Stalling and electrical faults
The 2013 Malibu drew about 60% more complaints than the model average. Owners report the car shutting off and restarting while driving, flickering lights and lost power steering.
Updated November 2026 · based on 924 owner complaints and 10 recalls
461 1.6x the Malibu average
10 free to fix at a dealer
Every Malibu year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2013 Malibu
Top problems and what they cost
Stalling and restarting while driving
The engine shuts off and the dash flickers, sometimes repeatedly.
Fix: Battery cable or ground repair $150 to $400; ignition recall 16V502 covers some cars.
Electrical
Sudden loss of power
The car drops to low speed without warning.
Fix: Throttle body $300 to $600.
Engine
Power steering loss
Power steering cuts out, often with the electrical faults.
Fix: Diagnosis $100 to $200; steering parts $500 to $1,500.
Steering
Recalls
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
If the console shift indicator does not illuminate the transmission gear selection, a driver could inadvertently select a transmission position other than th...
If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle.
If the harness is chaffed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit could occur, resulting unintended movement of the seat, the seat to become inoperative,...
Sudden changes in vehicle handling may increase the risk of a crash.
Show all 10 recalls
IF THIS OCCURS DURING AN AGGRESSIVE TURNING MANEUVER, AND THEN AFTERWARDS A POTENTIAL VEHICLE ROLLOVER EVENT IS SENSED, THE ROOF RAIL AIRBAG MAY UNINTENTIONA...
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
- Confirm all recalls show as repaired, including the ignition (16V502) and wiring (13V566) recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2013 Malibu has 10 recalls on record, listed below.
- Drive for 20 minutes and watch for flickering lights or stalls.An engine that cuts out while driving takes away power steering and brake assist. Driving in stop-and-go traffic is the best way to catch it on a test drive.Owners filed 168 complaints about engine stalling and loss of power on the 2013 Malibu, one of the worst years for it.
- Turn the wheel at low speed and check for a steering warning.Turning the wheel fully both ways at low speed loads the steering hardest. Clicks, grinding or heavy spots point to a worn coupler, rack or power steering fault.197 of the 924 owner complaints about the 2013 Malibu involve the steering (21%).
Questions
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Stalling and electrical faults. The 2013 Malibu drew about 60% more complaints than the model average. Owners report the car shutting off and restarting while driving, flickering lights and lost power steering.
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have?
10 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Stalling and restarting while driving; Sudden loss of power; Power steering loss.
Crash rating shown for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD w/rear SAB's. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.