How many suspension, wheels & tire complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu have?

NHTSA lists 28 complaints in this area for the 2012 model year, which is 3% of the 906 total complaints filed for that year.

Is there a recall for suspension or wheel problems on the 2012 Malibu?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2012 Malibu.

At what mileage do these suspension and wheel problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure for suspension, wheels & tires complaints on the 2012 Malibu is 83,150 miles.

Did any of these suspension or wheel issues cause crashes?

NHTSA data shows 4 crashes and 0 fires or injuries linked to suspension, wheels & tires complaints for the 2012 Malibu.

How does the 2012 Malibu compare to other years for this problem area?

The 2012 Malibu had 28 complaints (3% share), lower than the 2013 model year's 92 complaints (11% share) for the same problem area.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu Suspension, Wheels & Tires Problems

NHTSA lists 28 suspension, wheels & tires complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of its 906 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 83,150 and 4 crashes reported. No related recalls are listed for this system.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints: 28; 3% of 906
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 83,150 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical suspension symptoms owners report

Owners report a rear wheel detaching or dislocating from the hub while driving at low speed, later traced to only two of four wheel bolts installed at assembly.
Drivers describe wheel rims cracking, which causes gradual air pressure loss and forces rim replacement.
Some owners state factory tire sidewalls show cracking and separation from the tread even at low mileage, despite normal driving conditions.
Owners note factory lug nuts with plastic covers loosen over time and require periodic re-tightening to prevent them from vibrating off.
Some drivers report a grinding noise from the axle area at low speed, with dealers identifying the axle as needing replacement.
A few owners describe sudden loss of traction or control, sometimes leading to sliding into another vehicle, even with tread remaining on the tires.

When 2012 Chevrolet Malibu suspension complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 27, 2013, latest Dec 8, 2025.

28 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2013 to Dec 2025; peak Jan 2017 (3).

Suspension, Wheels & Tires recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints by Malibu model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201048 (4%)
201126 (3%)
201228 (3%)
201392 (11%)
201430 (9%)
20157 (3%)
201634 (4%)
201716 (2%)
201816 (2%)
20191 (1%)
20202 (1%)
20214 (4%)
20223 (3%)
20234 (6%)
20241 (3%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many suspension, wheels & tire complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu have?: NHTSA lists 28 complaints in this area for the 2012 model year, which is 3% of the 906 total complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for suspension or wheel problems on the 2012 Malibu?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2012 Malibu.
At what mileage do these suspension and wheel problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure for suspension, wheels & tires complaints on the 2012 Malibu is 83,150 miles.
Did any of these suspension or wheel issues cause crashes?: NHTSA data shows 4 crashes and 0 fires or injuries linked to suspension, wheels & tires complaints for the 2012 Malibu.
How does the 2012 Malibu compare to other years for this problem area?: The 2012 Malibu had 28 complaints (3% share), lower than the 2013 model year's 92 complaints (11% share) for the same problem area.