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
2012 Chevrolet Malibu: headlights failing or too dim
194 of the 907 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu describe headlights failing or too dim.
- owner complaints
- 194
- of this car's complaints
- 21%
- typical repair cost reported
- $200
- typical mileage
- 100,000
- recalls
- 0
Headlights failing or too dim by model year
What owners say
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.
The power steering assist has cause the steering wheel to move to its let by its self when not holding the steering wheel. I must hold the steering wheel firmly to keep it strait when driving. If i would let go the car will abruptly turn left and possibly drive off the road or hit a car, pedestrian, or whatever is in the way. It started with uncontrolled vibrating at a stand still motion. The car is 165,000 miles that's 15,000 miles from the recall. The car has been repaired a couple times I think only to have the same power steering assist internal parts break down and fail multiple times. I believe the amount of power (amps) the power steering assist draws is needed is to much and the system fails within a short time. The alternative hydraulic version on the V 6 doesn't put so much stress on the electrical system. This could be also why the headlights bulb sockets melt and why I see a 15 volt constant charge is being created from the charging system. Ruining the alternator and battery. Putting high levels of amps on the wiring. Leading to malfunctioning components that is filed for complaints. A major safety hazard for others. Fires and uncontrolled crash since the power steering assist moves the car into dangerous life threating crashes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Passenger low beam keeps going out within a couple days charged wire harness and bulbs keeps happening.
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.
Passenger headlight caught fire while driving
Service bulletins that may apply
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water...
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and...
- This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp...
- This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
- This technical bulletin provides repair information for low beam headlamp bulb diagnosis/replacement to...
- This informational bulletin communicates GM's position on exterior lighting components ?tinted or smoked?...
- Summary to be provided on a future date.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu headlights
Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
194 of 907 owner complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (21%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 2012.
How much does it cost to fix headlights failing or too dim on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $200 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
There are 0 recalls and 11 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Stalling 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 7Overheating 7Grinding brakes 5Fire or smoke 5Hesitation 5Steering noise 5
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