The vehicle dossier US · 2013
2013 Chevrolet
MALIBUProblems & recalls
835 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Electrical system appears in 375 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.
01 / Owner-reported evidence
What owners reported.
Categories attached to 835 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.
See original component labels
These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.
The reporting timeline
When reports arrived.
Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.
69,900 miles is the median among 599 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 36,000–98,000 miles.
This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.
02 / Official safety campaigns
10 recall campaigns on file.
A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.
SUSPENSION:REARCampaign 21V00F000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: N212346640
Read campaign 21V00F000 at NHTSASUSPENSION:REARCampaign 21V633000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: N212330130
Read campaign 21V633000 at NHTSASUSPENSION:REARCampaign 20V764000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: N202308930
Read campaign 20V764000 at NHTSAELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONCampaign 16V502000
Reported concern
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."
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 50490, 50491
Read campaign 16V502000 at NHTSAPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)Campaign 15V245000
Reported concern
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."
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 12162
Read campaign 15V245000 at NHTSAVISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLYCampaign 15V164000
Reported concern
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."
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 15176
Read campaign 15V164000 at NHTSASEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUSTCampaign 13V566000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 13342
Read campaign 13V566000 at NHTSASUSPENSION:REARCampaign 13V024000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 13008
Read campaign 13V024000 at NHTSAEXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNALCampaign 12V484000
Reported concern
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."
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 12212
Read campaign 12V484000 at NHTSAELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARECampaign 12V224000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 12102
Read campaign 12V224000 at NHTSA03 / The manufacturer’s record
Instructions. Updates. Responses.
1,928 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.
PIP4902WThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.NHTSA ID 11037253
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11037253 at NHTSAPIP6113This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high pressure fuel pump body mark…NHTSA ID 11032947
This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high pressure fuel pump body markings to confirm it is an original manufacture part. If it is not an original manufacture part, they should install one and evaluate the vehicle.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11032947 at NHTSAPIT3271QThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.NHTSA ID 11030974
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11030974 at NHTSAPIP6104This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.NHTSA ID 11030092
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11030092 at NHTSAPIP4902VThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.NHTSA ID 11030091
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11030091 at NHTSAPIP4902UThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.NHTSA ID 11027601
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11027601 at NHTSAPIT5214GThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without u…NHTSA ID 11025755
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical Assistance Center. If valid vibration frequency or Road Force Variation data has been collected and a repair attempt does not correct the customer complaint, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support. For any vehicles that remains unrepaired after being at the dealer for three days or more and a related bulletin or PI is not found, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11025755 at NHTSA13598New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVHNHTSA ID 11023091
New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
Campaign / software reference: 13598
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11023091 at NHTSAPIP4902TThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.NHTSA ID 11022084
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11022084 at NHTSAPIC5650MThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagno…NHTSA ID 11021792
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, B3935, C0750, C0755, C0760, C0765, and/or C0775.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11021792 at NHTSAPIP4902SThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.NHTSA ID 11019693
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11019693 at NHTSA25-NA-156This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.NHTSA ID 11026104
This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
Components: WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11026104 at NHTSARecords below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.
04 / Agency investigations
Official inquiries.
An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.
Your next step
Take good questions
to the inspection.
Use these prompts with a qualified inspector. This page is research, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a hands-on inspection.