MotorDeets

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco: 1 recall, 87 owner complaints.

1vehicle recalls
87owner complaints
5mention a crash
–best combined mpg
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Electrical Vehicle recall #13V173000 · 2013 · 42,904 vehicles

What's wrong: These vehicles May have a condition in which the generator control module (gcm) May not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.

Why it matters: If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine May stall and/or the vehicle May not start. In addition, there May be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.

The fix: Gm will notify owners and dealers will test the gcm and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical49
Engine22
Steering16
Stability control12
Airbags10
Brakes9
Transmission & drivetrain8
Other / unknown8

What owners describe

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco has 87 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 2 Malibu Eco model years for complaints (1.8× the average Malibu Eco year). Complaints peaked in 2018 (26 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 53,469 miles. Neighboring years: 2014 (12 complaints, 0 recalls).

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco manual

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FAQ

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco problems?

Owners have filed 87 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (49), engine (22), steering (16).

Where can I get a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Malibu Eco years

20132014