The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu’s problems include having more complaints and recalls than comparable sedans like the Maxima. But with a five-star safety rating, a Top Safety Pick award, and modest annual maintenance costs, you could do a lot worse.
Key Points
- The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu‘s biggest problem comes down to alternator failure, with the component failing early and causing electrical and engine issues.
- A potential fracture in the rear toe links has led to three recalls, though suspension complaints are mostly related to a parts shortage for said recalls.
- There is not enough data to diagnose just yet, but a recurring steering issue in the 2013 Malibu may owe to the alternator problems.
Alternator Failure Makes Up Majority of 2013 Chevrolet Malibu’s Electrical Complaints
At 364 reports, electrical system complaints make up nearly half of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu’s 801 incidents registered with the NHTSA.
Around 27 of these complaints are shared with the exterior lighting category. Many drivers are reporting that their headlights won’t turn on, despite other electrical components, like the radio, working fine.
This malfunctioning headlights problem is worrying, but it still leaves over 300 other electrical complaints. The ones that Malibu drivers need to worry about are those that overlap with the car’s 194 engine complaints.
The biggest recurring problems: Dead or faulty alternators. Cars will fail to start, or they’ll turn off when shifting into or out of reverse. Lights will flicker, accessories will turn on and off, and in at least one instance, the car lost power when the radio was turned on.
All of these experiences are the tell-tale signs of an alternator that needs to be replaced. According to Repair Pal, an alternator replacement typically comes in at well under $500.
Drivers are generally reporting failure in the 50,000 range, which is about half the expected lifespan of a Malibu alternator. So, this might not be as severe as, say, transmission failure at the same mileage, but it’s still a nuisance.
2013 Malibu’s Recurring Toe Link Fracture Leads to Three Recalls and a Parts Shortage
The 2013 Malibu was included in a 2020 recall for a potential fracture in a rear toe link, the part that holds the rear suspension stable. The recall popped up again twice in 2021.
Suspension complaints are relatively few on the NHTSA page, with only 47 reports on file. So, GM seems to have nipped this problem in the bud.
However, many of the NHTSA’s consumer complaints point to a parts shortage.
Because so many units were recalled all at once (and three times in a row), some drivers are being turned away at the dealership and told to come back when a new shipment of parts comes in.
Nearly 200 NHTSA Complaints about Steering Issues may Stem from 2013 Model’s Alternator Problems
Close to 200 NHTSA consumer complaints make steering issues the 2013 Malibu’s third most commonly reported problem after the electrical system and engine problems. The main issue is that the steering reportedly goes out mid-turn.
In 2020, a North Carolina driver reported making a left-hand turn and the “steering went out,” requiring a $2,200 fix. A California driver claims that “while making a turn, the steering wheel locks up.” In some instances, the power may even go out along with the steering.
Based on the data available, this may be just another symptom of the car’s alternator issues. But, without an official NHTSA investigation, it’s impossible to confirm with what we know right now.
On the upside, rate of incidence is pretty low, with fewer than 200 complaints over more than 200,000 units sold. But that also means that there’s less likely to be an investigation or a recall anytime soon, as the problem may not be common enough to justify any action on the NHTSA’s part.
2013 Malibu is Far from a Lemon, but the Sedan is Outshined by Comparable Nissans and Hyundais for Reliability
Over 800 consumer complaints and 11 recalls in less than a decade may sound pretty bad. But most of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu’s recalls are for fewer than 10,000 units.
Also, the car holds a five-star safety rating with the NHTSA, and it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Final verdict: It’s not that bad of a car in terms of safety and reliability.
Make no mistake, there are better, more dependable cars for 2013, like the 2013 Nissan Maxima, which boasts zero recalls and just 56 complaints.
But, if you have a particular fondness for the hefty all-American feel of the Chevy Malibu, the 2013 model year won’t disappoint.
Photos: Chevrolet
