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.
Visibility, Mar 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 1, 2015
DRIVING 55MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL, I HEARD A WARNING CHIME. LOOKED AT DASH AND THE WORDS ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED WERE ON THE SCREEN. I LOOKED FOR A SYMBOL ON THE DASH TO TELL ME MORE AND SAW THE ENGINE SYMBOL WAS ON. THE CAR DIDN'T PERFORM OUT OF CHARACTER FROM ALREADY GOING 55 ON CRUISE. NOTHING CHANGED IN THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE. I CONTINUED TOWARD HOME AS THAT WAS MY DESTINATION AND WAS LESS THAN 15 MILES FROM HOME. I PARKED THE CAR IN MY GARAGE, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, WAITED A FEW SECONDS, THEN STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN. THE WARNING CAME ON RIGHT AWAY. I CALLED THE DEALER WHO I'M LEASING THE CAR FROM BUT IT WAS A SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND THEY WERE CLOSED. I DID LEAVE THEM A MESSAGE TO CALL ME ON MONDAY AND WHY. I HAVE NOT AND WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL I HEAR FROM THE DEALER AND HAVE A DATE AND TIME TO BRING IT IN BECAUSE OF THE CONCERN THE ENGINE COULD POWER DOWN AS I'M DRIVING ACCORDING TO INTERNET FORUMS I SINCE READ THAT OTHERS WITH THE SAME WARNING SAID THEIR CAR DID SLOW DOWN ON A FAST BUSY HIGHWAY. THIS WARNING IS IN THE MANUAL THAT CAME WITH THE CAR AND SAYS IT IS THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR GONE BAD. *TR
Steering, Feb 23, 2015
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN JOLLY ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE AN ISSUE WITH 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU THAT GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOT RECALL (ATTN: BRENDA FRANTZ) *SMD THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM GM REGARDING POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, IT WAS NOT RECALL, RATHER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS BEING ISSUED ON THE PART, IF IT THE PART SHOULD FAIL WITHIN THE NEXT TEN YEARS. *JB
Steering, Feb 23, 2015
2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEM ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS, THE STEERING MUST FAIL, BEFORE IT CAN BE FIXED. *JB
Steering, Structure, Tires, Service brakes, Feb 12, 2015
CLEANING OUT THE TRUNK DISCOVERED NO SPARE TIRE. ONLY SEALANT AIR COMPRESSOR. HOW STUPID. WAS NOT INFORMED BY THE DEALER, WHO OBVIOUSLY KNEW THEY WOULD LOSE A DEAL IF CUSTOMER INFORMED. THIS IS A BIG TIME SCAM AND COVER UP. I CAN SEE REAL TROUBLE IF I HAVE A BLOW OUT! STUPID!!! *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND LOST POWER. THE THEFT ATTEMPTED WARNING MESSAGE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V224000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. UPDATED 3/3/15*CN UPDATED 9/13/2017*CN
Equipment, Jan 5, 2015
PURCHASED THE CAR IN AUGUST 2013 (NEW), FACTORY INSTALLED STEREO WORKED FINE AT TIME OF PURCHASE. IN SEPTEMBER 2014 STEREO WOULD NOT READ MUSIC OFF PHONE WHEN PLUGGING IN THROUGH USB PORT IN VEHICLE, WHICH IS A FEATURE OF THE STEREO THAT IS SUPPOSED TO WORK. IT WORKED UP UNTIL THAT POINT, BUT THEN STOPPED AND STARTED GIVING MESSAGES INDICATING "FILES UNFOUNDED". I HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR THIS ISSUE TO BE FIXED WITH NO SUCCESS. THE DEALERSHIP IS AT A LOSS AS TO A FIX FOR THIS ISSUE. THE STEREO SYSTEM WHICH IS CALLED "MYLINK" WILL NOT READ MUSIC FROM THE PHONE AS IT SHOULD. THE PHONE BEING USED IS AN APPLE PRODUCT. UPON DOING RESEARCH ONLINE I'VE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH APPLE PRODUCTS AND GM'S "MYLINK" STEREO SYSTEM. OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS SAME PROBLEM TO DEALERSHIPS AND GM DIRECTLY WITH NO SUCCESS IN GETTING THE PROBLEM SUCCESSFULLY RESOLVED. HERE IS A LINK HTTP://GMAUTHORITY.COM/BLOG/TOPIC/MYLINK-STOPPED-RECOGNIZING-IPOD-CLASSIC/ TO AN ONLINE FORUM WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM I'M EXPERIENCING AND WHO HAVE ALL CONTACTED GM WITH NO SUCCESS IN GETTING THE PROBLEM RESOLVED. I AM AT A LOSS AND HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO GET MY STEREO FIXED THAT IS A GM FACTORY INSTALLED STEREO. THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY FOR ANOTHER 6K MILES AND I WOULD LIKE FOR THE PROBLEM TO BE RESOLVED, HOWEVER GM SEEMS TO NOT BE OFFERING ANY RESOLUTIONS. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU ECO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND NOTICED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR TRUNK AREA NEAR THE ECO BATTERY. THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO CLEARED THE CODE, BUT DID NOT PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE ODOR COULD STILL BE DETECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V173000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Electrical system, Jan 2, 2015
AFTER DRIVING THE CAR WITH THE A/C ON, SHUTTING THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTING THE HEAT WILL COME ON EVEN THO THE A/C IS STILL ON AND YOU CANNOT GET THE HEAT TO STOP. TOOK IT TO DEALER AS IT WAS BLOWING FULL FORCE HEAT AND THEY COULD NOT GET IT TO STOP. NO ONE CAN FIGURE IT OUT. GM ENGINEERS ARE BAFFLED BY IT ALSO.. ONLY HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE OR ARE USING THE A/C. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 23, 2014
2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. LAWYER ON BEHLAF OF CONSUMER. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED FOUR SEPARATE INCIDENTS WHICH PUT THE VEHICLE OUT OF SERIVCE FOR REPAIR FOR OVER 30 DAYS. WOULD LIKE CAR REPLACED OR BOUGHT BACK. *TA SIX MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CONSUMER STARTED EXPERIENCING SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH ITS FUNCTIONALITY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START OR WOULD SHUT OFF WHIEL BEING DRIVEN AND WOULD NOT RE-START. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *JB
Steering, Dec 16, 2014
HARD STEERING AT 55-65 MPH SPEED WHEN GOING AROUND CURVE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 15, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE DRIVING ACROSS A STREET WHERE IT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. UPDATED 02/09/15*LJ UPDATED 9/11/2017*CN
Electrical system, Dec 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING PERIODICALLY. THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO DISPLAY THE TRAVEL SPEED. THE TURN SIGNALS AND THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE IN THE VEHICLE WAS CAUSED BY THE CONTACT'S HEART PACE MAKER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,900. UPDATED 01/07/14*LJ UPDATED 02/04/15*LJ THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE DEFECT WAS LONGER FOUND TO BE CAUSED BY PACE MAKER ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE. UPDATED 10/6/2015 *JS UPDATED 9/8/2017*CN
Electrical system, Air bags, Nov 11, 2014, crash
I WAS RIDING IN THE CAR WITH MY WIFE AND COUSIN HEADING TO HER BROTHERS HOUSE. WE HAD JUST DROVE FROM OUT OF TOWN AFTER VISITING SOME FAMILY MEMBERS AND WAS TAKING MY COUSIN BACK HOME. WHILE DRIVING I NOTICE THE CAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ACTING UP IT WOULD SAY I NEEDED TO PUT AIR IN THE TIRE OR THE BACK TIRE WAS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. IT ALSO WOULD SAY I NEEDED TO PUT MY SEAT BELT ON WHEN IT WAS ON. BUT THIS WAS NOT MY BIGGEST CONCERN MY WIFE WHILE DRIVING RAN OFF THE ROAD A STRUCK A TREE HEAD ON. HAD SHE HAD BEEN DRIVING FASTER THEN WHAT SHE WAS GOING I FELL AS IF SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED. THE AIRBAGS NEVER CAME OUT AND THIS WAS A CONCERN BECAUSE WHO KNOWS HOW MANY VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED BY THIS. I THANK GOD THAT HER INJURIES WERE NOT THAT SERVE AS WELL AS MY COUSIN AND I, ALTHOUGH PAIN WILL HEAL THE PAIN OF LOSING A LOVE ONE WILL NEVER HEAL. SO I ASK THAT YOU LOOK INTO BECAUSE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, I KNOW IF HAD MY WIFE BEEN TOLD THAT HER AIRBAGS MAY OR MAY NOT DEPLOY SHE WOULD HAVE NEVER BROUGHT THE CAR....... *TR
Air bags, Nov 10, 2014, crash
I LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR AND STUCK A TREE HEAD ON THE FRAME OF THE CAR WAS BENT AND MY RADIATOR WAS PUSHED BACK INTO THE ENGINE. MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND THIS CONCERNS ME AFTER HEARING ABOUT ALL THE RECALLS THAT GM HAD. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 29, 2014
LIGHTS DIMMED INSIDE THE CAR ON DASHBOARD AND INDICATOR LIGHTS FOR RADIO AND CLIMATE CONTROL COULD NOT TELL IF THE A/C WAS ON AND ALSO THE FAN INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE NOT VISIBLE. AFTER STOPPING CHECKED THE VOLTAGE AND NOTICED IT WAS LOWER THEN USUAL. IT'S LIKE THERE WAS A DRAIN ON ELECTRICITY SOMEWHERE WHILE DRIVING THE BATTERY SHOULD BE CHARGING I NOTICED THIS 3 TIMES THIS MONTH. LAST TIME TODAY 10/29/2016 WHILE DRIVING ON HWY 288 AT 60MPH. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 28, 2014
THE FUEL MILEAGE IS VERY INCONSISTENT. IT CAN RANGE FROM AN AVERAGE OF 20 TO 28 AND HAS BEEN AS LOW AS 18 AND AS HIGH AS 29. BEFORE YOU DISMISS THIS COMPLAINT AS DRIVING CONDITIONS OR ROUT-THIS CAR TRAVELS THE SAME 8 MILE ROUT 4 DAYS A WEEK TO WORK AND NOT MUCH MORE THAN THAT IN AN AVERAGE MONTH. IT HAS BEEN ON HIGHWAY TRIPS AND NOT GOTTEN OVER 29 MPG. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS DUEL TO THE FUEL MIXTURE THAT I WAS PURCHASING. I HAVE TRIED EVERY BRAND OF GAS IN THE TOWN I LIVE IN AND IT DOES NOT HAVE A NOTICEABLE EFFECT ON THIS PROBLEM. DOES NOT ACHIEVE THE ADVERTISED MILEAGE. *TR
Power train, Oct 28, 2014
DRIVING UP HILL HAVING TO DECELERATE, THERE IS A HARD JERK AS IF THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED-THIS IS DANGEROUS DUE TO HUMAN REACTION TO ALSO QUICKLY TO APPLY THE BRAKES. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND THE FIRST TIME I THOUGHT THAT THE VEHICLE HAD STRUCK SOMETHING OR HAD A MAJOR MALFUNCTION. IT ONLY LAST FOR A SECOND OF TIME. THE DEALER EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS JUST CHARACTERISTICS OF A 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION. THIS IS MY THIRD GM WITH A 6 SPEED AND THE OTHERS DID NOT DO THIS. *TR
Visibility, Oct 28, 2014
THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR VENTS IN THE DASH DO NOT STAY OPEN WHEN THE BLOWER IS RUNNING ON HIGH WITH THE SYSTEM SET TO RECIRCULATE. DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS WILL CAUSE THE CENTER VENTS TO CLOSE FROM ROAD VIBRATION, IN TURN CAUSING A DOMINO EFFECT AND THE AIR PRESSURE COMING OUT CAUSES THE OTHER VENTS TO CLOSE ONE BY ONE. THE LEFT TO RIGHT ADJUSTMENT ON THE VENTS IS WORN OUT BEFORE 10K MILES ON MY VEHICLE. CHEAP... *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 10, 2014
I PURCHASED MY 2013 MALIBU ECO IN NOVEMBER OF 2013. ON OR ABOUT MARCH 1, 2014 WE WERE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES PER HOUR WHEN WERE CUT OFF BY A TRUCK. I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES WITH SOME FORCE TO AVOID A COLLISION AND UPON DOING SO THE MOTOR LOST ALL POWER AND BEGAN TO SHAKE WITH MY SPEED GOING FROM 70 DOWN TO 20 MPH. I COULD NOT REGAIN THE SPEED LIMIT AND HAD TO PULL OVER THINKING IT WAS BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING USING THE MANUAL OPTION. I WAS IN 6TH GEAR WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE HOME AFTER A 90 MILE DRIVE AT ABOUT 45 MPH. I DID NOT REPORT THIS TO THE DEALER AS THE NEXT MORNING I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT SEEMED FINE. A MONTH LATER WE TOOK THE SAME TRIP AND THIS TIME THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED ALTHOUGH IT WAS NOT PRECIPITATED BY A NEAR COLLISION. THE CAR SIMPLY LOST ALL POWER IN WHILE DRIVING CITY STREETS. THE CLUTCHES IN THE TRANSMISSION WERE GRINDING AS I TRIED TO GET THE CAR TO GAIN ENGINE POWER. AGAIN I FOOLISHLY DID NOT REPORT TO THE DEALER AS I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE BACK TO SPEED AFTER ABOUT A HOUR OF DRIVING. IN JUNE THE SAME ISSUE APPEARED AND I FINALLY DID TAKE IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR SHORTED CAUSING TRANSMISSION NOT TO DOWNSHIFT PROPERLY. THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE PROBLEM. IN LATE JULY THE SAME ISSUE REOCCURED AND THIS TIME THE DEALER PERFORMED A RECALL ON THE TURN SIGNAL LAMP OUTAGE. THEN IN EARLY SEPTEMBER THE ISSUE REOCCURED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING LOCALLY. THE CARS BRAKES WERE SO HOT THE WHEEL WEIGHTS AFFIXED TO THE FRONT TIRES WERE LAYING IN OUR DRIVEWAY HAVING MELTED OFF. THIS TIME THE DEALER REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER, FRONT ROTORS, BRAKE PADS AND WHEEL WEIGHTS. IN EARLY OCTOBER I WENT TO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION AND WHEN THEY TOOK THE FRONT DRIVER WHEEL OFF THE FRONT BRAKE ROTOR RETAINING BOLT FELL OUT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 19, 2014
I PURCHASED MY 2013 MALIBU LS IN SEPTEMBER, 2013 AND HAVE BEEN HAVING NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE. DURING THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF ME HAVING THE CAR MY REAR DEFROST WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND MY CAR WOULD SMELL LIKE AN ROTTEN EGG WHICH IT STILL DOES. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND OF COURSE THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. A FEW MONTHS LETTER MY BRAKES STATED GRINDING WHENEVER THE CAR WAS IN REVERSE (STILL DOES). THE DEALERSHIP FOUND NOTHING WRONG, BUT STATED THEY HAD SMOOTHED MY BRAKES. MY CAR HAS CUT OFF A TOTAL OF SEVEN TIMES AND THE DEALERSHIP FOUND NOTHING WRONG. SO I CALLED AND SPOKE WITH THE HEAD PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD IT COULD BE MY COMPUTER, BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CHECK THE COMPUTER. MY CAR LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING AND HAS EVEN SPED UP ON ITS OWN. MY BRAKES, BRAKE HARD AS IF THEY?RE GETTING STUCK AT TIMES. WHEN I TURN ON THE CAR HOT AIR BLOWS AT FULL FORCE AND WILL NOT CUT OFF UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. THE GLOVE BOX LIGHT SHINES IN THE FLOOR AND THE SEATBELT WOULD NOT LATCH. THE BEST PART OF IT ALL, WHILE THE DEALERSHIP HAD M CAR ONE OF THE WORKERS HIT SOMETHING, SO THEY HAD TO REMOVE MY FRONT BUMPER TO PAINT IT AND DID NOT PLACE IT ON CORRECTLY. MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING ALL OF THE ISSUES THAT ARE OUT ON RECALL, BUT I?M ALWAYS TOLD THE RECALL IS NOT FOR MY CAR. GM NEEDS TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND CORRECT THE ISSUES OR BUY BACK MY CAR. I REFUSE TO CONTINUE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS NOT WORTH IT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 10, 2014
I WAS IN 2013 CHEVY MALIBU RENTAL CAR FROM ENTERPRISES THAT I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER A MONTH NOW AND TODAY 09092014 WHILE DRIVING ON VERY BUSY HIGHWAY WITH MY [XXX] SON IN HIS CAR SEAT IN THE BACK I WAS SLOWING TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND WAS LOOSING SPEED AND POWER WITH SEVERAL 18 WHEELERS EXISTING AT THE SAME TIME AS WELL. THE CAR INFORMATION DISPLAY PANEL SAID "REDUCED ENGINE POWER", AND THE TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON ALONG WITH THE CHANGE OIL SOON. I'M BLESSED THAT NOTHING HAPPENED TO US BUT I'M AFRAID THAT THIS MAY HAPPEN AGAIN TO SOMEONE AND THE RESULTS MY NOT BE AS BLESSED AS WE ARE. I WILL BE IN CONTACT WITH ENTERPRISES RENTAL IN THE MORNING FOR A DIFFERENT CAR. *TR PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 8, 2014
THE CAR ENGINE STALLS, LOCKS GO UP AND DOWN, PANEL LIGHTS GO OUT, POWER STEERING IS DISABLED, RPM GAUGE REVS UP TO 7000+, THEN ENGINE COMES BACK ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES NEARLY CAUSING CRASHES AND CAUSING EXTREME ANXIETY. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS NO ERROR IS STORED ON THE CAR COMPUTER AND THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE INCIDENT. AFTER 2 DAYS IN THE SHOP, I GOT MY CAR BACK, DROVE 378 MILES AND THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN. IT HAS OCCURRED WITH EVERY MEMBER OF MY FAMILY. I WANT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY OR I WILL CONTACT AN ATTORNY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INJURED NOT AFTERWARDS. *TR
Structure, Sep 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE SUN BEAMS ON THE SHINY INTERIOR TRIM IT WOULD IMPAIR THE CONTACTS VISION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100...UPDATED 10/01/14 *BF
Tires, Wheels, Sep 1, 2014
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY AND HAD JUST TAKEN AN EXIT THROUGH TOWN ABOUT A MILE WHEN HER REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE (GOODYEAR ASSURANCE) BLEW OUT ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. THE BLOWOUT WAS IN THE SIDEWALL NEAR THE RIM AND WAS ABOUT 3 INCHES LONG, WHICH I HAVE A PICTURE OF. SHE SAID SHE HEARD A "POP", LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN A RUMBLING NOISE. LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY. THIS 2013 MALIBU ONLY HAD 12,000 MILES ON THE TIRES WHEN THIS HAPPENED. APPROXIMATELY 5 DAYS EARLIER I HAD JUST TAKEN THE CAR INTO A DEALERSHIP NEAR OUR HOME AND HAD THE OIL CHANGED AND TIRES ROTATED BUT NO ONE HAD ACKNOWLEDGED ANY PROBLEMS OR BULGES WITH ANY OF THE TIRES.. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR WOULD NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE TIRE ISSUE. THEY STATED THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER TIRES AND WE WOULD HAVE TO DEAL WITH GOODYEAR OURSELVES. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I HAD DISCOVERED THAT MANY COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN MADE ON THESE PARTICULAR TIRES SUCH AS BULGES IN THE SIDEWALLS AND BLOWOUTS WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE. IT'S OBVIOUS THERE IS A DEFECT OF SOME KIND AND THESE TIRES NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. MY DAUGHTER SAID SHE NEVER RAN OVER ANYTHING, IT JUST POPPED ON ITS OWN. THANK GOD SHE HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF THE EXPRESSWAY AS THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A TRAGIC ACCIDENT. *TR