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severe Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu have filed 190 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 107,800 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Malibu | 467 |
| 2009 Malibu | 768 |
| 2010 Malibu | 455 |
| 2011 Malibu | 211 |
| 2012 Malibu (this page) | 190 |
| 2013 Malibu | 197 |
| 2014 Malibu | 25 |
| 2015 Malibu | 9 |
| 2016 Malibu | 42 |
Of the 190 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Steering accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 190 steering complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 190 complaints per campaign.
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu steering system—particularly the electric power steering (EPS) motor and torque sensor—fails without warning, leaving drivers unable to control the vehicle. Owners report the steering wheel locks up or becomes rock-hard to turn while driving at any speed. The power steering light and Service ESC message flash together. After restarting the car, steering works again temporarily, but the failure recurs, sometimes multiple times per week.
Failures happen at startup, during low-speed parking maneuvers, highway merges, and curve navigation. One driver nearly sideswiped another car pulling into a parking spot; another lost steering while passing a semi-truck at 70 mph. The steering wheel also vibrates uncontrollably or moves side-to-side on its own while driving straight.
A broader electrical pattern underlies many steering complaints: stalling, headlight burnout, fuse failure, flickering gauges, and cascading module failures (body control, engine control, transmission control). One vehicle required six separate repair attempts after multiple module replacements, with the problem recurring each time.
GM issued Special Coverage #15356 covering 2007–2012 Malibus for EPS failures, but coverage expired in 2021. Many owners report their VINs were excluded from earlier recalls despite the exact same symptoms. Owners also report notification letters stating GM would only repair the vehicle if it was already experiencing the problem—a catch-22 that frustrated many.
Same Chevrolet Malibu steering reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Complete or partial loss of power steering assist, often sudden and without warning. Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and difficult or impossible to turn. Vehicle restarts temporarily restore function but failure recurs. Related to torque sensor and/or EPS motor/controller malfunction.
When: Varying mileage from 11,000 to 179,000 miles; failures reported at startup, while driving at any speed, during turns, and while stopped. Cold weather may exacerbate.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely stiff; Power steering light illuminates; Service ESC warning message appears; Traction control light activates; Loss of steering control and assist force; Steering wheel shakes or vibrates; Intermittent failure resolves temporarily with restart; Uncontrolled vehicle pulling or jerking; Dangerous situations at highway speeds (50–70 mph)
Codes mentioned: C0545, P0302, P0352, Service ESC, ESC OFF
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of steering column torque sensor (part 23232310) and/or EPS motor/controller module (part 22837369) reported. Diagnostic fees ($100–$200) charged before repair approval. Some dealers claim repair cost ~$1,513. Steering column replacement also documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Special Coverage #15356 offered 10-year warranty from purchase date for EPS issues on 2007–2012 Malibu; coverage expired in 2021 for many vehicles. Some owners excluded from recall NHTSA Campaign #14V252000 (Electrical System). Earlier model year Malibu (2004–2009) had recall for same issue (NHTSA #14E044000). Some notification letters sent but not received by all owners. Warranty claim denied if vehicle not experiencing problem at time of notification letter.
Rattling, clicking, or grinding noises emanating from steering column area, particularly when driving over bumps. Steering column may require replacement due to mechanical wear or defect.
When: Reported at mileage ranging 47,000 to 165,000 miles. Noise increases over time with vehicle use.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattle or clicking from steering column; Noise louder when driving over bumps; Steering column loose or unstable; Grinding or unusual sounds when turning
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement recommended by dealers. Estimated cost not provided for this failure mode alone.
Vehicle exhibits wobbling, shimmy, or vibration at highway speeds (55+ mph), particularly on uneven pavement. Frequent misalignment requires multiple alignment corrections. Rear wheels pull outward. Unrelated to tire pressure or alignment alone.
When: Reported from early in vehicle ownership (at 11 miles); persistent through 19,500 miles documented in one narrative.
Symptoms owners cite: Front end wobbles at 55+ mph; Vehicle shakes or shimmies; Choppy, careening steering feel; Difficult control on uneven pavement; Vehicle pulls or drifts unpredictably; Steering feels loose and erratic; Swinging wide in curves
Repairs/costs cited: Four alignment attempts failed to resolve; steering column replacement performed once without fixing recurrence. New tires and brakes installed without resolving shimmy.
Steering wheel vibrates or shakes uncontrollably, sometimes moving side-to-side on its own while driving straight or standing still. Wheel may pull to one side without driver input.
When: Reported at mileages 47,600 to 165,000 miles. Can occur at startup or during driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel vibrates or shakes violently; Steering wheel moves side-to-side on its own; Vehicle pulls left or right without driver input; Uncontrolled swerving without driver action; Vibration present even while parked with engine running
Repairs/costs cited: Torque sensor and steering motor replacement documented. Battery cable replacement attempted in one case.
Broader electrical system malfunction affecting power steering, power brakes, transmission, ignition, and lighting. Vehicle stalls unexpectedly, cutting power to steering and braking. Body control module and engine control module failures cascade. Multiple warning lights activate together (ESC, traction control, check engine, power steering).
When: Failures reported from 3 months to over 1 year of ownership; mileage ranging 60,000 to 165,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering and power brakes simultaneously; Engine stalls while driving; Instrument panel lights flicker or cycle on and off; Multiple warning indicators illuminate together; Door locks cycle automatically; Transmission shifts erratically or jolts; Vehicle will not restart; Headlight and interior lighting failures; Rear defrost non-functional
Codes mentioned: Service ESC, Traction Control warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Body control module (BCM) replacement attempted multiple times (at least 6 repairs in one case) without permanent fix. Engine control module, transmission control module, OnStar module, and power steering modules also replaced. Dealers suggest short in steering column wiring or main electrical harness. Total repair costs not itemized but owner reports significant ongoing expense.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign #14V252000 addresses electrical system problems in 2012 Malibu but does not cover all VINs. Owners report notification letters mentioning potential defect but no mandatory recall. Some vehicles excluded from recall despite manufacturing in recall year range.
Headlight electrical connectors overheat and melt wiring, burning out bulbs. Presents fire hazard. Fuses blow repeatedly. Owners report melted components and visible fire-sparking parts.
When: Failures occur multiple times within single ownership period; one owner reported three occurrences.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights short out and blow repeatedly; Connector overheats and melts wiring insulation; Burnt-out bulbs despite recent replacement; Visible melting or charring of connector housing; Fuse failures repeating despite replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb and connector replacement. One owner reports keeping melted components as evidence. Cost approximately $400 per repair in one case.
Transmission downshifts hard and abruptly, particularly from 3rd to 2nd gear. Delay in power delivery during acceleration. Shifting lags from complete stops and when reentering traffic. Hard acceleration lag exacerbates when power steering simultaneously fails.
When: Reported from early ownership (18,000 miles noted); continues at higher mileages.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard downshifting, especially 3rd to 2nd gear; Delayed acceleration response from stop; Lag in power delivery on highway grades; Erratic or jerky shifting; Transmission fails to downshift for passing power
Synthesized from 190 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
My power steering just went out on me in the middle.of driving got real stiff on the 10 freeway going home from.redlands to hemet and my power steering eis electrical and its hard my mechanic said its too much to fix and told me that its a high demand in recall for this and that I need it fix I turned it on and ti works for 5 minutes a drive or two and out of no where even while driving will…
I bought a 2012 malibu for my daughter who is 15 years old. Nice car, but when she was pulling into a parking lot, "service etc" illuminated on the dash and she completely lost power steering. Hit a curb.
Driving approximately 30 MPH down the road my steering stiffened and I heard a chime and service ESC across the dash warning system, I could not turn the wheel. The electronic steering control was not working and I had to try to manually steer. I had my 1 yr old and 4 yr old in my vehicle and the roads were snowy and icy, and no way to steer my vehicle safely.
'takata recall ' I was driving down the road at 35mph and all of a sudden my service ESC light came on , my traction light came on, the power steering light came on and I lost steering capability of the vehicle and almost caused me to wreck . It made it nearly impossible to try to turn to even get my car off the road .
It's a meaningful issue. 190 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
Across the 134 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 73,610 and 138,000 miles, with the median around 107,800. A quarter of owners report trouble before 73,610; a quarter make it past 138,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering 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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover steering 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.