How common are steering problems in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?

NHTSA lists 181 steering complaints for this model year, making up 22% of the 835 total complaints filed for the 2013 Malibu.

Is there a recall for steering issues on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this steering complaint pattern.

At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure among these complaints is 60,000 miles, though some owners reported issues as early as a few thousand miles.

Have steering problems caused crashes in the 2013 Malibu?

NHTSA data ties 6 crashes to steering complaints for this model year, with no reported fires or injuries.

Is the 2013 Malibu worse for steering complaints than other years?

Its 22% share is similar to 2011 and 2012 (22% and 21%) but lower than 2010's 33%, and higher than most years from 2014 onward.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 181 steering complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 22% of its 835 total complaints, linked to 6 crashes. Median failure mileage is 60,000, and no related recall is listed for this issue.

Steering complaints: 181; 22% of 835
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 60,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners report the steering wheel becoming stiff or hard to turn at highway speeds around 55-70 mph, requiring excessive force to maneuver.
Some describe the steering wheel locking up entirely while driving or turning, in one case at 55 mph on a highway.
Several report the power steering cutting out suddenly, with one case causing loss of control and a crash into a tree.
Owners describe a sticky or sticking sensation at the 12 o'clock position that leads to overcorrection and swerving.
Some report dealers replacing the steering module without resolving the underlying failure, with the problem recurring after repair.
One complaint describes power steering failure occurring simultaneously with an electrical system failure at 35 mph.

When 2013 Chevrolet Malibu steering complaints were filed

First complaint May 13, 2013, latest Mar 6, 2026.

181 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q2 to 2026 Q1; peak 2014 Q1 (17).

Steering recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Malibu model year

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

2010454 (33%)
2011214 (22%)
2012191 (21%)
2013181 (22%)
201426 (7%)
20159 (3%)
201642 (5%)
201747 (7%)
201841 (6%)
20192 (1%)
202016 (8%)
20212 (2%)
20222 (2%)
20234 (6%)
20241 (3%)
20251 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering problems in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?: NHTSA lists 181 steering complaints for this model year, making up 22% of the 835 total complaints filed for the 2013 Malibu.
Is there a recall for steering issues on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this steering complaint pattern.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure among these complaints is 60,000 miles, though some owners reported issues as early as a few thousand miles.
Have steering problems caused crashes in the 2013 Malibu?: NHTSA data ties 6 crashes to steering complaints for this model year, with no reported fires or injuries.
Is the 2013 Malibu worse for steering complaints than other years?: Its 22% share is similar to 2011 and 2012 (22% and 21%) but lower than 2010's 33%, and higher than most years from 2014 onward.