Why does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco have so many electrical complaints?

NHTSA lists 49 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Malibu Eco, which is 56% of the 87 total complaints filed for that model year, the largest share of any problem area.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco electrical system?

Yes. Recall 13V173000 covers 2012–2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal and the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco with eAssist for a Generator Control Module condition. Dealers test the GCM and replace it free of charge if needed.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2013 Malibu Eco?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 73,000 miles for Electrical System complaints on this model year.

Are the electrical problems on the 2013 Malibu Eco dangerous?

NHTSA records list 1 crash and 1 fire among the electrical complaints for this model year, with owners describing stalling and smoke odors from the trunk area.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 49 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, 56% of all 87 complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure was 73,000, and a related recall (13V173000) covers the Generator Control Module for eAssist models.

Electrical System complaints: 49; 56% of 87
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 73,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Vehicle stalls or loses power while driving at highway speeds, sometimes preceded by a battery saver mode warning light.
Battery dies unexpectedly, leaving the vehicle without lights, horn, wipers, or power steering and brakes.
Owners report a burning or smoke odor coming from the trunk area near the eco battery, in some cases after recall repairs.
Dash displays a 'service generator control module' warning followed by dropping voltage and failure of electrical components.
Steering wheel locks up momentarily along with the radio shutting off while driving.
Vehicle shuts off suddenly at low speeds, stops, or while braking, sometimes requiring dealer visits to replace sensors.

When 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 11, 2013, latest Feb 14, 2024.

49 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2013 to Feb 2024; peak May 2018 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

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.

Electrical System complaints by Malibu Eco model year

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

201349 (56%)
20142 (17%)

Frequently asked questions

Why does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco have so many electrical complaints?: NHTSA lists 49 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Malibu Eco, which is 56% of the 87 total complaints filed for that model year, the largest share of any problem area.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco electrical system?: Yes. Recall 13V173000 covers 2012–2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal and the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco with eAssist for a Generator Control Module condition. Dealers test the GCM and replace it free of charge if needed.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2013 Malibu Eco?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 73,000 miles for Electrical System complaints on this model year.
Are the electrical problems on the 2013 Malibu Eco dangerous?: NHTSA records list 1 crash and 1 fire among the electrical complaints for this model year, with owners describing stalling and smoke odors from the trunk area.