2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO recalls and problems

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO has 1 safety recall and 87 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

5 / 1

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO recalls

Recall 13V-173: Electrical System

Reported May 6, 2013 · 42,904 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.

Risk: If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.

Fix: GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	49
Engine	22
Steering	16
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	12
Air Bags	10
Service Brakes	9
Power Train	8
Unknown or Other	8
Fuel/Propulsion System	6
Vehicle Speed Control	4
Visibility	3
Exterior Lighting	2

Most reported parts

Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery — 1
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
Equipment › Electrical — 1
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator › Integrated Starter(Other Than Propulsion) — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 54,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 174,000 miles · reported Feb 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO. The contact stated while at a stop light, the power steering was difficult to turn, and the vehicle stalled. The Service battery charging system displayed and the check engine and battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The contact stated that the alternator and the starter had failed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 174,000.

Electrical System · reported May 24, 2022

2013 chevrolet malibu eco. Consumer writes in regard to electrical issues with vehicle. The consumer stated that while driving the vehicle would shut off, losing all power. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The consumer stated the battery light illuminated, displays battery saver activated, and then the vehicle loses power.

Air Bags · at 118 miles · reported Jul 25, 2019

Takata recall . My car just died out off nowhere while I was just parked and when it finally got jumped the 'service airbag' light came. I've done some research and this has been happening to everybody and the repairs is up to $1000

Electrical System · at 37,000 miles · reported Jul 25, 2019

Stereo/navigation intermittent always default to one radio station and settings, passenger seat had a crackling sound a few times no odd smells or smoke, turns signals won't work when stereo is inoperative.

Service Brakes · at 52,500 miles · reported May 22, 2019

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…

Other Chevrolet Malibu ECO years

20142013

Compare all Chevrolet Malibu ECO years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO: 13V-173 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (49 reports), followed by engine (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 54,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.