2012 Chevrolet Malibu electronic stability control (esc) problems
129 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electronic stability control (esc) on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu — 14% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jan 13, 2026
“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…”
filed Aug 11, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM)…Campaign 14V252000 · May 14, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc) problems in other Malibu years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Malibu | 1 | 2% |
| 2020 Malibu | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 Malibu | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 Malibu | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 Malibu | 53 | 8% |
| 2016 Malibu | 76 | 9% |
| 2015 Malibu | 16 | 6% |
| 2014 Malibu | 31 | 9% |
| 2013 Malibu | 72 | 9% |
| 2011 Malibu | 174 | 18% |
| 2010 Malibu | 227 | 17% |
| 2009 Malibu | 255 | 17% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.