VehicleVerdict

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 154 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Malibu Eco year — the 2013 model ranks #1 of 2 Malibu Eco years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 40% of all reports (62 of 154), far ahead of engine at 23.

154

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Malibu Eco years?

Malibu Eco NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted154 complaints2013: 154 complaints2014: 19 complaints
Malibu Eco NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Malibu Eco years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System6240%
Engine2315%
Steering1610%
Airbags106%
Brakes96%
Other85%
Transmission85%
Fuel System64%
Speed Control43%
Visibility & Wipers43%
Lighting21%
Seats11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V173000Electrical SystemMay 6, 2013 · 42,904 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU ECO. WHILE DRIVING 45-70 MPH, THE BATTERY SAVER MODE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE UNTIL SOMEONE PROVIDED JUMPER CABLES TO JUMPSTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 6, 2017 · fire

“THE CAR WILL STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING IT! THE CODES ON MY CAR IS P00014 AND P00010. THIS ISSUE WILL CAUSE ACCIDENTS. PLEASE NOTIFY THE DRIVES OF THIS RECALL I HAVE WENT TO THE SAFERCAR LINK AND CHECKED ME CAR VIN AND THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN SENT OUT FOR THIS CAR BUT IT WILL CAUSE INJURIES IF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 14, 2016

“NOV 2014 I GOT A SAFETY STEERING ISSUE WITH IS CALL TOOK IT TO THE DEAL ACTION CHEVY 2 TIMES THEY DID NOTHING ABOUT LETTER # 14232 ON 6/21/2015 I HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS STEERING SAFET ISSUE THAT GM/CHEVY DID NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THEY DID NOT DO A RECALL BECAUSE IT WOULD COST MILLONS OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 21, 2015 · crash

“NOV 2014 I GOT A SAFETY STEERING ISSUE WITH IS CALL TOOK IT TO THE DEAL ACTION CHEVY 2 TIMES THEY DID NOTHING ABOUT LETTER # 14232 ON 6/21/2015 I HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS STEERING SAFET ISSUE THAT GM/CHEVY DID NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THEY DID NOT DO A RECALL BECAUSE IT WOULD COST MILLONS OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 21, 2015 · crash

“I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE. SUDDENLY IT STARTED TO MOVE AND SUDDENLY TOOK OFF AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME (THE CAR HAD MOVED UP SIGNIFICANTLY, BUT I HADN'T, SO IT HAD A LOT OF MOMENTUM WHEN IT HIT)! AFTER THE ACCIDENT REPORT WAS FILED, I TRIED TO START THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 27, 2018 · crash

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco — common questions

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 154 complaints put the 2013 model at #1 of 2 Malibu Eco years. It is one of the Malibu Eco years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Malibu Eco problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (62 complaints), engine (23 complaints), steering (16 complaints).

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Malibu Eco years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Malibu Eco years to avoid are 2013.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.