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2013 Chevrolet Malibu: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2013 Malibu has 11 recalls on file, more than any other Malibu model year in our data[1]. Owners name the electrical system most often in complaints, with 425 reports[2].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 924 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Malibu[3]. Of those, 38 mention a crash, 11 a fire and 34 injuries[3]. No deaths are reported[3]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system[2] | 425 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| Engine[6] | 237 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Steering[7] | 197 | 8 | 0 | 2 |
| Electronic stability control[8] | 84 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags[9] | 69 | 16 | 0 | 22 |
| Suspension[10] | 65 | 7 | 0 | 5 |
| Power train[11] | 62 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
The electrical system is the most named group, with a median mileage at failure of 76,178 miles[2]. Engine complaints have a median of 75,000 miles[6].
In a sample of steering complaints we read, 8 of 12 describe a wheel that feels stiff or hard to turn at highway speed[7]. Steering has 8 crashes in its complaints, the most after air bags[7][9].
In a sample of electronic stability control complaints, 9 of 12 describe the car losing power or shutting off while driving[8]. Some also mention losing steering or brakes and warning lights[8].
In a sample of electrical complaints, 5 of 12 describe the heater or fan blowing hot air without being asked[2]. Two of the 12 say the auto-stop feature that shuts the engine off at stops does not engage[2]. Two of 12 engine complaints say the same[6].
Air bag complaints are fewer at 69, but they list 16 crashes and 22 injuries, the most of any group in the table[9]. We did not read a sample of those texts, so we cannot say what owners describe.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 11 recalls for this model year[1]. They are below, newest first. Where a remedy is available, the recall facts say the dealer repair is free of charge[12][13][14]. For 20V764 the remedy is not yet available[15].
- Rear toe links (21V00F). Rear toe links may have had the wrong amount of corrosion coating, which can chip off[12]. The link can corrode and break[12]. That could make the car harder to control and raise the risk of a crash[12]. Dealers will replace the toe links and adjuster fasteners[12]. It applies to 4,271 vehicles sold or registered in certain states[12].
- Rear toe links (21V633). Same defect and same fix as above, for 32,894 vehicles in certain states[13].
- Remedy pending
Rear toe links (20V764). Same defect again, for 220,006 vehicles in certain states[15]. The listing says parts were not available at the time, so this remedy is not yet available[15]. - Park lock lever (16V502). An electronic park lock lever may let the key come out when the car is not in park, so the car could roll away[14]. Some 2013 to 2015 Malibus may have been fitted with similar faulty replacement levers[14]. Dealers will inspect and replace the key cylinder lock housing if needed[14]. It covers 8,367 vehicles across several models[14].
- Gear indicator (15V245). On certain cars built from April 10, 2012 to August 2, 2012[16], the console may not light up the selected gear. A driver could pick the wrong gear[16]. Dealers will replace the gear selection control module[16]. It covers 3,690 vehicles[16].
- Sunroof switch (15V164). The roof panel switch may be pressed by accident, and the panel may close on its own, a pinch injury risk[17]. Dealers will update the body control module software[17]. It covers 87,063 vehicles[17].
- Power seat wiring (13V566). On cars with the 8-way power front seat[18], the wiring may rub on the seat frame. That could cause a short circuit, smoke or possibly a fire[18]. Dealers will inspect and repair the harness[18]. It covers 14,909 vehicles[18].
- Generator control module (13V173). This applies to the Malibu Eco with eAssist[19]. The module may fail, which can drain the battery[19]. If the car keeps being driven, the engine may stall or not start, and there may be a burning smell, smoke or a fire in the trunk[19]. Dealers will test and replace the module as needed[19]. It covers 42,904 vehicles across several models[19].
- Rear suspension bolts (13V024). Rear suspension bolts may not be tight enough, which can cause sudden changes in handling and raise the risk of a crash[20]. Dealers will inspect and retighten them[20]. It covers 8,519 vehicles[20].
- Turn signal (12V484). Each front turn signal has two bulbs. If one burns out, the driver gets no warning[21]. Other drivers may not see the car turning[21]. Dealers will update the body control module software[21]. It covers 120,426 vehicles[21].
- Airbag module (12V224). After hard braking the sensing module may reset[22]. If that happens during an aggressive turn and a rollover is then sensed, a roof rail airbag could deploy by mistake, and airbags or seatbelt pretensioners might not deploy in a severe crash[22]. Dealers will reprogram the module[22]. It covers 4,304 vehicles[22].
Our facts do not say whether a specific car has had each recall done. Ask the seller for proof.
Fuel economy
EPA lists three versions, all front-wheel drive with an Automatic (S6) transmission and regular gas[4][23][24].
| Engine | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu eAssist, 2.4L 4-cylinder[4] | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Malibu, 2.5L 4-cylinder[23] | 22 | 33 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Malibu, 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo[24] | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
Figures are in MPG. The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA rates the 4-door front-wheel-drive Malibu 5 stars overall[5]. Frontal and side crash ratings are 5 stars each[5]. Rollover is 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 11.1%[5].
Engine and size
EPA lists these horsepower ratings: 182 hp for the 2.4L 4-cylinder[25], 197 hp for the 2.5L 4-cylinder[26] and 250 hp for the 2.0L 4-cylinder[27].
Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications. Length, width, height and wheelbase are the same for the variants listed: 192 in long, 73 in wide, 57 in tall, on a 108 in wheelbase[28][29][30]. Curb weight differs.
How 2013 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 446 | 4 |
| 1998 | 981 | 3 |
| 1999 | 793 | 1 |
| 2000 | 933 | 3 |
| 2001 | 734 | 2 |
| 2002 | 583 | 2 |
| 2003 | 585 | 2 |
| 2004 | 1,697 | 7 |
| 2005 | 1,393 | 4 |
| 2006 | 1,387 | 6 |
| 2007 | 1,036 | 3 |
| 2008 | 1,017 | 4 |
| 2009 | 1,534 | 5 |
| 2010 | 1,365 | 3 |
| 2011 | 978 | 3 |
| 2012 | 907 | 2 |
| 2013 | 924 | 11 |
| 2014 | 363 | 6 |
| 2015 | 270 | 3 |
| 2016 | 865 | 10 |
| 2017 | 725 | 4 |
| 2018 | 711 | 6 |
| 2019 | 195 | 1 |
| 2020 | 199 | 1 |
| 2021 | 90 | 2 |
| 2022 | 99 | 1 |
| 2023 | 71 | 2 |
| 2024 | 43 | 2 |
| 2025 | 11 | 1 |
With 11 recalls, 2013 has the most of any Malibu model year in NHTSA's list[1]. 2016 has 10 and 2004 has 7[1].
Complaints tell a different story. The 924 complaints for 2013 are a little above 2012 at 907[1]. They are well above 2014 at 363 and 2015 at 270[1]. Ten other years list more, and 2004 is highest at 1,697[1]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2013 Malibu?
The recall count is the main thing to weigh. There are 11 recalls, and three cover the same rear toe link defect[1][12][13][15]. Ask for proof of each completed recall repair, and note that the 20V764 remedy was listed as not yet available[15]. Owner complaints name the electrical system most often, and samples we read also describe stiff steering and cars losing power, so a pre-purchase inspection that covers these areas is a sensible step[2][7][8]. NHTSA gives 5 stars overall, and EPA combined MPG ranges from 24 to 29 depending on engine[5][4][24].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?
- Of 924 NHTSA complaints, the electrical system is named most often at 425, followed by engine at 237 and steering at 197[3][2][6][7].
- How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have?
- NHTSA lists 11 recalls, the most of any Malibu model year[1].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?
- EPA combined ratings are 29 MPG for the 2.4L eAssist, 26 MPG for the 2.5L and 24 MPG for the 2.0L turbo[4][23][24].
- What is the safety rating of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?
- NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[5].
Facts and sources
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Malibu model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 425 complaints name the electrical system component group (7 crashes, 6 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 76,178). NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA has 924 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (38 mention a crash, 11 a fire, 34 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Malibu eAssist, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 237 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 4 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 197 complaints name the steering component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,097). NHTSA vehicle records
- 84 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 69 complaints name the air bags component group (16 crashes, 0 fires, 22 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 65 complaints name the suspension component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 97,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 62 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 21V00F, filed December 22, 2021: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V633, filed August 12, 2021: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V502, filed July 5, 2016: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V764, filed December 21, 2020: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V245, filed April 24, 2015: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V164, filed March 23, 2015: Visibility › Sun / Moon Roof Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V566, filed November 13, 2013: Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V173, filed May 6, 2013: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V024, filed January 23, 2013: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V484, filed October 4, 2012: Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V224, filed May 18, 2012: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Malibu, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Malibu, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 182 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 197 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 250 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MALIBU 4DR SEDAN LS: length 192 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,393 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MALIBU 4DR SEDAN LT TURBO/LTZ TURBO/ECO: length 192 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,638 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MALIBU 4DR SEDAN LT/LTZ: length 192 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,532 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov