Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Malibu Eco years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (49) model years. Electrical complaints make up 56% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Malibu Eco electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 13V-173 (electrical system, May 6, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Malibu Eco electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the propulsion system › traction battery (1 mentions), followed by the alternator/generator/regulator › integrated starter(other than propulsion) (1).
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.