YearToAvoid

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 20 brake complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, 23% of its 87 total complaints that year, with one crash reported. The median mileage at failure was 57,000, and no recalls are linked to this brake issue.

Brakes complaints
20
23% of 87
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
57,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the brakes staying engaged or failing to release after the pedal is let go, sometimes requiring repeated pumping to free the pedal.
  • Some describe the brake pedal pivot bushing sticking or expanding, which a dealer replaced along with the pedal arm and retainers.
  • A right rear wheel hub sensor failure triggered the traction control and anti-lock brake warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Several owners report the vehicle stalling or losing electrical power while driving, which also cut off power steering and caused the wheels to lock up.
  • One owner reported the car shutting off and losing headlights, blinkers, and steering assist after a battery charging system failure, with the brake pedal affected during the event.

When 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 11, 2013, latest May 22, 2019.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco brakes complaints: complaints filed per month4Jul 2013Oct 2014Apr 2016Jun 2017May 2018Sep 2018Feb 2019
20 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2013 to May 2019; peak May 2018 (4).

Brakes recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Brakes complaints by Malibu Eco model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201320 (23%)
  2. 20146 (50%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are brake complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco?
NHTSA lists 20 brake-related complaints for this model year, which is 23% of the 87 total complaints filed for the 2013 Malibu Eco.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco brakes?
No recalls are listed in NHTSA data specifically tied to this brake complaint area for the 2013 Malibu Eco.
At what mileage do these brake problems usually show up?
NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 57,000 miles at the time brake failures were reported.
Did any of these brake issues cause crashes?
NHTSA data shows one crash associated with the 20 brake complaints for the 2013 Malibu Eco, and no fires or injuries were reported.
What kinds of brake failures do owners describe?
Owners describe brakes that stay engaged after release, a sticking brake pedal pivot bushing, a failed rear hub sensor triggering ABS warnings, and stalling events that cut power steering and locked the wheels.

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.