Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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 his daughter was operating the vehicle, there was a loud sound coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. Upon inspection it was discovered that the front driver's side wheel spokes were cracked and damaged. The contact indicated that four of the five-wheel spokes were cracked and one had completely severed and the wheel needed to be replaced. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,160.
The power steering assist has cause the steering wheel to move to its let by its self when not holding the steering wheel. I must hold the steering wheel firmly to keep it strait when driving. If i would let go the car will abruptly turn left and possibly drive off the road or hit a car, pedestrian, or whatever is in the way. It started with uncontrolled vibrating at a stand still motion. The car is 165,000 miles that's 15,000 miles from the recall. The car has been repaired a couple times I think only to have the same power steering assist internal parts break down and fail multiple times. I believe the amount of power (amps) the power steering assist draws is needed is to much and the system fails within a short time. The alternative hydraulic version on the V 6 doesn't put so much stress on the electrical system. …
I purchased the vehicle in 2021 . It was running fine at first but recently . been having alot of issues with the vehicle. When parking the vehicle and you put it in park it moves forward . also been having alot of tire blow outs one after another for the past 8 months . also sometimes it drives proper and at times it starts swerving . the ride gets bumpy. I already replaced the arm controls also aligned the car . i believe there mechanically defaulted. Also having issues with the exhaust . fuel sensor also was replaced . Codes P0411 keep popping up. Literally I have put more money then I paid for the car. financially has drained me. When called the manufacturer about recalls they said those recalls were expired . The car has become somewhat dangerous. Also I believe When purchased the vehicle the emissions says 2013 on the bill of sale says 2012 . I just recently found the documents . …
I'm a single parent and I can't afford to take my car to the dealership I love my car I have had my 2012 chevy malibu for over 6 years n I hate to just have it park at home knowing that, that's car was my everything. It started having problem with esc . When I would come to a stop then taking off it would break on its one I was told it could be my throttle body so I went n buy one n now the idle is too high now I can't get it to fix. Pls help me out I'm my car that I love so much.
No traction, car slid into another car. Not the first time lost traction, just couldn't control it. Tires are only 1 yr and 3 months old. Have passed 2 state inspections. About of tread still on them. Have lost traction even in good weather. When I commented to someone at Firestone that I kept losing traction they replied they aren't good tires.
The vehicle was being driven at the speed limit when the tire popped. The impact was as much as a front end collision; the windshield cracked along with the passenger side of the bumper and the wheel was bent. A mechanic said that because the seat belts locked the impact was great enough where the airbags should have gone off, but they did not.
The brake caplier screw came out why driving the vehicle and broke the brake line and the vehicle lost control try to use the emergency brake and it didn't work vehicle crash
A left front flat tire in December 2016 (four tires bought new in May 2016) was discovered to not be a problem with the tire, but the factory-installed, original equipment rim with a seam crack. Now today in January 2017, a flat tire on the right front was diagnosed as the result of a second bad rim, again one of the four factory-installed original equipment rims (two more to go?). It was necessary to replace both the rim and the valve stem each time. Research is showing another complaint has been filed for this same problem with the other report having had to replace three rims so far. This definitely appears to be a supplier/manufacturing defect. The problem was shown to me after the rim with the tire on it had been submerged in water, and bubbles formed at the defective area. …
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering. The vehicle was difficult to maneuver and a loud noise was heard coming from the front driver side wheel. The traction warning indicator illuminated. After several minutes, the vehicle was able to operate normally, but was vibrating. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2% of the model year's 907 complaints. The component named most often is lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Chevrolet Malibu wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to wheels & tires 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.