VehicleVerdict

2013 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has 53 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 4% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

53

Transmission complaints

4%

Share of year

3

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

15V245000TransmissionApril 24, 2015 · 3,690 units

Defect

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 illuminate the shift position selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."

Consequence

If the console shift indicator does not illuminate the transmission gear selection, a driver could inadvertently select a transmission position other than the position the driver intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the transmission gear selection control module, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12162.

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have?

NHTSA has 53 complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu transmission — 4% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 15V245000.

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.