2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. This model year has 918 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Considering a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 422 | 7 | 6 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 236 | 4 | 4 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 197 | 8 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 94 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 84 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 69 | 16 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 65 | 7 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 61 | 3 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 54 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 38 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 32 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 30 | — | 2 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 27 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 25 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 25 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 23 | — | 3 | — | |
| Visibility | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 918 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
The vehicle was purchased on 04/07 and represented with a mileage of 167,334 at the time of sale. No issues with the odometer or mileage accuracy were disclosed prior to purchase. On 04/08, the vehicle was taken to Walmart Auto Care Center for routine service, where it was identi…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car stalls and/or shuts down while in use Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent …
The electrical system has caused the car to stop mid traffic multiple times while driving. Had everything checked and it does it multiple times with my kids in the car. The transmission stalls and when you hit the gas it ramps up but doesn’t move until last minute and jumps causi…
THIS IS MY 3RD COMPLAINT (Ref: Previous Reports). THE VEHICLE IS NOW A TOTAL LOSS. 1. UNRESOLVED ENGINE/STEERING (Prior Complaints): This 2013 Malibu has a documented history of sudden engine stalling and total loss of power steering at highway speeds. Despite reporting this twic…
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH on the highway, there was a high-pitched sound coming from the vehicle, and the contact temporarily lost control of the vehicle. The driver was able to regain control of the vehicle. The vehicl…
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the serpentine belt detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the serpentine …
Driver going 60+ mph hit metal guardrail, spun and slammed into concrete side of bridge. No airbags deployed
I have not been involved in no incident or accident with anybody but my vehicle is installing up and dying in the middle of the road the power steering is locking up the battery is draining and the car is cutting off I had the battery replaced and I'm still losing power in my bat…
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while idling at a stoplight, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The failure occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally, but failed to immediately r…
Gradual battery charge loss, check engine light (MIL) illumination, and engine stall or failure to start. Burning/melting odor. Warning Lights: "Service Charging System" or battery light on dash. Electrical Failure: Vehicle stalled, won't start, has a dead battery. Noise/Smell: B…
The engine light came on, later while driving the car shuts down engine reduced speed, engine power reduced. I have to restart the car and sometimes that dont help. Also the (ABS) light came on service stabilitrak, my anti brakes went out
Generator Control Module, I seen there was recalls on 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco equipped with eAssist. That is what my car is and the GCM is out of it.
The front battery kept getting drained then one day it just wouldn't crank opened up the generator thing and noticed that it had been fried now my car won't crank or nothing and I don't understand why my car ain't in part of the recall for the generator control module
Hybrid Power train issues. Haven't drove the car for more than a week and a half. Apparently was fixed but obviously was not. Could be the gcm or generator
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced several electrical failures, causing a loss of power and the vehicle to stall. The vehicle also lost power steering and braking functionality. While in…
While driving my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, the electrical system intermittently fails: the radio shuts off, the instrument cluster goes blank (gauges drop to zero, fuel/temperature show empty), headlights flicker off then on, and turn-signal indicators disappear. Warning messages su…
my power steering intermittently 'locks"Cannnot remove key from ignition.Car loses its data memory, time &date go haywire. A lot of times car wont start.I have taken it a few times to my mechanic. He has run scans, but all the codes are clear.This is the problem.He has checked th…
While my daughter has been driving our 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2013, the vehicle continues to experience add loss of electric power. The dashboard display and infortainment system went down black. The problem first began -2019-2020 and continues to recur about once or twice a mont…
GM reclassified a known safety defect affecting over 300,000 vehicles as a “special coverage campaign” instead of a recall. This has allowed them to deny timely repairs and loaner vehicles, leaving owners without safe transportation.I have been without my vehicle since August 202…
I got sick and I split a utility pole. The airbags did not deploy
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.
Recalls for 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has 918 NHTSA owner complaints, 38 crash-related, and 10 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Electrical Faults (422 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (422 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (236 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (197 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has 38 crash-related complaints and 11 fire reports out of 918 total NHTSA complaints. 34 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?▾
Yes — 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The largest issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Electrical Faults issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Malibu reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.