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2013 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Daniel Wilson
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has 1,349 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve electrical system and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

5.3/ 10

Based on 1,349 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

354 26.2%

ENGINE

194 14.4%

STEERING

178 13.2%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

84 6.2%

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

72 5.3%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 26.2% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 52 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has 1,349 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 26% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (354), ENGINE (194), STEERING (178).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 948 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 Malibu complaints2014 Malibu complaints2011 Malibu complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 32 of 32 systems

STEERING

56 Reports22% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY SON WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE CARS STEERING DRASTICALLY PULLED HIM TOTALLY OFF THE ROAD !!!! LUCKY THERE WAS NO ONE TO THE RIGHT OF HIM THEY WOULD OF BEAN KILLED .THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM! THE DEALER IS TRYING TO BRUSH IT OFF LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED. NILES SALES & SERVICE KEY WEST FLORIDA ! ITS A NEW CAR. PLEASE CALL ME [XXX]5/13 /13 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

5/13/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, HE APPROACHED A TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TWICE WHERE THE STEERING MODULE WAS REPLACED EACH TIME. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER EACH REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. UPDATED 9/23/13 *CN

8/13/2013

54 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

44 Reports18% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

OUR MALIBU WAS JUST PURCHASED WITH 9 MILES NEW ON JANUARY 31ST AND HAS THE EASIEST ECO FEATURE WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE AT STOPS. OUR VEHICLE IS NOT SHUTTING DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THERE IS NO KNOWN ISSUE, BULLETIN, OR RECALL FOR THIS. ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE HELPFUL THANK YOU. *TR ## VIN FAILED ##

2/7/2013

TRUNK OPENS AUTOMATICALLY WHEN KEY FOB IS CARRIED IN PANTS POCKETS..I'VE TRIED SHIELDING THE FOB, BUT IT IS JUST TO SENSITIVE FOR NORMAL USE!!! I GOT DIFFERENT FOB, BUT IT STILL OPENING MY TRUNK, & I DON'T REALIZE IT, TILL I RETURN TO CAR... MY CAR IS NOT IN A GARAGE, & IN MORNINGS, THE TRUNK IS WET FROM SNOW OR RAIN.. PLUS:ANYONE COULD STEAL FROM MYTRUNK ALL NITE LONG !!!! *TR

10/30/2013

42 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

26 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

OUR MALIBU WAS JUST PURCHASED WITH 9 MILES NEW ON JANUARY 31ST AND HAS THE EASIEST ECO FEATURE WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE AT STOPS. OUR VEHICLE IS NOT SHUTTING DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THERE IS NO KNOWN ISSUE, BULLETIN, OR RECALL FOR THIS. ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE HELPFUL THANK YOU. *TR ## VIN FAILED ##

2/7/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DOWNSHIFTING, THE VEHICLE RODE VERY ROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. AFTER INSPECTION, THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PUT 500 MILES ON THE VEHICLE FOR IT TO LEARN HIS WAY OF DRIVING. AFTER DRIVING A WHILE, THE SHIFTING BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE TWO REAR ENGINE MOUNTING BOLTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY TIGHTENING OF THE BOLTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,600. UPDATED 4/1/13 *CN UPDATED 04/23/2013 *JS

2/13/2013

24 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

13 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

FIRST NOTICED A CREASE IN REAR SEAT SIDE AIRBAGS CAUSED BY REAR DOOR PANEL RESTING ON IT RATHER THAN HAVING CLEARANCE. AFTER THE DOOR HAD BEEN OPENED/CLOSED THROUGH USE OVER A PERIOD OF ONLY 6 MONTHS, IT IS BEGINNING TO RUB A POSSIBLE HOLE IN THE MATERIAL CONTAINING THE AIRBAG. DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER HAD NEVER SEEN BEFORE AND SUBSEQUENT CHECK OF SOME NEW MALIBUS STILL ON THE LOT REVEALED THAT ALMOST ALL HAD SOME SORT OF INDICATION OF THE SAME PROBLEM. DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF MATERIAL ON AIRBAG IS BREACHED WITH A HOLE. *TR

6/17/2013

WAITING AT A CORNER FOR A CLEAR SPOT TO CROSS FIVE LANE ROAD. WAS WATCHING A TRUCK WITH A SNOW PLOW WANTING TO TURN ONTO SAME ROAD THAT I NEEDED TO CROSS. LOOKED BOTH WAYS AND THEN BACK AT THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK DID NOT MOVE SO I PROCEEDED AND I ONLY MADE IT JUST BEYOND THE TURN LANE AND GOT HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. I TRIED AS FAST AS I COULD TO STAY IN THE TURN LANE BUT STILL GOT HIT. OTHER DRIVER DID NOT TRY TO AVOID US. WE WERE HIT HARD IN THE RIGHT FRONT OF OUR CAR. THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE ROAD I WANTED TO CROSS IS 55 MPH SO WE WERE HIT PRETTY HARD. NOW THIS IS WHERE WE GET MAD. OUR AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY WIFE AND I WERE SHAKEN VERY BAD. WE EACH HAVE A DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS AS WE ARE VERY SORE AND STIFF. *TR

2/11/2014

11 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

12 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT ABRUPTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DEPRESSING THE BRAKES THERE WAS SLIGHT DELAY BEFORE IT ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,460 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,041.

8/30/2012

VEHICLE SOLD AND DELIVERED WITH AN OPEN ACTIVE SAFETY RECALL (13142) ON IT AT TIME OF PURCHASE, WHICH WAS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW TITLE, 49 SUBTITLE VI, CHAPTER 301, SECTION 30112A3 RESTRICTING THE SALE (AND/OR INTRODUCING INTO COMMERCE) OF A VEHICLE WITH A SAFETY DEFECT. THIS INFORMATION IS CONSISTENT WITH THE INFORMATION IN GM RECALL BULLETIN #13142. DEALER SOLD HAVE NOT SOLD OR DELIVERED THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE RECALL WAS ADDRESSED. DEALER/CHEVROLET RISKED THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE OWNER AND GENERAL PUBLIC BY PLACING IT INTO COMMERCE WITH THE OPEN RECALL. *TR

11/25/2013

10 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT ABRUPTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DEPRESSING THE BRAKES THERE WAS SLIGHT DELAY BEFORE IT ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,460 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,041.

8/30/2012

WHEN I WAS DRIVING I NOTICED THAT EVERY SO OFTEN MY BRAKES WOULD FEEL REALLY STIFF WHEN BRAKING. LATER THAT DAY, PARKED VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY AND BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OFF, HAD TO GO INTO VEHICLE AND LIFT BRAKE PEDAL UP TO GET LIGHTS TO GO OFF. NOTICED LATER THAT DAY THAT BRAKE PEDAL WAS GETTING STUCK DOWN AFTER I RELEASED MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. DOES NOT DO IT EVERYTIME I BREAK BUT DID START TO DO IT THE DAY WE HAD 90% HUMIDITY. STILL HAVE TO SOMETIMES LIFT THE PEDAL UP TO GET THE LIGHTS TO GO OFF. *TR

1/10/2014

7 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU ECO AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE. HOW CAN THE GOVERNMENT ALLOW MANUFACTURERS TO SELL VEHICLES WITH NO SPARE TIRES? A COMPRESSOR AND TIRE SEALANT WILL NOT WORK WITH A SIDEWALL BLOWOUT, OR AN UNREPAIRABLE PUNCTURE. I CHECKED WITH THE DEALER ABOUT PURCHASING A SPARE WITH A JACK, AND THE COST WAS $500 - WHICH IS RIDICULOUS!! I YOU WANT TO MAKE HIGHWAYS SAFE, INSIST THAT MANUFACTURERS OFFER SPARE TIRES AND JACKS AT A REASONABLE PRICE, OR MAKE SPARE TIRES MANDATORY. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK. THANK YOU *TR

5/24/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE TIRE WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT DUE TO FUEL ECONOMY, THEY DID NOT EQUIP VEHICLES WITH SPARE TIRES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. *TR

6/6/2013

6 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

3/20 I WAS GOING 35 WHEN IT LOST POWER AND BRAKE.ONSTAR TOWED TO DEALER 4 DAYS LATER WAS TOLD IT WAS TRACTION CONTROL AND FIXED. 4/29 GOING 50 AND LOST POWER, AND BRAKED TO 28 MPH. ONSTAR AGAIN TOWED TO DEALER HAS SAT THERE FOR 24 DAYS AND COUNTING WITH NO RESOLUTION FROM GM. THIS IS A 2013 CHEVY MALIBU.I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING TO HAVE IT DECLARED A LEMON. *TR

5/23/2014

WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR KEPT SHUTTING OFF AND THROWING IT INTO THEFT MODE...THIS HAPPENS ON DAILY BASIS NOW AND I'M SCARED IT WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE CONTINUOUS SHUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING IN CERTAIN SPEEDS...I SEE THERE IS RECALLS ON THIS WHICH I DO KEEP GETTING THE ANTI THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM ERROR MESSAGE IN MY MAIN SCREEN WHEN THIS HAPPENS. WHEN WILL THERE BE A RECALL FOR THIS ON THIS YEAR & MODEL BECAUSE I SEE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ONLINE? *TR

5/5/2015

6 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN APRIL 2012 AND NOTICED AFTER A WEEK THAT MY AC HAD A BAD SMELL EVERY TIME I TURNED ON THE AIR CONDITIONER. ALSO NOTICED AFTER ABOUT THREE DAYS OF PURCHASING MY VEHICLE THAT THE CARPET WAS COMING UP ON THE PASSENGER SEAT IN THE FRONT. *TR

2/26/2013

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THEN THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER FOR REPAIR ON JULY 11 AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE MOTOR FOR THE FAN THAT COOLS THE BATTERY. DEALER REPAIRED AND RETURNED TO ME ON JULY 13. NOTED COVER ON AIRBAG ON STEERING WHEEL IS MALALIGNED, WHICH IS A NEW PROBLEM. TRAVELED OUT OF STATE WITH CAR AND FOUND CRUISE CONTROL AND TRIP ODOMETER NO LONGER WORK (WERE FINE PRIOR TO "REPAIR"). AFTER ARRIVING OUT OF STATE, THE MYLINK COMPUTER FAILED TO WORK THEN BEGAN TO WORK ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER. TOOK CAR TO DEALER WHO REFUSED TO TAKE IT AND TOLD ME TO COME BACK NEXT WEEK. WENT TO SECOND DEALER WHO HAS HAD CAR SINCE JULY 16. MEANWHILE, WE DISCOVERED THE CAR WAS UNDER RECALL AND DEALER SHOULD NOT HAVE SOLD PRIOR TO REPAIR. THIS CRITICAL REPAIR WAS NOT MADE AT THE FIRST OR SECOND DEALER. THIS IS AN INFERIOR PRODUCT, A VEHICLE WITH 668 ACTUAL MILES SHOULD NOT HAVE A FAN MOTOR PROBLEM. THE GAS CAP DOES NOT CLICK TO CLOSE EITHER. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN A DEALERSHIP GARAGE MORE THAN I HAVE ACTUALLY GOTTEN TO DRIVE IT; MY FIRST PAYMENT IS NOT EVEN DUE YET! THIS CAR IS A LEMON, I FEEL CHEATED AND MISLED BY CHEVY SINCE THEY HAD THE CHANCE TO FIX IT BEFORE THEY SOLD IT TO ME. MY FAMILY WAS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE FAN MOTOR ISSUE, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SIGNIFICANT ACCIDENT. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS VEHICLE AND AM AFRAID OF FURTHER PROBLEMS WITH IT IN THE FUTURE.

7/22/2013

5 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A DRIVEWAY, THE WIND DEFLECTOR RUBBED AGAINST THE GROUND AND BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

10/18/2013

WAITING AT A CORNER FOR A CLEAR SPOT TO CROSS FIVE LANE ROAD. WAS WATCHING A TRUCK WITH A SNOW PLOW WANTING TO TURN ONTO SAME ROAD THAT I NEEDED TO CROSS. LOOKED BOTH WAYS AND THEN BACK AT THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK DID NOT MOVE SO I PROCEEDED AND I ONLY MADE IT JUST BEYOND THE TURN LANE AND GOT HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. I TRIED AS FAST AS I COULD TO STAY IN THE TURN LANE BUT STILL GOT HIT. OTHER DRIVER DID NOT TRY TO AVOID US. WE WERE HIT HARD IN THE RIGHT FRONT OF OUR CAR. THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE ROAD I WANTED TO CROSS IS 55 MPH SO WE WERE HIT PRETTY HARD. NOW THIS IS WHERE WE GET MAD. OUR AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY WIFE AND I WERE SHAKEN VERY BAD. WE EACH HAVE A DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS AS WE ARE VERY SORE AND STIFF. *TR

2/11/2014

5 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHROME COVER PLATE AROUND THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS BLOCKING HIS VISIBILITY WHENEVER THE SUN REFLECTED ON IT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000.

6/19/2012

WENT TO TEST DRIVE 2013 CHEVY MALIBU. AS ALWAYS, I ADJUST MIRRORS BEFORE DRIVING. I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT BECAUSE THE ROOFLINE IS SO LOW-SLUNG FOR AERODYNAMIC REASONS, THAT THE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS ALSO VERY LOW. AS A RESULT, THE MIRROR WAS BLOCKING ALMOST 25% OF MY VIEW! I'VE HEARD OF BLINDSPOTS ON VEHICLES BUT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD? I'M ONLY 5'10' TALL, BUT I HAD TO DUCK MY HEAD TO SEE UNDER THE MIRROR. DIDN'T BUY THE VEHICLE FOR THAT REASON ALONE. AS A MATTER OF FACT, I NEVER EVEN WENT FOR THE TEST DRIVE AS IT WAS OBVIOUSLY DANGEROUS. *TR

8/2/2013

4 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

YOUR CURRENT REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITIONING OF THE HEAD REST ON CAR SEATS SUCKS. IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE TO THE POINT OF BEING A SAFETY HAZARD. THE FACT THAT IT CANNOT BE REMOVED INCREASES THE PROBLEM. CHANGE IT. *TR

3/25/2013

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

6/24/2014

4 more complaints are available in this category.

TIRES

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. *TR

4/26/2013

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU ECO AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE. HOW CAN THE GOVERNMENT ALLOW MANUFACTURERS TO SELL VEHICLES WITH NO SPARE TIRES? A COMPRESSOR AND TIRE SEALANT WILL NOT WORK WITH A SIDEWALL BLOWOUT, OR AN UNREPAIRABLE PUNCTURE. I CHECKED WITH THE DEALER ABOUT PURCHASING A SPARE WITH A JACK, AND THE COST WAS $500 - WHICH IS RIDICULOUS!! I YOU WANT TO MAKE HIGHWAYS SAFE, INSIST THAT MANUFACTURERS OFFER SPARE TIRES AND JACKS AT A REASONABLE PRICE, OR MAKE SPARE TIRES MANDATORY. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK. THANK YOU *TR

5/24/2013

4 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THEN THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER FOR REPAIR ON JULY 11 AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE MOTOR FOR THE FAN THAT COOLS THE BATTERY. DEALER REPAIRED AND RETURNED TO ME ON JULY 13. NOTED COVER ON AIRBAG ON STEERING WHEEL IS MALALIGNED, WHICH IS A NEW PROBLEM. TRAVELED OUT OF STATE WITH CAR AND FOUND CRUISE CONTROL AND TRIP ODOMETER NO LONGER WORK (WERE FINE PRIOR TO "REPAIR"). AFTER ARRIVING OUT OF STATE, THE MYLINK COMPUTER FAILED TO WORK THEN BEGAN TO WORK ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER. TOOK CAR TO DEALER WHO REFUSED TO TAKE IT AND TOLD ME TO COME BACK NEXT WEEK. WENT TO SECOND DEALER WHO HAS HAD CAR SINCE JULY 16. MEANWHILE, WE DISCOVERED THE CAR WAS UNDER RECALL AND DEALER SHOULD NOT HAVE SOLD PRIOR TO REPAIR. THIS CRITICAL REPAIR WAS NOT MADE AT THE FIRST OR SECOND DEALER. THIS IS AN INFERIOR PRODUCT, A VEHICLE WITH 668 ACTUAL MILES SHOULD NOT HAVE A FAN MOTOR PROBLEM. THE GAS CAP DOES NOT CLICK TO CLOSE EITHER. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN A DEALERSHIP GARAGE MORE THAN I HAVE ACTUALLY GOTTEN TO DRIVE IT; MY FIRST PAYMENT IS NOT EVEN DUE YET! THIS CAR IS A LEMON, I FEEL CHEATED AND MISLED BY CHEVY SINCE THEY HAD THE CHANCE TO FIX IT BEFORE THEY SOLD IT TO ME. MY FAMILY WAS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE FAN MOTOR ISSUE, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SIGNIFICANT ACCIDENT. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS VEHICLE AND AM AFRAID OF FURTHER PROBLEMS WITH IT IN THE FUTURE.

7/22/2013

I BOUGHT A NEW 2013 CHEVY MALIBU IN DECEMBER, 2012. SINCE THEN, THE CAR HAS BEEN RECALLED FOUR TIMES FOR FOUR DIFFERENT POSSIBLE MALFUNCTIONS. IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE THAT THE CAR MANUFACTURER WOULD RELEASE A VEHICLE THAT WAS RECALLED NO LESS THAN FOUR TIMES IN LITTLE OVER TWO YEARS DUE TO THEIR MISTAKES. WHAT RECOURSE DOES A CONSUMER HAVE FOR LOST TIME FROM WORK, LOST PRODUCTIVITY, WASTED HOURS AND THE INCONVENIENCE OF SHUTTLING THE CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP FOUR SEPARATE TIMES? SHOULDN'T CHEVY BE REQUIRED TO REIMBURSE THE CONSUMER FOR THESE LOSSES? WHEN YOU SPEND UPWARDS OF $30,000 ON A NEW PRODUCT, IT IS NOT UNREASONABLE TO EXPECT THAT YOU ARE PURCHASING A QUALITY PRODUCT THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE FOUR SEPARATE VISITS TO THE REPAIR SHOP ON TOP OF REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES. *TR

4/9/2015

4 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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

6/30/2014

VEHICLE SLOWED TO 10 MPH RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING IN TRAFFIC. WAS ONE HALF MILE FROM ENTERING INTERSTATE. CAR WAS HAULED TO DEALER. *TR

8/15/2014

4 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN APRIL 2012 AND NOTICED AFTER A WEEK THAT MY AC HAD A BAD SMELL EVERY TIME I TURNED ON THE AIR CONDITIONER. ALSO NOTICED AFTER ABOUT THREE DAYS OF PURCHASING MY VEHICLE THAT THE CARPET WAS COMING UP ON THE PASSENGER SEAT IN THE FRONT. *TR

2/26/2013

WENT TO TEST DRIVE 2013 CHEVY MALIBU. AS ALWAYS, I ADJUST MIRRORS BEFORE DRIVING. I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT BECAUSE THE ROOFLINE IS SO LOW-SLUNG FOR AERODYNAMIC REASONS, THAT THE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS ALSO VERY LOW. AS A RESULT, THE MIRROR WAS BLOCKING ALMOST 25% OF MY VIEW! I'VE HEARD OF BLINDSPOTS ON VEHICLES BUT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD? I'M ONLY 5'10' TALL, BUT I HAD TO DUCK MY HEAD TO SEE UNDER THE MIRROR. DIDN'T BUY THE VEHICLE FOR THAT REASON ALONE. AS A MATTER OF FACT, I NEVER EVEN WENT FOR THE TEST DRIVE AS IT WAS OBVIOUSLY DANGEROUS. *TR

8/2/2013

3 more complaints are available in this category.

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE TIRE WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT DUE TO FUEL ECONOMY, THEY DID NOT EQUIP VEHICLES WITH SPARE TIRES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. *TR

6/6/2013

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

6/5/2014

2 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN GETTING GAS AFTER STARTING CAR HOT AIR COMES OUT OF THE HEATER VENT'S EVEN WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF.AT TIMES DOES THIS MOST OF THE TIME WHEN GETTING FUEL' WHEN I TURN OFF ENG.ITS STOPS. *TR

11/15/2013

VEHICLE SOLD AND DELIVERED WITH AN OPEN ACTIVE SAFETY RECALL (13142) ON IT AT TIME OF PURCHASE, WHICH WAS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW TITLE, 49 SUBTITLE VI, CHAPTER 301, SECTION 30112A3 RESTRICTING THE SALE (AND/OR INTRODUCING INTO COMMERCE) OF A VEHICLE WITH A SAFETY DEFECT. THIS INFORMATION IS CONSISTENT WITH THE INFORMATION IN GM RECALL BULLETIN #13142. DEALER SOLD HAVE NOT SOLD OR DELIVERED THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE RECALL WAS ADDRESSED. DEALER/CHEVROLET RISKED THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE OWNER AND GENERAL PUBLIC BY PLACING IT INTO COMMERCE WITH THE OPEN RECALL. *TR

11/25/2013

2 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

FIRE IN THE TAIL LIGHT THAT ALSO GOT SOME OF MY TRUNK. THE FIRE STOPPED 1/4 INCH FORM THE GAS TANK. *TR

6/18/2014

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

7/9/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING WHEN I TURNED ON AC IT WENT FULL BLAST TO HEAT EVEN THOUGH SETTING WAS SET LOW. WENT TO DEALER SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED CHANGED OUT SOMETHING HOWEVER IT DID IT AGAIN JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO. HAVE TO TURN OFF FAN LET IT REST THEN TURN IT BACK ON AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES. WORKED GREAT THEN. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME 4 TIMES NOW AND DEALER DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. IT'S CALLED A DEFECT! GM NEEDS TO FIX THIS. *TR

5/15/2014

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

7/2/2014

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ON MY WAY TO WORK TODAY I HAD A FLAT TIRE, WHICH RESULTED IN ME HAVING TO CALL ONSTAR BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SPARE OR JACK IN THE TRUCK. ONCE I CALLED ON STAR IT TOOK THEM THREE TIMES CALLING ME BACK TO GET ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE ON THE PHONE. I WAS STUCK FOR TWO AND A HALF HOURS BEFORE THE TOW TRUCK EVEN ARRIVED. ONCE THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER ARRIVED I ASKED HIM WHAT HAPPENED TO ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE HE TOLD ME THAT ON STAR JUST CALLED HIS OFFICE AND TOLD THEM THAT I NEEDED A TOW TRUCK TO TOW MY CAR THAT I ONLY HAD A FLAT TIRE. THAT COULD HAVE BEEN FIXED IF I WOULD HAVE HAD A SPARE TIRE INSTEAD OF A CAN OF GOO AND A TIRE PUMP. ONCE THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER GOT MY CAR LOADED THAT IS WHEN I LEANED THAT I COULD NOT RIDE IN THE TOW TRUCK. SO AFTER BEING STRANDED ON SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR TWO HOURS HAD TO WAIT ON A RIDE HOME AND THE DEALERSHIP CLOSED AT 5 PM SO, I STILL CAN'T GET MY CAR UNTIL THE NEXT DAY BECAUSE OF A FLAT TIRE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF I HAD A SPARE TIRE. SO, I COULDN'T MAKE IT TO WORK AND I HAD TO THUMB A RIDE HOME BECAUSE OF GM WANTING TO SAVE .4 MPG OF GAS BY TAKING AWAY THE SPARE TIRE AND JACK. *TR

7/16/2013

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

3/20 I WAS GOING 35 WHEN IT LOST POWER AND BRAKE.ONSTAR TOWED TO DEALER 4 DAYS LATER WAS TOLD IT WAS TRACTION CONTROL AND FIXED. 4/29 GOING 50 AND LOST POWER, AND BRAKED TO 28 MPH. ONSTAR AGAIN TOWED TO DEALER HAS SAT THERE FOR 24 DAYS AND COUNTING WITH NO RESOLUTION FROM GM. THIS IS A 2013 CHEVY MALIBU.I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING TO HAVE IT DECLARED A LEMON. *TR

5/23/2014

VISIBILITY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

6/5/2014

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

3/10/2015

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATING BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE DEFROSTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THERMOSTAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V567000 (VISIBILITY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

4/3/2015

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM DID NOT WARN IF THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE TWO POUNDS LOW AND THE SYSTEM DID NOT GIVE A WARNING. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE UNABLE TO CONFIRM THE AMOUNT OF LOW PRESSURE THAT WOULD SIGNAL THE WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

4/27/2015

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND POWERED DOWN AS THE ENGINE OVER SPEED AND SERVICE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY THIRTY TIMES. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONLY AT 70 MPH OR HIGHER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.

9/9/2015

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

9/9/2015

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING HOME, I RECEIVED A WARNING TO SERVICE MY BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM. EVENTUALLY, THE BATTERY SAVER WAS ACTIVATED. I LOST MY POWER STEERING EVENTUALLY AND MY CAR STOPPED RUNNING. I COULD JUMP THE CAR TO START BUT MY CAR WOULD DIE WHEN PUT IN GEAR. MY VEHICLE HAS 51,000 MILES AND YET THE DRIVE BELT BROKE. WHILE REPAIRING IT, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVE BELT TENSIONER PULLEY WAS BAD AND NEEDED REPLACED. MY VEHICLE IS NOT OLD ENOUGH NOR WITH ENOUGH MILES TO WARRANT THIS PART GOING BAD. I HAD TO PAY A $700 REPAIR BILL BECAUSE IT IS OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY. *JS

12/30/2015

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS OFF, BUT A MESSAGE IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON AND SHOULD BE TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,050.

1/19/2016

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WITH THE FRONT AND REAR DEFOGGERS ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POP SOUND. THE ENTIRE REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL INTO A DRIVEWAY AND CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.

4/5/2016

SEAT BELTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

AIR BAG DEPLOYED IN ACCIDENT CAUSING DAMAGE TO FACE CHEST LEG ALSO SEATBELT CAUSED SEVERE BRUISING TO LOWER ABDOMEN.

4/7/2016

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?

The most reported complaint category for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, with 354 owner reports. That is about 26% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, STEERING.

Are complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 948 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu severe?

948 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Chevrolet Malibu: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
1,349
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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