Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has some notable issues related to the electrical system, engine, and steering, as reflected by the high number of owner complaints. It also has known suspension-related recalls affecting vehicle handling. Prospective buyers should conduct a thorough inspection, particularly concerning these areas, and verify that recall repairs have been completed. Information about specific complaints is somewhat limited without detailed cost or mileage data.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 837 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V00F000 Rear Toe Links May Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V633000 Rear Toe Links May Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V764000 Rear Toe Links May Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V502000 Key May Be Removed When Not In Park/FMVSS 114 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V245000 Shift Position Not Illuminating/FMVSS 102 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V164000 Roof Panel May Inadvertently Auto Close/FMVSS 118 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V566000 Power Seat Wiring Harness may Chafe and Short NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V024000 Rear Suspension Bolt Torque NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V484000 Front Turn Signal Bulbs/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V224000 SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 376 complaints
- Engine 204 complaints
- Steering 181 complaints
- Unknown or Other 89 complaints
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 72 complaints
- Suspension 65 complaints
Of the 837 complaints on file, 33 report a crash and 10 a fire; across all 837 complaints, owners report 32 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Loose rear suspension bolts
How to check: Examine rear suspension bolts for tightness.
Wiring harness chafing
How to check: Inspect under front seats for exposed wires.
Frequent electrical complaints
How to check: Scan for unresolved electrical issues.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for any unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Knocking or loud ticking sounds
- 02
Driving at low speed
What to check: Test steering for ease and smoothness.
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering
- 03
Braking
What to check: Listen for unusual noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Grinding noises
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth engine performance and shifting.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking motions
- 05
Parking
What to check: Check gear shift indicator lights.
Red flag: Indicator does not illuminate
- 06
Turning
What to check: Listen for suspension noises.
Red flag: Clunking or rattling sounds
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recall repairs been completed?
- Are there any outstanding electrical issues?
- Has the rear suspension been inspected?
- Have you experienced any steering problems?
- Have there been any past engine repairs?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Completed recall repair records
- Vehicle maintenance history
- Previous owner's contact information
- Insurance claim history
- Warranty documents, if available
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Chevrolet Malibu? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.