repaired · 2024 Q3
Suspension: rear
Risk. A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
2013 Chevrolet MalibuProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 837 owner complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 10 safety recalls, and for recall 21V00F000 the manufacturer reports only 50% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 20, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has problems
837 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
376Electrical system12 crash/fire/injury
204Engine9 crash/fire/injury
181Steering6 crash/fire/injury
72Electronic stability control (ESC)
65Suspension
59Air bags
54Power train
44Service brakes
32Fuel/propulsion system
20816 other systems13 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 376 | 12 |
| Engine | 204 | 9 |
| Steering | 181 | 6 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 72 | 2 |
| Suspension | 65 | 7 |
| Air bags | 59 | 13 |
| Power train | 54 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 44 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 32 | 0 |
| 16 other systems | 208 | 13 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
10 recalls
2013 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Suspension: rear
Risk. A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Suspension: rear
Risk. A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Show 6 more recalls
repaired · 2016 Q3
Automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)
Risk. If the console shift indicator does not illuminate the transmission gear selection, a driver could inadvertently select a transmission position other than the…
repaired · 2016 Q3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. If the harness is chaffed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit could occur, resulting unintended movement of the seat, the seat to become inoperative,…
no report yet
Suspension: rear
Risk. Sudden changes in vehicle handling may increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2016 Q1
Exterior lighting: turn signal
Risk. If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle.
no report yet
Electrical system: software
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS DURING AN AGGRESSIVE TURNING MANEUVER, AND THEN AFTERWARDS A POTENTIAL VEHICLE ROLLOVER EVENT IS SENSED, THE ROOF RAIL AIRBAG MAY…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
77kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 275 electrical system complaints. 71% were reported before 100,000 miles.
30under 30k miles195under 100k miles80100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other Malibu year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Malibu median. How we score
0120245321134439767899227215675691,1489751,1199779891,5111,36397890783735127084170570119320390100734612
'73'74'75'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'86'89'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Chevrolet Malibu safety ratings
2013 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD w/rear SAB's in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Malibu owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My high Voltage cable has melted into the generator of my 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco hybrid. This causes my front battery to drain really fast. I seen online that there was a recall on the generator control module my battery control module was changed but I keep like five batteries with me at all times…
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the electrical system failed inside the vehicle, causing the air conditioning system to fail to operate, and the window control buttons failed to roll the window down. The battery saver active warning light was…
My battery warning light on the dash is illuminated with the notification saying "service battery charging system." I've researched online and found out that more vehicles of the same year make and model of my vehicle have been recalled for the same issue, but when putting in my vin number my…
Own a 2013 Malibu?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.