2013 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 53 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 6% of all 835 complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 66,500. One related recall (15V245000) covers a transmission gear selection indicator issue.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 53
- 6% of 835
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 66,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report abrupt or delayed transmission shifting, including slight delay before gear engagement after braking.
- Some describe the transmission failing to shift into reverse or any gear despite the engine revving, leaving the car stationary as if in neutral.
- Several complaints involve the vehicle rolling away and crashing after being placed in park with the key removed.
- One owner reported a broken front-right axle shaft at 30-35 mph that caused a crash.
- Others describe engine power reduced warnings, rough idle, or RPM surging at stops linked to powertrain issues.
- A cracked piston at the compression rings was reported on a 2.0 turbo engine, tied to a GM service bulletin.
When 2013 Chevrolet Malibu transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 30, 2012, latest Jan 7, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
- NHTSA 15V245000Apr 24, 2015Transmission & Powertrain3,690 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 10, 2012, to August 2, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the console transmission gear selection indicator may not illuminate the shift position selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."
Risk: If the console shift indicator does not illuminate the transmission gear selection, a driver could inadvertently select a transmission position other than the position the driver intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the transmission gear selection control module, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12162.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Malibu model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?
- NHTSA lists 53 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Malibu, making up 6% of the 835 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?
- Yes. Recall campaign 15V245000, reported April 24, 2015, covers a console transmission gear selection indicator that may not accurately show the selected gear; dealers replace the transmission gear selection control module free of charge.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2013 Malibu is 66,500 miles.
- Did these transmission issues cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2013 Malibu shows 3 crashes and 2 injuries, with no fires reported.