Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The catalytic converter and exhaust manifold are suspected to be malfunctioning. These components are part of the vehicle's exhaust system, and their failure is believed to be contributing to hesitation and skipping during operation. Both components are available for inspection upon request. The hesitation and skipping reduce the vehicle's responsiveness, creating a safety risk in traffic. This issue could hinder safe merging, overtaking, or maintaining consistent speeds. Additionally, malfunctioning exhaust components may lead to increased emissions and pose a risk of toxic gases entering the cabin if leaks are present. Check engine light displays. The problem has been confirmed by a professional auto mechanic during their inspection and diagnosis. The components have been inspected and diagnosed by an independent service center (the auto mechanic). …
Car has 161,848 miles and the seat frame broke on the drivers side of my 2012 Chevy Malibu. It had a slight tilt to the right. It was taken to the Chevrolet Dealership and they inspected and verified that the frame welding was broken. I have a video from the service tech showing the broken frame. I took a screen shot of the video and attached it to this incident repot. I would be happy to share the video but it won't allow me to share on this page. I asked the dealership if there was any recall because I find it hard to believe that a seat frame would just break. I have gone online and read that multiple people have had this issue however, Chevrolet has done nothing about it. A few people have at least gotten somewhat of a compensation for having to replace something that should last the life of the vehicle. I was not one of them. …
Driver seat frame bar broke. Is weld and the weld broke when I was on the road. Safety concern when I turn left or right driver seat moves a lot. I can't drive my malibu like that, Im putting myself in risk and other drivers. First time happens to me this kind of situation. I had other oldest vehicles and driver seat never broke. Not good for a 2012 malibu with a broken frame bar driver seat. GM should fix this problem that comes from manufacure. I did a research about this and Im not alone there is a lot of people complaining about this safety concern issue that chevy malibus from 2009 and 2012 had and dealers dont want to pay attention to this problem.
The driver side seat bottom portion left side caved in it says if the webbing underneath the seat that holds it up it broke and I just wanted to see if it was cause do the recall that was fixed on it or what not because I did read other complaints with the exact same issue I just want to know if there is a investigation or a way to be fixed
Driver side seat is broken and the frame is cracked on the right side which makes it lean towards the middle console. Which causes my seat to be crooked and definitely feels unsafe and worries me that the airbags may not deploy if ever in an accident.
My vehicle was stopped at a traffic light. I was struck in the rear end by a minivan traveling about 50 MPH. The drivers seat back broke at the bottom hinged area and left me lying flat on my back, still in the seat. This sent my feet flying straight up causing them to strike under the dash and breaking my toes.
While car was parked I got into the drivers seat, then all of a sudden the seat shifted. When I went to re-adjust the seat height/ position. The seat leaned to one side and was loose. I took it to a repair shop who refused to even look at it after I described the issue. I found 3 different websites listing the same problem. It boils down to cracked welds. A car under 7yrs old should not have a failure like this. I drove a 1981 Buick century (purchased 1995) with over 87,000 miles and the seats where fine up to when I sold it in 2001. All I can recall is that this happened sometime in 2018. Why has GM and NHTSA not issued recalls. This is a highly dangerous, even fatal flaw in their vehicles.
Drivers seat became disengaged at the weld point underneath the seat while I was driving. Took the vehicle in and the dealer rewelded the seat. Picked the car up had it for less than a week seat pretty much disengaged from the bottom and the back while I was driving on a highway. While GM offered some assistance I am still out $500. For both repairs. After researching on line it appears other people have had similar complaints with this model year. Serious safety issue! My vehicle was never been in any accident that should have caused this problem. I've owned numerous cars and have never had a seat disengage. I truly believe this is a defenct in the vehicles seat frame.
I bought this Malibu new and have maintained it well. Out of no where, the drivers seat became loose and wobbly. I simply sat in the drivers seat while in my driveway and noticed it. Upon inspection, the seat frame has broken welds. Metal that holds the drivers seat in place on a 6 year old car is broken! It turns and moves as the driver does. I believe that in an incident, the seat would come out. This seems like a design or weld quality problem. I am told the entire seat needs to be replaced and this is a big and expensive job. I was preparing to let my college age daughter drive this car but now I don't know what to do.
Drivers seat has collapsed in the right rear. Seat can not be adjusted with weight on it as it binds with center console. Blind spot over left shoulder can not be properly checked due to the body being twisted to the right while seated. Seat integrity is severely compromised as the rear right is 'floating' and not attached to the seat frame in a collision the seat is likely to rip free of the frame sending the driver into the windshield. Very unsafe situation. Driving fatigue is an issue due to the unnatural position of the driver in relation to the steering and foot controls.
Seat complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the seats of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 4% of the model year's 907 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › head restraint (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Chevrolet Malibu seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Malibu seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to seats problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.