general problems of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

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.

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

The problem started with the steering wheel jerking by itself then the power steering went out. The only way to get power steering back is to turn the car off then turn it back on while turning the steering wheel manually then it’s hard to say how long you have power steering for. To get it fixed is around 1,500 for a 3 hour job.

My engine.

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 issues with esc. Warning lights include esc activated, engine power reduced.

My electric steering motor and torque sensor is going out. I first noticed it starting to go out about 2 months ago in November. I was turning to pull into a parking spot at the grocery store and all of a sudden my wheel locked up and check esc flashed across my dashboard. I almost side grazed the car on side of me on my way turning in. I had to turn the wheel really hard to straighten it up. . So when I got into the parking spot and turned the car off and turned it back on it was working again and didn’t do it for a while. So fast forward 2 months later in January it started back doing it again. I was backing out of my driveway and all of a sudden the steering got really hard and again service esc flashed on the dashboard and I almost backed up into a car that’s parked on the street behind my driveway. I had to turn really had and in the middle of the street I had to turn the car off and back on to reset itself . The next day was driving and and when I stopped at a stop sign my steering wheel started shaking left to right uncontrollably and ever since the the steering wheel just shakes even while sitting still so I made an appointment with the dealership that I got the car for checked it out and did a diagnostic test and the mechanic told me I needed a torque sensor and steering motor. I have the papers saying that’s what’s wrong with it and after doing research I found that that car model had a recall with the exact same thing my car is doing but when I put in my VIN number it’s not listed as a recall and my car isn’t drivable and I think it should be recalled . As of now it has only been looked at by the dealership. And it’s available for inspection upon request.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the vehicle started losing motive power and was shuddering while shifting gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the roadway, turn off, and restart the vehicle, and drove to the residence safely. The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that as fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,089.

My vehicle fail to restart vehicle, but vehicle was running good before. Once I turn off the vehicle for couple of minutes when I returned back to my vehicle and tried to turn vehicle on it would not allow me to turn on lights on vehicle would stay on when taking key out of ignition. I kept trying couple of time until I open the hood to check battery move battery cables tried again until vehicle turn on. Once vehicle had turn on and put vehicle in reverse dashboard lights started turning on check engine a service warning message display and speed meter would go up and down. When going forward the steering wheel became hard to control while vehicle would go toward slowly then stop go fast and slowly again until I got home turn vehicle off. Didn't drive it anymore until two days later. The second time I was on the freeway when my vehicles speed started to significantly reduce speed very quickly. I became concern with my safety until I was able to pull over on the side of freeway car turned off. When trying to restart vehicle would fail to turn back on had to tow vehicle back home. I tried turning vehicle back on failed at first on the last try vehicle turned on but when putting on reverse or drive vehicle became undriveable thier was no movement on vehicle and speed meter would not move . I just purchased this vehicle only had 8 months with it I payed $5000 plus $600 on plates. I do make my vehicle available for inspection it is very dangerous going through this specially on highway. I checked my onstart vehicle report but it does not show that anything is wrong on the report. My insurance provider geico car details only show it needs and oil change. I also notice that in the vehicle history shows it has an oil leak. I can not afford to pay for a mechanic at this moment my vehicle is just park at home now.

Check engine light on dash: variable valve timing problem detailed. Engine could wreck.

I was driving on freeway and car went into engine power reduce mode, rapidly slowed down to 35 miles an hour.

Car was running on freeway and lights started flashing and then car so stalled and car doesnt start anymore.

Tl- the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle stuttered but did not completely shut off. The contact mentioned that when the vehicle was shut off, it would not crank. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic three times where the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,686 . Dr.

Takata recall when my vehicle started having issues it started with lagging to start I would turn the key and literally let go and then it would start. Now it's to the point where it doesn't always want to start . When it does my sensors are all messed up . First time my airbag warning was coming up . Next my sensors on my tires were not working then I started to notice when I was driving and I would stop pushing the gas the gauge will go up and down. The last thing that happened was the check engine came on but turned off. I tried to get a diagnostics done but of course nothing came of it . So now my car is just sitting in my garage until I figure it out. But there are no type of check engine light or anything that comes on before the car starts not functioning properly.

Tl the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle experienced acceleration failure and stalled. In addition, the gear had a difficult time shifting from park into reverse or drive when attempting to move out of a parked position. The vehicle was taken to bergstrom Chevrolet of madison (1345 applegate rd, madison, WI 53713, (608) 271-2212) where it was diagnosed that the body control module and an electric brake control module needed to be installed. In addition, a rear passenger side wheel speed sensor alternator circuit needed to be installed. The vehicle remained at the dealer since July 16, 2019 and the contact was informed that the repair would cost $2,700. The manufacturer provided a case number and referred the contact to a manager. The contact had not yet spoken with the manager. The contact was trying to find out what repairs were completed by the previous owner and was concerned that the repairs were not done properly. The dealer could not provide a service repair history for the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.

Tl the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving low speeds, the vehicle decelerated without warning. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to dean arbour Ford Lincoln (1001 us-23, alpena, mi 49707, (989) 356-6366) where it was diagnosed and repaired twice, but the details were unknown. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.

Transmission only go when it's cool.

This is my second incident report for the same vehicle. While driving on the highway the vehicle suddenly lost all mobility. No warning at all just stopped running. Fortunatly I was not at a very high rate of speed but was getting ready to make a turn off the highway. No indication that anything was wrong at all. My concern is why does someone need to get hurt or killed before this prolem is addressed? having taken this to be serviced I encountered others who have had the same experience with their vehicles, all Chevrolets of one model or similar to it. Basically the same motor. This happened to me before and I have not been given a reason for the problem.

Vehicle was in motion at about 60 mph on a highway and the rpms dropped drastically, the anti skid indicator light came on, the vehicle lost power temporarilly. I pulled over and slowed down and the car returned to normal. Same evening vehicle was in motion about 55 mph on a highway when there was a loss of power, steering got sluggish,all indicatorlights on dash blinked on and off engine light came on and stayed on, anti skid indicator light came on, was knocking in motor and car would not accelerate over 20 mph. Completed a diagnosis of the vehicle and a code p0068 was noted by diagnostics. P0068 the engine and transmission system is not performing as expected. An issue has been detected in the throttle control system that connects the accelerator pedal with the throttle and integrates features such as cruise control, traction control, stability control, and pre-crash systems. If the check engine light is flashing, a misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and could damage the emission control system on the vehicle. Please reduce vehicle speed, avoid hard accelerations, avoid steep uphill grades, and reduce any cargo loads such as a trailer. If the vehicle is continually driven with the check engine light on, the emission controls might not work as well, the vehicle fuel economy might not be as good, and the engine might not run as smoothly. This could lead to future repairs.

My car has 53000 miles and the transmission is downshifting very hard. My concern is once I am driving it for about 15 minutes this starts happening and im not sure what it is. I have read online a lot of other people have this exact problem so I am pretty sure it is a defect on the transmission itself from the dealer.

Stop at light, knocking noise starts & hesitation at next light. A mile later, check engine light turns on. Codes p00011,p00014 p00366- from dealership #1. Had previous engine work done under warranty (which dearlership #1 tried to charge me $400. Until I pressed the warranty). I bought it there. Service person reported:foreign debris on the screen of the cam position actuators she also reported: filter broke, or someone where I had the oil changed (valvoline) put a rag or bottle cap in my engine,needed a new one. She advise me to take the car to valvoline. After persistent questioning, she suggests, engine flush but no guarantee. Refused flush. Paid $133. For "diagnostic". Took to valvoline - they spoke to tech at dealership #1 who said filter intact but tilted. They viewed the filter, said it was fine but showed me the metallic sparkles in it. They mentioned it was tilted. They took pictures and have a video where they said a rag or bottle cap was not near engine. I have not view this tape. Called gm - made a compliant against dealer - they escalate gm calls back. Advised take to dealership. Anyone, took to another - do not trust the original. Gm dealership #2 - said filter had metal parts in it - they said it was crushed,asked to drop pain,quoted $350. Dealer #2 - drops pan and says the following in an email and sent pictures:the following pictures show the vehicles oil pan removed and foreign debris in the bottom. Technician believes the plastic from the timing chain guides and visible metal in the oil itself. Advised need engine. Rebuilt is approx: $6000, or $7500 new. Car has 33k miles. Timing chain belt failure. Gm will not stand by their products that destroyed engine. Two engine issues prior to current: stalled approaching a highway. Towed to dealership#1. Driving on highway/slowed from 50 to 20mph, trying to pull over then it accelerated.

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.

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.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer writes in regards to multiple safety defects with vehicle. 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.

Service esc traction keeps coming up.

My car won't go when stepping on the gas peddle in drive. When I stop at the light or to brake the car won't go when pushing the gas peddle in drive it doesn't do anything. I had to have the car towed 2x due to this issue. I only have 67k miles on this car. I've been told it's the transmission problem and need a new one. This should not be happening with the car. This is danegerous and unable to drive at this point. The dealer won't do anything about it. I should still have the warranty of driver train and nothing is being done. I've read several complaints of the same exact car having this issue obviously it's a defect. I want to contact gm about this I was almost killed when my car won't go stuck at a intersection. Also the recall on my seatbelt : steering the dealer is saying no active recalls which there is. I'm getting frustrated with these issues and nothing is being done. I'm reaching out to every entity possible before something happens to me or someone else with this faulty car. The airbag fault like occasionally comes on for no reason at all, then goes off then comes back on. These are issues that the gm needs to rectify. After reading online about the many same issues the 2012 Malibu has gm needs to intervene and help the owners get these faults fixed. There are way too many online complaints. Laura bermudez houston TX 732-619-6498 please help.

My car has been making a horrible sound for a couple months now and the last week it's gotten really loud when I go over 20 it sounds the worst of slow down I can't go over 40 without it sounding like it's taking off and my front end shakes like my tires gonna come off I replaced the breaks and it's still making the sound it's to the point I can't drive my car because I don't want it to die on me my battery has been dying a lot and my service esc light comes on and goes off please can someone tell me why my car is doing this or an idea it sounds like an airplane that's the best way I can describe it and my right rear tire is always saying my tire is low I rotated my tires and it's still not reading it right there brand new tires to boot please please help me.

When going from 0 to 20 miles per hour vehicle shifts constantly and unexpectedly. I had the problem diagnosed by rick hendricks Chevrolet @ 6252 virginia beach blvd norfolk, virginia. The dealer printed out the diagnosis stating the transmission cooler needed to be replaced. I took my vehicle to priority Chevrolet @ 1495 south military highway chesapeake,virginia to have transmission problem repaired and this dealer diagnosed the lower cooler line and radiator transmission cooler lines needed replacement which I had done by priority Chevrolet that day however the transmission problem still exists .

Tl- the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 mph, the traction light came on and the vehicle immediately disabled in the middle of the road. The "engine disabled" light illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, waiting for diagnsis. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000. Fe.

Tl-the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the gear shifter skipped and the vehicle jerked as the sec warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000. Sh.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the service stability control warning light illuminated as an unknown chime sounded. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle decelerated and stalled. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where the failure was unable to be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage 17,000 and the current mileage was 17,200.

I was just arriving home and while driving I felt a change in the gears of my car but when I arrived home and place the car in park the ignition would not turn completely off and I had to leave my car on for approximately 4 hours before I left for work.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate from a traffic stop when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu with horrible shifting - 1st to 2nd is a hard shift and 2nd - 3rd isn't a whole lot better. When it down shifts while coming to a stop it again shifts hard and sometimes abruptly. The rpm gauge also flares when shifting down. I have been jutted out into oncoming traffic when it decides to slip shift. I am afraid to drive this car with my family. The worst part is that the dealership cannot find anything "wrong" with it or tell me why it does this because the poor shifting is intermittent, not constant. Not happy!.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the vehicle accelerated independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 3,128.

Experiencing erratic throttle response time and hard transmission shifts. When the accelerator is pressed you don't know if the response will be immediate or delayed. The inconsistent delays in the throttle response time pose a safety hazard.