NHTSA vehicle safety data

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 837 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Chevrolet dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu owner complaints

Owners have filed 837 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, describing incidents dated January 1, 2012 to October 17, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Electrical System 376 complaints
  • Engine 214 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).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11772343 · Filed

    Seat back rest began moving back then smelled smoke and stopped working all together. Now in a nondrivable position.

  • ODI #11768573 · Filed

    My high Voltage cable has melted into the generator of my 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco hybrid. This causes my front battery to drain really fast. I seen online that there was a recall on the generator control module my battery control module was changed but I keep like five batteries with me at all times…

  • ODI #11752683 · Filed

    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…

Read all 837 complaints

Owner-reported

2013 Chevrolet Malibu mileage at failure

583 of the 837 complaints on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Electrical SystemMedian 80,000 milesMiddle half 55,000–110,000 milesBased on 269 complaints
EngineMedian 85,000 milesMiddle half 55,000–115,000 milesBased on 146 complaints
SteeringMedian 60,000 milesMiddle half 18,000–85,000 milesBased on 148 complaints
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Median 80,000 milesMiddle half 55,000–100,000 milesBased on 61 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

Rear Toe Links May Fracture

NHTSA #21V00F000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported December 22, 2021 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 4,271 vehicles

Repair completion: 57.33% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N212346640 · Owners notified January 27, 2022

Defect description

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 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 an improper amount of 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.

Safety consequence

A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 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 N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Rear Toe Links May Fracture

NHTSA #21V633000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported August 12, 2021 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 32,894 vehicles

Repair completion: 65.52% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N212330130 · Owners notified January 3, 2022

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Rear Toe Links May Fracture

NHTSA #20V764000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported December 21, 2020 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 220,006 vehicles

Repair completion: 76.9% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N202308930 · Owners notified August 19, 2021

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Key May Be Removed When Not In Park/FMVSS 114

NHTSA #16V502000 · Electrical System — Ignition · NHTSA notice

Reported July 5, 2016 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 8,367 vehicles

Repair completion: 97.87% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 50490, 50491 · Owners notified October 14, 2016 · Vehicles built September 14, 2012 – October 14, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Shift Position Not Illuminating/FMVSS 102

NHTSA #15V245000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) · NHTSA notice

Reported April 24, 2015 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 3,690 vehicles

Repair completion: 80.33% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 12162 · Owners notified April 20, 2015 · Vehicles built April 10, 2012 – August 2, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Roof Panel May Inadvertently Auto Close/FMVSS 118

NHTSA #15V164000 · Visibility — Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported March 23, 2015 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 87,063 vehicles

Repair completion: 88.55% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 15176 · Owners notified April 21, 2015 · Vehicles built October 24, 2011 – August 28, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Power Seat Wiring Harness may Chafe and Short

NHTSA #13V566000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported November 13, 2013 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 14,909 vehicles

Repair completion: 87.24% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 13342 · Owners notified December 4, 2013 · Vehicles built October 25, 2011 – June 29, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Rear Suspension Bolt Torque

NHTSA #13V024000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported January 23, 2013 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 8,519 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 13008 · Owners notified January 21, 2013 · Vehicles built December 6, 2011 – July 25, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Sudden changes in vehicle handling may increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

This is General Motors recall number 13008.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Front Turn Signal Bulbs/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #12V484000 · Exterior Lighting — Turn Signal · NHTSA notice

Reported October 4, 2012 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 120,426 vehicles

Repair completion: 86.68% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 12212 · Owners notified September 8, 2014

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE

NHTSA #12V224000 · Electrical System — Software · NHTSA notice

Reported May 18, 2012 · GENERAL MOTORS LLC

Potentially affected: 4,304 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 12102 · Owners notified June 13, 2012 · Vehicles built October 24, 2011 – March 31, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

GM’S SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 12102. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Other Chevrolet Malibu model years

Check your 2013 Chevrolet Malibu VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Chevrolet Malibu at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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