2013 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 922 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 38 involved a crash and 11 involved a fire. 34 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, rearDec 22, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
Campaign 21V00F000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearAug 12, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 3, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212330130.
Campaign 21V633000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearDec 21, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
Campaign 20V764000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignitionJul 5, 2016
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. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Campaign 16V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)Apr 24, 2015
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 15V245000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, sun/moon roof assemblyMar 23, 2015
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 recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove auto-close feature for certain switch positions, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15176.
Campaign 15V164000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringNov 13, 2013
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured October 25, 2011, through June 29, 2012 and equipped with the 8-way power adjustable front seat feature. The wiring harness for the power seat may contact the seat frame which may chafe the harness.
If the harness is chaffed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit could occur, resulting unintended movement of the seat, the seat to become inoperative, sparking under the seat, flickering lights, smoke, or possibly a fire.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wire harness and repair and secure it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13342.
Campaign 13V566000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJan 23, 2013
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles, manufactured December 6, 2011, through January 15, 2013. One or more rear suspension bolts may not have been tightened to the specified torque. This may lead to sudden changes in vehicle handling.
Sudden changes in vehicle handling may increase the risk of a crash.
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and retighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notifications have already begun and will be completed shortly. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Campaign 13V024000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, turn signalOct 4, 2012
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 two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.
Campaign 12V484000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareMay 18, 2012
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 31, 2012. AFTER AN EVENT OF HARD BRAKING, THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) MAY RESET ITSELF.
IF THIS OCCURS DURING AN AGGRESSIVE TURNING MANEUVER, AND THEN AFTERWARDS A POTENTIAL VEHICLE ROLLOVER EVENT IS SENSED, THE ROOF RAIL AIRBAG MAY UNINTENTIONALLY DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY, THE AIR BAGS AND/OR SEATBELT PRETENSIONERS MAY NOT DEPLOY DURING A SEVERE CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SDM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2012.
Campaign 12V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
922 reports, newest first.
Steering, Nov 20, 2019
THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. I HAD TO GET A NEW IGNITION BACK IN NOV 2017. NOW NOV 2019 THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING. IM AFRAID THIS MY BE A EVERY TWO YEAR PROBLEM. I'VE FOUND OUT HOW TO GET THE KEY UNSTUCK BUT THAN THREE HOURS HAD PAST WAITING FOR HELP AND MY BATTERY HAD DIE.
Electrical system, Nov 20, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. AN UNKNOWN ORANGE WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE A SPARE KEY IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE SPARE KEY ALSO FAILED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A CHEVROLET DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
Service brakes, Nov 12, 2019
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT IN FARMINGVILLE, NY ON 11/8/19, AS I ATTEMPTED TO COME TO A STOP, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I REALIZED I HAD JUST LOST MY BRAKES. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, I WAS HEADING TOWARD A STEEP DOWNGRADE WHICH WOULD HAVE SENT MY CAR RIGHT INTO TRAFFIC ON A BUSY, 6 LANE HIGHWAY. THANKFULLY I MANAGED TO STOP THE CAR BEFOREHAND. I FIND OUT TODAY THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER IN MY CAR FAILED -- AS IT HAS IN SEVERAL 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBUS. IVE OWNED THE VEHICLE JUST GOING ON 7 MONTHS NOW AND ALWAYS KEEP UP WITH THE MAINTENANCE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THE 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU FOR THE BRAKE BOOSTER -- WHICH I CAN SAY, FIRSTHAND, IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. SO BETWEEN TOWING THE VEHICLE AND NOW HAVING TO REPLACE THIS PART, IM OUT ABOUT $1200. I HOPE TO RECEIVE A TIMELY RESPONSE. THANK YOU SO MUCH! (INCIDENT REPORT AS TOLD BY MY DAUGHTER, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 11, 2019
MY 2013 CHEVY MALIBU LT1 ECO IS A HYBRID. ONE DAY DRIVING TO WORK MY POWER STEERING STARTED GOING OUT. AS I KEPT DRIVING, BECAUSE I WAS CLOSE TO WORK, MY CAR WOULD GRADUALLY START DYING. SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING MY CAR DIED ON ME AND MY POWER STEERING WAS COMPLETELY GONE. I HAD TO STRUGGLE JUST TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I ALMOST GOT HIT TRYING TO PULL OVER. SEEING HOW ITS A NEWER VEHICLE AND WELL MAINTAINED I DON'T SEE HOW THIS ISN'T A MECHANICAL PROBLEM WITH A FAULTY PART. CALLING AROUND TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP MECHANIC SHOPS THEY ARE SAYING ITS THE ALTERNATOR GENERATOR THAT COMES WITH HYBRID VEHICLES. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE I'VE SEEN A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE WITH FAULTY PARTS AND EVEN SOME WERE RECALLED, I DON'T SEE WHY CHEVY IS NOT RECALLING THIS VEHICLE TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED. IT'S JUST PUTTING DRIVERS AT RISK. I DRIVE ON A HIGHWAY THAT HAS HEAVY TRAFFIC FROM LOGGING TRUCKS. IF MY POWER STEERING WOULD HAVE WENT OUT WHILE A LOGGING TRUCK WAS COMING TOWARDS ME, I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED ALONG WITH MY PASSENGER.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 6, 2019
THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WILL RANDOMLY SHUT DOWN CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, ENTIRE DASHBOARD, ALL LIGHTS, HAZARD LIGHTS ETC. THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME, ON THE FREEWAY, STOPPED AT A LIGHT, PARKED ETC. SOMETIMES IT GOES DARK AND RESTARTS ITSELF WHILE DRIVING....SOMETIMES IT GOES DARK AND WON'T RESTART FOR MINUTES OR LONGER WHILE IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT WORKING HAZARD LIGHTS. IF PARKED, IT CAN'T BE TAKEN OUT OF 'PARK" TO PUSH IT OUT OF TRAFFIC OR TRY TO START IT IN "NEUTRAL" AND THE KEY CAN'T BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION.THERE ARE NO ERROR CODES TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE AND IT WON'T EVER HAPPEN WHILE IT IS IN THE SHOP (OF COURSE) THIS IS THE ULTIMATE SAFETY HAZARD TO ME AND MY FAMILY.
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING INDICATORS WERE FLICKERING AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE DIMMER SWITCH AND BATTERY WERE DRAINED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED RICK HENDRICK BUICK (3244 COMMERCE AVE NW, DULUTH, GA 30096, (770) 954-8718) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Nov 1, 2019
WHILE IN MOTION, THE FRONT DEFROST STOPPED WORKING AND ALL AIR STARTED BLOWING FROM OTHER VENTS. THIS CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO FOG OBSTRUCTING VISION. MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO TURN THE DEFROST BACK ON WITHOUT ANY SUCCESS. AIR CONTINUES TO BLOW FROM ALL OTHER VENTS. IT APPEARS AS IF A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE 2014 MALIBU FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 27, 2019
WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT ON A VERY BUSY CITY STREET THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING AND THE CAR SHUT OFF. MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BREAK AND THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK THEN RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT STARTED RUNNING LIKE IT SHOULD, THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS DISPLAYED BEFORE, DURING, OR AFTER THIS HAPPENED. IN ANOTHER INCIDENT WHILE I REVERSED THE CAR THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS, I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AGAIN AND RESTART IT TO GET THE ENGINE RUNNING AGAIN.
Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 21, 2019
MY BATTERY COMPLETELY DIED AND I NEEDED A JUMP. THE JUMP ENDED UP NOT WORKING SO I PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY. NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I SEE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND STILL NO RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU ECO. THE FORUMS ARE SAYING IT'S A PROBLEM WITH THE SDM COMPONENT. CODES B101D-00(ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT HARDWARE) AND U0184-00(LOST COMMUNICATION WITH RADIO).
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 15, 2019
THE TIMING CHAIN IN THE ENGINE IS BAD AND THERE IS A LOUD NOISE. THE CAR SHUTS DOWN AT A STOP AND WILL NOT ALWAYS RESTART. ALSO THE GPS/RADIO SCREEN STARTED GOING OFF AND ON AND THEN COMPLETELY WENT DARK.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 15, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE STEERING SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO VEER THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND THE KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION. APPROXIMATELY TWO HOURS LATER, THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V173000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000.*PM THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DO THE DEALER AND CONSUMER WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BUT BLOCK CABLE WAS REPLACED.*JB
Air bags, Oct 2, 2019
SERVICE AIRBAGS LIGHT CAME ON WHILE PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. ALARM FOR AIRBAGS GOES OFF EVERY 30 SECONDS AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. THE AIRBAG ALERT LIGHT IS ON AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF WITH OR WITHOUT SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.
Power train, Engine, Oct 1, 2019
BOTH THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. I TOOK IT TO APPLE VALLEY MOTORS IN MARTINSBURG WV, A CHEVY DEALERSHIP. THEY CONTACTED THE THIRD PARTY WARRANTY COMPANY (PORTFOLIO) AND THEY MADE THE DEALERSHIP REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A JUNKYARD TRANSMISSION. BUT WHEN I TOOK IT IN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND I ASSUMED THAT IT WAS ON BECAUSE OF THE TRANSMISSION. BUT ALSO ASSUMED THAT BECAUSE IT WAS A DEALERSHIP WITH SPECIAL TRAINED TECHNICIANS THAT THEY WOULD CHECK ALL THE CODES AND CLEAR THEM BEFORE THEY RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO ME. WELL THEY DIDN'T AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON WHEN I PICKED IT UP BUT THOUGHT MAYBE I HAD TO DRIVE IT A COUPLE MILES TO RESET THE LIGHT. WELL THE LIGHT DID GO OUT BUT CAME BACK ON ABOUT A WEEK LATER AND WHEN I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER THEY CALLED THE WARRANTY COMPANY AND THEY SAID THAT BECAUSE NOW THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I HAD, EXPIRED 8 DAYS PRIOR THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I CALLED BOTH GM AND CHEVY AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION AND NEITHER ONE WILL ASSIST ME WITH THE PROBLEM ONLY BECAUSE THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED EVEN THOUGH I HAVE LESS THAN A 100K ON IT. THEY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER BUT IN THE END THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. NO WAY SHOULD BOTH THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION GO BAD AT THE SAME TIME ESPECIALLY WITH LESS THAN 100K ON IT. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO ANOTHER COMPLAINT THAT I JUST FILED WITH YOU REGARDING THE CAR LOOSING ALL POWER WHILE I AM DRIVING. THAT PROBLEM HAPPENED ON BOTH THE HIGHWAY AT OVER 70 MPH AND IN THE CITY AT SLOWER SPEEDS. IN ADDITION TO THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE GOING OU, 30 DAYS PRIOR THE HYDROLIC TRANSMISSION LINES BLEW OUT WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AND IT COST ME ABOUT 900.00 OUT OF POCKET BECAUSE IT WAS WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 1, 2019
AS I AM DRIVING EITHER ON THE HIGHWAY AT OVER 70 MPH OR IN THE CITY I HAVE LOST ALL POWER TO THE VEHICLE. LOSS OF POWER STEERING, POWER BREAKS EVERYTHING. THE CAR SHUTS COMPLETELY DOWN AND JUST BEFORE ALL THE CHECK ENGINE AND SERVICE LIGHTS FLASH THROUGH. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES AND THE LAST TIME I WAS PULLING INTO APPLE VALLEY MOTORS IN MARTINSBURG WV PARKING LOT, LOST POWER AND HIT THE CURB AND BLEW OUT A TIRE BECAUSE I LOST POWER STEERING. THE DEALER WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT THERE ARE MANY OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON CHEVY MALIBU FORUM. COM FINALLY SOMEONE SUGGESTED THAT WE SHOULD REPORT THE PROBLEM HERE. I HAVE HAD TO PUT 3 BATTERIES IN THE YEAR THAT I OWNED IT. NOT ONLY THIS BUT THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE BOTH WENT BAD AT THE SAME TIME. I ONLY HAVE 86K ON IT. I CONTACTED BOTH GM AND CHEVY AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION AND NEITHER ONE WILL ASSIST ME. THEY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER BUT IN THE END THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE ALL WARRANTIES HAVE EXPIRED. ( THEY EXPIRED BECAUSE OF THE DATE, I AM STILL UNDER THE MILEAGE PORTION OF THE WARRANTY) AS OF RIGHT NOW MY CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE IT FIXED AND THE DEALERSHIP, GM/CHEVY OR THE THIRD PARTY WARRANTY THAT EXPIRED 8 DAYS AFTER THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT HELP EITHER. LUCKILY I ONLY HIT A CURB AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. I COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE. THIS HAS HAPPENED BOTH ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN THE CITY WHILE I AM IN MOTION. THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED IT AT HAD TO CHANGE THE BATTERY IN THE TRUNK DURING THE FIRST 30 DAYS THAT I OWNED IT. THAT FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR A WHILE. BUT I DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM OR NOT. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS APP 4 MONTHS AGO AND HAS HAPPENED A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES SINCE THEN. AND STILL THE NO ONE WILL HELP OR LOOK INTO THE ISSUE. THE MOST RECENT WAS LAST WEEK.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 30, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY AND ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE ENGINE JUMPSTARTED. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS JUMPSTARTED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. ALSO, THE KEY WOULD NOT EJECT FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED. THE MECHANIC CHARGED THE BATTERY. WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE FAILURE RECURRED AS THE CONTACT PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY. AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED. THE CONTACT CALLED HALL CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (385 W DALLAS ST, CANTON, TX 75103, 903-567-8148) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 28, 2019
THIS HAPPENED TWO DAYS IN A ROW I WAS DRIVING ME SO ME TURNING A CORNER AND MY CAR JUST STOPPED STEER WHEEL LOCKED UP COULD MOVE THE CAR OR NOTHING NEAR HAD AN ACCIDENT I'M A PETRIFIED BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHEN THIS GOD HAPPENS AGAIN I VAULE MY LIFE THIS RECALL SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO I WORKED HARD MANY LONG DAYS TO SAVE TO GET THIS CAR JUST FOR IT TO TURN OUT BAD I SERIOUSLY NEED HELP WITH THIS LIFE THREATENING ISSUE.
Electrical system, Sep 24, 2019
WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME THE OTHER DAY ON A CITY STREET IN A 20 MILE ZONE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLACK..TOOK TO DEALER THEY SAY THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS ISSUE...SO I BELIEVED THEM...TILL I GET HOME AND DO A LITTLE RESEARCH...THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF THIS COMPLAINT HERE ON THIS SITE...NEXT DAY I GO TO SERVICE MANAGER...HIS REPLY I HAVE BEEN HERE 13 YEARS AND NEVER SEEN THIS...OH I THINK SOMEONE IS BLOWING SMOKE?? WHO KNOWS THE TRUTH?? I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS ISSUE...I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO EXCEPT PAY THESE GUYS...OH...ONE MORE THING BEFORE I GO...IF I ORDERED THE PART FROM THEM IT WAS 275.00...I SAID I WANT THE CORE TO HAVE IT INSPECTED. INDEPENDANTLY...OH THATLL BE 500.00 DOLLARS PLEASE....WHAT 500 FOR A CORE CHARGE...NOW IT REALLY SMELLS FISHY...SO I BOUGHT A NEW ONE FROM ANOTHER DEALER FOR 56.00....HOW DOES IT SMELL NOW ??..BIG CORPORATE COVER UP??...SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ABOUT 62 TO 75 K MILES WITH THIS MODEL
Electrical system, Sep 24, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHARGING SYSTEM ERROR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BATTERY DID NOT HOLD A CHARGE. AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INSPECTED FOR THE FAILURE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING, THE BATTERY IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DRAINED ALL OF THE POWER AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES ALSO SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE TWO FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT POWER STEERING ABILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER, INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, OR MANUFACTURER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Electrical system, Sep 23, 2019
WHILE DRIVING 385 MILES FROM HOME THE DASHBOARD BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON. WE HAD JUST REPLACED THE BATTERY 1 MONTH PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. TURNED THE CENTER SCREEN TO THE VOLT METER TO WATCH THE CAR SLOWLY DRAIN THE NEW BATTERY. THE VOLTAGE WOULD GO DOWN, THEN GO UP, BUT NEVER AS FAR AS IT WAS BEFORE THE DECLINE. PULLED THE CAR INTO A SUPERCENTER PARKING LOT AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING, ALL POWER BRAKES, THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN, THANK GOODNESS I GOT OFF THE FREEWAY. AT 80 MPH THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO CONTROL. WE HAD JUST ENOUGH ENGINE TO LIMP THE CAR INTO A PARKING SPACE AND AVOID GETTING HIT BY OTHER CARS IN THIS BUSY PARKING LOT. BOUGHT NEW BATTERY TESTER, NEW BATTERY, AND TOOLS TO THE SUM OF $250.00 MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS IN PARKING LOT. I HAD NO CHOICE, WE WERE STRANDED FAR FROM HOME IN 97 DEG. HEAT. TURNED NORTH TO HEAD HOME, WHILE WATCHING THE CAR DEVOUR A BRAND NEW BATTERY. ONCE AGAIN THE VOLT METER FROM 14.4 VOLTS TO 13.5, THEN BACK TO 14.3 TO 13.4 THE NEW BATTERY WAS GOING TO HAVE A SHORT LIFE. WE MADE IT 50 MILES ON THE FREEWAY AND THE VOLT METER WAS DOWN TO 11.8 FROM A NEW 14.4 WHEN PURCHASED. TURNED TO THE NEAREST TOWN 35 MILES EAST. WORRIED THE CAR WAS GOING TO SHUT DOWN ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT 80 MPH. HOPING THE STEERING WOULD NOT GO OUT WITH OUT WARNING AGAIN. THE SCARIEST SITUATION I HAVE EVER BEEN IN, THERE WAS NO WHERE FOR US TO GO IF IT DID. MADE IT TO A LOCAL AUTO PARTS STORE, JUST TO FIND OUT THAT IN 85 MILES THE CAR HAD DRAINED THE NEW BATTERY WE GOT A JUMP START AND LIMPED TO A LOCAL HOTEL. ONCE AGAIN HAVING TO PULLOUT ONTO A BUSY HIGHWAY WITH NO STEERING, NO BRAKES, AND NO WAY HOME. WE CALLED A FAMILY MEMBER AND THEY SET OFF ON THE 5 HR DRIVE TO COME TOW US HOME. WE RENTED A CAR DOLLY AND PULLED OUR BROKEN CAR THE ENTIRE WAY HOME. IT SITS IN THE DRIVE WAY AS I TYPE THIS GIVING NO CODES FOR ME TO FOLLOW.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 23, 2019
AS I WAS DRIVING 35 MPH ON A BUSY DOWNTOWN LOCATION IN MY AREA OF NEW ORLEANS, MY 2013 CHEVY MALIBU DECIDED TO SHUT DOWN ON ME. AT FIRST WHEN I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE CAR STALL AS THOUGH IT WANTED TO CUT OFF BUT IT DIDN'T AT THAT MOMENT. WHEN I MADE IT TO THE SECOND RED LIGHT THE CAR SHUT COMPLETELY OFF THEN CAME RIGHT BACK ON. I WAS TERRIFIED AS MY 12 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER SAT IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE CAR SO I DECIDED TO HEAD HOME WHICH WAS 15 MINS FROM THE LOCATION WHERE I WAS PLUS I ALSO HAD TO TRAVEL OVER A BUSY MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE TO GET TO MY HOUSE FROM THAT LOCATION. AS I WAS MAKING MY WAY BACK TOWARDS THE BRIDGE TO GET HOME, I NOTICE DIFFERENT SIGNALS FLASHING ACROSS MY DASHBOARD, THEN THE CAR SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY GIVING ME LITTLE TO NO TIME TO MAKE A DECISION TO PULL OVER. THE STEELING WHEEL LOCKED UP GIVING ME NO CONTROL AS TO WHICH WAY TO STEER THE VEHICLE, CAR COMPLETELY DEAD. I WAS SO BLESSED THAT NO CARS WAS IN THE WAY OF WHERE THE CAR WAS GOING. THE CAR REFUSED TO START AGAIN AND KEY GOT STUCK . I HAD TO GET IT TOWED HOME. I'M BEGGING CHEVY, PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. I HAVE SEEN LOTS OF REVIEWS REGARDING THESE MAKE AND MODELS AND IT LOOKS LIKE NOTHING IS BEING DONE. I HAD A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU WHICH I LOVED SO MUCH THAT I DECIDED TO TRUST CHEVY WITH MY NEXT CAR. AS I CLOSED MY EYES THAT NIGHT I COULD ONLY IMAGINE WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPEN IF I WAS ON THAT BRIDGE HEADING HOME WITH CARS TRAVELING 60-70MPH? WHAT IF I WAS INFRONT OF A RIVER, ON A TRAIN TRACK, IN FRONT OF A BIG BODY VEHICLE SUCH AS A BUS OR 18-WHEELER OR SOMEONE WALKING IN THE DIRECTION THE CAR WAS GOING? SOMEONE, IF HAVEN'T ALREADY COULD TRULY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THEIR LIFE OR SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE. PLEASE CHEVY THINK ABOUT THE FAMILY LIVES WHICH ARE BEING PUT IN DANGER, EVEN THE DEALERSHIP'S DONT TRULY KNOW THE ISSUES.
Air bags, Sep 20, 2019
SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. KEEPS SHUTTING OFF AND COMING BACK ON
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 16, 2019
GENERATOR CONTROL MODULE- ENGINE IS STALLING AND COMPLETELY SHUTTING OFF WHEN STOPPED OR SLOWING DOWN AT INTERSECTION OR STOPPED AT LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS. SWITCHING FROM HYBRID TO GAS
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2019
MY CAR KEEPS LOSING POWER. IT STARTS WITH THE RADIO FLASHING ON AND OFF. THEN THE STEERING LOCKS UP. THE CAR SOMETIMES SHUTS ALL THE WAY OFF. IT STARTS BACK UP BUT IT WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. I PURCHASED THE CAR MAY 2019. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. MOST RECENTLY 9/16/2019. DRIVING THE RADIO FLASHED THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED. IT DIDNT SHUT DOWN. BUT IT WHEN THROUGH THAT PROCESS LIKE 5-6 TIMES BACK TO BACK. WHEN RESEARCHING THE ISSUE I SEE MY CAR IS NOT THE ONLY CAR HAVING THIS PROBLEM. IT APPEARS TO BE A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE WITH THE 2013 CHEVY MALIBU. IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED.
Electrical system, Sep 12, 2019
2013 MALIBU ECO EASSIST THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS TYPE OF CAR, THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP AND NEED A GENERATOR CONTROL MODULE..ACCORDING TO HER VIN # THEY ARE SAYING THAT IT DOESN'T APPLY TO THIS VEHICLE.. BUT IT'S THE SAME TYPE OF CAR THAT THE RECALL IS ON. THE CAR WHILE RUNNING ON HIGHWAY FOR 50 MILES OR MORE WILL START THE LOSS OF BATTERY CHARGING. IF YOU CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR WILL CUTOFF AND HAVE TO BE TOWED. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON TWO OR THREE OCCASIONS.