The Lemon Index2013 Chevrolet Malibu.
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is about average by owner complaints: 236 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 93, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 10 recalls, and it gets 24 to 29 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Malibu year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 836 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Malibu year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 36K to 97K miles on the car (596 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 52K–103K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 50K–103K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 18K–87K miles
Recalls 10
- suspension 2021
These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and brea.
- suspension 2021
These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road de.
- suspension 2020
These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when.
Show all 10 recalls
- electrical 2016
As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta.
- transmission & drivetrain 2015
In the affected vehicles, the console transmission gear selection indicator may not illuminate the shift position selected.
- visibility 2015
In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed.
- electrical 2013
The wiring harness for the power seat may contact the seat frame which may chafe the harness.
- suspension 2013
One or more rear suspension bolts may not have been tightened to the specified torque.
- lights 2012
These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal.
- electrical 2012
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 31, 2012.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1930 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Lacrosse, regal, srx, xts, camaro, malibu, terrain, equinox: information issues with…
- Chevrolet/buick: electronic brake control module (ebcm) has issue with electronic power…
- In the blower control module motor area, there is water and the blower motor fails to work
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD w/rear SAB's | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Malibu Eco eAssist 4 DR FWD w/rear SAB's | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Malibu Eco eAssist 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving, service air bags ,service anti teft system,warnings come on, a/c,radio shut off aswell as gas ,speed odometer,all gauges shut down.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu owner · NHTSA complaint 10888054
More owner reports
There are periods of time when I put my turn signal on and my wheel lock up, the radio turns off and all the power shuts down in the car. The brakes feel like they are locking.
NHTSA complaint 10929967
When driving straight (most notable at highway speeds) the steering feels stiff on center. Minor steering corrections are becoming difficult due to the resistance felt.
NHTSA complaint 10560307
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 93; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Malibu year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (36%), steering (33%) and engine (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have?
10 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu get?
24 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Malibu problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 36,000 and 97,200 miles. The middle report was at 69,000 miles, from 596 complaints.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 8% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Chevrolet Malibu year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2014 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works