Chevrolet · Known Issues

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Problems: 6 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2013 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Restraint Module Can Reset After Hard Braking (Recall 12V224), Rear Suspension Bolts May Be Under-Torqued (Recall 13V024), One Failed Front Turn-Signal Bulb May Give No Warning (Recall 12V484), Power-Seat Harness Can Chafe and Short (Recall 13V566), Electronic Park-Lock Lever Can Permit Rollaway (Recall 16V502) and Sunroof Switch Can Be Pressed Inadvertently (Recall 15V164). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Malibu problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Restraint Module Can Reset After Hard Braking (Recall 12V224), Rear Suspension Bolts May Be Under-Torqued (Recall 13V024), One Failed Front Turn-Signal Bulb May Give No Warning (Recall 12V484). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Restraint Module Can Reset After Hard Braking (Recall 12V224) and Rear Suspension Bolts May Be Under-Torqued (Recall 13V024) and One Failed Front Turn-Signal Bulb May Give No Warning (Recall 12V484) and Power-Seat Harness Can Chafe and Short (Recall 13V566) and Electronic Park-Lock Lever Can Permit Rollaway (Recall 16V502) and Sunroof Switch Can Be Pressed Inadvertently (Recall 15V164). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

What is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Restraint Module Can Reset After Hard Braking (Recall 12V224)?

Certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sensing and diagnostic modules can reset after hard braking. Air bags or pretensioners may fail in a severe crash, or a roof-rail air bag can deploy unintentionally during a later maneuver. Severity: high.

What is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Rear Suspension Bolts May Be Under-Torqued (Recall 13V024)?

Certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles have one or more rear suspension bolts below specified torque, allowing a sudden handling change. Severity: high.

What is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu One Failed Front Turn-Signal Bulb May Give No Warning (Recall 12V484)?

Certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu front lamps use two turn-signal bulbs per side, but a single failed bulb may not trigger a driver warning even though only half the signal is illuminated. Severity: high.

What is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Power-Seat Harness Can Chafe and Short (Recall 13V566)?

Certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with the eight-way power front seat can chafe the seat wiring harness against the frame. Exposed wires can move the seat unexpectedly, spark, smoke or cause a fire. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2016 Chevrolet Malibu Electronic Park-Lock Lever Can Permit Rollaway (Recall 16V502)?

Certain 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles, and some 2013-2015 vehicles serviced with affected replacement parts, can allow the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is not in Park. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu Sunroof Switch Can Be Pressed Inadvertently (Recall 15V164)?

Certain 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu roof-panel switches are not recessed enough and can be pressed accidentally, making the panel auto-close unexpectedly and creating a pinch risk. Severity: high.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Problems: 6 Issues Every Owner Should Know

In This Article

All 6 Known Issues

2013 Chevrolet Malibu: One Failed Front Turn-Signal Bulb May Give No Warning (Recall 12V484)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

2013 Chevrolet Malibu: Power-Seat Harness Can Chafe and Short (Recall 13V566)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

2013 Chevrolet Malibu: Restraint Module Can Reset After Hard Braking (Recall 12V224)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

2013 Chevrolet Malibu: Rear Suspension Bolts May Be Under-Torqued (Recall 13V024)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

2013-2016 Chevrolet Malibu: Electronic Park-Lock Lever Can Permit Rollaway (Recall 16V502)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu: Sunroof Switch Can Be Pressed Inadvertently (Recall 15V164)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

Other Chevrolet Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Malibu problems?

Is the Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

What is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Restraint Module Can Reset After Hard Braking (Recall 12V224)?

What is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Rear Suspension Bolts May Be Under-Torqued (Recall 13V024)?

What is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu One Failed Front Turn-Signal Bulb May Give No Warning (Recall 12V484)?

What is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Power-Seat Harness Can Chafe and Short (Recall 13V566)?

What is the 2013-2016 Chevrolet Malibu Electronic Park-Lock Lever Can Permit Rollaway (Recall 16V502)?

What is the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu Sunroof Switch Can Be Pressed Inadvertently (Recall 15V164)?