What 921 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

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 twice to the NHTSA and to GM, the manufacturer failed to provide a remedy. 2. RECENT SYSTEMIC COLLAPSE: Prior to the car becoming completely undrivable in my driveway, the instrument cluster suffered a total blackout (no speedometer/indicators). This matches GM TSB MC-10181662-9999, proving a known design defect in the electrical system/BCM. 3. RECALL DISCREPANCY: In addition to these engine/steering failures, a mandatory federal recall for the Rear Suspension Toe Link (20V764), which I was notified of in 2020, has 'vanished' from the system without being performed. 4. DENIAL OF SERVICE: The dealer is demanding a $1,900 diagnostic fee to even look at these documented, life-threatening safety defects, including the free federal recall. This is a violation of the Maryland Implied Warranty of Merchantability. On January 6, 2026, the check engine light illuminated, followed by a total instrument cluster blackout and electrical failure. The vehicle has been undrivable in my driveway since this total system collapse. This follows years of stalling and steering issues that the manufacturer failed to remedy."

NHTSA ODI 11726999

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 vehicle was restarted afterwards, but became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a rusted toe link and a fractured trailing arm. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 143,000.

NHTSA ODI 11727095

After being repaired for recall - 99recall N212330130 rear suspension safety recall. There is a noise coming from the rear of vehicle when driving

NHTSA ODI 11609532

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the stabili-trak warning light illuminated. While attempting to move the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway, the vehicle began to shake with smoke coming from the passenger’s side rear suspension. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that the shock, an alignment, brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced and a new tire needed to be installed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11581141

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear tow link fractured. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V633000 (Suspension) and the contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

NHTSA ODI 11563486

While driving my vehicle the rear toe link broke leaving me stranded on the side of the road. With no dealers close I replaced the passenger rear toe link to get the car mobile again. Once that was done I called the dealer to setup an appointment to do the recall repair. After dropping the car off at the dealer I received a call back stating that I would need to replace my OEM lug nuts at an inflated dealer price in order for them to do the repair. My issue is that these OEM lug nuts should also be included in the recall because I've done nothing to create an issue with the lug nuts. Swelling lug nuts is a major ongoing issue among the big 3 automakers and this should be corrected. Allowing the companies to sell cars with low quality lug nuts is insane. Dealers thinking that customers should pay for a flaw in their own design of the lug nuts before they will do any repairs is even more insane. How my car sits now I am refused recall service on my car that is unsafe to drive due to them releasing cars with unsafe lug nuts. Then to add a paywall to you getting your recall repairs. This is extremely unsafe and unethical, and I pray that the NHTSA will do something about this ongoing issue that is putting millions of Americans in danger and allowing these companies to take advantage of their customer base. I took action to bring this to your attention and I hope you will take preventive action to keep Americans safe on the roads.

NHTSA ODI 11563518

5/31/23, while driving uphill, car shuttered as I was slowing down at stop sign and displayed "Service Stabilitrak" & "Engine power reduced" which caused the car engine power to drop drastically. I was barely able to make it home safely with my children. On 6/1/23 tried to crank it, first time it wouldn't turn over, second time it started up. Check engine lights and messages still on, radio screen completely black (has gone out multiple times at random over past two years). Drove around the block with half power. On 6/2/23, attempted to crank three times, never turned over. Popped the hood to discover negative battery terminal severely coroded. While cleaning terminal, find battery cables possible faulty. Upon research, discovered how many thousands of others have the exact same issue, GM refuses to acknowledge to release a recall for those like me who can't afford hundreds wasted having anyone even looking at it, much less paying for guesstimating the wrong solution. So now I'm stranded along with my children, and don't have any resources to hope for a solution in the near future.

NHTSA ODI 11525180

I was trying to see if I could get a recall for a new motor because my motor makes weird popping noises when driving and reversing also a recall for suspension front and back shocks and springs because those are also making bad horrible noises

NHTSA ODI 11515365

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that he had taken his vehicle to the dealer for a repair on the failure he was experiencing that was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the dealer informed him 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 120,000. The consumer declined the offer letter and instead requesting a replacement vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11511241

Dashboard light don't work majority of the time is started like month ago and before that started there was something on the dash I believe is said brake/stability trak And now the battery keeps dying

NHTSA ODI 11509150

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated the while driving at various speeds an intermittent popping, clicking, and humming noise was present coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was examined by the local dealer, but no failure was found. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11498092

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NHTSA ODI 11438855

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension). The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the rear wheels were wiggling and the vehicle went side to side before the contact lost control of the vehicle and ended up in a ditch. The contact sustained injuries to his neck, right shoulder, and back. The passenger did not sustain injuries. The contact's son transported him to the hospital where medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11438859

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact initially received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The dealer was notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact then received another recall notice that stated that parts were now available. The dealer was notified again, and the contact was informed that parts were on backorder. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11438662

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated there were abnormal rattling sounds coming from underneath the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11437690

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 contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 60 MPH, the passenger’s side rear wheel shifted out of alignment and locked up causing the vehicle to skid. The driver was able to control the vehicle while it was skidding to get to the side of the road and avoid other vehicles. Once the driver reached the side of the road, the vehicle was turned off and towed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear toe-link had failed. It was confirmed that the failure experienced was directly related to the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11436885

Parts still unavailable to fix recall 20v764. How long is reasonable to wait for parts for an active recall? My recall letter is dated 1/2021, it’s now 10/2021 and parts are still back ordered? I realize there are supply issues but this is kind of ridiculous.

NHTSA ODI 11436770

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 not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would bounce abnormally. The dealer was made aware of the recall but informed the contact that parts were not available. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11436005

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V633000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall the contact was informed that the part was available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts were available and repair done. *JB

NHTSA ODI 11435431