Chevrolet Malibu Eco Problems by Year

We compared every Chevrolet Malibu Eco model year from 2013–2014 using 99 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 1 recall and federal defect investigations. No Malibu Eco year stands out with an unusual number of complaints.

2model years
99complaints
1recalls
—worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

201320148712
Owner complaints per model year, Chevrolet Malibu Eco. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
201412——Traction ControlLimited data
201387—1ElectricalLimited data

* Complaints compared with the median Malibu Eco year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Chevrolet Malibu Eco problems

  • 5152%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2013
    2525%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2013
    1717%
  • Steeringworst: 2013
    1616%
  • Brakesworst: 2013
    1313%
  • Other / not specified
    1111%
  • Air bagsworst: 2013
    1010%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2013
    99%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2013
    66%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2013
    44%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2013
    44%
  • Lightsworst: 2013
    22%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2013
    22%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2013
    11%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2013
    11%
  • Seatsworst: 2013
    11%

Latest Chevrolet Malibu Eco recalls

Electrical system

NHTSA recall 13V-173 · May 6, 2013 · 42,904 vehicles

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly.

Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Chevrolet Malibu Eco should you avoid?

None of the Chevrolet Malibu Eco years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What are the most common Chevrolet Malibu Eco problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (51), engine & cooling (25) and stability & traction control (17). Electrical complaints peak in the 2013 model year.

How many recalls has the Chevrolet Malibu Eco had?

1 recall across 2013–2014. The model year with the most is 2013.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.