Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO. The contact stated while at a stop light, the power steering was difficult to turn, and the vehicle stalled. The Service battery charging system displayed and the check engine and battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The contact stated that the alternator and the starter had failed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 174,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco. While driving 45-70 MPH, the battery saver mode warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle until someone provided jumper cables to jumpstart the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a smoke odor emitting from the trunk of the vehicle. Upon inspecting the vehicle, there was no evidence of a fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V173000 (electrical system). The manufacturer and dealer were contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 08/22/17 the consumer stated the vehicle's failure persisted.
While driving into chicago on a busy interstate hwy a warning displayed on the dash "service generator control module," before I could reach a service center the voltage began to drop and electrical components failed (lights, steering & brake assist, etc. The engine subsequently stopped. Fortunately I was able to maneuver to the shoulder. The battery was completely dead, no electrical systems worked, e.g. Emergency flashers, couldn't remove ignition key. After waiting 4 hours for tow truck, towed to rogers Chevrolet in chicago. Vehicle sat on the lot two days, then service tech said vehicle started and ran normally with no fault indications. Vehicle continues to operate normally. Dealer advises to bring vehicle back when it fails. …
While driving across a bridge at about 50mph, the engine light, power steering, ABS and battery charging system warning lights all came on and then the car completely lost all power. I had little control of the car but was able to safely pull onto the shoulder. I could have crashed onto the median or another faster car could have hit me, I could have died. Tried to get a jump but it would not stay on once cables were removed. Towed to the dealer where 2 business days later I'm told the timing chains, cam shaft and fuel pump need replacing. Car is under 38,000 miles. I have witnessed my dashboard and radio light up when no one is in it and all doors are locked. Car turned off once last week while I was driving under 20mph but immediately turned back on by itself. Just thought maybe I used bad gasoline. …
Have been having issues with the battery since I got the car back in 2017. Replaced the battery 3 times with a year thinking it was just a dead battery. After the third time it happened took it to the dealership and was told that the battery cables needed to be cleaned and battery needed to be replaced paid 400 dollars for that . 6 months later same problem happens. I'm in my car battery light comes on , battery voltage starts to get low, car losses all power and I am stranded. Had it towed to the deal ship because I just had this same problem 6 months ago . After a week in the shop I was told it was the belt and the repairs would be 400 dollars again. I went ahead and agreed to have them work on the car for a call a day later saying something else's was wrong and repairs were now 1550 dollar. …
I was sitting at a red light, with my foot firmly on the brake. Suddenly it started to move and suddenly took off and hit the car in front of me (the car had moved up significantly, but I hadn't, so it had a lot of momentum when it hit)! After the accident report was filed, I tried to start the car to leave, but the car wouldn't start. Additionally, a ton of error messages were flashing, as well as all indoor and outdoor lights flashing, even the decorative panel blue strip lights. I was terrified. I had to have it towed from the scene. At first, the officer didn't believe me, that it was the car's fault, not mine, but once she saw what was happening, she believed me. The tow truck driver said the car was possessed, he had never seen anything like this before. …
While driving and signaling to change lane the steering wheel locked and the radio turned off. I took it to the dealer after speaking with Chevy. They were unable to replicated the issue. It happened a few more times then aug 8, 2015 I was able to record a 2 minute video of the issue. It is uploaded on you tube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t44slfcg434 I took the car to the dealer 8/11/2015. On 8/13/2015 nicholas from global auto [phone] called saying that this is happening because of a faulty alternator. I find this highly suspect because of the following. As you can see in the video, the radio cuts out, the steering cuts out but the air conditioner stays on. If the alternator is going bad you would see an across the board loss of power not just certain systems. I will be taking the car to autozone this weekend to have the alternator installed. …
Takara recall I had my car in multiple times in a dealership bergstrom like five times and every time they work on it there's something else wrong . The car has electrical issues the radio turns on and off by itself . The temperature thing became on for high temps when the ac is off.I had replaced multiple sensors replaced like the crankshaft sensor. My car shut off on me through the drive-through . It has a rough time is starting sometimes and stalls . Now it's saying something about an oil pressure sensor o2 sensor. Couple times I heard the car backfire so I got a new Cadillac converter. I've even have smelled some smells like burning. I hear a clunking noise in the front when I go over a little bumps or when I turn really sharp not going fast. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering, the battery charging system and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The engine failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer bob bell Chevrolet located at 1 kane st, baltimore, md 21224; where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the battery charging system light illuminated. The contact drove to the contact's residence. The contact also stated that the battery was completely drained. The vehicle was the not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at [phone]. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not part of the recall. …
My Chevy Malibu has been experiencing intermittent electrical issues. It started after my car died at the end of an hour's drive. I thought I was experiencing battery issues but persisted months with no other issues. It happened again 4 months later (December 3rd), and the following day the car completely died on me while traveling highway speeds during a snow storm. My power steering was barely operable, while my lights heat and radio completely stopped functioning. The dealerships seem to be cluless about the issue. The one I visited seemed adamant that the issue could be stemming from my key! Chevy has been helpful only in the sense that they gave me a $100 credit to get the car diagnosed (which hasn't given any results). I've seen some of the horror stories from this issue and am terrified to drive this vehicle again until something is fixed.
Related recalls
Electrical system
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.
NHTSA investigations
Generator Control Module Fires
On July 5, 2013 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ13-003 to investigate whether the service procedures utilized in recall bulletins 13136 and 13142 for safety recall 13V-173 were sufficient to identify the safety defect in the subject vehicles.These safety recalls were issue on May 3, 2013 to address the improper function of the Generator Control Module (GCM) in certain model year (MY)…
Sands Chevrolet/Hybrid System Fire/Stall
NHTSA opened AQ14-001 to determine whether Sands Chevrolet of Surprise, Arizona complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations.
Electrical complaints in other Malibu Eco years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, 56% of the model year's 87 complaints. The component named most often is propulsion system › traction battery (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-173 (electrical system, May 6, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.