VehicleVerdict

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco electrical system problems

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco has 62 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 40% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.

62

Electrical System complaints

40%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Malibu Eco electrical system complaints by model year62 complaints2013: 62 complaints2014: 7 complaints
Malibu Eco electrical system complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco have?

NHTSA has 62 complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco electrical system — 40% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 13V173000.

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.