Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
70,468 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 6 of 10)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #85

Apr 172019

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When driving my Malibu it seems to have a short circuit when I turn the wheel even the slightest. I have changed the batteries checked all the wires and everything seems fine. I have figured out even when I'm driving 70mph on the highway with my family in the car the power steering will go out and make it hard for me to even turn. I have read online that this is happening to Malibu's everywhere and that GM is not willing to make it a national recall because it must be happening while they see the car. So I guess I have to wait for me to crash? to see that the power steering gave out on me along with the rest of the electrical work on the inside of the car.

- Canyon Lake, TX, USA

problem #84

Apr 142019

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 78,000 miles
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

- Lake Mary, FL, USA

problem #83

Jan 102019

Malibu 4-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged when the accelerator pedal was applied and there was a constant loss of power. The contact had to constantly pull the vehicle over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to coyle Chevrolet Buick GMC (1801 broadway St, , in 47129, (812) 218-1100) and serviced under the warranty. After the warranty expired, the dealer diagnosed and replaced the sonly, sonly bolt, sonly generator, air conditioning compressor, flushed the coolant, replaced compressor kit(2), and performed additional repairs. However, the failures still occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available.. consumer stated transmission was not the problem. Cam-actuators have dust which causes a car to flutter or die. Consumer told the mechanic that was not the problem there are of complaints with this same problem. As of 5/15/19 car is still in the shop.

- Charlestown, IN, USA

problem #82

Mar 232019

Malibu

  • 72,158 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

3/19/19 I went in for an oil/filter change and a "premier engine oil service" (which was explained as a engine flush to my wife). Saturday my check engine light activates and I put a code reader on and a P0010 (intake camshaft position actuator solenoid control circuit). After researching I saw this has been a recurring problem on other Malibu models but did not see anything for my VIN, should I handle his on my own or refer back to the dealership to determine if this is their error?

- Fayvetteville, AR, USA

problem #81

Mar 142019

Malibu

  • 161,000 miles
The oil vacuum pump burst open causing a major oil leak. No prior oil leaks or damages to vehicle.

- Holly Springs, MS, USA

problem #80

Feb 252019

Malibu

  • miles
If the key is removed without the transmission in park, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #79

Aug 012018

Malibu

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. While operating the vehicle, the check engine sensor illuminated. In addition, the vehicle would sometimes shut off while making a left turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was an electrical failure. The vehicle was then towed to cap city Chevrolet (5250 E. main St, white hall, oh), but no failure could be found. After the contact retrieved the vehicle, the failure continued. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- Canal Winchester, OH, USA

problem #78

Feb 102019

Malibu

  • 113,000 miles
Expressway.the radio blacked out, stopped playing and then the car started shutting down-everything!steering went out, radio, lights, blinkers, etc.I took it as slow as I could all the way home and got onto back roads.this proved to be even more hazardous-every time I turned the steering wheel it would start to shut down again & again, all the way home.I took the car to the dealer-fixed but now happening again.sometimes it happens quickly and recovers quickly enough that the engine is not involved.my warning sign is that the radio cuts out and the screen goes blank.that's when I know to prepare myself. Sometimes that is all that happens.other times it's major! I look for an escape route-can I get off the road quickly, are there other cars around me, brace both hands on the steering wheel, slow my speed and pray.2/10/19, I was driving 55+ mph on a 2 lane road.it was a fast radio out, fast engine wind down and out of power and door locks went on and off.there was a driveway for me to pull in to and assess the situation.engine then engaged and things seemed back to normal.I continued home, had 2 issues but I was going slower as I was aware this may happen again.I pulled over and continued each time.I had to stop at the store and was pulling into a parking spot and the car was trying to shut down and steering went out more than once until I finally got in the parking spot.drove home, parked.I went into the house an read the manual.I decided to go out and check my fuses.key fob did not work.doors were unlocked, got in car, put key in the ignition and car was totally dead.key would not come out of the ignition.my husband called tow truck in the am to jump.car would not jump so he had it towed to dealer where it is at this moment.I am afraid I'm going to be killed or cause someone else harm if they end up crashing into me because of the quick shut down and loss of steering!!!

- Chelsea, MI, USA

problem #77

Jan 282019

Malibu

  • 13,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 60 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and powered off the engine. The vehicle failed to restart and the key failed to release from the ignition. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 13,000.

- Yemassee, SC, USA

problem #76

Dec 212018

Malibu

  • 150,000 miles
While driving my 2013 Chevy Malibu on the highway & turnpike, I was driving approx 60-70 miles and hour and then out of nowhere the vehicle decreased speed down to 30 mph and also had me cause an accident with the drivers behind me. The check engine light then came on and a message "engine power has been reduced". I was able to pull the car over; however, this is a danger and should be resolved as still this continues to occur since I have contacted General Motors and advised of the safety issue. Still have not seen a recall on this issue yet which I was shocked. I asked the gentleman if there have been other complaints and he stated yes. So I am very shocked that this issue has not been resolved. My vehicle now is out of warranty and still mechanics do not know what is wrong and can not fix this issue. I do not feel that I have to pay for parts that this vehicle does not while they try to pinpoint the problem. Literally the mechanic at day Chevrolet during the diagnostic just said to lets start somewhere and see if that resolves the issue. I don't believe I should have to pay for parts that may or may not resolve the issue. Since then I now have more lights popping up regarding traction stability, parking break (which was replaced and did not fix the issue) track control, etc have come up and seems to have disabled my anti-lock brakes. Could someone pleas contact me if there is a solution for this if someone is aware of what part or parts will fix this defect.

- Jeannette, PA, USA

problem #75

Dec 202018

Malibu

  • 133,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled and the electrical and power steering functionality was lost. On some occasions, the vehicle would restart on the first attempt. On other occasions, it took several attempts to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to palm Chevrolet (located at 2300 sw college rd, ocala, fl 34471, (352) 484-0733) to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code or duplicate the failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and provided case number: 9-4928351338. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.

- Ocala, FL, USA

problem #74

Sep 032018

Malibu

  • 84,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. Each time the failure occurred, the vehicle had to be turned off and restarted to reset the computer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and suggested taking the vehicle to dan cummins Chevrolet Buick (1020 M.L.K. jr blvd, paris, ky 40361, 1-(859) 987-4345) for diagnostic testing and repair. The contact was not included in NHTSA action number: RQ13003 (electrical system). The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

- Carlisle, KY, USA

problem #73

Nov 182018

Malibu

  • 45,070 miles
Around the end of Oct, had lunch at a restaurant and as I was leaving the engine light came on and my car stalled and jerked a little. I managed to get it going but since then it's been doing it while driving ~ we ran it through a diagnostic and was given a code "intake (a) camshaft position actuator circuit/open over-advanced....."

- Anchorage, AK, USA

problem #72

Oct 092018

Malibu

  • 87,701 miles
Car reporting error code "P0304 - cylinder 4 misfire". car has 88000 miles on it, dealer says there's internal engine damage. This was verified by second auto repair shop. Was also notified that GM is aware of a problem with this 2.0L turbo engine on several of their automobile models (pi1178B, pi1178D, pi1178E). Car has been properly maintained with all scheduled service being performed.

- Pace, FL, USA

problem #71

Oct 162018

Malibu

  • 118,899 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stability assist warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that they would call the contact back, but they had not. The failure mileage was approximately 118,899.

- New Bedford, MA, USA

problem #70

Aug 252018

Malibu

  • 66,600 miles
I would be driving the car and all the lights on the dashboard would come on and then go off. The steering would pull to the left. A couple of times all the lights on the dashboard would come on and the car would cut off while I'm driving on the road.

- Fork Union, VA, USA

problem #69

Sep 242018

Malibu

  • 118,000 miles
I was driving on the highway going 70mph and the car lost power and the service stabili track and reduce power messages came on and slowed down to 30mph. Thank god I got to pull over safely.my son and I had to be towed home

- Maricopa, AZ, USA

problem #68

Sep 142018

Malibu

  • 52,000 miles
Driving to dealership to have oil changed, check engine light on, battery on an battery saver activated, dealer said battery was good, ,when starting car, put in gear, steering wheel won't move, turn off, start again, then moves, an car dies, an restarts by itself.while driving hesitation in accelerating. I called 1-800-521-7300, spoke to nash, ,I am told there is no recall on this.very upsetting to buy a car an have this happen, ,first an last Chevy I ever buy, ,,thought GM would taje care of their customers !!!!

- Maysville, KY, USA

problem #67

Sep 052018

Malibu

  • 72,000 miles
Car is currently parked at a mechanic because I'm afraid to drive it. It began with the rpms going to 3000-4000 when barely pressing gas pedal. The car stalled after putting it in reverse nearly causing me to get hit, the engine light came on so we took it directly to our mechanic. The code for a bad cam solenoid was listed, and that was replaced. Drove it for about a week, still noticing issues with rpms, and when braking, the rpms would increase. Just had to drop it back off at mechanic because while going 30mph, the car when to 4000 rpms and the 'engine overspeed' light came on the dash, and the car was losing power. After I turned the car off, and restarted, the rpms would not go beyond 2000, and the fuel hand went to a full tank? this is completely ridiculous for a car with 70,000 miles, and GM should be held accountable. Thankfully I've not been involved in a car accident yet, but I'm fearful if I continue to drive this car, I'll not be able to say that!

- Gainesville, GA, USA

problem #66

Sep 112018

Malibu

  • 141,000 miles
Saturday I was parking my car and the car all of a sudden stopped. The wheel locked and then the car just shut off. I had no problem restarting it. Today I was on the highway and my vehicle did the same thing.

- Smyrna, DE, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?