VehicleVerdict

2012 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has 191 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 13% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

191

Steering complaints

13%

Share of year

9

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Steering complaints by year

Related recalls

14E044000SteeringJuly 21, 2014 · 7,304 units

Defect

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.

What owners report

I WAS REAR ENDED AND THE STEERING WHEEL AND SHAFT COMPLETELY DISLODGED ONTO MY LAP .THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS PUSHED APPROXIMATELY 150 FT. AND THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD HAVE STEERED IF THERE WAS ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING UP THE HIGHWAY. IF AIRBAG WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 11, 2014 · crash

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu have?

NHTSA has 191 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu steering — 13% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu steering?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the steering: 14E044000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.