Does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO, the most recent reported on May 6, 2013 (Electrical system). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO?

Owners have filed 87 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (49 complaints), followed by engine (22).

How many 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO complaints mention a crash or fire?

5 of 87 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO recalls and problems

1 recall and 87 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO recalls

Electrical system

NHTSA campaign 13V173000 · reported May 6, 2013 · General Motors LLC · 42,904 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
The risk: If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
The fix: GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Electrical system49
Engine22
Steering16
Electronic stability control (ESC)12
Air bags10
Service brakes9
Power train8
Unknown or other8
Fuel/propulsion system6
Vehicle speed control4

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 14, 2024 · Electrical system · 174,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO. The contact stated while at a stop light, the power steering was difficult to turn, and the vehicle stalled. The Service battery charging system displayed and the check engine and battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was…

May 24, 2022 · Electrical system
2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU ECO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF, LOSING ALL POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DISPLAYS BATTERY SAVER ACTIVATED, AND THEN…

Jul 25, 2019 · Air bags · 118 miles
TAKATA RECALL . MY CAR JUST DIED OUT OFF NOWHERE WHILE I WAS JUST PARKED AND WHEN IT FINALLY GOT JUMPED THE 'SERVICE AIRBAG' LIGHT CAME. I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO EVERYBODY AND THE REPAIRS IS UP TO $1000

Jul 25, 2019 · Electrical system · 37,000 miles
STEREO/NAVIGATION INTERMITTENT ALWAYS DEFAULT TO ONE RADIO STATION AND SETTINGS, PASSENGER SEAT HAD A CRACKLING SOUND A FEW TIMES NO ODD SMELLS OR SMOKE, TURNS SIGNALS WON'T WORK WHEN STEREO IS INOPERATIVE.

May 22, 2019 · Service brakes · 52,500 miles · crash reported
I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE. SUDDENLY IT STARTED TO MOVE AND SUDDENLY TOOK OFF AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME (THE CAR HAD MOVED UP SIGNIFICANTLY, BUT I HADN'T, SO IT HAD A LOT OF MOMENTUM WHEN IT HIT)! AFTER THE ACCIDENT REPORT WAS FILED, I TRIED TO START THE CAR TO LEAVE, BUT THE…

Malibu ECO model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2013	1	87	5	1
2014	0	12	0	0

All Chevrolet Malibu ECO years →

Questions

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO, the most recent reported on May 6, 2013 (Electrical system). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO?: Owners have filed 87 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (49 complaints), followed by engine (22).
How many 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO complaints mention a crash or fire?: 5 of 87 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 14, 2024.