2013 Chevrolet Malibu: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Chevrolet Malibu? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 918 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2013 Chevrolet Malibu trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD w/rear SAB'sOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
11.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
11.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has 918 owner complaints, 38 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Malibu
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 918
- Crash-related complaints
- 38
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 26
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Steering Defects. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including wiring and battery.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and steering repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including wiring and battery.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and steering repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has a high volume of NHTSA complaints, with electrical faults being the most frequently reported issue. Engine problems and steering defects also appear prominently. The data suggests potential reliability concerns, though the confidence level is low.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints.
- Engine problems and steering defects are also commonly reported.
- Crash-related complaints are relatively few compared to total complaints.
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
- Steering Defects
All 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 918 owner complaints, 38 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, NHTSA complaints include 38 crash-related reports and 11 fire reports out of 918 total complaints. 34 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?▾
Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.