2013 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

10 safety recalls on file

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has 10 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 837 complaints with NHTSA, including 33 crashes, 10 fires, 32 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (377 reports).

NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.

10Recalls
837Owner complaints
33Crashes reported
5/5NHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Malibu?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu recalls

Rear toe links may corrode and break, risking loss of control

Recall 21V00FDec 22, 20214,271 vehicles affected

Certain rear toe links may have received too little electrocoat (e-coat) corrosion protection.

Rear toe links can corrode and break, risking loss of control

Recall 21V633Aug 12, 202132,894 vehicles affected

Some rear toe links on these vehicles were coated with too much electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection.

Rear Suspension Toe Links May Corrode and Break, Affecting Steering Control

Recall 20V764Dec 21, 2020220,006 vehicles affected

Certain vehicles may have rear toe links with excessive corrosion-protection coating.

Key Can Be Removed Before Park Is Engaged, Risking Rollaway

Recall 16V502Jul 5, 20168,367 vehicles affected

The electronic park lock lever on these vehicles may allow the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is not in PARK.

Gear Indicator May Not Show Selected Gear, Risking Crash

Recall 15V245Apr 24, 20153,690 vehicles affected

On certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles built between April and August 2012, the console gear selection indicator may fail to light up to show the gear you have selected.

Sunroof May Close Unexpectedly, Risking Pinch Injuries

Recall 15V164Mar 23, 201587,063 vehicles affected

The sunroof control switch (slide or tilt) on these Chevrolet Malibus may not be recessed enough to prevent it from being pressed by accident.

Electrical System:Wiring; Seats:Front Assembly:Power Adjust

Recall 13V566Nov 13, 201314,909 vehicles affected

Suspension:Rear

Recall 13V024Jan 23, 20138,519 vehicles affected

Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal

Recall 12V484Oct 4, 2012120,426 vehicles affected

Electrical System:Software

Recall 12V224May 18, 20124,304 vehicles affected

Most common 2013 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Problem areas named in the 837 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Electrical System377
Engine204
Steering181
Unknown Or Other89
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)72
Suspension66
Air Bags59
Power Train54
Service Brakes44
Fuel/Propulsion System32

What owners report

2026-10-20, Seats
Seat back rest began moving back then smelled smoke and stopped working all together. Now in a nondrivable position.
2026-10-02, Electrical System
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 so I can change out when my front battery drained I think this is a safety hazard I need this problem fixed I'm at there has been no recall on my 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco can you help me
2026-07-24, Electrical System
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 illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the positive battery cable needed to be replaced. The battery cable was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
2026-05-19, Service Brakes
While driving my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (2.5L), I experienced a sudden and severe failure of the braking system. [Insert exactly what happened here—for example: 'The brake pedal suddenly went completely to the floor,' 'The brakes unexpectedly locked up,' 'The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking power,' or 'The brake warning lights illuminated right as the brakes failed']. This occurred while traveling at approximately 25 mph on a one-lane road. This total/partial loss of braking power created an immediate safety hazard and a high risk of a crash. The vehicle had to be shifted into manual, then safely coasted to a stop. No prior warning signs or brake issues occurred immediately lea
2026-05-05, Electrical System
My battery warning light on the dash is illuminated with the notification saying "service battery charging system." I've researched online and found out that more vehicles of the same year make and model of my vehicle have been recalled for the same issue, but when putting in my vin number my vehicle does not show up. This issue poses a high risk of danger if not fixed and I would like it to be fixed at dealership for free because I'm a single mother of 2 and can not afford it at the time.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu safety rating

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2013 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD w/rear SAB's★★★★★ 5-star554 (11.1% rollover risk)
2013 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD★★★★★ 5-star554 (11.1% rollover risk)

2013 Chevrolet Malibu questions

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu: Rear toe links may corrode and break, risking loss of control; Rear toe links can corrode and break, risking loss of control; Rear Suspension Toe Links May Corrode and Break, Affecting Steering Control; Key Can Be Removed Before Park Is Engaged, Risking Rollaway; Gear Indicator May Not Show Selected Gear, Risking Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?

Based on 837 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (377), Engine (204), Steering (181).

How safe is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.

How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Chevrolet Malibu years

Other 2013 Chevrolet models