Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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 while driving 65 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond, causing a stopping distance delay. Additionally, the contact noticed a burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated upon opening the hood to inspect the vehicle, he noticed that brake fluid had spilled all over the vacuum pump. The contact stated that he added brake fluid in the vacuum pump, but the brake fluid immediately leaked out of the vacuum pump. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced several electrical failures, causing a loss of power and the vehicle to stall. The vehicle also lost power steering and braking functionality. While inspecting under the hood, the contact discovered that the battery terminals were extremely hot to the touch. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 60,000.
While driving my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (2.5L), I experienced a sudden and severe failure of the braking system. [Insert exactly what happened here-for example: 'The brake pedal suddenly went completely to the floor,' 'The brakes unexpectedly locked up,' 'The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking power,' or 'The brake warning lights illuminated right as the brakes failed']. This occurred while traveling at approximately 25 mph on a one-lane road. This total/partial loss of braking power created an immediate safety hazard and a high risk of a crash. The vehicle had to be shifted into manual, then safely coasted to a stop. No prior warning signs or brake issues occurred immediately leading up to this event.
The reluctor ring which sends the signal to the abs and stability control system has delaminated from the wheel bearing to which it is attached. First it happened on the right rear wheel and necessitated replacement of the wheel bearing because the abs system is non functional. Now it has happened in the right front wheel. The abs and stability control are non functioning until I replace the front wheel bearing. The wheel bearing is fine, it's the magnetic reluctor ring which has failed and no longer sends a signal to the abs sensor. This shouldn't be happening on a 9 year old car. It is a very common problem and a danger on our roads as many people will drive it like this due to lack of funds.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car stalls and/or shuts down while in use Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem before the failure, and when did they first appear? Use Purchase date 3/31/2026. First sign of issues 4/3/2026
The electronic parking brakes and the rear calipers on this car fail with regularity. Currently the parking brake cables were replaced, the two rear calipers were replaced under warranty and now that the car is out of warranty, the parking brake actuator has stopped working and displays "service parking brakes" . Dealer says it usually corrosion of the actuator assembly. The entire rear brake system and parking brake system is faulty.
Brake pedal sticks. I took to Chevrolet dealership because I saw a recall describing this exact scenario. That it was binding due to a faulty brake pedal assembly The technician diagnosed this to be the exact issue in the recall but refused to repair stating my VIN was not covered and I would have to contact your organization due to this being a safety issue to get the vin added
There is a recall on the brake booster on the 2014 Malibu manufactured in 2013 my car is a 2013 and I have the same issue.i have had multiple things wrong.I was driving and had no brakes at all I had to push hard and it finally stopped. Hazardous to drive now until fixed.i feel it should be covered as it is the same issue on the 2014
The problem I am having with my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu deal with its brake assist. The brake assist engages on its own without operator enabling it. This problem causes the vehicle to loose accelerating power, whereas, the operator needs to apply more force to the accelerator to move the car forward or backwards. If, the operator removes foot from accelerator the car will come to a complete stop rapidly, reminiscence if one is operating a manual transmission vehicle and down-shifts. Other problem with vehicle when the car is shut-down and keys out of ignition the brake lights remain on (not on every occasion but periodically). All, aforementioned, the dealer has been notified and taken in for repairs two separate occasions but the problem persists. In, addition, I have contacted GM customer care center in the past and most recently June 5, 2015 about the problem (code #71-1466326393). …
While driving car instrument panel turns off, after which steering locks up and brakes become inoperable. Instrument panel turns off for seconds, then as the instrument panel turns back on, all messages on instrument panel flash (ie engine light, low battery, etc). Most common message is about stabilink. Even after instrument panel turns back on, the steering wheel will remain stiff and hard to move until you leave the car off for an extended period of time. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the problem, other than driving it. I've had it happen in stop and go traffic where I'm going from not moving to at max 5 MPH, I've had it happen on an empty highway going 65 MPH, I've had it happen two minutes into my drive, and I've had it happen 40 minutes into my drive. Steering wheel does not always lock up in the middle of a turn, but most frequently it happens when making a sharp turn. …
Brake complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 5% of the model year's 837 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › wheel speed sensor/tone ring (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Chevrolet Malibu brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes 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.