2013 Chevrolet Malibu Electrical Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?
376 owners have reported electrical problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 45% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 54,000–105,000 miles. 3 recalls cover this area.
376 complaints 45% of all 2013 complaints 78,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (270 of 376). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Electrical complaints by the year the problem happened.
Electrical complaints by Malibu year
Related recalls
Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM), Ignition
Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge.
Recall 16V502000 · Jul 2016Wiring, Power adjust
Fire riskThe wiring harness for the power seat may contact the seat frame which may chafe the harness. If the harness is chaffed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit could occur, resulting unintended movement of the seat, the seat to become inoperative, sparking under the seat, flickering lights, smoke, or possibly a fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wire harness and repair and secure it as necessary, free of charge. GM's recall campaign number is 13342.
Recall 13V566000 · Nov 2013Software
After an event of hard braking, the sensing and diagnostic module (sdm) may reset itself. If this occurs during an aggressive turning maneuver, and then afterwards a potential vehicle rollover event is sensed, the roof rail airbag may unintentionally deploy. Additionally, the air bags and/or seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy during a severe crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the sdm. This service will be performed free of charge.
Recall 12V224000 · May 2012Get an email when your 2013 Chevrolet Malibu gets a new recall
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Other 2013 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Common questions
What are common 2013 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems?
Complaints most often name the instrument cluster / panel, alternator / generator / regulator and switch.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 54,000–105,000 miles. The middle value is about 78,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2013 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems?
Yes: 16V502000, 13V566000, 12V224000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Malibu year has the most electrical complaints?
The 2013 Malibu, with 376 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.