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2012 chevrolet Malibu electrical problems
severe 236 complaints filed with NHTSA
· avg repair $850
Complaints
236
Recalls
1
Crashes
3
Avg fix
$850
Related recalls
severeNHTSA 14V25200014/05/2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
What owners are reporting
5 most recent
electrical
· filed 12/31/2014
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…
electrical
· filed 12/24/2017
HEADLAMPS CONSTANTLY BURNING OUT FUZES BLOWN DANGEROUS WHEN LIGHTS GO OUT AT NIGHT. SAFETY HAZARD.
electrical
· filed 12/22/2019
SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME CAR WAS IN PARK WHEN IT FIRST APPEAR
electrical
· filed 12/22/2014
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…
electrical
· filed 12/21/2020
2012 MALIBU ESC WARNING LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL GOES ON. BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I STOP AT LIGHT OR STOP SIGN NO BRAKE LIGHT. HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND AT STOPLIGHT. IF I STOP AND SHUT CAR OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES IT WILL START WITHOUT WARNING LIGHT. SOMETIMES CAR DOES NOT START CAR HAS STOPPED WHILE MOVING IN TRAFFIC AND WAS BARELY ABLE TO COAST OFF THE ROAD.I HAVE REPLACED …
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2012 chevrolet Malibu?
It's a meaningful issue. 236 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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