The Malibu is Chevy’s mid-size sedan offering plenty of room while still being competitively priced. The 2012 Malibu has Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a safety feature that helps keep it on the road.
But what happens if a “Service ESC” light appears on your dash? Well, it might mean the system’s not working, which can change the way your car drives, and if you aren’t used to that change it can be dangerous.
What does service ESC mean on the 2012 Chevy Malibu?
It essentially means that the car’s Electronic Stability Control is no longer working. This safety feature works alongside ABS and Traction Control to provide driver assistance. The ESC system helps keep the car in the direction the driver wants it to go.
We’ll look at the 2012 Malibu, and the ESC system. You’ll learn what the system does, and if it’s safe to drive the vehicle with the Service ESC warning light on.
The 2012 Chevy Malibu
The Chevy Malibu has an understated style that is very appealing. The 2012 model offered two engine options.
The 2.4L (145 ci) 4-cylinder has a six-speed automatic transmission and gets 169 horsepower. It gets 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
The 3.6L (217 ci) V6 engine is another option, and it provides 252 horsepower. Gas mileage is sacrificed for power as this combination gets 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
The Malibu handles and drives like a sedan. There’s a focus on practicality and a safe and comfortable ride, rather than a sporty feel.
It received a four-star crash rating from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Association), and it is an IHS (International Highway Safety) safety pick. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard.
It also provides dual front and side curtain airbags.
What Is the ESC System?
The ESC system works alongside the car’s anti-lock brakes (ABS) system and traction control. In fact, the ESC system uses the same sensors and performs similar actions, just in different circumstances.
Anti-lock brakes provide assistance with braking, and traction control helps maintain traction during acceleration.
The ESC system uses sensors located around the wheels of the vehicle. Its purpose is to keep the car going the way you intend for it to go. It does this by monitoring how you turn the steering wheel and where the vehicle is actually going.
The ESC can correct the vehicle in a few ways. If you under-steer or over-steer, the ESC will engage a brake caliper to help correct it. It can also reduce the car’s engine output. It helps correct driver error.
The IHS states that ESC reduces the chances of having an accident. This includes single and multiple car accidents. However, the biggest difference is in rollover crashes. Drivers with ESC are 75% more likely to survive an accident if the vehicle has ESC.
What Does the Service ESC Mean on the Malibu?
When the Service ESC warning light is on, it means there is a problem with the ESC system. This can be caused by many factors. Bad sensors are a common issue.
If the light comes on, you will need to take the car to a mechanic. They will see if there’s a code that explains the problem.
However, there are many complaints from Malibu owners that the ESC or Service ESC light comes on for seemingly no reason.
They state that they lose power steering when this happens, which increases the risk of an accident.
Turning the car off and back on fixes the problem, but it recurs at random intervals.
When the Service ESC light is on, the system should be off. This means you won’t have the added safety it provides, but it shouldn’t interfere with your driving. You will simply need to drive it as you would any vehicle that doesn’t have this feature.
However, if you experience problems like the complaints above, then the ESC is a safety issue. You should get it repaired right away to remain safe.
Considering the 2012 Malibu?
The 2012 Malibu is a practical midsize sedan. While some drivers have had problems with the ESC, most drivers are happy with their Malibus. Before you decide, you should check out Vehicle History.
You’ll find owner and expert reviews, and a full list of specs for the car. You can also learn about the history of your vehicle by performing a VIN search.
