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 contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH and following a slight right turn on the highway, the ESC warning illuminated, and the vehicle slowed down without the brake pedal being depressed. The failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. The contact stated that the vehicle also slowed down unintentionally while making a left or right turn at slow speeds. The contact stated that in the middle of the turn, the vehicle slowed to a stop without the brake pedal being depressed. The ESC warning light illuminated while the vehicle was still in drive(D) and running. The vehicle came to a stop, and the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle continued driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed with PSCM failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. …
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH in the middle lane, she inadvertently lost control of the steering wheel and the vehicle turned all the way to the left and to the left lane. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but it failed to respond. The contact stated that as she was steering the steering wheel to straighten the vehicle, the vehicle turned all the way to the to the right and to the right lane. The ESC warning light illuminated. The contact continued to depress the brake pedal until it responded. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle at a slower speed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated, and the message "ESC OFF" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced an intermittent loss of power steering while driving. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as intended; however, the failure initially became a persistent failure upon restarting the vehicle and then became a permanent failure. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for a tire replacement, the contact was also informed that the steering failure was related to Chevrolet Special Coverage Number: 15356. The contact was referred to the dealer, who informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) and 15V269000 ( SEAT BELTS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the steering wheel vibrated and seized. The "ESC" and "Traction Control" warning lights were illuminated. The contact used a scanner and diagnosed the vehicle with steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue and wanted to charge the contact for the parts. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly lost motive power and came to a complete stop. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact stated that the ESC warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering wheel angle sensor. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Car upon starting would not have power steering .the owners manuel said to turn key off then on ..the power steering would come back on and car would drive fine for a few days then would happen again upon starting with error message ESC service ,with a warning bell.. Then while driving one day lost all power steering .and wrecked into something while turning to the right ..damage to front end and grill.no warning and GM doesnt want to help me get rental and transferred my case to higher department who isn't willing to help me .. Was told the rep was to busy to take my call ..lost time at work and in dark of who's to cover the damages from faulty part .. Very dangerous and the people at GM said that if I got the repairs done that it would end my claim and car would not be repaired.
Was actually driving down the street around the corner from the place I reside and all of a sudden the wheel started to jerk violently which caused us to drive into a curb , causing the vehicle to drive up onto a curb flattening both sides of the right side of the car as well almost clipping a car at the light to our left...the kids on back seat were completely terrified because they had no idea what was going on and are still scared to get into a vehicle...as well have a pplice report could probably obtain if need be.. We just want car foxed right way not trying to sue anybody or get aome outrageous settlement ....
"service ESC" light illuminates when making sharp turns, slowing down on the interstate, as well as breaking in bad weather. After replacing brakes twice and rotors once I scontinue to experience this problem . After a recent inquiry I learned of a recall on "service ESC" as well as "traction control".
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I was driving at 60 MPH in cruise control on a straight road. An ambulance was heading towards me so I stepped on the brakes to slow down and pull over and the car accelerated very quickly. This was a very dangerous situation because I was moving towards the shoulder of the road because of the oncoming ambulance. I had to turn off cruise control to be able to apply the brakes. The brake lights are also not coming on when I apply the brakes. The problem with the lighting happened previously and was repaired on 04/28/2015. I thought the problem was included in recall #13036 but I was told that it was a problem with the brake switch and was not part of the recall however when I look up the recall numbers on my vehicle this recall number does not show up as still needing to be done. …
Traction Control complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 135 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 15% of the model year's 907 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Chevrolet Malibu traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control 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 traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to stability & traction control 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.