What 921 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

While driving my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (2.5L), I experienced a sudden and severe failure of the braking system. [Insert exactly what happened here—for example: 'The brake pedal suddenly went completely to the floor,' 'The brakes unexpectedly locked up,' 'The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking power,' or 'The brake warning lights illuminated right as the brakes failed']. This occurred while traveling at approximately 25 mph on a one-lane road. This total/partial loss of braking power created an immediate safety hazard and a high risk of a crash. The vehicle had to be shifted into manual, then safely coasted to a stop. No prior warning signs or brake issues occurred immediately leading up to this event.

NHTSA ODI 11738680

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 service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem before the failure, and when did they first appear? Use Purchase date 3/31/2026. First sign of issues 4/3/2026

NHTSA ODI 11731828

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 inspecting under the hood, the contact discovered that the battery terminals were extremely hot to the touch. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11695212

Brake pedal sticks. I took to Chevrolet dealership because I saw a recall describing this exact scenario. That it was binding due to a faulty brake pedal assembly The technician diagnosed this to be the exact issue in the recall but refused to repair stating my VIN was not covered and I would have to contact your organization due to this being a safety issue to get the vin added

NHTSA ODI 11676413

There is a recall on the brake booster on the 2014 Malibu manufactured in 2013 my car is a 2013 and I have the same issue.i have had multiple things wrong.I was driving and had no brakes at all I had to push hard and it finally stopped. Hazardous to drive now until fixed.i feel it should be covered as it is the same issue on the 2014

NHTSA ODI 11664767

STABLITRAC: ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL ERRORS

NHTSA ODI 11609536

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond, causing a stopping distance delay. Additionally, the contact noticed a burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated upon opening the hood to inspect the vehicle, he noticed that brake fluid had spilled all over the vacuum pump. The contact stated that he added brake fluid in the vacuum pump, but the brake fluid immediately leaked out of the vacuum pump. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11587369

Brake booster blew out due to a defect in the brake booster vacuum pump causing me to have no brakes.

NHTSA ODI 11578235

brake booster

NHTSA ODI 11511691

The reluctor ring which sends the signal to the abs and stability control system has delaminated from the wheel bearing to which it is attached. First it happened on the right rear wheel and necessitated replacement of the wheel bearing because the abs system is non functional. Now it has happened in the right front wheel. The abs and stability control are non functioning until I replace the front wheel bearing. The wheel bearing is fine, it’s the magnetic reluctor ring which has failed and no longer sends a signal to the abs sensor. This shouldn’t be happening on a 9 year old car. It is a very common problem and a danger on our roads as many people will drive it like this due to lack of funds.

NHTSA ODI 11499296

The electronic parking brakes and the rear calipers on this car fail with regularity. Currently the parking brake cables were replaced, the two rear calipers were replaced under warranty and now that the car is out of warranty, the parking brake actuator has stopped working and displays “service parking brakes” . Dealer says it usually corrosion of the actuator assembly. The entire rear brake system and parking brake system is faulty.

NHTSA ODI 11436769

ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, VEHICLE HAS SHUT COMPLETELY OFF. BECAUSE IT IS AN ECO ENGINE, I ASSUMED IT WAS SIMPLY IDLING DOWN, WHILE STATIONARY A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, AS USUAL BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES THE VEHICLE SHUTOFF WAS AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS, AND DRIVE THROUGH LANES. AND THEN THE VEHICLE SHUTOFF WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MILES PER HOUR. SHORTLY AFTER THAT INCIDENT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I REPLACED THE BATTERY BUT THE CAR HAS STILL HAD TO BE JUMPED OFF THREE TIMES SINCE THE REPLACEMENT. AND WHEN I HAD THOSE CODES REPAIRED, NOW THE VEHICLE DRIVES AS IF IT ISN'T GETTING GAS AND THEN ALL OF SUDDEN IT WILL JERK AND ACCELERATE QUICKLY. LASTLY, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE USED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE PEDAL WILL SUDDENLY GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD, THEN COME AND TIGHTEN TO POINT I CAN BARELY PRESS THE BRAKES. I HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKES ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND THE MECHANICS DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT IS CAUSING THAT ISSUE TO OCCUR.

NHTSA ODI 11416125

MY BRAKE BOOSTER HAS WENT OUT FOR THE 2ND TIME IN 3 MONTHS.THIS IS SO DANGEROUS I COST TOO MUCH TO HAVE FIXED. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS NOT A RECALL. THERE IS NO REASON THAT THIS SHOULD HAPPEN AGAIN IN EXACTLY 3 MONTHS OF GETTING MY CAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP. SOME COULD REALLY GET HURT OR HURT SOMEONE ELSE BY THIS GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING THEN GM WILL HAVE A BIGGER PROBLEM ON THERE HANDS. GOOD THING I WASS PARKED BOTH TIMES ABOUT TO LEAVE AND NOTICED THAT ALL I HEARD WAS AIR WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BREAKS. THEY REALLY NEED TO COME WITH A SOLUTION. ALSO WHEN I WAS TRYING TO TAKE MY KEY OUT THE IGNITION WOULD NOT COME OUT AND THE CAR WAS IN PARK.

NHTSA ODI 11352216

MY BREAK BOOSTER WENT OUT AGAIN FOR 3RD TIME WITH IN A YEAR AND HALF I HAVE TAKEN TO A PLACE TO GET IT FIXED THIS IS ON SAFE.I WAS DRIVING ALL 3 TIMES WHEN IT WENT OUT. I WAS STOPPING AT A LIGHT.

NHTSA ODI 11341609

MY CAR CONTINUES TO LOSE POWER AND WITH IT COMES SO MANY ELECTRICAL ISSUES. BRAKE ASSIST WONT DISENGAGE, NO POWER BEYOND ENGINE IDLING, AND THE SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM CONTINUES TO POP UP EVEN THOUGH IT AND THE BATTERY IN THE TRUNK WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER. I'VE HAD THIS CAR FOR A MONTH AND IT'S GIVEN ME NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ODI 11338252

WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT IN FARMINGVILLE, NY ON 11/8/19, AS I ATTEMPTED TO COME TO A STOP, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I REALIZED I HAD JUST LOST MY BRAKES. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, I WAS HEADING TOWARD A STEEP DOWNGRADE WHICH WOULD HAVE SENT MY CAR RIGHT INTO TRAFFIC ON A BUSY, 6 LANE HIGHWAY. THANKFULLY I MANAGED TO STOP THE CAR BEFOREHAND. I FIND OUT TODAY THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER IN MY CAR FAILED -- AS IT HAS IN SEVERAL 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBUS. IVE OWNED THE VEHICLE JUST GOING ON 7 MONTHS NOW AND ALWAYS KEEP UP WITH THE MAINTENANCE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THE 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU FOR THE BRAKE BOOSTER -- WHICH I CAN SAY, FIRSTHAND, IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. SO BETWEEN TOWING THE VEHICLE AND NOW HAVING TO REPLACE THIS PART, IM OUT ABOUT $1200. I HOPE TO RECEIVE A TIMELY RESPONSE. THANK YOU SO MUCH! (INCIDENT REPORT AS TOLD BY MY DAUGHTER, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

NHTSA ODI 11279516

THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WILL RANDOMLY SHUT DOWN CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, ENTIRE DASHBOARD, ALL LIGHTS, HAZARD LIGHTS ETC. THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME, ON THE FREEWAY, STOPPED AT A LIGHT, PARKED ETC. SOMETIMES IT GOES DARK AND RESTARTS ITSELF WHILE DRIVING....SOMETIMES IT GOES DARK AND WON'T RESTART FOR MINUTES OR LONGER WHILE IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT WORKING HAZARD LIGHTS. IF PARKED, IT CAN'T BE TAKEN OUT OF 'PARK" TO PUSH IT OUT OF TRAFFIC OR TRY TO START IT IN "NEUTRAL" AND THE KEY CAN'T BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION.THERE ARE NO ERROR CODES TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE AND IT WON'T EVER HAPPEN WHILE IT IS IN THE SHOP (OF COURSE) THIS IS THE ULTIMATE SAFETY HAZARD TO ME AND MY FAMILY.

NHTSA ODI 11278434

AS I WAS DRIVING 35 MPH ON A BUSY DOWNTOWN LOCATION IN MY AREA OF NEW ORLEANS, MY 2013 CHEVY MALIBU DECIDED TO SHUT DOWN ON ME. AT FIRST WHEN I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE CAR STALL AS THOUGH IT WANTED TO CUT OFF BUT IT DIDN'T AT THAT MOMENT. WHEN I MADE IT TO THE SECOND RED LIGHT THE CAR SHUT COMPLETELY OFF THEN CAME RIGHT BACK ON. I WAS TERRIFIED AS MY 12 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER SAT IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE CAR SO I DECIDED TO HEAD HOME WHICH WAS 15 MINS FROM THE LOCATION WHERE I WAS PLUS I ALSO HAD TO TRAVEL OVER A BUSY MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE TO GET TO MY HOUSE FROM THAT LOCATION. AS I WAS MAKING MY WAY BACK TOWARDS THE BRIDGE TO GET HOME, I NOTICE DIFFERENT SIGNALS FLASHING ACROSS MY DASHBOARD, THEN THE CAR SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY GIVING ME LITTLE TO NO TIME TO MAKE A DECISION TO PULL OVER. THE STEELING WHEEL LOCKED UP GIVING ME NO CONTROL AS TO WHICH WAY TO STEER THE VEHICLE, CAR COMPLETELY DEAD. I WAS SO BLESSED THAT NO CARS WAS IN THE WAY OF WHERE THE CAR WAS GOING. THE CAR REFUSED TO START AGAIN AND KEY GOT STUCK . I HAD TO GET IT TOWED HOME. I'M BEGGING CHEVY, PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. I HAVE SEEN LOTS OF REVIEWS REGARDING THESE MAKE AND MODELS AND IT LOOKS LIKE NOTHING IS BEING DONE. I HAD A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU WHICH I LOVED SO MUCH THAT I DECIDED TO TRUST CHEVY WITH MY NEXT CAR. AS I CLOSED MY EYES THAT NIGHT I COULD ONLY IMAGINE WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPEN IF I WAS ON THAT BRIDGE HEADING HOME WITH CARS TRAVELING 60-70MPH? WHAT IF I WAS INFRONT OF A RIVER, ON A TRAIN TRACK, IN FRONT OF A BIG BODY VEHICLE SUCH AS A BUS OR 18-WHEELER OR SOMEONE WALKING IN THE DIRECTION THE CAR WAS GOING? SOMEONE, IF HAVEN'T ALREADY COULD TRULY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THEIR LIFE OR SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE. PLEASE CHEVY THINK ABOUT THE FAMILY LIVES WHICH ARE BEING PUT IN DANGER, EVEN THE DEALERSHIP'S DONT TRULY KNOW THE ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI 11257287

I TEND TO KEEP HAVING ISSUES WITH MY BRAKES IN WARM WEATHER CONDITIONS ( 80) PLUS DEGREES. EVERY TIME I GO TO HIT MY BRAKES WHEN IT IS A HOT DAY OUT. MY BRAKE PEDAL STICKS DOWN AND DOESN'T COME BACK UP. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I HAVE TO USE MY FOOT TO TAKE THE TENSION OFF OF THE BRAKE PEDAL BY PULLING THE PEDAL BACK UP WITH MY FOOT. WHEN THE BRAKE STICKS LIKE THIS.. I CAN FEEL IT SLUGGING THE CAR DOWN UNTIL I PULL THE BREAK PEDAL BACK UP. IT IS VERY INTERESTING AS IT ONLY WILL DO IT WHEN THE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE HOT OUT. WHEN IT IS A MILD TO COOLER DAY. I HAVE NO ISSUES AT ALL. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND EVERYTIME I HIT THE BRAKES, I HAVE TO EITHER REACH DOWN TO PULL THE PEDAL UP.. OR BRING IT BACK UP WITH MY FOOT.

NHTSA ODI 11254813

I AM OR HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR PROBLEMS RELATED TO MULTIPLE RECALLS FOR MY 2013 CHEVY MALIBU, YET I WHEN ATTEMPT TO GET THE REPAIRS FOR THE RECALL I'M TOLD THEY'RE AREN'T ANY CONNECTED TO MY VIN. IF THAT'S SO, THEN MY VIN[XXX] AND OTHERS LIKE IT SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE RECALLS. MY MALIBU HAS BEEN OR IS EXPERIENCING THE ISSUES BROUGHT UP IN RECALL #'S 50490, 50491, 13136, AND 12212. NOW WHY AM I STUCK HAVING TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THINGS THAT ARE KNOWN IN A RECALL. THIS IS VERY DISTURBING TO ME. GOING FORWARD, SHOULD I SUCCEED IN GETTING THIS RECALL ACCEPTED, I DON'T NEED TO HERE THAT IT MAY BE OUT OF WARRANTY. THAT WOULDN'T BE FAIR EITHER. AS THE PRIOR OWNER COULDN'T HAVE HAD THE WORK DONE AS A RECALL BECAUSE THE VIN WASN'T IN THE SYSTEM IN TIME TO BE DONE BEFORE ANY RESTRICTIONS OR WARRANTY EXPIRED.AS I AM MAKING THIS COMPLAINT, I AM IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING THE REPAIRS DONE AND WOULD APPRECIATE BEING REIMBURSED FOR ALL EXPENSES INCURRED. AS I WAIT FOR A FAVORABLE RESPONSE. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT *TR

NHTSA ODI 11230555

I RECENTLY PAID MY VEHICLE OFF AND I AM EXPERIENCING SEVERAL ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WENT OUT AND "SERVICE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT IS ON". THERE'S NO CONNECTION. WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE IN THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING, MY RADIO SCREEN BLACKS OUT. THEN I CAN HIT ANOTHER BUMP AND IT COMES BACK ON. WHEN I PARK, MY IGNITION DOES NOT RELEASE MY KEY. I HAVE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SEVERAL TIMES AND PUT IT IN DRIVE THEN BACK IN PARK SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THE KEY TO RELEASE. AFTER DOING THIS SEVERAL TIMES MY KEY BROKE OFF IN THE IGNITION AND I WAS STRANDED AND HAD TO WALK HOME OVER TWO MILES. HAS ANYONE ELSE COMPLAINED OF THESE ISSUES WITH THE 2013 MALIBU? I COULDN'T PASS MY RECENT SAFETY INSPECTION DUE TO THE BRAKE ISSUE AND I WAS INCONVENIENCED AGAIN AS A RESULT OF THESE ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI 11230292

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 65MPH ON A HIGHWAY. BRAKES WERE APPLIED SUDDENLY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT WHEN THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED RESULTING IN ESSENTIALLY NO BRAKING ABILITY AT ALL. THE BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED A SECOND TIME AFTER BEING REPLACED FROM THE INITIAL INCIDENT. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT AT SLOW SPEED, BUT THE CAR HAS NO BRAKING CAPABILITY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, IT TAKES SEVERAL DOZEN CAR LENGTHS TO STOP THE VEHICLE EVEN AT SLOW SPEEDS. INCIDENTS WERE ABOUT 2 YEARS APART, THE MOST RECENT BEING ON 06/03/19. I SEE NO ACTIVE RECALLS ON THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER BUT IT SEEMS UNUSUAL TO HAVE 2 FAILURES OF THIS CRITICAL ITEM.

NHTSA ODI 11219363

I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE. SUDDENLY IT STARTED TO MOVE AND SUDDENLY TOOK OFF AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME (THE CAR HAD MOVED UP SIGNIFICANTLY, BUT I HADN'T, SO IT HAD A LOT OF MOMENTUM WHEN IT HIT)! AFTER THE ACCIDENT REPORT WAS FILED, I TRIED TO START THE CAR TO LEAVE, BUT THE CAR WOULDN'T START. ADDITIONALLY, A TON OF ERROR MESSAGES WERE FLASHING, AS WELL AS ALL INDOOR AND OUTDOOR LIGHTS FLASHING, EVEN THE DECORATIVE PANEL BLUE STRIP LIGHTS. I WAS TERRIFIED. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED FROM THE SCENE. AT FIRST, THE OFFICER DIDN'T BELIEVE ME, THAT IT WAS THE CAR'S FAULT, NOT MINE, BUT ONCE SHE SAW WHAT WAS HAPPENING, SHE BELIEVED ME. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID THE CAR WAS POSSESSED, HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. THE CAR HAD ALMOST 53,000 MILES ON IT, ONE YEAR TO GO WITH PAYMENTS, AND I HAD BEEN PLANNING TO KEEP IT ONCE IT WAS PAID OFF, UNTIL THIS HAPPENED. IT COULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH WORSE. WHAT IF IT HIT PEDESTRIANS CROSSING THE STREET? I WAS AT A COMPLETE STANDSTILL. WHEN MY MECHANIC EVALUATED IT, A BUNCH OF ERROR CODES PRINTED OUT, ONE OF WHICH WAS U0121 MULTI-AXIS ACCELERATION SENSOR LOST COMMUNICATION WITH ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE. I'M PRETTY SURE THIS WAS WHAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT, BUT BOTH GENERAL MOTORS AND MY CHEVROLET DEALER SAY THIS MEANS NOTHING. I SOLD THE CAR AND BOUGHT A MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. I WILL NEVER BUY A CHEVY AGAIN. ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ARE HAPPENING TO OTHER CHEVY'S (MY MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR ALONE) - SO FAR ABOUT 167 THAT I'VE READ ABOUT, BUT NO ONE'S DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

NHTSA ODI 11209320

WHEN MY 2013 CHEVY MALIBU IS IN MOTION AND SOMEONE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT (MANY BUT NOT ALL TIMES) ALL OF THE ELECTRONICS, INCLUDING THE ELECTRONIC SPEEDOMETER, AND ALL DASHBOARD GAUGES, IN THE CAR STOP WORKING AND NOTIFICATIONS ABOUT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM AND BRAKING SYSTEM APPEAR. THE MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF THE CAR STILL SEEM TO WORK FINE, BUT THE NOTIFICATIONS ABOUT THE AIRBAGS AND BRAKING MAKE ME CONCERNED THAT IT IS NOT SAFE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A YEAR. I HAVE TRIED TAKING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY EITHER CANNOT REPLICATE IT OR THEY WILL "FIX" SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T END UP SOLVING THE PROBLEM. GIVEN THAT THIS PROBLEM STARTED RANDOMLY AND NOT WITH ANY INTERVENTION ON MY PART OF THE PART OF ANY MECHANIC, I AM CONTACTING NHTSA BECAUSE I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS RELATED TO THE AIRBAG SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THAT THIS MIGHT BE HAPPENING WITH OTHER PEOPLE AND COULD REPRESENT REAL DANGER IF THIS REALLY IS AFFECTING THE AIRBAG AND BRAKING SYSTEMS (EVEN WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS NOT IN USE).

NHTSA ODI 11204300

IN THE LAST 2 YEARS I HAVE LOST MY BREAKS DUE TO THE BREAK BOOSTER GOING OUT IN MY CAR NOW AGAIN LAST NIGHT I LOST MY BREAKS AGAIN DUE TO THIS ISSUES I IS A VERY BIG ISSUES I COULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT OR KILLED SOMEONE I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THIS KEEPS HAPPENING BECAUSE TO ME THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD

NHTSA ODI 11187018