YearToAvoid

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

100/100

#1 most-complained of 2 Malibu Eco years

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco has 87 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 100, and ranks 1st worst out of 2 model years with data. Electrical System issues make up 56% of complaints, with median failure mileage of 73,000 miles.

Complaints
87
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
5 / 1
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System49 (56%)
  2. Engine26 (30%)
  3. Brakes20 (23%)
  4. Steering16 (18%)
  5. Airbags10 (11%)
  6. Other9 (10%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain8 (9%)
  8. Fuel System6 (7%)
  9. Visibility & Wipers3 (3%)
  10. HVAC1 (1%)

What owners report

  • Owners report sudden unintended acceleration accompanied by flashing instrument panel lights before a crash.
  • Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during a collision, with an airbag service warning appearing on the dash.
  • Some drivers describe a steering safety issue where the wheel feels like it locks up, requiring a forceful tug that caused the vehicle to swerve.
  • Electrical system problems include the battery saver mode warning illuminating, the vehicle stalling at highway speed, and a smoke odor coming from the trunk.
  • Multiple owners report the auto stop/start feature failing to engage because engine RPMs would not drop low enough.
  • Owners describe electronic systems shutting off mid-drive, cutting gauge readouts and exterior lighting.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco complaints: complaints filed per month16May 2013May 2014May 2015Dec 2016Aug 2017Jul 2018Feb 2019Feb 2024
150 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2013 to Feb 2024; peak May 2018 (16).

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 13V173000May 6, 2013Electrical System42,904 vehicles

    Electrical system

    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.

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

2013 compared with other Malibu Eco years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020132014
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2013No verdict100871—
2014No verdict0120—

All Chevrolet Malibu Eco years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco reliable compared to other Malibu Eco years?
Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2013 model ranks worst (1st of 2) among Malibu Eco years, with a complaint index of 100 versus 0 for 2014, which had only 12 complaints.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco?
Electrical System issues are the top problem area, accounting for 56% of the 87 complaints filed, with a median failure mileage of 73,000 miles.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 13V173000) covering a Generator Control Module condition on eAssist-equipped 2013 Malibu Eco vehicles.
Were there any fires or injuries reported for the 2013 Malibu Eco?
NHTSA data shows 1 fire, 5 crashes, and 2 injuries among the reported complaints, with no deaths recorded.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.