Problems with 2012 Chevrolet Malibu ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The rear defrost doesnt work

Driving on the [xxx] . a large piece of debris from a suspected truck flew and damaged my vehicle. the truck did not stop so i'm not sure if it actually came from it. the insurance company denied the claim because the debris would be considered collision not comprehension (i am covered for comprehension). now i am stuck with fees that i am not even liable for. *tr

We have talked to out two different chevy dealers about this and even went through arbitration over our airbags. nothing has ever been found to be wrong. the service air bag light has come on again. i was driving approximately 30 mph and the service air bag light on the display come on momentarily (about 60 seconds) and went off. it came on for about 15 seconds and started flashing, then it stayed solid again. now, every time i start the car, it is on. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. the contact had the vehicle repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control); however, the failure recurred. while driving approximately 45 mph, the traction control warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the bcm module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 22,000. updated 02/12/16*lj the consumer has since sold the vehicle. updated 02/22/16.*jb

2012 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to body control module system/ brake apply sensor recall notice. *smd the consumer stated he waited for the details to restore the safety of the vehicle. however, unable to wait any longer, he was forced to sell the vehicle. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the steering failed on the vehicle. the failure caused the contact to drive into a snow bank. the contact stated that the power steering light illuminated on the instrument and the traction control light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact stated that the failure prevented the vehicle from being steered. the contact spoke with the manufacturer and was informed that the electronic steering module was not under recall and that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system) even though the body control module needed to be replaced. the contact received this information from a senior safety supervisor from gm. the failure occurred four times. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 61,000.

For the past 2 weeks , i had a problem with my car starting. i would drive to work fine but when i would leave from work my car wouldn't start. initially, i thought it was the battery so i had it jumped. i immediately took it to autozone to have the battery tested. i was told the battery was in excellent condition. my father advised to put heet fuel injector cleaner as it was extremely cold and he thought maybe water got into the fuel line. well that same day after stopping to pick up my child for 5 minutes i shut the car off. it wouldn't start. i called the tow company but after waiting on hold 20 minutes later i start my car at the direction of the roadside assistance tech. it started. then it happened again a couple of days later but i let it sit and tried it again. car ran fine for a week then as i was leaving for lunch today it wouldn't start. i had it towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. come to find out that the fuel wires melted onto the fuel box and they had no idea why. this sounds like a serious matter because i wonder what would've happened had i continue driving with melted wires on the fuel box. sounds like a fire waiting to happen. i felt that this is some type of defect because that isn't normal wear and tear. *tr

Early october 2014 i begin to smell a burning plastic smell after car is stopped. self inspection found nothing, mechanic inspection found nothing. around january i took car in for brake light recall, had service tech inspect; said they found a melted bag on exhaust (i saw no such thing). late january 2015 my car won't start after sitting all night, car was jumped and started fine. late march 2015 passenger side headlight sometimes fails to turn on at first attempt and after a 2 hour drive, next morning car won't start; after waiting 20 minutes car starts. 4/4/2015 car is left on (engine off) with radio playing while cleaning out car, after 10 min service esc comes on dash, i immediately turn off car. i try to start engine, no ignition. the car wouldn't even try to turn over. i took car to autozone where they tested the battery and the alternator where both were found to be in perfect working order. i can hear the fuel pump attempt to engage and if the battery and the alternator are fine then that leaves me to believe it is the starter...however, if the smell wasn't a plastic bag but instead a wire melting, then i would have a short which could also be causing this. bought this care as a safe mode of transportation for my son and i, i find myself more stressed out wondering if i will be able to get us were i need to go than with the old car i use to have. if this turns out to be a malfunction i hope gm is willing to make it right. the problem is increasing and no one has yet been able to figure it out. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. while driving various speeds, the headlights failed to illuminate and the service engine warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was an electrical failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the key failed to start the vehicle. the vehicle was inspected by an independent locksmith who diagnosed that there was a metal piece inside the ignition causing the failure. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was restarted and operated as normal. the failure occurred on multiple occasions. the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times but the failure could not be duplicated. the contact also stated that the vehicle would fail to start on several occasions. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 53,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that there was a burning odor coming from the rear of the vehicle. the contact also stated that the rear defrosted failed to function. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuses and noticed sparks. the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who replaced the fuse or junction box. in addition, the contact stated that while driving during inclement weather conditions, the windshield wipers failed. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the windshield wiper transmission was replaced. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 15v269000 (seat belts) and was unable to determine when the part would become available for the repair. the manufacturer was notified of the failures. the approximate failure mileage was 48,000. ...updated 02/19/16 *bf updated 10/25/2017*cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the theft deterrent system warning light illuminated continuously and vehicle stalled. the failure occurred on a daily basis. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed a new theft deterrent module. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 35,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle would shut off at any given moment. sometimes the vehicle would immediately restart and other times the contact would have to wait several hours before restarting the vehicle. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer three times, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. after the last failure occurred, the vehicle could not be restarted. the vehicle was not operable. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a few cases were opened regarding the failure. the vin was unknown. the approximate failure mileage was 61,000.

The interior light panel went completely dark, after a few minutes it lit up again. this has been happening more frequently lately. the radio stops playing and the panel reads "auxillary mode"and then back to radio, then back to "auxillary mode". i have to turn the radio off and on for it to start playing again. it is happening more frequently. when i plug in my auxillary cord to listen to my ipod, it shorts out. the clicker to unlock/lock the car stopped working as well, so i went to get a new batery. they tested the battery and said it was fine. also my rear defroster does not work at all now. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power while being operated at various speeds. the failure occurred without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be replicated. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 56,332.

2012 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to body control module recall notice. *smd the consumer stated while driving, the air bag deployed and caused him to have an accident. the consumer was injured. the consumer sent in a recall notice along with his complaint. *jb

I have a 2012 chevrolet mailbu where the key is getting stuck in the ignition. really hard to get off of acc without jiggling gear shifter and turning wheels. this has happened three times. there is a recall already initiated but not for my year of car! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. the contact received a notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). however, the part needed was not available. the dealer indicated that it would take months before an appointment could be scheduled. the manufacturer was contacted and could not provide an estimated date for when the vehicle would receive the recall repair. the contact did not experience a failure.

In june 2014 car wouldn't start after sitting 4 hours towed in said theft system made new key which i had to pay for, towed in again 3 days later same problem, started for dealer in am another $120. 4 days approx later again got to work then wouldn't start. replaced rear u-bec, wiring harness junction block, relay, because melted connector with five leads 30 amp fuse. then 9/23/2014 car started got to daycare within 5 minutes of being off no start. waited then started ten minutes later. 9/272014 got to work lunch time no start same wanted to start like getting no fuel then 3 hours later started drove to dealer. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 14v252000 (electrical system , electronic stability control , exterior lighting , service brakes, hydraulic , vehicle speed control) and stated that the part was not available for the recall remedy. the dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. the manufacturer was also contacted and could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. the contact did not experience a failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control) and 15v269000 (seat belts). the part to do the repair was not available. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle shook excessively and stalled in a parking lot. the approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Since september of 2014, the low beam headlights on my malibu have repeatedly gone out. the latest two incidents in march 2015 (passenger side) and june 2015 (drivers side) have resulted in the socket burning out. there is a forum where many drivers have noted this same issue. i was told it sounds like there is an electrical issue with the harness and that it is a very serious issue and could lead to a very bad situation. i've called and complained to chevy but they claim that they have no prior complaints which i find hard to believe. this is a very expensive issue because of how they have constructed the vehicle. please force them to fix this issue.

In 8/25/2014 it started when my wife want to start the car and it didn't just cranks but wont started, it did after a few tries, and then happened again the same day to my son and after a little while it started right back, and that same week i was driving about 30 miles per hr.and all of sudden it just died with no codes or check engine light displayed,it is too dangerous that happen in the middle of a main road because it didn't want to re start i have to push it across of the road with all this cars behind you and be afraid of being hit.it seems that it been more and more frequently happening this week and takes longer wait to re start it, i just want to know if is a defect of this malibu 2012 i. i heard that malibu's have a issue with the antitheft system. we scanned computer history and it shows antitheft history stored on it. am afraid of go into expressway and run into an accident. please help my car is a 2012 impala with 65000 miles on it. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. on several occasions, the vehicle would not start. also, while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle did not restart. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. the fuel pump was replaced on two occasions; however, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 23,700.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number:14v252000 ( electrical system , electronic stability control , exterior lighting , service brakes, hydraulic , vehicle speed control) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the repair. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Driving and car had severe electrical problem that caused the car to randomly stall while driving. we lost power steering and power brakes. the instrument panel starting going crazy displaying all lights, saying device esc and the doors locked and unlocked. the engine stalled and transmission started jolting around. the car would not turn back on after turning it off. took the car to starling chevrolet to get it fixed the following monday since closed sunday. before taking to the dealer took the car to auto zone to check the battery. autozone stating battery was great. chevrolet didn't look at the car at all monday, and tuesday stated we need new battery. i advised of auto zone reading and was told autzone was wrong. picked up the car tuesday after having a brand new battery put in for $270. today is the following friday and the car did everything again while driving and will not start. now i have to tow the car to chevy again. *tr

I was driving on a side road, when all of a sudden my car just shut down and i coasted to a stop. i was stranded in a turn lane for about 20 minutes. during which time i had already called a tow truck as i could not get my car started again. after the 20 minutes i thought i would give it another try and it up and started, and i drove back to work. i made it home that night, but was stranded again when i left the place. i was headed home and it stopped one more time before i made it there. i took it to an auto shop the next day and made it fine. the auto shop did a test drive and it stopped on a road and they failed to get it started. it turns out it is for an ignition switch, which there are recalls for other gm vehicles for the same part, just not a 2012 malibu. so i have to pay to get it replaced and hope for an extension of the recall for the chevy malibu. *tr

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. *tr

My service traction control light was coming on ever since i bought my car and i took it to koons for service and i was told one wheel was moving faster then another not to worry about it then on 06/18/2014 iwas hit by a chevy silverado that ran a light and i was doing 45 miles an hour i had my granddaughter in her safety seat in the back none of my air bags worked nor did my seat belts my grand daughter hit the back of the seats.now my car is flashing the codes again now that its fixed and shuts down while driving .its part of the gm recall for the upper wire harness but they are saying it isn't and they are not standing buy the warranty this defect almost killed us and still is almost killing us by shutting down while driving service traction control lights coming on plus air bag lights saying air bags are shutting down .so that means the air bags if we needed them would not help us again if needed.we were very badly hurt the last time and i need gm to step up and reimburse us for our injuries and for making us still ride in an unsafe car that they now is on the recall list but they keep saying its not.my car is still in service and service is saying it is part of the recall bit gm will not take responsibility. .. *tr

The interior light panel went completely dark, after a few minutes it lit up again. this has been happening more frequently lately. the radio stops playing and the panel reads"auxiliary mode". i have to turn the radio off and on for it to start playing again. it is happening more frequently. when i plug in my auxiliary cord to listen to my ipod, it shorts out. the clicker to unlock/lock the car stopped working so i went to get a new battery. they tested the battery and said it was fine. my rear defroster does not work at all. *tr

2012 chevrolet malibu. consumer wants to be reimbursement for repairs due to recall for vehicle. *ta

Was operating the vehicle on the interstate when i was forced to brake and hit the horn to avoid a collision. the "service airbag" light came on and stayed on. i found that by hitting the steering wheel it would go out and reset. every time i use my horn causes the "service airbag" light to come on. sometimes it goes out again on its own. unsure if the airbag would deploy while the light is on. *tr

Car was parked with rear defogger and heat running, loud explosion cracking noise and the rear windshield had exploded into spiderwebs. got out of the car to inspect the damage -- other people parked saw the incident and no one saw anything hit the windshield ( parked at school dropping off kids ). nothing was found that indicated the window had been struck in any way. the rear window defroster was warm to the touch in several areas of the spiderwebbed window. outside temperature was approximately 0 degrees. car had been running for about three hours. *tr

My engine light came on, so i shut the car down and restarted, engine light went off, however when i pulled out of parking space, i noticed a grinding sound coming from the front of my car, then my breaks starting squeaking really bad. now i constantly hear that sound when starting my car in early mornings, the squeaking is constant. also my radio and defrost goes in and out, my radio shuts down by itself and then returns on, my back defroster doesn't seem to work, when it rains, my back window is not defrost, so i can't use my back window for viewing when we have heavy rain or extremely cold weather. *tr

While driving at 25 mph on main street in florida,ny the car suddenly stalled & the electrical system shorted out. *tr

I have a 2012 chevy malibu that does not start after sitting for five minutes. no power at all in vehicle. just as soon as i put on jumper cables on, it will start with no problems. i had batt and alt tested. there is nothing wrong with those parts. what is wrong with this car. i don't need to be stuck somewhere with my (special needs)children!!!!!!!!!!! *tr

Vehicle has the check engine light come on and reduced power kicks in with no warning. vehicle has been driven at speed on highways when this happens and automatically slows to 40 mph. vehicle has been taken to the dealership and repairs made the first 2 times, vehicle has been taken back 3 more times for the same issue, no codes showing in the computer. issue also reported that if at a stop, vehicle has no response when you step on the gas. the dealership is currently trying to report this as a different issue so they can avoid dealing with the lemon law in the state. *tr

My car had had the heads replaced in the first motor it came with then the whole motor replaced before 100k miles now the new motor doesnt barely have 100k miles on it and they are telling me my cylinder 6 isnt holding compression so i'll need another motor eventually! my transmission is leaking , its had a whole new air conditioning unit installed when my motor was replaced because it went out. the speakers on my passenger side dont work and my heating system on my seat on the driver side has went out!

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle would not start and the air bag and check engine warning indicators illuminated. the contact stated that the failures occurred on different occasions. the vehicle was taken to cox chevrolet (2900 cortez rd w, bradenton, fl 34207, (941) 348-6417), but the cause of the failures could not be determined. the contact stated that the dealer made unknown repairs to the vehicle, but the warning indicators remained illuminated. the contact also mentioned that the vehicle was taken to a local tire shop for the replacement of the exterior lighting. the contact stated that every three months a different exterior light would go out and had to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failures. the failure mileage was unknown.

Since i purchased my car in the later part of 2012 (used with 40000mi) i have had several incidents starting with the radio, when i turned on the rear defrost the radio would go to complete static on all stations. while traveling approx. 30mph the service engine light would come on then after stopping the car and restarting the light would go off as well as minimal turning to the right the service esc light would display, in addition to the remote start not working half the time, i have replaced the key fob and gotten a new key and still the same problem exist. the dealership has replaced the radio with a brand new part and still the stations are not clear and while sitting in the car parked all of the lights in the dash sometimes come on for service and the car would idle low then high. the lights in the dash will sometimes completely dim and the display on the radio will be digital. my car now has about 65000 miles on it, and still the car sometimes stalls at stop signs, will be without power and the service esc displays as well as service engine. this has happened too many times to count at this point. tuesday may 6 2014 my husband was driving approx. 25mph all the lights in dash came on and engine stalled on him so he restarted the car, upon restarting all the lights in the display turned off. saturday may 10 2014 the radio was complete static...this is a constant issue, i keep my gas tank plentiful and have only owned gm vehicles. i am researching other makes at this point. *tr

Takata recall. while on the highway going 60 mph i lost all power to my vehicle almost causing a few accidents. i pulled the car over and had it towed to a shop. they had to push the car into the shop due to it not starting. after throughly looking and checking everything the dianosic test did not revel anything. the mechanic then banged on the rear fuse panel (trunk) the car then started. the panal is shuting my fuel pump off. the fuel pump has been tested the fuse relays have been tested. the problem is faulty fuse box and wires connected im assuming. after 2 weeks and 3 mechcanics my car is still not running.

Tl- the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the air pressure sensor illuminated multiple times intermittently. the authorized dealer reset the code and the failure recurred. the contact had difficulty activating the cruise control and had to make multiple attempts to get it to work. also, the battery had drained intermittently and the window wipers had to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 5. pam

Vehicle (2012 malibu) was purchased april 2012 - starting july 2012 vehicle would stall going down the road, with loss of engine, power assist steering and power assist brakes. dealer replaced numerous modules, but it occurred again in sept 2012 (3 times) then again in january 2013. two body control modules have been replaced, engine control modules, two power steering modules, onstar module, transmission control module, etc. unintended power steering assist occurs such that within approximately 5 seconds while driving down the road, power steering comes in and out as module fails (along with engine and transmission). very unsafe to drive. dealer would not replace vehicle and gm states they stand by last repair. it has been repaired 6 times now, but we refuse to drive vehicle, as we believe there must be a short somewhere. they keep stating it is defective modules and they just keep replacing them. please see youtube videos: "2012 chevy malibu - unintended power steering assist failure mode?" "2012 chevy malibu dangerous electrical problem - any ideas?" *tr

Driving into town, alerted by pedestrian that my car was on fire underneath. everything failed, while i tried to pull off the roadway. had to kick out the window to get out. when i barely got out, the entire car was in full blaze. *tr

While driving on a state highway, i had a number of functions stop working. the problem could come and go for a week before it happened on all ignition cycles. note, the problem could even come and go on 1 ignition cycle. the following stopped working: windshield wipers, heated seats, power windows/sunroof, power doors, power mirrors, blue tooth interface, dome lights and mirror / compass. dealer has replaced body control module and vpm. fixes seem to work for approximately 10-12 weeks before issues resurface. *tr

A brand new vehicle with 64 miles. while driving on a rural road, the electronic stability control failure light came on and then the accelerator stopped working. after i turned the engine off, it would not come back on. this certainly could have been a safety issue had i lost control on a more traveled street. coincidentally, the only other complaint listed on nhtsa for this vehicle is for the exact same issue. *tr