Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 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.
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
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.
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 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. …
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. …
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. …
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. …
Takata recall I purchased a 2012 Chevy Malibu 2 years ago for my graduating senior and this car has practically been a nightmare since the day we purchased it. The current mileage is 43,000 and there has been so many problems with this car. The car previously shut down while riding on the highway, our mechanic stated the car has electrical issues. Okay, so he tampered with a few wires, and the car started right up. Two days ago, the car wouldn't start, it's currently displaying "check airbag" emergency lights are flashing, wipers began going back and forward. My husband began to shake a few wires (per our mechanic) , and long behold the car has started!!! Talk about buyer's remorse!!!! This car is now parked in our garage until we figure out what to do with it!!! I'm now concerned for my son's safety and will not allow him too drive the 2012 Chevy Malibu.
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.
Transmission complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 5% of the model year's 907 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
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.