Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage after two weeks, he started the vehicle and reversed onto the driveway. The driver's side and passenger's side air bags deployed without impact or warning. There were no reported injuries. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and DTC: B101D - (Air bag module failure) was retrieved. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.
After my car battery was professionally replaced my airbag light came on. GM dealer service got a code of B101D requiring the airbag control module to be replaced. There are no new compatible modules available in the US. Two GM dealers advised getting a used module that had not been in an airbag deployment. Upon obtaining a compatible module the dealer is now getting a code of B3902, this code indicates that the environment identifier of the module does not match the vehicle and prohibits further programming permitting the airbags to function properly. So GM has intentionally prohibited compatible modules from salvage cars and they are no longer making new modules for my car. How is this ethical, legal, safe or environmentally sound? Are consumers expected to junk a perfectly good automobile absent a $100 part? …
Air bag warning light stays on and will not reset. Driver power seat controls buttons out of plastic control cover and jammed in metal part of seat. Can not get seat control unjammed and no way to adjust driver seat.
On 2016 I had a collision claim number 3005632019 -1-7. I didn't have deductibles and therefore the vehicle was not fixed immediately but the insurance had paid part of their portion. On April 8th I was involved on accident and had injuries which I was discharged from treatment not long. Therefore the vehicle still had the bent. On March 12th 2019 the vehicle was hit again on the rear along the tire. Now I had the vehicle fixed both damages at maaco at tacoma. This was done through the insurance. When I took the vehicle at maaco there was no airbag light. They were replacing the passenger door and fixing the bent for both collision. When I picked up the vehicle I noticed the air bag light and I informed the maaco representative. He told me it will go away by its own. It didn't go away and we agreed with them to take it back. …
I was turning from a private drive and collided with another vehicle. I was in a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ls travelling at approximately 15mph, the other driver in a 2010 Honda accord travelling at approximately 45-55mph. The collision was between my front left and his front right, no passengers. No air bags deployed from either vehicle, and as mine did not deploy, I received a concussion when the back of my head broke the driver's side window. I don't know if this is part of Takata, as I cannot find the manufacturer of my car's airbags. Chevrolet provided no information as to the manufacturer or why at least the curtain airbag would not have deployed to prevent concussion.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact's vehicle crashed into the preceding vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and a police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the front and back of the head, the lower back, and across the chest that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000. Ma 10/15/2015
Had an accident on 5/24/2018 it was a head on collision where the at fault driver broke the light and ran in yo my car the air bag did not deploy I sustained a fractured ankle and a neck injury due to the accident
Driver going 60+ mph hit metal guardrail, spun and slammed into concrete side of bridge. No airbags deployed
My car was running in the drive when it died and would not restart. Everything went dead. I had to jump start it and after that the airbag light came on. The airbags will not deploy in the event of an accident with this light on. I took my car to a Chevy dealer where I was charged $80.00 to be told that the sdm airbag module needs replaced and estimated cost for this is $1100.00. My car only has 108232 miles on it and to know that it could cost me either my families life or $1100.00 everytime the battery dies is not a choice anyone should have to make. Airbags are supposed to be the most dependable part of a vehicle as it saves so many lives. How do I know if they are even working with the light off if it is this sensitive? I am afraid to drive the vehicle even if I get it fixed and since I just purchased the car recently I owe to much to try to buy anything else. …
Airbag complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the air bags of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 7% of the model year's 837 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Chevrolet Malibu airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 10 recalls 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 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 13 crashes, 0 fires and 20 injuries to air bags 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.