2013 Chevrolet Malibu: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has 1816 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. Owners most often flag transmission failures — hard shifting, slipping, or total failure reported around 100,000 miles in older generations (2010 cited); cvt transmission in newer models raises concerns about lifespan (75,000-90,000 miles mentioned). frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

1,816
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
74
Crash reports
22
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
829
engine
439
steering
389
electronic stability control (esc)
168
air bags
136

Recalls affecting the 2013 Malibu

electrical system:ignition

Campaign 16V502000

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.

visibility:sun/moon roof assembly

Campaign 15V164000

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

power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)

Campaign 15V245000

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 i

exterior lighting:turn signal

Campaign 12V484000

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

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily dependent on model year. The 2013 model year is universally panned, described as so poorly received that it required an emergency refresh for 2014 and was replaced by a new generation for 2016. The 2016

  • Transmission failures — Hard shifting, slipping, or total failure reported around 100,000 miles in older generations (2010 cited); CVT transmission in newer models raises concerns about lifespan (75,000-90,000 miles mentioned). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine problems — Timing chain wear (2010–2016) leading to potential catastrophic damage; oil consumption/loss; turbocharger failures on 1.5L/2.0L engines; vacuum pump explosions; faulty sensors causing poor fuel economy and rough idle. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Electrical glitches — Includes "shift to park" errors draining battery (2016 cited), infotainment/Apple CarPlay connectivity issues, failure to start, key fob system resets, low-beam headlight failures due to corroded harnesses (2009–2012). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Steering issues — Power steering failures, especially in 2004–2007 models around 81,600 miles. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Premature wear items — Front wheel bearings failing before 100,000 miles; various oil leaks; HVAC control failures. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Malibu.

Typical used price

Used Malibu listings typically run $10,900–$18,249 across 2013 to 2025 model years.

Other Malibu model years