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2012 Chevrolet Malibu lights problems

202 complaints (22% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000. 4 crashes reported.

owner complaints
202
of this car's complaints
22%
typical mileage
100,000
crashes
4
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Headlights
    7

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Malibu lights problems in other years

199720002005201020152023

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 194

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2012 Chevrolet Malibu owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 22, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · KY

Was driving home on the parkway and the headlights shut off on their own had to call for roadside assistance to get my vehicle home they will work on dim but brights will not work and if I drive for more than an hour and a half they will not work at all the speed sensor keeps going bad after having it replaced multiple times

Filed Jun 1, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · IA

Passenger side headlamp burned out took off bumper to inspect and the wiring pigtail to the headlight has melted causing it to malfunction so now in order to make it work you have to disconnect the daytime running lights so that the melting stops this is supposedly happened to a lot of Malibu's why there isn't a recall on this fire hazard is beyond me and it is a safety issue cuz you can't use your daytime running lights any longer. This issue has not been reported because upon investigation it's been reported many times and nothing gets done about it you have to pay for it yourself. This will be the last GM product.

Filed Mar 8, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · NM · fire

Passenger and or driver side low beam headlight continues to go out. Mechanic has found connector keeps burning out the socket. Light is burnt out on bott sides. but connector is shorting out. Fire and safety issue. This issue is on a lot of chevrolet malibus and needs a recall initiated to correct these issues. I keep getting pulled over due to need to us high beams and not having low beams. This is reoccurring and getting expensive to be done over and over.

Filed Jan 7, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · NC · fire

Passenger and or driver side low beam headlight continues to go out. Mechanic has found connector keeps burning out the socket. Light is fine but connector is shorting out. Fire and safety issue. This issue is on a lot of chevrolet malibu and needs a recall fix.

Filed Oct 30, 2024 · Lights · VA

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and driving over a pothole or an object on the roadway, the front driver’s side headlight became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that there was a failure with the electrical wiring inside the front driver’s side headlight. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic and was diagnosed and determined that the wiring harness inside the front driver’s side headlight needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 16, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · KS

The front exterior low beam bulbs / wiring harness keeps burning out. I have replaced them twice already and they have blown again. What is going on already a headache just to even get to the headlights, now have to spend MORE money to repair.

Filed Aug 1, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · FL

The headlights keep.going out. I've replaced everything amd it keeps happening and it's not easy to even get to the headlight. This is a hazard as my 16 year old drives this car. We fix it and then it's out all.over again. This has to be a recall as I've done some research and im.not the only one with this problem. We've been pulled over and we just explained our frustration and they've been nice enough to send us on our way.

Filed Jul 12, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · WI

Electrical problem causing the passenger side low beam to keep burning out. Fourth time in one year. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue causes a safety concern because you can be driving down the highway at night and all of a sudden you have no headlight.

Filed Apr 27, 2024 · Lights · FL

Passenger low beam keeps going out within a couple days charged wire harness and bulbs keeps happening.

Filed Feb 13, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · IL

My brake lights constantly go out. My fuses keep blowing. Every time I try to adjust my mirrors the fuses blow for the mirrors and brake lights. Also my headlights keep blowing and the headlight harness has been changed and everything. It is very dangerous not having brake lights, or being able to adjust my mirrors.

Questions about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu lights

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu have lights problems?

Owners have filed 202 complaints about the lights of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 22% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Malibu lights problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu lights?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have the most lights problems?

The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most lights complaints are 2000 (241 complaints), 2012 (202 complaints) and 2010 (195 complaints).

Other 2012 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Electrical 291Steering 191Driver assistance 136Engine 103Airbags 101Brakes 74Fuel system 56Acceleration 52Transmission 49Seat belts 47Seats 36Visibility 31Wheels 19Body 16Suspension 10Tires 2Locks 1

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