Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
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 received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact also stated she was informed at the State Inspection that the rocker panel of the vehicle was corroded, and the corrosion was originating from the inside of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to contact the dealer to schedule an appointment for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that he had taken his vehicle to the dealer for a repair on the failure he was experiencing that was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the dealer informed him that the repair could not be performed due to the extensive corrosion underneath the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage 120,000. The consumer declined the offer letter and instead requesting a replacement vehicle.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was rusted underneath at the midway point to the rear of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact referenced DTC: TPOA90, indicating a failure with the drive motor "A" performance. The contact called an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that she had taken her vehicle to the dealer for repair on the failure she was experiencing that was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the dealer informed her that the repair could not be performed due to the extensive corrosion underneath the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,433.
While pulling into a parking space in our 2013 Chevy Malibu with my foot on the brake, when about 1/2 way into the space I experienced an unintended acceleration by the vehicle. This caused me to crash into a bollard in front of the convenience store causing severe damage to the front end of the car. The air bags did not deploy, causing me to hit my head on the steering wheel. Add cpsc
The exhaust and power have issues...check engine light is always on and power to system is reduced. Fuel economy has decreased severely. Check engine light will not go off. Exhaust coming from tailpipe even after car has been running awhile. This issue happens when the vehicle is running and operating. Second issue is the trunk latch! The vehicle has an outside trunk release button. When vehicle is completely locked, the trunk will open on it's own! We will come out to the car with the trunk wide open when we know we have locked it completely. Checked, double checked, even triple checked but we will still come out to a vehicle with the trunk wide open! This trunk opening issue happens when the car is parked and off but, locked!
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a failure covered under the warranty; however, after the repair, the vehicle began to experience many malfunctions. The vehicle's bolts on both the front passenger and driver seats were detached. When the seats were adjusted, the uni body frame of the body moved. The contact stated that the uni body frame was able to be moved manually. In addition, the electrical systems failed without warning, which sometimes caused the vehicle to stall. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, but they refused to assist. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
Waiting at a corner for a clear spot to cross five lane road. Was watching a truck with a snow plow wanting to turn onto same road that I needed to cross. Looked both ways and then back at the truck. The truck did not move so I proceeded and I only made it just beyond the turn lane and got hit by another car. I tried as fast as I could to stay in the turn lane but still got hit. Other driver did not try to avoid us. We were hit hard in the right front of our car. The speed limit on the road I wanted to cross is 55 MPH so we were hit pretty hard. Now this is where we get mad. Our airbags did not deploy. My wife and I were shaken very bad. We each have a doctors appointments as we are very sore and stiff.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and powered down as the engine over speed and service power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle restarted but the failure recurred approximately thirty times. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred only at 70 MPH or higher. The contact also stated that when the failure occurred, the doors failed to unlock. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at any speed, a humming noise emitted from the vehicle. As the speed increased, the humming would get louder. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the rear passenger side wheel bearing was faulty. The wheel bearing was replaced and the failure was remedied. Approximately 6 months later, the humming noise recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the rear driver side wheel bearing was faulty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 52,000.
Body complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the body & structure of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the model year's 837 complaints. The component named most often is body (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Chevrolet Malibu body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure 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 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to body & structure 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.