Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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. …
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 the service engine light illuminated and noticed a burning odor coming from the rear trunk area near the Eco battery. The vehicle stalled several times, but the contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who cleared the code, but did not provide a specific diagnosis for the failure. The failure recurred and the odor could still be detected. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V173000 (electrical system). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for further inspection and diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
Bought used in 2014 with 22K miles from certified Chevy dealer. In July, 2016 (now 45K miles), the vehicle would suddenly shut off at low speeds or stops (highway during construction and at stop lights, also when going at a high speed and slamming on the brakes when someone pulled in front of us). Brought to dealership twice. First time they replaced a sensor, second time they could advised they didn't know and to bring it back if it happened again. Third time brought to an independent mechanic who advised it was related to the Eco and we should bring to a dealer. Extremely concerned for safety and we have 3 children and frequently drive through minneapolis/st paul areas where there is heavy traffic and construction.
I have a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco and when I stopped at a red light the car just shut down. Thought it might have been bad gas at first because the car started right up. Well not even 15 minutes later it did it again. The car started right back up like it did before and didnt have no more issues out of it. The next day had to do some running around the car did fine until the way home. The car cut off on me three different times.only does it when I come to a stop no matter where I'm at. Somedays the car does better then others just hope it don't cut off on me when I'm driving down the road.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco. While driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure was more evident in cooler temperatures. The vehicle was taken to bob price Chevrolet Buick GMC (located at 1225 s state hwy 16, fredericksburg, tx 78624, [phone]) to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
My name is [redacted] I bought a 2013 Chevy Malibu three weeks ago. I have been experiencing headache, weak , dizziness and nauseous . I have took it to the dealer and explained the situation and they checked the vehicle and they told me there was nothing wrong. I wanted to know of there is any recall for the manifold exhaust, catalytic converter,or all exhaust system,but something most be wrong dealer don't want to do anything,and still have power train warranty.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco. While driving various speeds, the vehicle lost power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to hawk Chevrolet of joliet (2001 w jefferson st, joliet, il 60435) where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft solenoid failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer and stated that they would call back. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco. While driving 65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle stalled. The contact discovered that the serpentine belt was fractured and was repaired by an independent mechanic on the shoulder of the highway. The battery was also replaced; however, the vehicle stalled again. The dealer (haasz dalton auto mall, 315 s mill st, dalton, oh 44618) was contacted, but no repairs were made. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Car starts ever now and than. It won't start all the time and breaks down all the electrical in the car has problems if the car starts it will shut off and the steering locks up which could kill me or someone else the breaks won't work when this happens. The lights shut off radio shuts off nothing electrical works I'm scared to drive this car. Not sure what it is and the dealer isn't sure what it is
Engine complaints in other Malibu Eco years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, 26% of the model year's 87 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
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.