2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 87 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (30% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2013
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 87 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2024
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2022
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2019
“I was driving and started hearing a loud alter he and then the car seemed to have shut off and started back up the engine light came on I pulled over turned the car off to see if the engine light would go back off it didn't now it keeps making the skreeching sound and still shuts off while driving and on a stop”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2019
“When stopped at light, car shut down, would not restart. (had stall one other time in parking garage but vehicle restarted). No electrical, no flashers. Took to dealership. Replaced battery and generator control module due to malfunction. Asked about 2013 recall. Was told it didn't apply.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet malibu eco. While driving 70 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure was more evident in cooler temperatures. The vehicle was taken to bob price chevrolet buick gmc (located at 1225 s state hwy 16, fredericksburg, tx 78624, (877)720-6955) to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2019
“Was driving down interstate going 70 mph when electrical system went haywire. The engine engine stalled and lost power steering. Very dangerous!”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2019
“I have a 2013 chevrolet malibu eco and when I stopped at a red light the car just shut down. Thought it might have been bad gas at first because the car started right up. Well not even 15 minutes later it did it again. The car started right back up like it did before and didnt have no more issues out of it. The next day had to do some running around the car did fine until the way home. The car cut off on me three different times.only does it when I come to a stop no matter where I'm at. Somedays the car does better then others just hope it don't cut off on me when I'm driving down the road.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2018
“Car began making a noise in the rear at speeds above 30 mph. Dealer diagnosed as worn out rear wheel hubs. Had to be replaced at only 61,000 miles. This seems to be premature and could have been dangerous. Vehicle has been maintained regularly and driven under normal conditions.”Owner report · Wheels · Dec 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Remedy: 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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Check your exact Malibu Eco by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco reliable?
NHTSA has 87 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco. The most complained-about area is electrical system (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 57,000 miles or less.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electrical system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.