2013 Chevrolet Malibu problems and complaints

Owners have filed 922 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The most-reported areas: Electrical System (424), Engine (226), Steering (197).

Key takeaways

  • 922 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 38 involve a crash, 11 a fire, 34 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System42446%
Engine22625%
Steering19721%
Unknown Or Other9610%
Electronic Stability Control (esc)849%
Air Bags697%
Suspension657%
Power Train617%
Service Brakes556%
Fuel/Propulsion System384%
Vehicle Speed Control323%
Exterior Lighting303%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2013 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD w/rear SAB's5/55/55/54/5
2013 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD5/55/55/54/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Electrical System - filed 2026-07-24

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 vehi...

Unknown Or Other,service Brakes,engine - filed 2026-05-19

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 ...

Electrical System,engine - filed 2026-05-05

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. ...

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More for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.