CSR

Chevrolet · NHTSA safety record

2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

835

Complaints

33

Crashes

10

Fires

32

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have filed 835 safety complaints with NHTSA between June 2012 and July 2026. The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 375 of them (45%). The typical failure was reported at 69,934 miles, the median across the 601 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Complaints rose 36% year on year: 30 in the twelve months to 2026-Q1, against 22 in the twelve before.

NHTSA has issued 9 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (9)

SUSPENSION:REAR

21V633000 · August 12, 2021

The defect
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
The risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 3, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212330130.

General Motors, LLC · up to 32,894 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:REAR

20V764000 · December 21, 2020

The defect
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
The risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.

General Motors, LLC · up to 220,006 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

16V502000 · July 5, 2016

The defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
The risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

General Motors LLC · up to 8,367 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

15V245000 · April 24, 2015

The defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 10, 2012, to August 2, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the console transmission gear selection indicator may not illuminate the shift position selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."
The risk
If the console shift indicator does not illuminate the transmission gear selection, a driver could inadvertently select a transmission position other than the position the driver intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the transmission gear selection control module, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12162.

General Motors LLC · up to 3,690 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

15V164000 · March 23, 2015

The defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
The risk
The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
The remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove auto-close feature for certain switch positions, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15176.

General Motors LLC · up to 87,063 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

13V566000 · November 13, 2013

The defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured October 25, 2011, through June 29, 2012 and equipped with the 8-way power adjustable front seat feature. The wiring harness for the power seat may contact the seat frame which may chafe the harness.
The risk
If the harness is chaffed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit could occur, resulting unintended movement of the seat, the seat to become inoperative, sparking under the seat, flickering lights, smoke, or possibly a fire.
The remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wire harness and repair and secure it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13342.

General Motors LLC · up to 14,909 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:REAR

13V024000 · January 23, 2013

The defect
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles, manufactured December 6, 2011, through January 15, 2013. One or more rear suspension bolts may not have been tightened to the specified torque. This may lead to sudden changes in vehicle handling.
The risk
Sudden changes in vehicle handling may increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and retighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notifications have already begun and will be completed shortly. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

General Motors LLC · up to 8,519 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

12V484000 · October 4, 2012

The defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk
If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.

General Motors LLC · up to 120,426 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

12V224000 · May 18, 2012

The defect
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 31, 2012. AFTER AN EVENT OF HARD BRAKING, THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) MAY RESET ITSELF.
The risk
IF THIS OCCURS DURING AN AGGRESSIVE TURNING MANEUVER, AND THEN AFTERWARDS A POTENTIAL VEHICLE ROLLOVER EVENT IS SENSED, THE ROOF RAIL AIRBAG MAY UNINTENTIONALLY DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY, THE AIR BAGS AND/OR SEATBELT PRETENSIONERS MAY NOT DEPLOY DURING A SEVERE CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The remedy
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SDM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2012.

GENERAL MOTORS LLC · up to 4,304 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 835.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 375 45%
ENGINE 204 24%
STEERING 181 22%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 88 11%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 72 9%
SUSPENSION 65 8%
AIR BAGS 59 7%
POWER TRAIN 53 6%
SERVICE BRAKES 44 5%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 32 4%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 28 3%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 28 3%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2019 at 117.

2012 2019 2026
2012 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

4 injured · crash

2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG SENSORS FAILURE DURING AN ACCIDENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER AND HIS WIFE WERE INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION. THE IMPACT WAS SO SEVERE THAT THE REAR OF BOTH VEHICLES WENT UP IN THE AIR AND THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ROTATED AND LANDED WITH ITS TIRES OVER A GUARDRAIL. OCCUPANTS, FROM BOTH VEHICLES SUFFERED INJURIES. *JB UPDATED 12/15/14. *JB

NHTSA complaint 10622673. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

3 injured · crash · towed · 67,000 miles

MY 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME OF THE WRECK.

NHTSA complaint 10790580. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

3 injured · crash · 36,000 miles

I WAS RIDING IN THE CAR WITH MY WIFE AND COUSIN HEADING TO HER BROTHERS HOUSE. WE HAD JUST DROVE FROM OUT OF TOWN AFTER VISITING SOME FAMILY MEMBERS AND WAS TAKING MY COUSIN BACK HOME. WHILE DRIVING I NOTICE THE CAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ACTING UP IT WOULD SAY I NEEDED TO PUT AIR IN THE TIRE OR THE BACK TIRE WAS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. IT ALSO WOULD SAY I NEEDED TO PUT MY SEAT BELT ON WHEN IT WAS ON. BUT THIS WAS NOT MY BIGGEST CONCERN MY WIFE WHILE DRIVING RAN OFF THE ROAD A STRUCK A TREE HEAD ON. HAD SHE HAD BEEN DRIVING FASTER THEN WHAT SHE WAS GOING I FELL AS IF SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED. THE AIRBAGS NEVER CAME OUT AND THIS WAS A CONCERN BECAUSE WHO KNOWS HOW MANY VEHICLES ARE

NHTSA complaint 10654140, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 70,000 miles

I WAS TURNING FROM A PRIVATE DRIVE AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. I WAS IN A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS TRAVELLING AT APPROXIMATELY 15MPH, THE OTHER DRIVER IN A 2010 HONDA ACCORD TRAVELLING AT APPROXIMATELY 45-55MPH. THE COLLISION WAS BETWEEN MY FRONT LEFT AND HIS FRONT RIGHT, NO PASSENGERS. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FROM EITHER VEHICLE, AND AS MINE DID NOT DEPLOY, I RECEIVED A CONCUSSION WHEN THE BACK OF MY HEAD BROKE THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS PART OF TAKATA, AS I CANNOT FIND THE MANUFACTURER OF MY CAR'S AIRBAGS. CHEVROLET PROVIDED NO INFORMATION AS TO THE MANUFACTURER OR WHY AT LEAST THE CURTAIN AIRBAG WOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED TO PREVENT CONCUSSION.

NHTSA complaint 11004952. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

114,000 miles

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the electrical system failed inside the vehicle, causing the air conditioning system to fail to operate, and the window control buttons failed to roll the window down. The battery saver active warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the positive battery cable needed to be replaced. The battery cable was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

NHTSA complaint 11752683. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
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

NHTSA complaint 11738680, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My battery warning light on the dash is illuminated with the notification saying "service battery charging system." I've researched online and found out that more vehicles of the same year make and model of my vehicle have been recalled for the same issue, but when putting in my vin number my vehicle does not show up. This issue poses a high risk of danger if not fixed and I would like it to be fixed at dealership for free because I'm a single mother of 2 and can not afford it at the time.

NHTSA complaint 11735733. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My backup camera is not working properly. I show a large cloudy spot in the view.

NHTSA complaint 11734799. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 identified and documented that the odometer/instrument cluster is not functioning and does not display or track mileage. Because the odometer is inoperative, the stated mileage cannot be verified, and the condition existed at the time of sale but was not disclosed. The vehicle was sold in a condition where accurate mileage could not be determined, despite a specific mileage being provided. The failure of the odometer

NHTSA complaint 11734090, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint 11731828. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Chevrolet Malibu

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 10 1
2024 35 2
2023 61 2
2022 91 1
2021 85 2
2020 194 1 1
2019 188 1
2018 694 6
2017 699 4
2016 835 9 1
2015 269 3 1
2014 349 6 1
2012 905 2
2011 976 3
2010 1,359 3

Other 2013 Chevrolet models

Every Chevrolet on this site — 298 vehicles, 747 recall campaigns and 5 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst