Home · 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco · Complaints

What 921 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (921)Crash / fire / injury (52)Electrical system (423)Engine (226)Steering (197)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (84)Airbags (69)Suspension (65)Transmission & drivetrain (61)Brakes (55)Visibility & wipers (44)Fuel system (40)

Newest first · 921 complaints · page 5 of 37

Aug 8, 2022Electrical systemEngineFuel system

Engine overspeed error message & car will start to hesitate to accelerate. First happened 7/2021. Second time is 8/2022

NHTSA ODI 11478161

Aug 3, 2022SuspensionCrash

2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TOE LINK SUSPENSION ROD FAILURE. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL UNTIL AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED DUE TO THE FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI 11477334

Jul 31, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

My car charging system keep coming on I changed the alternator 2 times it worked for a while. While driving it went dead I was 4 hrs from home. Took my son to a football camp in Tallahassee at fsu. On way him voltage dropped from my battery but the aux battery say it’s charging the Emc is not charging my battery under the hood. It’s recalls for my year I have under 100,000

NHTSA ODI 11476739

Jul 28, 2022Electrical system

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that prior to owning the vehicle, her father had the vehicle serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V173000 (Electrical System). Recently, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact had the vehicle jumpstarted; however, the vehicle failed to remain running. The contact had the battery replaced twice within a short period of time however, the failure persisted. The contact initially towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was referred to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective generator control module which she linked to the initial recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 8,900.

NHTSA ODI 11476294

Jul 21, 2022Visibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the defroster gear actuator fractured and had fallen onto the ground, causing the defroster to become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the defroster needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11475130

Jul 10, 2022Seats

I seem to have a short in the drivers side seat adjuster. At times when adjusting the seat a warning comes up to replace air bag and sometimes shuts off the radio. I have read that there was a recall at one point for this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11473178

Jun 21, 2022Electrical system

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the instrument panel indicated that the battery voltage was low. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was notified of general control module and belt tensioner failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V173000 (Electrical System). The contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The failure mileage was 88,073.

NHTSA ODI 11470327

Jun 7, 2022SteeringElectrical system

I was driving down a busy street one day after work during the early night, and as I went to engage the brakes my whole electrical system started to shut off and on. Once I came to a complete stop it shut off my a/c then proceeded with my radio and lights. I took my foot of the brake in pure shock and back on come my a/c and radio. I proceed to drive with caution and again it starts to try and shut off my vehicles electrical systems. I pull over turn the car off check the battery and fine. Trusting it to make it less than the mile trip left home I drive again no issues, as I am approaching a busy intersection then car begins to go haywire with the electrical systems without the ac on and locks the all eletric steering systems and almost causes me to collide with surrounding traffic. Took to have diagnostic run for codes and none. Purchased another brand new battery which I thought maybe it was defective. Well wasn't NY of the issues because tonight with my family's safety put at serious risk along with any of the many tourist pedestrians and other motorist I experience the same exact thing but within a higher speed limit zone. When I pulled over to park the car it refused to cooperate. It was if my car was being controlled by a hacker and I was fighting for control over the wheel.

NHTSA ODI 11468095

May 24, 2022Electrical system

2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU ECO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF, LOSING ALL POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DISPLAYS BATTERY SAVER ACTIVATED, AND THEN THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER.

NHTSA ODI 11465899

May 17, 2022Electrical system

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle restarted independently but inadvertently turned off. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing an oil change. The vehicle was not repaired and continued to experience failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA ODI 11464926

May 7, 2022Electrical system

The light of the dashboard went on and off several times while I was driving and almost the car went off, I had to press the speed pedal so it won't turn off. I took it ti a electrical shop and the guy told me that is an manufactured problem that special year and model had before and they where call to a recall to fix that problem. Can you please help me with this situation, I'll be very grateful.

NHTSA ODI 11463735

May 3, 2022Suspension

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V633000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11463259

Apr 16, 2022Wheels

I have contacted the dealer multiple times since August 2021(first notification of the official recall). I am told that I am in a waiting list because the manufacturer(GM) has not provided the repair parts. I have contacted the Customer Assistance Number provided on the recall letter multiple times with no results. I filled out the manufacturer survey based on the contacts to the assistance number indicating my dissatisfaction and requested a follow up contact. No results. I keep getting notices from the manufacturer that I have not had the recall fixed and the dealer will not fix it. I feel stuck.

NHTSA ODI 11461005

Apr 13, 2022SuspensionEngine & coolingElectrical system

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH, the battery warning light illuminated and the steering wheel suddenly lost power steering functionality. The vehicle then lost electrical power. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking and that the passenger's side axle needed to be replaced. Additionally, the drive belt had detached. The contact was informed that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ODI 11460655

Apr 5, 2022Suspension

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11459652

Mar 22, 2022Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

Car starts idling up and down while stopped at light. When the car is given the gas to go it will not pick up speed it stalls and car completely turns off in drive. While parked in parking lot I put the car in reverse and it would not move and that has happened 5 times. The engine light comes on and I have taken it to 4 different mechanics to put the diagonstic test on it and it comes up with idle sensor, change it and 2 days later car starts jerking and will not go over 35mph and finally dies. While driving 55mph on the hwy the car looses speed and wont go over 35 mph. Nobody is allowed to drive this car until chevy fixes it, and it will sit in my yard until then because my family is more important than a piece of metal. I wont sell it because of this danger either. I crank it up every month but it has not been driven in 2 years.

NHTSA ODI 11457921

Mar 8, 2022Suspension

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle would shake. The check engine and stability trac warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact informed the dealer that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension). The VIN was included however, the vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.

NHTSA ODI 11455716

Feb 27, 2022

No warm/hot air blowing to the front windshield to defrost during winter months. Hazard to drive especially in the winter months when I need to see out the window. Heater motor works. The heat also builds up inside behind the radio screen compartment causing the radio screen to turn off.

NHTSA ODI 11454347

Feb 22, 2022SuspensionBody & structure

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that she had taken her vehicle to the dealer for repair on the failure she was experiencing that was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the dealer informed her that the repair could not be performed due to the extensive corrosion underneath the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,433.

NHTSA ODI 11453493

Jan 24, 2022Visibility & wipers

I have a 2013 chevy malibu and the defrost is the worst never works when I need it. When the windows fog it won’t even cool them down allowing me to see forcing me to pullover.

NHTSA ODI 11448567

Jan 21, 2022Electrical systemSeats

My driver seat is powered and it is inoperative. It remains stuck in a reclined position. At first the seat would not return to an upright position but all the other power functions (reclining the seat, moving it forward and back, tilting the seat, moving it up/down) still worked. I took the car to a shop and they said that the cause was some of the wiring had disconnected. They took the seat out and made sure everything was plugged in correctly. The seat worked again but only for a short while. Now, the issue is present again and the driver seat will not move forward/back or return to an upright position. This is hazardous because the seat is not able to offer the driver the correct seating position to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11448320

Jan 16, 2022Electrical systemSpeed controlEngine

Car gives engine power reduced warning and then drastically loses speed. Another warning saying engine over speed comes up and the car is unable to accelerate at safe speeds. This is dangerous because I can easily be rear ended by this malfunction especially when driving on the highway. I have children and having them at risk of being in a motor vehicle accident due to a malfunctioning car does not sit well with me. I have seen this issue reported on several other platforms. When I took the car to the dealership regarding this issue I was told I needed to replace the battery but 2 batteries later and I’m still having the same issue. There is no warnings or signs prior to this malfunction happening, it is unpredictable and at random, making it that more dangerous. I would also like to add that this has happened a repeated number of times, it is not an isolated incident. But as of late it has been occurring more frequently.

NHTSA ODI 11447693

Dec 6, 2021Electrical system

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the dashboard lights were completely black. The contact mentioned that there were no lights showing on the dashboard panel until the vehicle was being driven. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,944.

NHTSA ODI 11442774

Dec 1, 2021

The 2013 Malibu continues to die when coming to a stop at a stop sign/light or at low rate of speed. This poses a major safety risk as when driving down the interstate and coming to a low speed the car will die and at times struggle to restart. This increases the chances of getting hit by moving vehicles. The car has been to a mechanic and confirmed that the car continues to die when coming to a stop or low speed but no engine codes show. This has been a known problem of the 2013 Malibu with no known fix.

NHTSA ODI 11442207

Nov 1, 2021SuspensionCrash1 injury

******* DUPLICATE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11438859*DJR ******* DUPLICATE VOQ *******

NHTSA ODI 11438855

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Working with the data? Download all 921 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 24, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco verdict →