. The contact stated that the dealer was unable to determine a specific cause of the failures, but stated that the vehicle was a flood vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle had electrical wiring issues, the transmission failed to switch gears correctly, and the brakes had been replaced at least twice since owning the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 99,500.

Filed Jun 10, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · 115,000 miles · OH

I am an auto mechanic and the owner of a 2012 chevrolet malibu. The problem with my vehicle, 4 of my customers malibus (2009 to 2012) and many many other malibu owners is that while driving one or both headlights will cut off leaving the operator with little or no visibility while still in motion, this is what happened to me one night on a rural highway with no street lights. After much troubleshooting I have discovered the culprit to be that the headlight sockets overheat and melt causing a loose or open connection from the wiring harness to the headlight. Since then I have replaced many sockets (including my own) and they have been 100% successful. In summation I believe driver and occupant safety is significantly reduced due to the poor manufacturing and the subpar integrity of the headlight sockets. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Questions about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu overheating

Is engine overheating a common problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?

7 of 907 owner complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (1%) mention engine overheating. The model year with the most reports is 2000.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?

There are 0 recalls and 206 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

Headlights 194Stalling 64Power steering loss 62Check engine light 56Won't start 56Loss of power 53Fuel pump 46Airbag light 38Jerking 21No deployment 20Wipers 19Steering lock-up 15Adaptive cruise 14Engine failure 9Misfire 9Warning lights 8Door locks 7Grinding brakes 5Fire or smoke 5Hesitation 5Steering noise 5

All model years of the Chevrolet Malibu

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