2013 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
94 owners have reported engine problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 30% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 100,250 mi.
- Engine complaints
- 94
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 100,250 mi
Specific components reported
Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 93 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys | 1 |
Engine complaints across Chevrolet Malibu years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed May 19, 2026KYBrakesEngineOther / Unknown
While driving my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (2.5L), I experienced a sudden and severe failure of the braking system. [Insert exactly what happened here—for example: 'The brake pedal suddenly went completely to the floor,' 'The brakes unexpectedly locked up,' 'The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking power,' or 'The brake warning lights illuminated right as the brakes failed']. This occurred while traveling at approximately 25 mph on a one-lane road. This total/partial…
NHTSA complaint #11738680 · source - Filed May 5, 2026ILElectrical SystemEngine
My battery warning light on the dash is illuminated with the notification saying "service battery charging system." I've researched online and found out that more vehicles of the same year make and model of my vehicle have been recalled for the same issue, but when putting in my vin number my vehicle does not show up. This issue poses a high risk of danger if not fixed and I would like it to be fixed at dealership for free because I'm a single mother of 2 and can not afford…
NHTSA complaint #11735733 · source - Filed Apr 27, 2026GAElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
The vehicle was purchased on 04/07 and represented with a mileage of 167,334 at the time of sale. No issues with the odometer or mileage accuracy were disclosed prior to purchase. On 04/08, the vehicle was taken to Walmart Auto Care Center for routine service, where it was identified and documented that the odometer/instrument cluster is not functioning and does not display or track mileage. Because the odometer is inoperative, the stated mileage cannot be verified, and the…
NHTSA complaint #11734090 · source - Filed Apr 17, 2026OKBrakesElectrical SystemEngine
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car stalls and/or shuts down while in use Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the…
NHTSA complaint #11731828 · source - Filed Mar 27, 2026NJElectrical SystemEngine
The electrical system has caused the car to stop mid traffic multiple times while driving. Had everything checked and it does it multiple times with my kids in the car. The transmission stalls and when you hit the gas it ramps up but doesn’t move until last minute and jumps causing the car to be unsafe nd jump into traffic . I see it has many recalls for this year and vehicle but yet my con isn’t showing up but it definitely has those issues . It not safe to drive at all.…
NHTSA complaint #11727402 · source - Filed Mar 25, 2026MDElectrical SystemEngineSuspension
THIS IS MY 3RD COMPLAINT (Ref: Previous Reports). THE VEHICLE IS NOW A TOTAL LOSS. 1. UNRESOLVED ENGINE/STEERING (Prior Complaints): This 2013 Malibu has a documented history of sudden engine stalling and total loss of power steering at highway speeds. Despite reporting this twice to the NHTSA and to GM, the manufacturer failed to provide a remedy. 2. RECENT SYSTEMIC COLLAPSE: Prior to the car becoming completely undrivable in my driveway, the instrument cluster suffered a…
NHTSA complaint #11726999 · source - Filed Mar 10, 2026MNEngine
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the serpentine belt detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the serpentine belt needed to be reinstalled. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the…
NHTSA complaint #11723333 · source - Filed Mar 6, 2026TNElectrical SystemEngineSteering
I have not been involved in no incident or accident with anybody but my vehicle is installing up and dying in the middle of the road the power steering is locking up the battery is draining and the car is cutting off I had the battery replaced and I'm still losing power in my battery and I can't figure out why I'm not too long after the battery dying and the vehicle starting up and dying it started overheating for no known reason at all shortly after sorting the overheat my…
NHTSA complaint #11722387 · source - Filed Feb 24, 2026125,000 miIAEngine
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while idling at a stoplight, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The failure occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally, but failed to immediately restart on several occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who replaced the engine oil pump, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the…
NHTSA complaint #11720246 · source - Filed Jan 26, 2026KYElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
The engine light came on, later while driving the car shuts down engine reduced speed, engine power reduced. I have to restart the car and sometimes that dont help. Also the (ABS) light came on service stabilitrak, my anti brakes went out
NHTSA complaint #11713299 · source - Filed Sep 21, 2025NYElectrical SystemEngineSteering
my power steering intermittently 'locks"Cannnot remove key from ignition.Car loses its data memory, time &date go haywire. A lot of times car wont start.I have taken it a few times to my mechanic. He has run scans, but all the codes are clear.This is the problem.He has checked the Battery&Altenator, all fine.He tried cleaning some ground wires. He feels bad charging me money because he cant fix a problem that he doesnt see.!! When the car is in the shop,the intermittent…
NHTSA complaint #11688706 · source - Filed Sep 6, 2025AREngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
GM reclassified a known safety defect affecting over 300,000 vehicles as a “special coverage campaign” instead of a recall. This has allowed them to deny timely repairs and loaner vehicles, leaving owners without safe transportation.I have been without my vehicle since August 2021. I began actively trying to repair it again in June 2025, and the dealer has had it for the past week with no resolution. Both Benton Chevrolet and Gwatney Chevrolet in Arkansas have refused to…
NHTSA complaint #11685459 · source
Other 2013 Chevrolet Malibu problem areas
- Electrical System (131)
- Suspension (57)
- Other / Unknown (51)
- Steering (33)
- Airbags (24)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (24)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (19)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (16)
- Brakes (15)
- Lighting (12)
- Seats & Seat Belts (11)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (10)
- Visibility & Wipers (8)
- Wheels & Tires (6)
- Body & Structure (4)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology