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.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 31, 2014
I WAS ON THE ON RAMP, BEHIND ANOTHER CAR DRIVING TO GET ONTO THE HIGHWAY WHEN WE BOTH DROVE THROUGH A BIG PUDDLE OF WATER. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED AND THE WATER CAME OVER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. MY CAR THEN STALLED AND I COASTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ON RAMP. MY CAR WOULD NOT START. THE OTHER CAR CONTINUED DRIVING. NO WATER ENTERED MY VEHICLE. *TR
Air bags, Aug 18, 2014, crash
2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG SENSORS FAILURE DURING AN ACCIDENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER AND HIS WIFE WERE INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION. THE IMPACT WAS SO SEVERE THAT THE REAR OF BOTH VEHICLES WENT UP IN THE AIR AND THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ROTATED AND LANDED WITH ITS TIRES OVER A GUARDRAIL. OCCUPANTS, FROM BOTH VEHICLES SUFFERED INJURIES. *JB UPDATED 12/15/14. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Aug 15, 2014
VEHICLE SLOWED TO 10 MPH RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING IN TRAFFIC. WAS ONE HALF MILE FROM ENTERING INTERSTATE. CAR WAS HAULED TO DEALER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE ENGINE OVERHEATING WARNING SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE IN ORDER TO COOL THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,083.
Steering, Aug 2, 2014
STEERING BECAME STIFF WITH SLIPPAGE WHEN BEARING LEFT OR RIGHT. TOOK IT TO DEALER IN SAVANNAH WHERE PURCHASED. WAS TOLD THIS WAS AN ISSUE FOR QUITE A FEW PEOPLE. POWER STEERING MOTOR WAS REPLACED. ALSO HAD AN ISSUE WITH HEATER VENTS BLOWING HOT AIR EVEN WHEN TURNED OFF. HAPPENED ON START UP SEVERAL TIMES. DEALER SAID COMPUTER HAD TO BE REPROGRAMMED. HAD A FLAT AND SIDE OF TIRE HAD A HOLE. THE KIT IN THE TRUNK (INSTEAD OF AN ACTUAL TIRE) WAS NO HELP AT ALL. HAD TO CALL AAA FOR A TOW. HAD TO BUY AN AFTER MARKET RIM AND TIRE SO I WOULD HAVE A SPARE. THE DEALERS SELL THEM AT AROUND $500.00. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS CAR.....CHEVY HAS LOST A LOYAL CUSTOMER DUE TO THEIR GREED AND THE DEALER IN SAVANNAH WILL NEVER GET ANY BUSINESS FROM US FOR SELLING US A CAR THAT THEY KNEW HAD ISSUES. *TR
Power train, Aug 1, 2014, crash
MY VEHICLE WHICH WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW 02/2014 WAS LEFT RUNNING AND PLACED INTO PARK ON LEVEL ASPHALT STREET. WHEN I WALKED ABOUT SIX OR SEVEN FEET FROM THE VEHICLE MY VEHICLE BEGAN ROLLING FORWARD. I CHASED THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO GET INSIDE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR BUT WAS DRAGGED SEVERAL FEET. I COULD SEE CLEARLY THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WENT IN TO A SMALL RAVINE AND FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE I WAS ABLE TO PUSH THE ENGINE STOP/START BUTTON AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. I EASILY BACKED THE VEHICLE OUT AFTER STARTING IT. I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND SOME NICE PEOPLE I DID NOT KNOW TENDED TO MY INJURIES. I CALLED GENERAL MOTORS LATER THAT NIGHT AND WAS GIVEN A SERVICE REQUEST NUMBER OF 71-1320790919. MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SUNRISE CHEVY ON 06/22. ON 07/21 I WAS NOTIFIED NOTHING COULD BE FOUND WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE. I WAS GIVEN NO PAPERWORK FROM GENERAL MOTORS OR THE DEALER. THERE WAS 1100.00 DOLLARS OF DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE . GENERAL MOTORS REFUSED TO PAY FOR SAID DAMAGE. I WAS TOLD TO USE MY PARKING BRAKE. REALLY THAT IS RIDICULOUS WHEN U ARE ON LEVEL GROUND. MY LEFT FOOT AND LEG STILL SHOW THE SIGNS OF BEING DRAGGED. I WAS ALSO ASKED HOW MANY TIMES THIS HAPPENED. ISN'T ONCE ENOUGH. I SURELY DID NOT TRY TO DUPLICATE IT. I DID NOT NOR WILL I EVER LEAVE MY CAR RUNNING AGAIN AND WALK AWAY. I HAD THE KEY WITH ME ON THAT DAY BUT GUESS WHAT I DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE CAN BE DRIVEN AWAY EVEN WHILE THE KEY FAB IS WITH YOU. I HOPE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE WHICH IS THE REASON I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO GENERAL MOTORS AND NOW DOCUMENTING THE INCIDENT HERE. *TR
Tires, Jul 30, 2014
2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PURCHASED VEHICLE WITH NO SPARE TIRE IN THE TRUNK. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, SHE WAS NOT INFORMED THE VEHICLE DID NOT COME EQUIPPED WITH A SPARE TIRE. WHEN SHE EXPERIENCED A TIRE BLOW OUT ON THE FREEWAY. IT WAS THEN, SHE WAS TOLD BY AAA, THERE WAS ONLY AN AIR PUMP, WHICH WAS OF NO USE, SINCE THE TIRE HAS SHREDDED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD, THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE, BECAUSE IT SAVED ON WEIGHT, THUS HAVING BETTER GAS MILEAGE. *JB
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 27, 2014
AROUND THE TIME I BOUGHT THE CAR, ON 11/30/12 AT 5812 MILES, UNKNOWN TO ME THE CAR HAD A CONCERN OF LOSS OF BATTERY CHARGE WHICH CALLED FOR AN INSPECTION OF THE GENERATOR CONTROL MODULE. SO A GEN CONTROL MODULE PERFORMANCE TEST PER RECALL WAS PERFORMED. IN MAY OF 2013, I STOPPED AT RED TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE ENGINE WAS IDLING, WHEN I PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE BY PLACING MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AT THE GREEN LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF ON ME. THIS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF THAT CONSERVES ENERGY. ON 6/24/13 AT 14006 MILES, I TRIED TO GET THEM TO DO A DIAGNOSTICS AND I DON'T THINK THEY DID A DIAGNOSTICS EVEN THOUGH I WAS STILL UNDER BUMPER-TO-BUMPER AND POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. THEY SUGGESTED A TEST DRIVE WITH A MECHANIC FOREMAN TO SEE IF THE ISSUE WOULD PRESENT ITSELF AGAIN. THE ISSUE DID NOT OCCUR AGAIN. IN JULY OF 2013, I THEN COMPLAINED THAT THE CAR HAD POOR ENGINE ACCELERATION ENTERING ONTO A HIGHWAY AND TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AT 14810 MILES. THEY DID A R&R ECM RECALIBRATE CONTROLLER PROGRAM. ON JULY 26, 2014, I DROVE EARLIER IN THE DAY FOR QUITE A FEW HOURS THROUGH THE CITY AND A LITTLE ON THE HIGHWAY. I ACCELERATED ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY AT WHICH THE ISSUE OF ACCELERATION PRESENTED ITSELF AGAIN. AT 38,548 MILES, THE FOLLOWING MESSAGES WAS SHOWN ON MY DASHBOARD: 1. BATTERY SERVICE NEEDED 2. POWER STEERING SERVICE NEEDED I THEN CALLED ONSTAR AND I ASKED THEM TO DO A DIAGNOSTICS AND THEY GAVE ME THE FOLLOWING MESSAGES: 3. ENGINE CONTROL MODULE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM NOT PERFORMING AS EXPECTED. (P155A) 4. POWERTRAIN SYSTEM HAS DETECTED MALFUNCTION RELATED TO CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM. CRUISE CONTROL DISABLED. (C0800) 5. POWERTRAIN SYSTEM HAS DETECTED MALFUNCTION RELATED TO TRANSMISSION. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE. VEHICLE PERFORMANCE AND SHIFT BEHAVIOR MAY BE AFFECTED. TOP SHIFT FEATURE WILL BE DISABLED IF EQUIPPED. (P0826) *JS
Engine, Jul 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER THEN STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THAT THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT AND WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 17, 2014
I STARTED THE CAR AND VIEWED THE MESSAGE "SERVICE POWER STEERING" IN THE MESSAGE CENTER BETWEEN THE ODOMETER AND TACHOMETER. THERE DID NOT SEEM TO BE ANY ISSUE WITH THE STEERING, BUT WANTED TO GET IT CHECKED OUT BY MY LOCAL DEALER SINCE IT WAS LESS THAN A HALF MILE UP THE ROAD. AS I PUT THE CAR INTO THE GEAR, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. THE INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT NORMALLY SHOW ME WHAT GEAR I AM IN (PRND) WERE BLANK. THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN, THE CAR SURGED FORWARD VIOLENTLY, AS IF THE MALIBU WAS JUST REAR-ENDED. I THEN TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT. THE ?SERVICE POWER STEERING? MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN. HOWEVER, THE ?CHECK ENGINE? LIGHT HAD LIT UP, AND THE ?SERVICE PARKING BRAKE? MESSAGE APPEARED AS WELL. THE CAR THEN SURGE VIOLENTLY AGAIN FORWARD WITHOUT SHIFTING INTO ANY GEARS. I THEN SHUT THE CAR OFF AND CALLED SPENCER CHEVROLET TO TELL THEM I WAS GOING TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THEIR SHOP. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, I TRIED ONCE MORE TO START THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AND DRIVE IT TO THE SHOP IN LIMP MODE WITH HALF THE WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE DASH. AFTER FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS, THE MAINTENANCE MANAGER AT SPENCER CHEVROLET INFORMED ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION COMPUTER MODULE (TCM) HAD FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY. THIS WAS THE THIRD ELECTRICAL ISSUE I HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE (THE TRUNK WAS OPENING ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING, PARKED, OR DURING THE NIGHT, AND THE RADIO WAS LOCKING UP WITH NO CONTROL). I WAS WORRIED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE COULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING, AND DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE ANY RISKS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 9, 2014, fire
NEIGHBORS WOKE US UP AT 3 AM TO TELL US THEY JUST PUT A FIRE OUT ON THE CAR. 2013 CHEVY MALIBU PURCHASED WITH 2 MILES ON IT AND HAD IT FOR 8 MONTHS..WENT OUTSIDE TO CHECK AND FIRST WAS SMOTHERING. CAME IN HOUSE, WHILE CALLING INSURANCE LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AGAIN. CALLED 911 AND WENT OUT TO SPRAY WATER ON IT. PUT THE FIRE OUT AND WAITED FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE. FIRE DEPARTMENT OPENED THE TRUNK AND TORE THE CARPET AWAY FROM THE LIGHT AND SPRAYED THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY. NOW ONE MONTH LATER THEY SAID IT WAS THE WIRING HARNESS. THE DEALER CAN NOT SAY WHY IT HAPPENED BUT WANT TO FIX THE CAR AND GIVE IT BACK TO US, EVEN THOUGH THEMSELVES AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY SAID THEY WOULD NOT GET BACK IN IT EITHER. WE JUST ASKED FOR A CAR OF EQUAL VALUE, ANYTHING ON THE LOT (PREFERABLY NOT CHEVY AND DID NOT HAVE TO BE NEW), NOW IT LOOKS LIKE WE WILL HAVE TO GET AN ATTORNEY BECAUSE SOME ARE CALLING IT TOTALED AND SOME ARE NOT. PHONE CALLS ARE NOT BEING RETURNED AND IF THEY ARE WE GET DIFFERENT ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS. REALLY SUCKS. OUR NEIGHBOR HAS CAMERAS AROUND HER HOUSE AND THE WHOLE THING IS ON CAMERA. WE HAVE 2 OTHER CHEVY'S CURRENTLY, BUT WILL PROBABLY BE GETTING RID OF THEM. *TR
Visibility, Jul 2, 2014
I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 9 MONTHS AND THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED, THE AIR CONDITIONER STARTED ON HIGH AND I COULD NOT TURN IT OFF. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED VEHICLE AND IT WAS OK. THIS HAPPENED TWICE SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 30, 2014
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE POWER SUDDENLY REDUCED AND A WARNING CAME ON INDICATING REDUCED ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO HAD IT FOR 2 WEEKS AND DROVE AROUND 500 MILES ON CAR AND WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE ERROR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jun 28, 2014
MY RPM KEEPS GOING UP AND DOWN AT STOPS AND I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND THEY FOUND OUT MY PISTON IS CRACKED AT COMPRESSION RINGS.THERE IS ALSO A SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY GM PI-1178 AFFECTING 2.0 TURBO ENGINES ,I TALKED TO 2 GM REPRESENTATIVES BOTH DENIED OF HAVING A SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED ON THIS CAR .AND THEYDONT WANT TO CHANGE MY ENGINE BUT REPLACE THE PISTONS AND THE RINGS ,MY CAR WILL BE AT THE SHOP ANOTHER WEEK!.I ALWAYS HAD GM CARS 1 AND THIS WILL BE MY LAST GM CAR BECAUSE ITS A CHEAP COMPANY! *TR
Air bags, Seats, Jun 24, 2014
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR TOO SENSITIVE?? THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AS WELL AS FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT REMINDER WITH MINIMAL WEIGHT AND/OR PRESSURE EXERTED ON SEAT. I NOTED A 12OZ SODA BEVERAGE WAS PLACED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND IN APPROXIMATELY LESS THAN 10 SECONDS THE VEHICLE LIGHT ILLUMINATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS ON (IT ILLUMINATED OFF UNTIL THIS POINT) AND THE REMINDER TONE CAME ON TO REMIND TO FASTEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 23, 2014
KEY FOB IS TOO SENSITIVE, ESPECIALLY ON THE TRUNK BUTTON. KEYS ARE IN MY POCKET, AND IF I BUMP UP AGAINST SOMETHING, THE TRUNK IS OPEN. WHEN YOU ARE IN PUBLIC (SAY A PUBLIC PARK FOR A FAMILY REUNION) AND NEED TO STORE LARGE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR, WHERE DO YOU STORE THEM? IN THE TRUNK. WELL WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU BUMP SOMETHING AND YOUR TRUNK POPS? THOSE VALUABLES GET STOLEN. THE FOB SHOULD HAVE THE TRUNK BUTTON INSET INTO IT, REQUIRE TO PRESS TWO BUTTONS SIMULTANEOUSLY, OR REQUIRE YOU TO PRESS THE TRUNK BUTTON TWICE FOR THE TRUNK TO OPEN. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A CHEVROLET DESIGN ERROR. THE DAY THAT I BOUGHT MY PREVIOUS CHEVY CAR (2012 CAMARO) THIS SAME THING HAPPENED. JUST SO HAPPENED THERE WASN'T ANYTHING IN MY TRUNK WITH THE CAMARO. BUT IT DID RAIN AND MY TRUNK WAS FULL OF WATER THE MORNING. THIS SEEMS LIKE AN EASY FIX, AND I AM SURE THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM. SUCKS TO SEE MY MOM LOSE A COACH PURSE AND WALLET, PERSONAL AND BUSINESS DEBIT CARDS AND CHECKS, MEDICATION, AND CASH WHILE ON A FAMILY VACATION. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jun 22, 2014
WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING DURING A SUNNY DAY, WAS BLINDED BY REFLECTION OF THE SUN OFF OF THE CHROME THAT IS ON THE CONSOLE WHERE THE GEAR SHIFT IS LOCATED. I HAD TO COVER THE AREA WITH A CLOTH IN ORDER TO CONTINUE DRIVING. SEEMS TO ME THAT THE CHROME IN THAT AREA NEEDS TO BE "DULLED" JUST A BIT AS IT IS IN THE AREA SURROUNDING THE RADIO. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 19, 2014
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE JANUARY 2014 AT 5,000 MILES. I BEGAN TO NOTICE TROUBLE WITH BRAKES AND ACCELERATION A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER. BRAKING WAS NOT SMOOTH OR CONSISTENT AT TIMES. AT TIMES I WASN'T ABLE TO ACCELERATE AND IT FELT LIKE I WAS DRIVING WITH PARKING BRAKE ON. LATER I NOTICED THAT I COULD CONTROL THIS BY LIFTING THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH MY FOOT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WASN'T RELEASING ON ITS OWN. I TOOK THE CAR TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP (SAME DEALER THAT FIXED ANOTHER RECALL ON THIS CAR FOR ELECTRICAL WIRING RECALL) TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED OUT. THEY SAID THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY WAS FAULTY AND KEPT THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS. SINCE THE PART HADN'T BEEN DELIVERED AND I NEEDED A VEHICLE ASAP, I PICKED UP MY CAR TO USE UNTIL THE PARTS CAME IN TO THE DEALER. WHEN I WAS LEAVING THE SERVICE CENTER, I WASN'T ABLE TO GO IN REVERSE. I MADE SURE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WASN'T ON AND EVEN TRIED TO TURN IT ON AND OFF TO MAKE SURE IT WAS DEFINITELY OFF. THE TIRES WERE ALIGNED STRAIGHT AND TRY AS I MAY, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO IN REVERSE. I WENT IN TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND SPOKE WITH THE TECHNICIAN WHO CAME OUT AND TRIED REVERSING THE CAR WITHOUT SUCCESS AT FIRST. HE EVENTUALLY GOT THE CAR TO GO IN REVERSE AND DIDN'T SEEM CONCERNED OR THOUGHT THIS TO BE SIGNIFICANT. THE NEXT DAY, I WAS DRIVING ON THE SPEEDWAY AND SUDDENLY I COULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 50 MPH REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN AND I WAS TERRIFIED THAT OTHER VEHICLES WOULD HIT THE BACK OF MY CAR. I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY ON THE NEXT EXIT AND MY VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE AND SCRAPING/GROANING SOUNDS WERE HEARD. I BARELY MADE IT TO A SHOPPING CENTER WHERE I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE THE CAR BACK THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. TOMORROW IT WILL BE ONE WEEK SINCE I TOOK MY CAR IN AND I STILL DON'T KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE DELIVERED OR WHEN MY VEHICLE WILL BE FIXED. *TR
Power train, Jun 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AS THE CHECK ENGINE SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO NEITHER REPLICATE NOR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 18, 2014, fire
FIRE IN THE TAIL LIGHT THAT ALSO GOT SOME OF MY TRUNK. THE FIRE STOPPED 1/4 INCH FORM THE GAS TANK. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Jun 14, 2014
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON FEBRUARY 7, 2013. BEFORE DRIVING OFF OF THE DEALER LOT, WE ASKED WHY AN AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FLASHING. THE DEALERSHIP ASSURED US IT WAS FINE AND DID NOT LOOK INTO IT. THEY LET US DRIVE THE CAR HOME. AFTER ABOUT A WEEK OF THE LIGHT CONTINUING TO FLASH AND THE CAR NOT RECOGNIZING THAT MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND TURNING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG ON, WE DECIDED TO TAKE IT INTO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO GET IT CHECKED OUT. UPON TAKING IT THERE, WE LEARNED THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN ACTIVE RECALL ON MY CAR WITH THE AIRBAG POTENTIALLY BEING ABLE TO DEPLOY IF THE CAR BRAKED TOO HARD. SO WE FOUND OUT WE WERE SOLD THE CAR WITH AN ACTIVE RECALL AND IT WAS NOT FIXED BEFORE PURCHASE. AFTER THIS FIRST INCIDENT ON THE DAY I BOUGHT IT, THERE HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. THE GCM RECALLED, THE WIRING HARNESS RECALLED, BOTH WHICH COULD START A FIRE, I HAVE STEADILY LOST GAS MILEAGE AND NOW AVERAGE ONLY 26 MPG, IF I'M LUCKY, NOT THE 37-40 ADVERSTISED, THERE IS A BUZZING NOISE WHEN TRYING TO GO IN AND OUT OF ECO MODE, WHICH THE DEALERSHIP ASSURED US WAS "PROBABLY NORMAL", AND NOW THERE IS SOME KIND OF SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE VENTS AND MOISTURE ALL OVER THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT. WE HAVE ALSO RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT THIS MODEL WAS DISCONTINUED AFTER ONLY ONE YEAR. IN SPITE OF THIS, CHEVY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT, BUT OFFER TO HELP US TRADE IT IN, AND EVEN THEN THEY WOULD NOT GIVE US WHAT THE CAR IS "WORTH". IN MY OPINION, IF CHEVY KNOWS THEY DID SOMETHING WRONG, THEY NEED TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS WHO BOUGHT THE WORTHLESS CARS TO BEGIN WITH. I AM A COMPLETELY DISSATISFIED CUSTOMER, YET THEY DON'T SEEM TO CARE, SO THEY HAVE NOW LOST NOT JUST ME AND MY HUSBAND AS CUSTOMERS, BUT ALSO FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT HAVE HEARD OF OUR TERRIBLE AND UNSAFE EXPERIENCE. *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 10, 2014
WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED WITH ONLY 5600 MILES AND HAS BEEN RUNNING FINE EXCEPT FOR SLIGHT SMELL IN REAR AREA. WE DROVE THE NIGHT BEFORE AND IT WAS OK, BUT THE NEXT MORNING THE BATTERY WAS ABSOLUTELY DEAD. NO LIGHTS, HORN, WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, GOT THE VEHICLE PUSHED OUT OF THE GARAGE BUT NO POWER BRAKES OR STEERING AND TRANSMISSION WAS LOCKED-UP. CALLED GM FOR ROAD ASSISTANCE AND CAR WAS JUMP STARTED. I LOOKED TO SEE PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL AND FOUND COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM AND ALSO GOING DEAD WHILE DRIVING. BLOGS SAID THEY BROUGHT VEHICLES INTO DEALER AND THEY FOUND NOTHING, WHICH IS THE SAME ANSWER I WAS GIVEN OTHER THEN MY WIFE MUST OF LEFT THE DOOR OPEN. I REFUSED TO PICKED THE CAR UP TO THIS DATE AS WILL NOT HAVE MY WIFE DRIVE THIS VEHICLE IN FEAR THAT IT WILL GO DEAD WHILE DRIVING OR WILL NOT START AND BE STRANDED AT NIGHT. BLOGS STATED THAT THE GENERATOR CONTROL MODULE WAS THE CAUSE AND SEVERAL HAD TO HAVE THE MODULE REPLACED AGAIN. MY VEHICLE WAS ON A RECALL LIST AND THE DEALER STATED THE MODULE WAS REPLACED ONCE A YEAR AGO ( BEFORE 5600 MILES). THE DEALER STATED THE GM EXPERT SPECIALIST CHECKED AND FOUND NO CODES AND WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE A REPLACEMENT MODULE. I BET IF IT WERE ANY SENIOR EXECUTIVE AT GM OR THEIR SPOUSE DRIVING THIS CAR THAT IT WOULD BE REPLACED! I DO BELIEVE THERE IS A HISTORY HERE AND GM DOES NOT WANT TO LIVE UP TO ANOTHER ENGINEERING ERROR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Visibility, Air bags, Structure, Tires, Jun 5, 2014
2013 CHEVY MALIBU 1LS MANUFACTURED 11/20/12, CURRENTLY LESS THAN 7,000 MI. 1) CHROME & RADIO GLASS - WHEN SUN SHINES ON CONSOLE IT BLINDS DRIVER & DRIVER MUST COVER AREA WITH A SCARF OR JACKET; CONSOLE IS BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT, BUT NOT PRACTICAL FROM A SAFETY VIEWPOINT SINCE THE DRIVER IS BLINDED & CANNOT SEE UNTIL THE AREA IS COVERED FROM THE SUN. 2) WHEN AIR CONDITIONING WAS TURNED ON, A BLAST OF VERY HOT AIR CAME OUT; IT TOOK A COUPLE OF TIMES OF TURNING THE SETTINGS OFF & ON (AT LEAST 60 SECONDS OR LONGER) BEFORE THE HOT AIR STOPPED & THE AIR CONDITIONING CAME ON. THE HOT AIR COULD NOT BE IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF. HAPPENED ONLY ONCE. 3) PASSENGER SIDE FRONT FENDER/BUMPER LOOSE - MAKES NOISE, CAN POP IT BACK IN, BUT ON HOT DAYS, IT POPS OUT, VIBRATES AND MAKES LOUD NOISE UNTIL POPPED BACK IN. 4) REAR WINDOWS - WHEN DOWN 1/2, 3/4 OR FULLY, VIBRATES, MAKES VERY LOUD NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE TIRES ARE COMING APART, CAUSING DRIVER TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER TO CHECK TIRES, THE DISTRACTION & BEING ON SIDE OF ROAD COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. 5) NO SPARE TIRE - UNABLE TO LOCATE A TIRE & RIM (OR DONUT TIRE) FOR PURCHASE TO INSERT IN TRUNK TIRE AREA. NO CAN OF GOOP, ALSO GOOP ONLY LASTS FOR 6 MONTHS & MUST BE DISCARDED & NEW CAN PURCHASED. NOT GOOD WHEN STRANDED IN INCLEMENT SNOWY WEATHER OR OUT IN THE HOT DESERT & MUST WAIT FOR TOW TRUCK. I LIKE MY CHEVY MALIBU VERY MUCH, IT HAS BEEN ABLE TO HANDLE ROUGH GRAVEL/DIRT ROADS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, SNOW, & HIGHWAY TRAVEL. I PLAN TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER SHORTLY FOR AN OIL CHANGE & TO TAKE CARE OF THESE ISSUES. WHAT I DON'T LIKE IS THAT I AM UNABLE TO TURN THE DRIVER AIRBAG OFF (I SIT LESS THAN 12 INCHES FROM THE WHEEL & AM CONCERNED THAT IF IT WERE TO DEPLOY I WOULD BE KILLED) & THAT THE VEHICLE IS FAIRLY LOW TO THE GROUND, MAKING SPEED BUMPS & GETTING OUT OF BUSINESSES WHERE THERE IS A DIP ONTO STREETS DIFFICULT. *TR
Electrical system, May 31, 2014
ON MAY 9, 2014, MY CAR FAILED TO START AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CALLED GM EMERGENCY VEHICLE ASSISTANCE TO JUMP START MY CAR AND DROVE TO THE DON MEALEY CHEVROLET IN CLERMONT FLORIDA, WHERE MY CAR HAS BEEN FOR 22 DAYS. DURING THIS TIME I HAVE QUESTIONED WHY A PART FOR RELATIVELY NEW CAR IS NOT AVAILABLE. I WAS NOT GIVEN A VALID REASON BY THE DEALERSHIP. I WENT ON LINE AND DISCOVERED THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A RECALL FOR MY CAR LAST YEAR. I WAS NEVER ADVISED ABOUT THIS RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE BAD PART (GENERATOR CONTROL MODULE) CAN CAUSE A FIRE IN THE TRUNK OR ENGINE STALLING. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED AND MORE IMPORTANT HAVE NO FAITH IN MY 2013 MALIBU ECO OR IN GENERAL MOTOR OR MY DEALERSHIP. PLEASE ADVISE MY RIGHTS.
Electrical system, May 27, 2014
TURNED THE CAR ON HEAT CAME ON FULL BLAST FAN AND TEMP GAGE WERE BOTH IN OFF POSITION. IT DID THIS 3 TIMES BEFORE I COULD GET IT INTO THE SHOP A WEEK LATER. THIS CAR ALARM ALSO TURNS ITSELF ON AFTER DRIVING IN THE RAIN. LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST WHEN DRIVING IN SLOW TRAFFIC THE TRANSMISSIONS DOWNSHIFT ON THIS AUTOMATIC VEHICLE IS HORRIBLE IT IS A VIOLENT JERK DOWN AND UP. MY DEALERSHIP CONTINUES TO TELL ME THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FAN ISSUE THE ONLY THING THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIX. I AM BEGINNING TO HATE MY CAR. THE JERK SCARES THE CAP OUT OF ME I AM SCARED ONE DAY IT WILL JUST SLIP IT IS EVEN WORSE WHEN THE AC IS ON EVEN WHEN STOPPING IN NORMAL TRAFFIC IT DOES THIS AND SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE I AM DRIVING OVER A GRAVEL ROAD. *TR